Split between two houses a few steps from each other along a narrow stone alleyway, Casa Hassan comprises of 20 individually decorated guest rooms, each with a sitting area, fireplace and en-suite bathroom with shower. All have central heating and air conditioning, and are blissfully free of telephones, TV’s and internet. A large salon with comfortable armchairs surrounding an enormous fireplace adorns the first courtyard in the main house (Dar Baibou), and both have beautiful roof terraces with fascinating views over the city and mountains. One riad also houses the popular Casa Hassan restaurant offering excellent Moroccan cuisine, the other (Dar Baibou), a fabulous Hammam.

These traditional town houses were lovingly restored by Mr Hassan Ben Hamda – a highly skilled property developer. Having bought several houses in the town over the years, he has carefully restored each of them to their former glory using only traditional materials and local builders and craftsmen. Some of the riads have been sold as private houses, but Hassan has kept a few for himself and his wife, “Mrs Meriem”, who runs the equally beautiful Dar Meziana, which is a 5 minute walk from Casa Hassan.

Casa Hassan opened in 1987 as one of the first riad guest houses in Morocco, at about the same time as the Villa Maroc in Essaouira. Mr Hassan’s impressive foresight, creative flare and hard work has ensured he has one of the most beautiful, well established and sought after guest houses in Chefchaouen – if not Morocco! Hassan runs Casa Hassan himself, and can be found in his restaurant most evenings, personally making sure his guests are happy and deliciously full!