Dar Al Hossoun

We stayed here for three nights during our 15 day tour of Morocco. Unfortunately it is not top of our list of places to return to. It is very much a garden with rather basic rooms. The problem is there is a lot of garden. Mostly quite overgrown and shaded so apart from some seating outside the bar (no room inside) virtually nowhere to sit and enjoy any warmth or sun. Only a few rather basic sunbeds outside some of the rooms. We were in a "Junior suite" (No 9, Verger) and as soon as we entered it struck us as cold, dark and damp. It may be it hadn't been used for a while. There were only about 4 of the 19 or so rooms occupied when we arrived. Working out that the air-con also served as a heater, and having the fire lit made a difference, but the bed was the hardest and worst we experienced in Morocco. On our second day, (returning from Taroudant in the rain) we realised that our "suite" consisted of a double bed and a single bed against a wall with some cushions behind it. No comfortable chairs. I went to reception and complained about no seating apart from the bed, and no other seating anywhere for guests. We were shown two other suites which did have chairs but the bed was no better so we decided to stay put. The location is down quite a long gravelled track, and the route into Taroudant (at least the one our driver used every time) was not the prettiest. The staff were pleasant but certainly not the most experienced or professional that we came across. One morning they couldn't unlock the restaurant so breakfast was in a cold room downstairs. When we left and were dragging our bags over the paving past the reception the guy at the desk looked up from his screen, then went back to his screen. Everywhere else the staff helped us with our bags and saw us off. Its the little things that make all the difference.

Dar Al Hossoun is an exceptional Riad/hotel. The staff are very friendly, helpful, understated and efficient. The gardens are stunning, so much so all you want to do is paint or take fabulous photographs. Around every corner is one of the many rescued, and well behaved, cats. Peacocks preen on the adobe walls. The place is exquisitely elegant and stylish. The food is refined and varied (excellent fish dishes). You will not want to leave but if you do there are some really interesting places to visit nearby in and around Taroudant. We are going back.