2007 entries from our guest book:
The first guests at Dar 91 and what an honour! We’ve had a fantastic time staying here. The house is lovely and Paolo and Jeremy seem to have thought of everything so no need to worry if you’ve left those adaptors at home! We especially love the way every time you look around the house you seem to spot something else quirky and fun! Essaouira is a lovely town and so relaxing, especially compared to the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. We tried a few of the restaurants recommended by Paolo and Jeremy and were impressed so we’re sure all are fab. If you fancy something a bit different try buying some meat and taking it to the grills just along from Bab Doukkala – a great experience with lots of friendly locals. Fati-Fleur has been great and even with our limited French we have got on really well.
Emma and Russ, 3-9 May 2007
Loving every minute of Essaouira. This is only our second night here and sadly we have to move to another abode as someone else has booked – we are really gutted to be leaving as it already feels like home – Jeremy and Paolo you have done well – it hits the heart. Coming back to the house after an evening it’s easy to get a bit lost (and we have had fun finding our way home). Everyone is so friendly here we are overwhelmed. In the majority of instances it is genuine. We are so pleased to have chosen to stay in the medina as it is such an interesting and fun part of the city. Don’t be scared to take a few short cuts as you always seem to get to your destination eventually!
Lorna and Pete, 28 May 2007
Before coming here I’d exchanged several emails with Jeremy and felt almost as though dealing with an old friend. It’s probably pointless to say this, since anyone else who’s here will most likely have had a similar experience. I was here with two children aged 6 and 9 and Fati-Fleur behaved to them like a sister. She took my daughter to play with her family and was kindness itself. She epitomised the famed Moroccan hospitality. Sadly, this is probably something that many of us turn our backs to or close our eyes to in the belief that it’s a scam. The proof that it isn’t, is here. A major reason for me coming here was so that my children could see another, very different country. Thanks to Fati-Fleur they’ve seen something really genuine and probably rare.
Gerard, Matthias and Leila, 29 May to 1 June 2007
Just back from our first holiday to Morocco. It was certainly an experience, and on balance probably one we’d like to have again – although it has certainly opened our eyes and I’m feeling a bit challenged by the place. We really like the house, even if at times we found the state of the sewers on the street disgusting and there were some funny fishy smells in the town at times. You could do with a bigger fridge and a toaster.
Mark and Alison McCready and Georgia, July 2007
We have returned to Essaouira after nearly 20 years, with three teenage children. The town is even nicer than we remember. The relief of driving down to the sea breeze after the hot plains of the interior was amazing and we’re rather dreading going back in, but what do you expect from Morocco in August?! We had no hassles at all and the children felt confident and safe enough to wander around without us. It has combined for us a bit of beach holiday with an exotic, different culture. The house has just added to our enjoyment comfortable and yet so in-keeping with its surroundings, the decor, the simplicity and the eccentric references to home!
Francesca and the Shakespeare Family, first days of August 2007
The house is unusual. To start with we thought it was a bit Changing Rooms -cum-car boot sale but it’s grown on us. It is a great way to sample the medina and realise what is behind all those doors we’ve been nosily looking in on any open doors we have seen! We have enjoyed our stay with 3 boys (aged 11, 8 and 4) though the neighbours might not have done. Essaouira August 2007 is somewhat busier and different than when we came in October 1993. C’est la vie!
Liz, Graham, Edwin, Dom and Ollie Beith, 17-22 August 2007
The house is a great place to relax from the hustle and bustle outside and listen to the twittering birds. Thanks to Jeremy and Paolo for making this a special place for people to experience the real Essaouira.
Justin Sturge and Gary Horrocks, 29 August – 4 September 2007
Don’t want to go now. Settled in more and more and immersed in local way of life, pace suits me slow. House is lovely, would like to have one, maybe retire here with what’s left of a pension by the time Gordon’s lot has finished. No drunks, hoodies, trash culture, broken glass or self-important people just pleasant and charming locals what bliss.
Charles and Jane Clode, 14-19 September 2007
Wow! What a fabulous house and beautiful town. Having spent a few days in Marrakech and then the mountains, Dar 91 was an oasis of calm, Fati-Fleur was great – she is so kind although we wished we spoke better French. It was hard to communicate at times but we eventually found a way with a combination of Franglais and hand gestures. All in all a fabulous 5 days and we are very sad to leave however we will be back, although I would avoid Ramadan next time.
Sarah and Claire Milligan, 5 October 2007
Feel sad to leave as have settled into life here. Rather concerned before arrival about safety of women wandering around on their own, but no problem felt safe exploring this fascinating town.
Richard and Andrea John and Cathy Marsden, 19 October 2007
Our visit all too short, but nevertheless enjoyed thoroughly by all. Loved the decor and I can see, given more time, we could have really felt at home here. Fati-Fleur was lovely and she hit it off with our baby, which was great for all of us.
Mike, Stephanie and Elena, 1 November 2007
We spent five lovely days at Dar 91 lots of sunshine and interesting things to look at. Thank you Fati-Fleur for the lovely meal on New Year’s Eve. Great to relax with candles and good music. Thank you Jeremy and Paolo for creating this beautiful oasis.
Elin and Helgy (from Reykjavik), 28 December 2007 – 2 January 2008