Dar Al Andalous hotel in Morocco

Planning a trip to MOROCCO in the near future? Consider staying at one of the premier riads, or small hotels, in 14th-century Fez, near the Bab Boujloud (Blue Gate), the stunning main entrance of the medina. I stayed at the Dar Al Andalous (14, Derb Bennani, Douh, Quartier Batha, Fès Médina, Maroc; phone 212 [0] 55 74 07 00, fax 74 07 12 or visit www.daralandalous.com) in October ’05 and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Dar Al Andalous was transformed into a 12-room riad (four rooms and eight suites) in 2002 by renovating two connecting houses of a prominent family. The hotel features, in addition to a helpful and kind staff, a lovely sitting area adjacent to the green-tiled dining area, both with fountains to sooth frazzled nerves. If you want to try a hammam, with a combination massage, steam bath and scrubbing session, you can do so in privacy there.

Prices begin at approximately $120 for rooms and $180 for suites, while the hammam/massage costs a modest $30. The Shehrazade Suite at Dar Al Andalous is luxurious and colorful.

The private dining room is for guests only and rotates its menu; one night there’s a chicken-lemon tagine, fish is offered another night, lamb may be cooked on the third night, etc. Of course, vegetarians are easily accommodated in this country of couscous, fresh vegetables and fruits. Wine is available for purchase with the meal and is quite drinkable. Dinners cost approximately $28, and wine is priced at $18 a bottle. I preferred to eat in at night, since I was traveling alone, plus the food and service were the best that I experienced in Morocco.

One note of caution — many streets in the medina are quite narrow. Cars must park in public parking areas, and the remaining part of the journey to the riad must be undertaken on foot. Carrying minimal luggage is a distinct advantage to planning a riad stay.

NANCY S. TARDY
Henderson, NV