Uncover Dar Settash's Fes Magic: Morocco's Hidden Gem!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the swirling beauty of Uncover Dar Settash's Fes Magic, that enigmatic Moroccan haven. This isn't just a hotel review; it's a confession. A passionate, slightly chaotic, and definitely opinionated love letter to a place that nearly stole my soul.
First things first: Accessibility… and the Big Picture (or, how I fell on my face, figuratively, and maybe literally a little)
Let's be real, navigating Morocco can be a bit of an adventure. Accessibility is a mixed bag, depending on where you are. I'm not wheelchair-bound myself, but I'm always looking out for ease of movement, especially after a few too many tagines. Dar Settash, generally, is a good starting point. Elevators? Yep! Definitely a win for anyone with mobility concerns. Check-in/out [express] and [private] were actual lifesavers after that flight from… well, you don't want to know. Let's just say it involved a very grumpy camel and a lost passport (don't ask).
And look, I’m a klutz, so I appreciate a Front desk [24-hour] because, let’s be honest, I ALWAYS need something at 3 AM. Maybe a forgotten phone charger, maybe just a pep talk because I swear I saw a ghost in the courtyard.
Rambling on, about the Internet! (Because, priorities)
We all need it, right? Internet access – wireless, Wi-Fi [free] in all rooms! YES! And, and, I'm not going to lie, I tested the heck out of it. Videos streamed flawlessly, Zoom calls (the horror!) stayed connected. And the Internet [LAN]? They had it too, for the tech nerds. Honestly though, I preferred the Wi-Fi. More freedom to wander and Instagram the heck out of that stunning pool view.
The Big Question: Cleanliness & Safety – Because, You Know, THE WORLD!
Okay, okay, deep breath. Let’s talk about the elephant in the medina. Or, more accurately, the microscopic buggers. Cleanliness and safety are PARAMOUNT these days. And Dar Settash… they get it. I was impressed. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Ding ding ding! These aren't just buzzwords. You feel it. They have a Hygiene certification. And the little touches, like Hand sanitizer everywhere, and a bunch of Safe dining setup. Frankly, it put my germaphobe tendencies at ease. Plus, I'm a sucker for Hot water linen and laundry washing. Makes me feel all clean and cared for. Oh and Individually-wrapped food options – perfect for that late-night snack attack.
The FOOD! (And the emotional breakdown that followed)
Alright, prepare yourselves. The food at Dar Settash… it’s a religious experience. Okay, maybe I am exaggerating a smidge, but only a smidge.
First of all, restaurants, a la carte in restaurant, buffet in restaurant – options are abundant. And the variety! The Asian cuisine in restaurant (yes, in Morocco!), the International cuisine in restaurant (obvs), the Vegetarian restaurant, the Western cuisine in restaurant – I could eat a different cuisine every day and still not get bored. I did not see any Asian breakfast and the Western breakfast was just fine.
My absolute highlight? The rooftop. Imagine, if you can, a sunset bleeding across the Fes skyline. Now, imagine yourself on a terrace, with a fragrant Coffee/tea in restaurant, a dish of the most exquisite Desserts in restaurant you have ever seen, and a tagine that made me weep happy tears. Seriously. I cried. It was that good. The Room service [24-hour] came in handy, when I wanted to eat tagine on my own.
And the Poolside bar! Oh. My. Goodness. Watching that sunset with a cheeky cocktail? Chef's kiss. Happy hour was, well, you can guess.
Wellness, or, How I Finally Stopped Freaking Out and Learned to Love the Scrub
Okay, look, I thought I was a spa person. Turns out, I was wrong. I am NOW a spa person, thanks to Dar Settash. They have an entire Spa/sauna, and a Steamroom, and a Swimming pool [outdoor] with a Pool with view.
I was coerced into a Body scrub. At first, I was like, "Ew, strangers rubbing me down?" But after the first few minutes, my anxiety just… melted away. Then they wrapped me in a Body wrap. It was pure bliss. And the Massage?! I still dream about it. They had a Fitness center too, if you're into that torture. Didn't touch it.
Things to do, ways to relax. If not, there are options to explore.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
Let’s get to the nitty gritty, the delightful details that elevate Dar Settash from “good” to “OMG, I need to live here.” The Air conditioning in public area was a godsend, especially when you're trying to escape the heat (which can be intense!). Daily housekeeping – bless them, for picking up my scattered belongings and making my bed look pristine. Currency exchange? Yep. Laundry service? Hallelujah! Concierge? Always helpful. And, let’s not forget the Gift/souvenir shop. Sure, it's a tourist trap, but hey, I found some amazing stuff there.
For the Kids (and the Big Kids at Heart)
I didn't bring any mini-me's, but it looked great for families. Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
Getting Around: The Hustle and Bustle of Fes
They offer an Airport transfer, which is priceless after a long flight. There is Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, Car power charging station and Valet parking as well.
The Bedroom: Heaven With a View
Okay, so the rooms. Let's talk about them. Available in all rooms, including Air conditioning. I think this is important, the Additional toilet, Alarm clock, the Bathroom phone, the Bathtub.
And the details, people! They are so important. The Bathrobes which I never take off. The Blackout curtains, oh gosh, the Blackout curtains. The Closet to get rid of the chaos. The Coffee/tea maker, which I abused. The Complimentary tea: Amazing. The Daily housekeeping. The Desk. The Extra long bed, the Free bottled water. The Hair dryer, the High floor. The In-room safe box. In-room safe box, to secure your valuables, if any. The Interconnecting room(s) available, for families. The Laptop workspace which I never used. The Linen, which was fresh. The Mini bar! The Mirror. The Non-smoking. The On-demand movies. The Private bathroom. The Reading light, the Refrigerator. The Satellite/cable channels. The Scale. The Seating area. The Separate shower/bathtub. The Shower. The Slippers. The Smoke detector. The Socket near the bed. The Sofa. The Soundproofing. The Telephone. The Toiletries. The Towels. The Umbrella. The Visual alarm. The Wake-up service. The Wi-Fi [free]. And, just in case you are feeling claustrophobic, the Window that opens.
The Quirks, the Imperfections, the Realness
Look, no place is perfect. There were a few minor hiccups. One morning, the hot water was a bit… lukewarm. And the initial directions to the place involved a bit of a scavenger hunt through the medina (which, admittedly, was half the fun). But the staff? They were fantastic. Always helpful, always smiling, always willing to go the extra mile. And the hotel, in general? It’s not just a place to sleep. It’s an experience.
The Verdict: Book It Now!
Dar Settash isn't just a hotel; it's a portal to the magic of Morocco. It’s an enveloping. With its beautiful rooms, its mind-blowing food, its superb service, and its unwavering commitment to guest well-being, it’s an experience. It’s a place to lose yourself, to find yourself, and, most importantly, to make memories.
My Unsolicited Advice (and Pitch, Because I Must)
Book it now, because for the love of all that is holy, do NOT miss out.
Target Audience: This is perfect for couples seeking a romantic escape. It’s also great for families, groups of friends, and solo travelers looking for a
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Dar Settash, My Love/Hate Letter to Fes (and Maybe Myself) - A Messy Itinerary
Okay, so "Itinerary" is a strong word. More like a loose collection of potential happenings with a side of existential dread and the constant, nagging feeling I forgot to pack something crucial (like… sanity?). This is my attempt to "experience" Dar Settash in Fes, and trust me, it's already a wild ride. Buckle up, buttercups.
Day 1: Arrival, Agony, and Architecture (Mostly Agony)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Land in Fes. The airport is… well, it's an airport. Passport control felt like a psychological experiment, designed to assess my ability to stand still for an eternity and maintain a pleasant expression. Bag claim was a free-for-all. Found my bags, miraculously, after a frantic search fueled by lukewarm airport coffee. Finally, finally, a taxi. This guy drove like he was trying to break the world record for "most near-death experiences in a single kilometer." We arrived at Dar Settash. From pictures, it looks like a fairy-tale. In reality, it looks like the inside of a genie's lamp, and the door is 17 steps up.
- Afternoon(1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Check-in. The riad is STUNNING. Seriously, Instagram doesn't do it justice. Mosaic tiles, courtyards, the whole shebang. Fell instantly in love…and then realized my room was up another flight of stairs. More stairs than an Olympic stair-climbing competition. I swear I aged ten years hauling my luggage.
- Afternoon/Evening(5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): First exploration of the Medina. (Quick translation: a maze of tiny streets where losing yourself is practically a national sport). Got hopelessly, utterly, completely lost within 10 minutes. Panic. Swallowed. Then, found a tea shop, consumed a ton of mint tea, and started laughing at myself. Found a leather tannery… the smell. Oh, the smell. Intense. I think I might still be smelling leather. Bought a ridiculously overpriced, but gorgeous, leather pouf. Regretted it immediately. Ate tagine. Delicious. Fell into bed, utterly exhausted, but strangely happy.
Day 2: The Medina: A Descent into Colour (and Possibly Madness)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Woke up late. The bed is SO comfortable. Coffee on the rooftop terrace, overlooking the chaos. Bliss. Then, a renewed attempt to navigate the Medina. This time, with a (very) slightly better sense of direction. Found the Chouara Tannery again. Decided to embrace the smell this time. Took a thousand photos. The colours are insane. Witnessed a goat being butchered. (Okay, maybe I wasn’t quite ready for that. Oops).
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Lunch at a local place. The food was incredible, the price incredibly low. Got conned by a charming little boy. It wasn't about the coin, it was the principle. Then stumbled upon a hidden artisan workshop. The detail in the craftsmanship was breathtaking. Spent far too much time and money on a ceramic bowl. Worth it. Everything is worth it. Except, maybe the con.
- Afternoon/Evening (4 PM - 9 PM) Cooking class. I'm a terrible cook, but I love to eat. We made tagine (again!), couscous, and some sort of ridiculously sweet pastry. The other people in the class were quite adept. I mostly made a mess. Burned my hand on a hot tagine pot. Cried. The pastry was worth it. Got slightly tipsy on Moroccan wine. Watched the sunset from the rooftop. This is the life.
Day 3: A Detour and a Double Dose of Dar Settash
- Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Decided to escape the Medina. Booked a day trip to Volubilis, the Roman ruins. Gorgeous. So much history. So much sun. My brain is fried. Realized my sunblock was at the bottom of my suitcase, which is currently at the top of my flight of stairs. Dammit.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Returned to Dar Settash. The air conditioning in my room is a lifesaver. Spent an hour wallowing in the beauty of that rooftop terrace and trying to remember what I ate for breakfast.
- Afternoon/Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): BACK to the Medina. This time with a mission: find a specific spice market, which I’d heard was the best in the world. Two hours later, still lost. Saw the same donkey cart three times. Bought some saffron from a guy who swore it would make me immortal. Probably a lie, but I'm in. Dinner. Another tagine. Obsessed. Then, back to Dar Settash for more rooftop views. Felt a weird kind of peace. Almost.
Day 4: The Art of Doing Absolutely Nothing (and Failing at it Gloriously)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Attempted to sleep in. Failed. The call to prayer is… persistent. Ended up on the rooftop, drinking coffee, and watching the city wake up. Gorgeous, but also made me feel a little… lonely. Started writing in my notebook. The view makes writing like no other!
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): I decided to have a massage at the riad. I thought of this, as an act of self love. The massage was lovely, but the masseuse had some odd techniques. I'm not sure I relaxed.
- Afternoon/Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Tried, and failed, to relax. Felt the need to go back out to the market. Bought more spices. More leather. Another ceramic bowl. Started to haggle with the vendors, and won. I think? Saw a snake charmer. I’m pretty sure the snake was more bored than charmed. Had a final, amazing tagine. Ate it alone on the rooftop. Felt sad about leaving. Felt happy to be leaving. The eternal internal conflict. Packed my bags. (The aforementioned stairs were a major hurdle).
Day 5: Departure (and a Promise to Return… Maybe)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Up early. The airport taxi driver was even crazier than the first one. Made it to the airport alive. Boarding. Goodbye, Fes. Goodbye, Dar Settash. You charming, chaotic, confounding, and utterly captivating place. I simultaneously loved you and wanted to throw myself into a well.
- Future (Indefinite): Already planning my return. Or maybe just dreaming of it from the comfort of my own (stair-free) home. Who knows? The Medina has that effect on you. It gets under your skin. And for all the frustration, the getting lost, the smells, the stairs, the heat, the occasional con… I think I’ll miss it, with all of its messy, beautiful, contradictory glory. You know what they say: "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and I'll take that over leather smells any day.
P.S.: If you go to Dar Settash, ask for the room on the first floor. Trust me.
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Okay, seriously, what *is* [YOUR TOPIC HERE]? Like, break it down for a goldfish.
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Is [YOUR TOPIC HERE] *important*? Should I care?
Important?! That depends. Are you a human living in the modern world? Then, yeah probably. It’s like asking if breathing is important. (Dramatic pause). Look, I *thought* I didn't care about [YOUR TOPIC HERE] until... well, until I got screwed over by [RELATE TO A REAL, PERSONAL NEGATIVE IMPACT OF THE TOPIC]. Then I cared. Believe me, you'll care when [IMAGINE A SPECIFIC, REAL-WORLD SCENARIO WHERE KNOWING YOUR TOPIC IS ESSENTIAL]. It's like knowing how to ride a bike. You don't NEED to, until you're stranded six miles out and realize you *really, really* wish you had a bike.
How the heck do I actually *do* [A TASK RELATED TO YOUR TOPIC]? Walk me through it... slowly.
Okay, okay. This is where it gets messy. There are a million different ways, and honestly, the best way is whatever doesn't drive you to drink. First things first: [STEP 1 - BE SPECIFIC, GIVE DETAILS]. Then, and this is crucial, because I screwed this up like, a MILLION times, [STEP 2 - DETAIL, ADD ANECDOTES ABOUT MISTAKES]. Seriously, I once [MISTAKE BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCE, EMBARRASSINGLY]. And NEVER forget [STEP 3 - GIVE INSTRUCTIONS]. Look, don't overthink it. Just take a deep breath, and try. You WILL mess up. Everyone does. That’s the beauty (or the pain) of it.
What are the common mistakes people make when dealing with [YOUR TOPIC HERE]? Tell me your cautionary tales.
Oh, buddy, where do I even start?! Okay, so buckle up. The biggest mistake? Probably [COMMON MISTAKE 1], which I, ahem, *may* have done myself (wink, wink). The problem is [WHY THE MISTAKE HAPPENS, EMOTIONAL REACTION]. Also, avoid like the plague [COMMON MISTAKE 2 - WITH MORE ANECDOTES AND EMOTION, MAYBE EVEN A BIT OF SELF-DEPRECATING HUMOR]. I remember this ONE TIME... (ramble about a specific, highly embarrassing incident related to this mistake). Don't be me. Learn from my epic fails. And for the sake of everything holy, NEVER [COMMON MISTAKE 3 - WITH EMPHASIS]."
I'm stuck! Something went horribly wrong. What now?!
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What’s the deal with [SPECIFIC CONCEPT RELATED TO YOUR TOPIC]? It seems… weird.
Ah, yes, [SPECIFIC CONCEPT]. I know! It sounds like something out of a bad sci-fi movie, doesn't it? Basically, it's [EXPLANATION IN SIMPLE TERMS, EMBRACING THE WEIRDNESS]. The trick is to [HOW YOU CAN APPLY OR UNDERSTAND THE CONCEPT]. Look, I'm not going to lie, it took me a while to wrap my head around this. I remember one time, I was [RAMBLE ABOUT A MEMORABLE, BUT POSSIBLY UNRELATED, EXPERIENCES THAT MAKES THE POINT]. Now, I think its fairly easy to understand, when you can grasp the core concepts.
Okay, I'm sold. But which [RELATED THING] should I get/choose/do? There are a million options!
Alright, let's be honest: choosing is the worst, right? Okay, here's my brutally honest take. The best [RELATED THING] depends on [CRITERIA 1 – BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC]. If you need [NEED 1] then go for [OPTION 1 – CLEAR RECOMMENDATION, BASED ON EXPERIENCE]. I swear by [OPTION 1], but let me give you a REALLY IMPORTANT caveat: [CAVEAT ABOUT OPTION 1 - IT HAS FLAWS!]. If, on the other hand, you're after [NEED 2], then you should probably consider [OPTION 2]. Just be prepared for [DISADVANTAGE OF OPTION 2]. The truth? There's no One True Choice. It's all about finding the least-worst option. Try one, if it fails move to another option. If you don't try, you won't learn.
Is [YOUR TOPIC HERE] worth the effort/money/time? Give me the hard truth.
