Dar Besmellah — Authentic Riad in the Blue Medina of Chefchaouen
Address: Av Ibn Askar N°11, Quartier Ounsar, Chefchaouen, 91000, Morocco
Booking Page: Dar Besmellah on Booking.com
Map Location: View on map
Nestled in the labyrinthine blue alleys of Chefchaouen’s medina, Dar Besmellah is a cozy, character-filled guesthouse offering a warm, local stay enriched by mountain views, traditional décor, and a prime location. With solid guest ratings and a terrace overlooking the rooftops, it’s a compelling pick for travelers seeking authenticity, comfort, and immersion in Chefchaouen’s charm.
Below you’ll find a full travel guide, hotel overview, guest feedback, travel tips.
🌆 Chefchaouen Travel Guide: What to See, Eat & Experience
🏙 The Blue Pearl — Why Chefchaouen?
Chefchaouen is famed for its soothing palette of blues, steeped lanes, and mountain ambiance. Located in the Rif Mountains, it offers a quieter alternative to larger Moroccan cities, inviting travelers to slow down, wander, and absorb local life.
📍 Key Sights & Hidden Gems
- Uta el-Hammam / Plaza — Central square filled with cafés, ambiance, and local life.
- Kasbah Museum — Restored fortress in the medina with gardens and views.
- Ras El Ma Spring / Waterfall — Where mountain water spills into the medina.
- Spanish Mosque Viewpoint — A short hike with sweeping views at sunset.
- Akchour & God’s Bridge — Day-trip nature trails, waterfalls, and scenic hikes.
- Craft shops & artisan workshops — Weaving, leatherwork, locally made goods.
🍴 Food & Local Flavors
- Tagine, couscous, vegetable stews — classic Moroccan home cooking.
- Local goat cheese — a specialty in the Rif region.
- Mint tea & fresh orange juice — staples throughout Chefchaouen.
- Street-snacks & sweets — in alley small cafés and pastry shops.
⏳ Best Time & Ideal Duration
- Best seasons: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
- Suggested stay: 2–3 nights allows you to soak in the medina, venture into nature, and relax.
❓ FAQs Travelers Search
- What is the best time to visit Chefchaouen? → Spring and autumn are optimal.
- How many days do you need? → 2–3 full days.
- What are must-see places near Dar Besmellah? → Uta el-Hammam, the Kasbah, Ras El Ma, the blue alleys.
- Is Chefchaouen safe? → Generally yes — modest precautions, especially in narrow alleys at night, are wise.
🏠 Dar Besmellah: Hotel Overview & Amenities
⭐ Rating & Positioning
- Dar Besmellah holds a score around 8.9 / “Excellent” on Booking.com. Booking.com+1
- It is located in the old medina (Quartier Ounsar / Av Ibn Askar), giving guests direct access to medina life and major attractions. dar-besmellah.hotelaco.com+2Chambres Hôtes+2
🛏 Rooms & Ambience
Based on listings:
- The property appears to have 4 bedrooms / small capacity guesthouse style. Chambres Hôtes+2dar-besmellah.hotelaco.com+2
- Rooms may use shared bathrooms (some room types specify “shared bathroom”) per the listings. Booking.com+2KAYAK+2
- Some room types include mountain views or windows opening onto the medina streets. Booking.com+1
- Rooms are modestly sized (≈ 9–12 m² for some) in guesthouse descriptions. Chambres Hôtes
🍽 Facilities & Services
- Free WiFi throughout the property. Chambres Hôtes+3Booking.com+3darbesmellah.allhotelsmorocco.com+3
- Terrace with views of the mountains / medina rooftops. dar-besmellah.hotelaco.com+3Booking.com+3darbesmellah.allhotelsmorocco.com+3
- Shared lounge / common area for guests to mingle. Booking.com+2darbesmellah.allhotelsmorocco.com+2
- 24-hour front desk / reception service. darbesmellah.allhotelsmorocco.com+1
- Open terrace / sun terrace / rooftop amenities. ZenHotels+2Booking.com+2
- No pets allowed, according to guesthouse listing. Chambres Hôtes+1
📍 Location & Access
- Walking distance: Dar Besmellah is about an 8-minute walk from the Kasbah, and 10 minutes from the Ras El Ma waterfall. Booking.com+2Chambres Hôtes+2
- Distance from airport: ~47 km from Sania Ramel Airport (Tétouan). darbesmellah.allhotelsmorocco.com+2Booking.com+2
- Being in the medina, it gives guests the benefit of strolling through alleys, local markets, and the heart of Chefchaouen’s charm.
💬 Guest Experience & Feedback
👍 Highlights & Strengths from Reviews
- Guests often praise the friendly, welcoming staff who make you feel like part of the family. Booking.com+2ZenHotels+2
- Cleanliness and comfort are commonly mentioned. Booking.com+2darbesmellah.allhotelsmorocco.com+2
- Many reviews highlight the terrace with views, which offers welcome relief in hot days. ZenHotels+2Booking.com+2
- Its excellent location score is often cited. Booking.com+2darbesmellah.allhotelsmorocco.com+2
⚠ Criticisms & Cautions
- Some guests note that some rooms are shared-bathroom rather than private. KAYAK+2Booking.com+2
- One review mentions that breakfast was not included for their stay. Booking.com
- Given the medina location, many stairs / steps likely in accessing rooms — one reviewer recommended limited luggage. Booking.com
Overall, for its class and setting, guests feel Dar Besmellah offers strong value and a warm, authentic experience.
✈ Travel Tips, How to Reach & Suggested Itinerary
🛬 How to Reach Dar Besmellah
- From Sania Ramel / Tétouan Airport: Arrange a taxi or shuttle for the ~47 km journey.
- By bus / coach: From major cities (Tangier, Fez, etc.) arrive in Chefchaouen’s main bus station; then take a local taxi into the medina.
- Taxi / walking in medina: The final part will likely involve narrow medina alleys and steps — pack light or arrange assistance.
⚠ Safety & Local Advice
- The medina is mostly safe, but narrow alleys at night should be navigated carefully.
- Dress modestly, especially outside the tourist areas.
- Always carry small change — many local shops don’t take cards.
- Ask before photographing people or local life intimately.
- Tap water is not recommended for drinking — use bottled water.
- Be mindful of prayer times and local cultural norms.
🗓 Suggested 2-3 Day Itinerary (Base in Chefchaouen)
Day 1 – Medina & Core Exploration
- Start at Uta el-Hammam, relax in cafés
- Wander blue streets, visit artisan shops
- Visit the Kasbah Museum
- Sunset views from rooftop cafés
Day 2 – Panorama & Nature
- Hike up to Spanish Mosque for sunrise or later views
- Walk down to Ras El Ma Spring
- Explore quieter alleys and hidden corners
- Evening: rooftop dinner, live music, local ambiance
Day 3 – Day Trip / Escape
- Trip to Akchour waterfalls / God’s Bridge
- Explore surrounding Rif hills and villages
- Return to Chefchaouen for a final stroll
Even with 2 days, focusing on the medina and one afternoon in nature gives a well-rounded taste of Chefchaouen.
