Dar Seven

Marrakech contains a mind-boggling array of riad hotels, each one seemingly more ornate and magical than the one before it. So what sets Dar Seven apart from the pack? In a word, exclusivity. The house was purchased by an aristocratic Italian family who refashioned the place to their own personal taste, stripping down some of the ornamentation and bringing in Italian linens and luxe bath products. Don’t let the name mislead you: the hotel has just four guest rooms, meaning that the entire place is regularly booked out by families and small groups. Scoring a room here feels like a small feat, and the reward is a sweet one.

Like other riads, Dar Seven is tucked away off an alleyway in the heart of the medina. Stepping into it is like opening the door to a secret garden — a petite oasis in the middle of the ancient walled city — but unlike many riad hotels, laid with patterned mosaic tiles and colorful woven tapestries, Dar Seven is a vision in white. Sure, you’ll recognize traditional architecture and decor here, from the open-air courtyard to the high arched doorways to the carved wooden furnishings. But there’s a pared-down look here, a monochromatic palette, a sort of Moroccan riad-meets-modern boutique hotel aesthetic. The house rises up three stories; the ground-level patio and chic living room is a perfectly tranquil place for a cup of mint tea, while the rooftop terrace makes a memorable venue for breakfast, sunbathing, or sunset drinks. Put in a word with the staff early in the day and they'll prepare delectable Moroccan specialties for lunch or dinner.

The largest of the guestrooms is the first-floor White Room, notable for its lavish stone bathroom. On the same level is the Loggia Suite, complete with a minimalist four-poster bed and private terrace. Next door is the smaller Brown Room — the two can easily be connected. The Guest Room, opening onto the courtyard, is perhaps the simplest option. All come with Nespresso machines, Moroccan slippers, free wi-fi, and a complimentary mobile phone configured for local calls. It’s the little things, isn’t it?