Dar KamalChaoui, a Guesthouse in Bhalil Morocco, maison d'hôtes à l'extérieur de Fès, Sefrou

Location :

60 Kaf Rhouni، Once you are in Bhalil Call me here + 212 6 43032444، Bhalil 31100
Added by Jopie, at 03 June 2016

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• Benno Schmidt

  31 October 2017

  Kamal‘s guesthouse is highly recommended for anyone wanting to get away from the touristy streets of Fez and longing for authenticity. The guesthouse is by no means cheap but is a true oasis in an otherwise rather rough and rugged, typical Moroccan town. Kamal himself is a storyteller like no other. He provides interesting insights into the cultural clash created by his rather liberal mindset and the conservative surrounding for his undertaking: opening up his beloved town to international tourism.

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• Mi Ha

  14 February 2017

  Charming, Relaxing, and lovingly place that has more to offer
  
  Dar Kamal Chaoui in Bhalil village, 3km close to Sefrou and about 24km south of Fez, is a fantastic place to stay, relax, and enjoy the traditional life of Marokko. Naima, cook and house maid, serves the best breakfast we had during our 2,5 weeks Marokko trip, and in the evening traditional food, or even bbq on top of the guest house. The rooms are very lovingly furnished as well as very tidy and clean. The terrace gives a view throughout Bhalil as well as Fez.
  Absolutely advisable are the tours that Kamal offers to tourists. For example a tour throughout Bhalil, immersing in its history as well as daily life and business of its residents. Kamal also offers a day trip to Guigou, the village Naima is from, to visit the market place and to have traditional lunch with Naima’s family in their house. A fantastic insider tip we absolutely recommend!

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• CA Courneya

  24 January 2017

  A BREATH OF FRESH AIR!
  
  We spent two nights at Dar Kamal Chaoui Dec 28&29. We wanted a change from the pressure and confined spaces in the Fes Medina and we're searching for open space and fresh air in the Middle Atlas Mtns. We contacted Kamal Chaoui (guide and owner) online and discussed logistics for two treks and lodging in Bhalil. He picked us up at our Medina in Fez and drove us the 30 minutes to Bhalil.
  
  We spent the first afternoon with him hiking around a nearby small peak 3 hours) followed by an amazing dinner at the guest house cooked by the lovely, kind, Naima.
  
  The next morning we were up early (amazing breakfast by Naima) and did a six hour hike over a pass to the town of Immazzour. Kamal was a terrific guide answering questions and providing context to explain much of what we were seeing. His English was fluent (as is his French and German). The Middle Atlas are quite different than the High Atlas and Anti- Atlas and worth exploring.
  
  Another superb dinner followed our hike and we were up early the following morning (after another Naima breakfast!!) for a drive to the Fes train station.
  
  Kamal's guest house was beautifully appointed, and warm, which was very much appreciated in December!!
  
  For those who want something different than the Fes Medina experience, this is a breath of fresh air!!

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• Marco Alfred

  14 January 2017

  The village of Bhalil is such a quaint place, still unspoiled by commercial tourism. You wander around the alleys watching women making buttons by hand, people still living in traditional dwellings made out of caves, you sit down in a cafe and sip mint tea.
  
  The guesthouse has an amazing terrace, comfortable rooms renovated in a sophisticated yet understated fashion, efficient bathrooms. There's a lot of attention in the woodwork, the blankets, the plates and many other small details that entice the eye of the Western guest.
  
  One of the most impressive things is the warmth that the hosts give while chatting, guiding, cooking and spending time with you. They made my stay truly memorable and wanting to come back. Dinner and breakfast were wonderful too!
  
  This is surely a good base to stay in a quiet area and drive around on day trips to Fes, Meknes, Sefrou, Ifrane, Azrou. You can easily spend a week of total relax.

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• Sarah Lloyd

  12 January 2017

  I stayed at this guest house after a long trip to Morocco for rest and relaxation. I sure got exactly that! The guest house itself is so lovely! It has wonderful decorations, beautiful rooms with a comfy bed and warm shower, lastly a really nice terrace to sit on and enjoy the view. The city is small and slow moving, which was a great change from Fez and Marrakesh.
  The staff at the guest house is wonderful! Kamal was a great host, always helpful and we had some wonderful conversations about many things I was curious about in Morocco. Naima makes great food and is so kind! Two nights I was there we had a guest, Rita and it was so interesting for me to get to know a young girl and learn what she does for fun and about her family. Latef is a great carpenter and makes some of the coolest wood carvings I saw in Morocco. As you can tell, I made some great friends and truly felt like family.
  I would recommend this guest house to anyone and everyone who comes to Morocco! I would even suggest it if you are visiting Fes, as Bhalil is close and the guesthouse is exceptional. Thank you for the hospitality!

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• Philippe Ceulen

  10 June 2016

  We stayed there only one night but wished we had stayed longer. Like most other travelers I guess we were just passing by on the way to Fez but the area of Bhalil and Sefrou is worth the visit, to experience the less crowded local village life. We also went for an amazing walk in nature by waterfalls.
  
  Kamal is a very welcoming host and his house is really beautiful with lots of carved wood decorations. He does a lot of work to keep Bhalil pretty and clean, and attractive. He offers all kinds of tours in the region.
  
  Thanks Kamal, and see you again!

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