Family friendly, private Riad in the Heart of the Medina

In March of 2013, Lisa and I traveled to Morocco for the first time. That trip introduced us to the azure Moroccan sky, the shrill cry of “balak” (look out) from donkey drivers in the alleyways of the medina in Fez, the taste of sweet mint tea - poured by hospitable merchants, anxious to make a sale, and the cool touch of polished tiles (zellij), in souk after noisy souk in the centuries old medina of Marrakech.

Our knowledge of the history and culture of Maroc was enriched on that trip by our private guide – Moulay Omar Bahaj. Omar shepherded us north, south, east, and west, but he shared more than his tourism expertise with us; he shared his personal story, his intellectual curiosity, and his menschlichkeit—his sense of humanity. We met his wife Nora, and their two children. We enjoyed a delicious chicken tajine at their home, and before we knew it, we were becoming friends, oblivious to the years, geography, and religious beliefs that separated us. A decade-long friendship has grown out of that meal, and Lisa and I have returned to Morocco several times since then. During each trip, we deepened our appreciation for the colors, sounds, and magic of Morocco, and the emotional ties to Omar and Nora.

Over the years, we dreamed together of opening a Riad (a traditional Moroccan home with a central courtyard) in the heart of the medina in Marrakech. We imagined it would be a comfortable space, where guests might get a taste of the vibrant history and culture of Morocco. Dar Beit Zellij is the realization of that dream. We invite you to come and receive the gracious hospitality that Moroccans are known for. You’ll find our listing on AirBnB, TripAdvisor, and VRBO. If you have any questions, DM me or Lisa.

Marhaba (مرحباً) -- Baruch Haba (ברוך הבא) Welcome --

Mark Levine and Lisa Horowitz