2 perfect nights at Dar Les Cigognes
Last updated on February 4th, 2026.
We arrived at our Moroccan riad, Dar Les Cigognes, in Marrakech well after 10pm.
Tired and weary from our travels, we felt immediately relaxed as we walked through the front door. We breathed in the tranquil surroundings of the Moroccan oasis and welcomed the gentle sound of water trickling from the fountain.
A stark contrast from the busy streets outside, within its 4 walls is a blissful abyss of calm.
Around 20 minutes by car from Marrakech Menara airport, we were delighted to discover that Dar Les Cigognes was within walking distance of many sights.
It was a warm welcome to our stay at Dar Les Cigognes and we couldn't wait for our stay to begin.
2 perfect nights at Dar les Cigognes
Warm lighting and Moroccan mint tea
We sat in the lounge area filled with cushions and Moroccan-style lanterns while sipping on some warm mint tea.
The striking Moroccan architecture reminded me of my trip to the Shangri La in Toronto. However, it bore no comparison to being surrounded by the real deal.
Dar Les Cigognes bedrooms
Before traveling to Morocco, I’d seen plenty of photos of spectacular riads; I just never thought I’d stay in one. However, there aren’t any photos that do justice to what you actually see in person.
Walking up the narrow staircase to the first floor, you’ll spot at least 5 unique elements of Moroccan design. It embraces classic Arabic/Islamic architecture and it's pretty mind-blowing.
As with many boutique hotels, Dar Les Cigognes has a small number of rooms (11) available. There are 3 superior rooms, 7 deluxe and 1 suite, the Orientalist Suite.
All rooms come with twin, or king-sized beds and separate bathroom and shower. The deluxe versions are slightly larger, with the option to twin together with a superior if traveling in a group.
Luxurious comfort
These rooms also come with a cozy fireplace to warm you up on cooler Marrakech nights. Along with a mammoth-sized bed, the suite also has a separate lounge with a window overlooking the rampart of the building.
We stayed in a superior room with a view overlooking the courtyard and it was the perfect choice. The combination of creams, greens and reds may sound unworkable, but the elegant results said it all.
I’m a sucker for comfy hotel slippers and was delighted to find a pair waiting by the bed. They were so comfortable that I took them with me on our road trip around the country.
In the bathroom you’ll find everything you need, including bathrobes, hairdryer and their own brand of toiletries.
Map of Marrakech, Morocco
Dar Les Cigognes cooking class
To sum up my experience after our private cooking class: I’ll never use packet couscous again.
The class is an experience that lasts several hours, given that it also includes a tour of the local food market.
Pierre, the hotel manager, showed us the sights and sounds of the Moroccan market, choosing the freshest ingredients.
Word of warning: there are some strong smells in the marketplace, as well as live animals for sale.
Learning to cook, Dar Les Cigognes style
Back in the hotel’s kitchen, we'd the pleasure of learning with no other than the hotel's head cook. A warm and friendly lady, her English was minimal, but her cooking skills spoke volumes.
During the lesson, we made our own Moroccan feast.
It included a selection of Moroccan salads, a chicken tagine and of course the homemade couscous.
Try it at home
Made from scratch with simple ingredients and spices, it was the best meal we had in Morocco.
The downside was that we struggled to find something as good after. Our experience at Dar Les Cigognes set the bar so high, we became food critics for the rest of our trip.
Pierre and his team showed us how to make tasty and easy local dishes. Booking a private cooking class was an excellent idea, and it gave us the best culinary start to our trip.
The best terrace in Marrakech
After hours of cooking, it was time to relax on the terrace at Dar Les Cigognes. There's plenty of seating areas and pretty foliage around. It's also the view that accompanies breakfast.
From here, you’ll be able to spot a few storks nesting across at El Badi Palace. ‘Cigognes’ means 'storks', and upon seeing the magnificent birds, it's easy to see the connection.
It's said that the Berber consider storks to be holy animals. If you attempt to disturb them, you could potentially face prison time.
Instead, admire these grand birds sitting peacefully in their nests, with the best, and unspoiled, view in Marrakech.
The extras at Dar Les Cigognes
As well as the fantastic cooking class, Dar Les Cigognes also offers a private hammam and massage.
It was another highlight of our stay at the Marrakech riad and I left with glowing and squeaky clean skin.
For an unforgettable stay in Marrakech, and with the best cooking class, consider booking your next stay at Dar Les Cigognes.
Disclaimer: Even though I was invited by Dar Les Cigognes, all views are my own and based on my own experience. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
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The Dar Les Cigognes looks very comfortabel and like a perfect place for a sty i Marrakech. I love doing cooking classes when I travel. I have done some over the years in different countries and whenever I cook some of the dishes at home it brings back wonderful memories of the country.
We had a fantastic time and ate so well after, I highly recommend it!
I am drooling over the place. Dar Les Cigognes is surely going to be in my radar when I plan a visit to Morocco. Food served looks so awesome. I am sure they would have meatless options too. Taking a cooking class is really an intelligent way to know the culture as food is directly related to culture. Fancying myself inside the hotel already!
You'll love it there!! We had such an awesome stay, and be sure to book a hammam treatment too; it's incredible
Aww you've got my mouth watering reading this. The food looks and sounds incredible! I love doing cooking classes when I'm travelling. The hotel sounds amazing as well. All the Moroccan architecture is gorgeous.
It was actually the best food we ate in Moroccan, no bias of course! And the architecture's stunning here.
I would love to visit Marrakech; it looks simply stunning! And this hotel looks like a great place to stay! It is fantastic that you can have a cooking class too, one of my favourite things to do when travelling is take a cooking class in the country!
I completely understand what you mean! I love cooking classes, and this one is particularly good.
i agree that food is a great way to know the culture.A year ago i was living in moroccan family and must admit their food is great
That must have been a fun experience for you!
Hi!
You can never go wrong with a cooking class with local flavor! Great read and info here! I'll definitely try this spot out when I arrive!
Food is a great way to dig into a new adventure!
I couldn't agree more! I hope you try Dar Les Cigognes, it's a beautiful hotel in Marrakech 😀
Have always been a fan of the Moroccon architecture and this hotel looks so pretty. It looks so uber luxurious and comfy. Would love to attend a cooking class here for sure!
It's a really beautiful hotel, and full of elegant Moroccan design, and yes, great cooking classes too!
This looks dreamy. This place does complete justice to whatever I have heard about Marrakech. The food looks amazing. I dint know ‘Cigognes’ means storks. The story of not disturbing the storks is interesting. Thanks for sharing.
You're welcome, I hope you get to visit Marrakech one day, and stay in this amazing hotel.
Marrakech and Morocco for us are destinations that form the stuff of dreams. We hope to get there sooner rather than later. The Dar-Les-Cigognes seems a unique and fascinating place to stay in. It seems to have captured the intriguing and enchanting spirit of Marrakech in all its elements from decor to cuisine.
You're absolutely spot on! It's a wonderful hotel, and you won't be disappointed if you stay here.
I've definitely saved for later. The views looked amazing, but you had me with the food. I'm one for cooking classes so this would be perfect for me.
That's so great to read! You'll really enjoy it 😀
Ohh, that food looks amazing! The room is beautiful, too. One of my regrets from our Morocco trip was not indulging in a bit more luxury, and a cooking class and beautiful place to sleep both sound like great ideas for that!
It's pretty wonderful, and the cooking class is a must!
The hotel does look super comfy and luxurious. I am a huge fan of Moroccan cuisine amd getting learn the authentic Moroccan dishes is amazing. The stay at Dar Les Cigognes is perfect, I would love to stay here when I’m in Morocco.
Ah you must! I guarantee you will have such a great time here, it's a stunning hotel!
I am officially starving! That cooking class sounds like so much fun and such a great experience! I have never tried couscous that wasn't coming out of a box! The lighting and architecture in the hotel sum up exactly what I had hoped to see from Morocco and really entice me to visit as soon as possible. I love that they even put rose petals on your bed!
Yes, it's a bit kitsch for some, but I loved the roses! The cooking class is a must, and trust me, the food's sensational there 😀
Well captured review through the words and pictures. Not only it is comfortable but looks gorgeous with the Islamic architecture. Nice to know the meaning and the belief behind Cigognes. I definitely did not know about that.
Thank you! It's a stunning hotel, and breakfast on the terrace was definitely one of my favourite memories 😀
Hey, even I am a huge fan of comfy hotel slippers, the one provided by this hotel looks really mushy and soft! Disturbing the storks could land me in jail, wow, I would stay away in that case. I read your quick word of warning about exploring markets of Morocco, well the stench and dirt found in Indian non vegetarian markets is hard to tolerate too.
You'd love these cosy slippers then, I still have them! Yes, best to leave those storks in peace, and as for the markets, the smell was quite overpowering for wimpy me 😛
I love that you took a cooking class! This is what I'm aspiring to do on every vacation I take. I'm not much one for spending a ton of money on eating something once and never experiencing that again. I rather take a cooking class like you did and learn how to make these tasty and authentic dishes at home!
Aww then you would really love this place! The class was incredible and just for the two of us! It's an experience in one hotel really!
That seems like the perfect stay. As if the ambiance wasn't good enough, they have cooking classes too. Wow!! And that chicken seems to fall off the bone - so tender and tempting. Cheers!!
The chicken tagine was really delicious, even more so because we made it ourselves! Thanks for dropping by!
Dar Les Cigognes hotel looks and sounds like such a lovely place to stay. I love the architecture and you are right you definitely look like you have walked straight into a Moroccan oasis. I love the fact that you took a cooking lesson to learn the local food, it makes the experience to a country even more personal.
Thanks Mel, everything about the experience was faultless, and everything was all about the little details, just perfect really!
I love that this is a quaint little boutique hotel with just 11 rooms. It makes it so much more cosy and I can imagine that the service here would be so much more personalised. I love Arabic/Islamic architecture and I would love to see this place in person. I totally understand that sometimes photos just doesn't do a place justice - but I think you really have through your words. The cooking class sounds amazingggg! I would love to do a market tour and experience cooking Morrocan food...and learn why I wouldn't never use packet couscous again!
It's just wonderful, and such a treasure in Marrakech. I know you're a real foodie travel blogger, so you'll love the cooking class and market tour; it's really soooo good!
I always take the hotel slippers too! They're the best. I would also love to take a cooking class there. you have me intrigued about never using packaged couscous again!
It really is better to make homemade, and not as difficult as I thought! Their FB page (link in the post) has most of their recipes, so check it out!
These hotels in Morocco really know how to do their rooms up. I remember reading a previous post of yours where again there was little extras in the rooms that you don't get every where else so it looks like they know how to treat their guests... I love the slippers. I love trying local food, I have never thought of doing a cooking lesson before but its something I would like to try in the future. Is their food very spicy? Looks delicious.
Lucky for me, the food wasn't too spicy, but more fragrant. The slippers are so cosy, I still have them! You'd really enjoy a break here, it's the best.
As a foodie, I aim to taste every local dishes I can find in a city or country that I will visit. And having the opportunity to cook it with the local chef is even more amazing. That's a very nice experience you got there.
Thank you! It's definitely the place for foodies and travellers too. Thank you for your comments!
Those bedrooms look so cozy! And I would love to check out those cooking classes!??
The cooking class here is a must!
WOW. This sounds amazing in every way. I love the toiletries in fine hotels. They are always so lovely and the cooking class sounds delicious and fun. I will definitely check out their Facebook page.
That's great to read! You'll love the hotel and the cooking class is worth every penny!
Though I've never visited Dar les Cigognes, I can easily imagine it being the idyllic resort destination- so much so that I don't think I'd ever travel outside of its walls to explore the city! From the architecture to the food, this hotel seems like an absolute dream come true. I just might have to travel to Marrakesh to treat myself to such a magnificent place.
Aw you must! Especially as I know from your other posts that you like a bit of luxury, you'll love Dar les Cigognes.
I'm the one drooling over your Morocco pictures now haha. I would love to know how to make tagine, I guess I'll be heading over to the cooking school's FB page. The photo of Dar Les Cigognes entrance looks stunning, that architecture is really something else! I also dislike arriving to destinations late at night, you're so lucky Morrocco was still such a treat, I arrived past midnight to my last trip to Vancouver and it was rainy and dark! I still miss the place though lol
It's actually so easy to make, and well worth the effort! I hope you get to visit one day, it's a vibrant place 🙂
I always love traditional and local cooking and when I return from any such trip, I always try to make those local stuff at home. But you are experience local cooking classes which is amazing. True authentic experience, I must say. The main entrance Dar Les Cigognes is splendid and amazing.
You would love this hotel then especially as you like cooking. It's a truly authentic experience, and very delicious too!
Cooking classes are great learning events. I had a hand at Goan cuisine once. The walk through market is a great idea and that makes me crave for a similar experience.
You're so right. I've never been to Goa, but this cooking class sounds like something I'd do!
Dar les Cigognes in Morocco looks like a great and wonderful place to stay! I hope to have enough money one day to be able to stay in such a beautiful place! And taking a cooking class is n excellent idea! Tagine is sooo good and how awesome would it be to learn how to cook it! It looks like you had a fun time at the Dar les Cigognes!
I really did! It's a gorgeous hotel, and trust me, worth every penny! The food is the best we had in Morocco, and I'd return tomorrow 😀
Looks really lovely! I never considered a cooking class in Morocco, but now I wish I had! Looks delicious too!
You must! It's a great and fun way to learn the local culture and food too
I am not too fond of cooking but when it’s a new country I am traveling to, I do make it a point to learn local cuisine. It would be so exciting to learn cooking in MarrakechI love the fact that they take you on a tour to the local food market.
It was such a nice bonus, and really brought to life the ingredients used in the cooking 🙂
You've completely sold this hotel to me! This is one of the reasons why I've always wanted to go to Morocco. It's a plus that I love Moroccan architecture. This hotel exemplifies the best of what Moroccan architecture can offer. And that meal looks DIVINE!!
It was divine and then some! I had such a wonderful, and sometimes eventful, time in Morocco, and I totally recommend others to see it at least once in their lives!
It is so nice to read the story after seeing all those magical Instagram photos, a Moroccan oasis for sure! The chaotic airport arrival does not surprise me, seems common in the 'middle east'. The meal in the tagine looks amazing!
It's a wonderful riad in Marrakech, and with so much to offer too. And yes, the tagine was delicious!
What a beautiful hotel! I agree, arriving after dark can hide the beauty of a place - but I actually love this sometimes as you get to wake up to a wonderful surprise 🙂 I think cooking classes are such a great way to get a feel of the culture, especially in countries where food is really important to that culture. I'm in love with the decor of your hotel - especially those cushions on the two chairs.
They're gorgeous aren't they?! I totally agree with you, but in this case, it's stunning in daytime and night 😀
Hi Lisa - great review! It looks like a stunning place to stay at. The cooking class sounds like fun, I love these kind of activities boutiques hotel offer to guests. 🙂 Safe travels. - Ella
Thanks Ella, as always I love when you drop by!
I've never been to Morocco and tasted their food. But the pictures made me want to try it. Is that some kind of chicken curry?
It's a wonderful and vibrant country. The dish is called a chicken tagine, and is very popular in Morocco.
Why have I still not been to Morocco! The decorations, the tiles and the food. This looks so fun though. I enjoyed a cooking class we did in Iceland so I may have to check this out when I finally make it to Morocco.
Oh you must visit! It's a great country and the food is incredible too 😀
Wow! that is one luxury stay! so comfortable and thoughtful. and those food pics looks so yummy
It was really yummy!
The hotel looks absolutely stunning! I'm sure the mint tea would be the perfect way to calm down. Walking through the local food market would be such a charm. Being an Indian, I too have a spicy palate, so I guess I can survive the stroll.
I'm so jealous that you got to visit Morocco! The Dar Les Cigognes looks amazing and that cooking class sounds like such a fun experience! I'd love to try real Moroccan food!
It's an amazing country, and cooking our own Moroccan food was way better than eating out!
You had me at cooking classes. I always love to experience the local markets and I'm not afraid of the crazy smells and goods on display. I think it has a lot to do with my Caribbean upbringing. Our markets are also not for the faint hearted! 😉
You'd love the markets here then! The atmosphere's amazing, but seeing some chickens being killed as you walk past was a bit much for wimpy me!
Dar Les Cigognes looks like the place to stay in Marrakech. I would definitely check if the Orientalist suite was available for my visit! Eating the local food is an important part of traveling and it's excellent that they take you to the market to show you what there is and also teach you how to cook it. This sounds like the genuine Marrakech experience!
You're a man that aims high James, I like it! The market tour's amazing, and really gives you a look into local Marrakech living.
Haha, I have to agree with you on Morocco changing how I cook couscous. Now it's the real stuff all the time. What a beautiful riad, we'll have to check it out next time in Marrakech. We had an amazing experience in an Airbnb, where we paid one of the neighbors to cook for us every night. Moroccan food is amazing!
Wow, how lucky were you?!! I bet that Airbnb is always fully booked if they cook every night. I couldn't agree more about Moroccan food, just delicious!
I love the architecture and the location of this hotel, but that food, oh that food! I'm not a big fan of cooking myself but I do love eating haha. It seems quite interesting that they took you to the local market to buy fresh ingredients, that must have been quite an experience!
It was a great experience, and the first of its kind that I've ever experienced! Trust me, after cooking these meals, you'll be a whizz in the kitchen!
cooking class is something that i have never tried but i always wanted to try ..so may be on my next visit to Morocoo..this place looks great , have bookmarked thia article for future..
Thank you, that's great to read! It's a lovely place, and the cooking class is so worth doing.
Wow Marrakech has been on my bucket list for a couple of years now and this post has got me wanderlusting so hard! The food looks divine and your hotel appears to be so idea. Fingers crossed I can visit this remarkable place within the next 3 years!
Aww that's so inspiring to read! The hotel's a dream, and they treat you so well, plus the food's remarkable and so good! I hope you get there too!
Your pictures might not do justice to the hotel but as a viewer, it still looks completely gorgeous & luxury at its finest!! I like those little bottles of the toiletries, I usually look for nice products from a hotel and this seems perfect. A hotel with cooking class included is a plus for me to book with them 😀 Thanks for the wonderful recommendation!!
You're welcome, and thank you for the sweet compliment. The toiletries smell really good too 😀
What a gorgeous location! I love cooking classes in places I visit. I took one in Koh Samui Thailand last year and it was so great to learn how to finally make my favorite Thai dish! The one you took looks amazing, I love Moroccan food!
It was incredible, and the food was probably the best we had in Morocco 😀
This is a place I want to visit for sure! Thanks for the read!
Great to hear, thanks!
This blog post is wonderful, I really liked Marrakesh too- thanks for the recommendations about the cooking classes ?
Have a great day
Martina
Thank you! It's a great hotel for learning Moroccan cooking and exploring Marrakech too 🙂
I always hate when I can't accurately capture a place I've visited (like your hotel). That is how I felt when the hubby and I went to Honduras. The beauty can not be captured in one single image.
I'm glad you had fun. I'm seriously starving now from looking at your pictures. 😀
I'm sorry to make you hungry! It's a wonderful place, and I hope my photos capture its beauty 😀