Fodor's Expert Review Dar Ayniwen

Originally built as a family home in 1982, Dar Ayniwen (House of Palms) is now a luxurious small hotel disguised as an elegant country retreat. where guests are immediately made to feel at home by the warm and attentive staff. Behind the imposing gateway are five acres of gardens that include cacti, statues, fountains, rose gardens, an ornamental Japanese fishpond, and an impressive aviary of exotic birds. The house itself is filled to the brim with fascinating antique furnishings, silks, rugs, lamps, paintings, and other curious objects collected from all over the world and over a lifetime by the owner's father. The house also contains the original five large en suite bedrooms, two huge winter lounges with fireplaces, a library, and a portico overlooking the garden. Five individual bungalow suites are situated around the lush lawn and decent-size swimming pool. All the rooms have French windows that lead directly to the garden, some even have a private terrace. Several rooms, including the Rotunda Suite, can accommodate families and the hotel offers children's menus, babysitting services, and a library of books, DVDs, and games. Meals and snacks are available and are usually served on the garden terrace. A free shuttle to the medina and Marrakesh city center is available to guests on request.