Famously known as Morocco’s Blue City, places don’t get any more dreamy than Chefchaouen. But with no shortage of guesthouses catering for those caught under the city’s blue spell, where should you stay? The answer is simple: Casa Perleta.
It’s often said good things come in small packages, and this is certainly true for Casa Perleta. Despite an endless supply of charm, this boutique hotel is surprisingly affordable, a winning combination that has resulted in it being considered by many as the no.1 place to stay in Chefchaouen. However, with only 10 rooms available, only a few people who visit the city can actually stay here.
Knowing the popularity of the hotel, I sent them an email one month in advance asking if they had availability. And whoop! I was in luck. They had a twin room left and I replied with olympic speed to say that I’d like to take it.
At the time of my booking, they didn’t have an online booking system so I secured my spot with a deposit via Paypal and paid the rest on arrival. Since then they have put themselves on Booking.com so now the process is much easier and faster.
Rates
Rooms start at £45, Entire House £650 (sleeps 28). Breakfast included. You can check prices and book via Booking.com.
Inside Casa Perleta
Encased entirely by blue walls, Casa Perleta is located in the lively medina. Though as soon as you step into the hotel, you leave the busy old town behind.
In contrast to outside, the interior walls are awash with white and its perfectly uneven surface reflect a cave-like sculptural appearance. It has all the hallmarks of classic Andulusan architecture and elements of Moroccan and French style that make this boutique hotel ooze with charm and elegance.
My twin room was beautifully decorated with touches of local art and tapestries for a splash of colour and craftsmanship. The window, although small, had a stunning view overlooking the blue city, and from this perspective the terracotta rooftops added an extra touch of vibrancy.
One of the hotel’s best features is a lovely rooftop restaurant where I enjoyed a leisurely breakfast of fresh breads, homemade jams, fruit and mint tea. It’s the perfect place from where to experience the city waking up in a morning.
My twin room was beautifully decorated with touches of local art and tapestries for a splash of colour and craftsmanship. The window, although small, had a stunning view overlooking the blue city, and from this perspective the terracotta rooftops added an extra touch of vibrancy.
One of the hotel’s best features is a lovely rooftop restaurant where I enjoyed a leisurely breakfast of fresh breads, homemade jams, fruit and mint tea. It’s the perfect place from where to experience the city waking up in a morning.
There is also a delightful courtyard downstairs to enjoy the sun whilst catching up on some reading and travel plans.
Location
Casa Perleta is situated near of the main entrance to the city. The hotel is about 100m up a steep, narrow street that is home to a variety of souvenir shops and bakeries.
More about the city
Chefchaouen is a special city in Morocco that has more shades of blue than Picasso’s famous palette. Little has changed little since it first opened its doors to foreigners in 1920 (over 400 years after it was first founded in 1471).
Want to know more about this painted city? Read more → Why is Chefchaouen painted blue?
Its enchanting blue medina and beautiful backdrop against the mountains make it a popular city, so try and time your visit during off-peak seasons when there are less tourists.
The best way to explore Chefchaouen is simply by foot. You can while away the hours, pottering down the narrow, cobbled streets and soaking up the tranquil atmosphere.
Like most cities in Morocco, you will find a plethora of restaurants and shops brimming with silver trinkets, woven rugs, clothing and spices.
Above all, Chefchaouen’s magical walls, painted in every shade of blue, will be remembered long after you’ve visited.
After our time the Blue City, we headed up to Tangier for 2 nights before returning home.
