Best Places to Stay in Fes
- By Mustapha
Best Places to Stay in Fes
Imagine strolling through the winding alleys of Fes, where history and tradition come together to create a feast for the senses. From the moment you enter the ancient city walls, the scent of spices mingles with the call to prayer, inviting you to immerse yourself in a timeless world. Selecting the right accommodation can transform a memorable experience into something truly unforgettable.
In this guide, we will explore the finest accommodation that Fes has to offer — each one a gateway to the soul of Morocco. Whether you crave the opulence of a luxury riad or the charm of a budget-friendly guesthouse, you will find detailed insights and practical tips to help you select the perfect place to stay. As you explore, remember that we also offer immersive tours across Morocco, designed to reveal hidden gems beyond Fes.
Why Fes Is a Unique Destination
Fes, Morocco’s oldest imperial city, is a living museum where every street corner tells the story of centuries gone by. Founded in the 9th century, the old medina of Fes el-Bali remains one of the world’s largest car-free urban areas, with its winding lanes bustling with artisans, merchants, and pilgrims.
The city’s architectural marvels, ranging from the Bou Inania Madrasa to the University of al-Qarawiyyin, provide a backdrop of scholarly excellence and spiritual devotion. As you navigate the medina’s intertwining passages, you’ll encounter tanneries colored in pastel hues, centuries-old mosques, and bustling souks, where life pulses with vibrancy.
Yet beyond its historical grandeur, Fes is also a destination for modern travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences. Hidden courtyards offer moments of serene reflection, while rooftop terraces grant sweeping views of a city that seems to float between earth and sky. Staying within the ancient walls of the medina lets you awaken to the sounds of hammam steam and distant prayers, creating a connection to Moroccan life that few other cities can offer.
Neighborhoods and Districts: Finding Your Place
Fes el-Bali (The Old Medina)
For first-time visitors, Fes el-Bali offers unparalleled insight into traditional Moroccan life. Its narrow alleyways are lined with riads, and traditional guesthouses, each with a secret courtyard adorned with zellij tiles and carved cedar wood.
Waking up in a riad in the heart of the medina means stepping out into history. The Bab Bou Jeloud gate, the grand entrance to the medina, lies just minutes away, as do the spiritual center of the Qarawiyyin Mosque and the bustling souks, which are full of leather goods, metalwork, and ceramics.
Fes el-Jdid (The New Fes)
Despite its name, Fes el-Jdid dates back to the 13th century and is home to the Royal Palace. Compared to the dense medina, this district offers a slightly calmer pace, with wider streets and access to modern amenities.
Accommodation near the mellah (Jewish quarter) allows for easy exploration of its historic synagogue and spice markets. Hotels and riads in Fes el-Jdid often strike a balance between traditional architecture and contemporary comforts, making them ideal for travelers seeking both authenticity and convenience.
Ville Nouvelle (New City)
Ville Nouvelle is ideal for those seeking a more cosmopolitan experience. It offers French colonial boulevards, upscale boutiques, and modern cafés. Accommodation options range from international hotels to boutique properties complete with swimming pools and fitness centres.
While you may miss the immediate immersion of the medina, you will have easier access to restaurants, bars, and the famous Anglican Church of St Francis of Assisi. Ville Nouvelle is an excellent choice for families and business travelers who require reliable Wi-Fi and a variety of dining options.
Top Luxury Riads
Riad Fes by Relais & Châteaux
Perched within the medina, Riad Fes is often hailed as the epitome of luxury in Fes. As part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux collection, this riad seamlessly blends traditional Moroccan craftsmanship, such as intricate zellige mosaics and hand-carved cedar ceilings, with modern amenities like an outdoor pool and spa.
The suites, which are named after significant Moroccan cities, are each decorated with bespoke furnishings and plush textiles. From your private balcony, you can gaze out over the bustling medina, and the rooftop bar provides the perfect vantage point from which to watch the sunset over Fes’s ancient skyline.
Riad Laaroussa
Riad Laaroussa, once a 17th-century palace, now stands as a testament to Morocco’s opulent past and present. Its name, meaning ‘the bride’, reflects the riad’s commitment to luxury and romance. The property comprises 13 suites and rooms arranged around a central courtyard adorned with orange trees, providing a tranquil retreat amidst the medina’s hustle and bustle.
Highlights include a heated pool framed by tadelakt walls, a rooftop terrace with panoramic views, and a private spa offering traditional Moroccan hammam rituals and massages. Dining here is an experience in itself: on the rooftop terrace, guests can enjoy Moroccan and Mediterranean dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients under the stars.
Dar Roumana
Situated in the heart of the medina, Dar Roumana is an upscale retreat renowned for its Franco-Moroccan cuisine and sophisticated design. The riad has a small number of suites, each of which reflects Moorish aesthetics with a modern twist, featuring tadelakt walls, carved stucco, and hand-painted zellige motifs.
Chef Younes Idrissi’s kitchen is renowned for its roast pumpkin salad with tahini, yogurt, and fresh chili — an exquisite introduction to Moroccan flavors. After a day spent exploring the medina’s hidden treasures, guests can unwind in the cozy ambiance of the library or ascend to the rooftop terrace for a cocktail while the city’s minarets glow at dusk.
Palais Faraj Suites & Spa
Located just outside the medina walls and overlooking the ancient city, the Palais Faraj offers a palace-like setting that combines Andalusian architecture with modern luxury. Its suites feature private terraces, marble fountains, and ornate woodwork, all of which are reminiscent of Fes’s golden age.
The highlight is the panoramic terrace, where guests can enjoy breakfast or signature cocktails at sunset while admiring the minarets and rooftops of Fes el-Bali. The on-site spa offers a selection of hammam treatments and Moroccan massages to ensure you feel rejuvenated after exploring the medina.
Charming Boutique Hotels
La Maison Bleue
Built-in 1915 by Sidi Mohammed El Abbadi, La Maison Bleue is now run by his descendants and offers visitors a unique experience within the medina. Its central courtyard, shaded by orange trees, contains an inviting pool that provides welcome relief from Fes’s summer heat.
Each of the 15 rooms is decorated with antiques and handpicked fabrics, honoring the property’s historic roots. A notable feature is the on-site culinary school, where guests can take a market tour before learning traditional Moroccan cooking techniques — a cultural experience that nourishes both body and spirit.
Riad Mabrouka
For travelers seeking an intimate, family-run experience, Riad Mabrouka is the perfect choice. It has just eight rooms, each uniquely styled with traditional Moroccan architecture and family heirlooms. The interior courtyard, adorned with carved stucco and cedar wood doors, opens onto a fragrant garden filled with rose bushes and citrus trees, complete with a small plunge pool.
Located near the Nejjarine Museum, Riad Mabrouka is ideal for guests wanting to explore Fes’s cultural landmarks on foot. Breakfast is served in the courtyard, where lanterns cast intricate shadows across the tadelakt walls, setting a peaceful tone for the day ahead.
Riad Rcif
Stepping into Riad Rcif is like entering a living museum of Moroccan craftsmanship. The intricate zellige tiling and carved cedar ceilings showcase artistic traditions that date back centuries.
The Riad’s restaurant is renowned for serving some of the finest traditional Moroccan cuisine in Fes, including slow-cooked tagines and freshly baked bread from the on-site wood-fired oven. With its serene courtyard and attentive staff, Riad Rcif offers a truly authentic experience of Moroccan hospitality.
Authentic Riads for a Traditional Experience
Riad Dar Bensouda
Nestled within the vibrant heart of the medina, Riad Dar Bensouda is an oasis of calm and authenticity. The riad’s 18 rooms and suites blend traditional décor, such as painted wood ceilings and zellij floors, with modern comforts.
Each room features a private bathroom for added convenience. Common areas include a spacious living room with a fireplace and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the medina, where the call to prayer can be heard in the evening. A pool patio and a private hammam are also available for guests to enjoy, providing moments of rejuvenation after exploring the labyrinthine streets and nearby landmarks such as the Karaouiyine Mosque and Bab Bou Jeloud.
Riad Marjana Suites & Spa
Situated in a renovated medieval building, Riad Marjana epitomizes luxury and tradition. Its suites combine intricately carved woodwork with soothing tadelakt walls to create an ambiance of timeless elegance.
The highlight is the spa, where guests can enjoy hammam treatments and traditional massages before emerging to enjoy mint tea by the courtyard fountain. After exploring Fes’s souks, guests can unwind in the rooftop lounge and take in the city’s skyline as evening lanterns begin to glow.
Riad Nass Zmane
Riad Nass Zmane is one of the most enchanting riads in Fes. It has been meticulously restored to showcase Moroccan artistry at its finest. Each room and suite is adorned with colorful mosaics and opulent textiles, blending Moroccan tradition with contemporary comforts.
The courtyard, which is centered around a fountain, is the perfect place to enjoy breakfast, while the sun-drenched roof terrace offers breathtaking views of the medina’s rooftops and minarets. Guests praise the riad’s phenomenal breakfasts and the attentive staff, who delight in sharing stories of Fes’s history and culture.
Budget-Friendly Accommodations
Hostels and Guesthouses
For travelers on a tight budget, Fes offers a selection of hostels and guesthouses where you can meet fellow travelers. Many of these are located near Bab Bou Jeloud and offer dormitory-style rooms as well as private quarters at affordable rates.
Common areas often include communal kitchens and lounges where travelers can share tips on exploring the medina’s hidden corners. While amenities may be basic — shared bathrooms and no on-site restaurants — these accommodations provide an authentic glimpse into Moroccan daily life without breaking the bank.
Dar Hafssa
Dar Hafssa is located just outside the Medina walls and offers comfortable double rooms and dormitories at budget-friendly rates. The guesthouse features a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city and nearby mountains, providing the perfect setting for evening stargazing.
A communal kitchen allows guests to prepare simple meals, and a lounge area provides an ideal spot for sharing travel stories with fellow guests. Thanks to its proximity to local bakeries and cafés, you can enjoy fresh pastries and mint tea each morning without having to venture far.
Tips for Booking and Staying
Timing Your Visit
The best times to visit Fes are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and there is little rainfall.
Summers can be hot, with daytime highs often exceeding 35°C (95°F), so exploring at midday can be challenging. Winters bring cooler nights, particularly in the unheated rooms of riads, so be sure to pack layers if you’re traveling between December and February.
Booking in Advance
Riads and boutique hotels in Fes have limited rooms, particularly during peak season, so if your travel dates are fixed, it’s wise to book at least three to four months in advance.
Look for accommodation with flexible cancellation policies, as travel plans can sometimes change unexpectedly. Many riads offer an airport transfer service, which can be a real blessing after a long journey — consider arranging this when you make your reservation.
What to Pack
If you’re staying in a riad, expect stone or tiled floors that may feel cool underfoot. Pack some comfortable slippers or socks to wear in the evenings. When exploring the medina, wear sturdy shoes with closed toes and good traction, as the cobblestone streets can be uneven.
A lightweight scarf or shawl is invaluable for visiting religious sites, where modest attire is required. Sunscreen and a hat are essential all year round, as the Moroccan sun can be intense, even in the cooler months.
Embracing Local Customs
If you stay in a riad or traditional guesthouse, you’ll often dine communally with other travelers and the hosts. Meals are usually served family-style and feature authentic dishes such as tagines, couscous, and freshly baked flatbreads.
These are great opportunities to share stories and ask questions about Moroccan culture. When entering a riad, it is customary to remove your shoes, and slippers are usually provided. Learning a few basic Arabic phrases, such as ‘Salam’ (hello) and ‘Shukran’ (thank you), can help you forge connections with your hosts.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect place to stay in Fes is about more than just securing a bed for the night — it’s about choosing a gateway to centuries of Moroccan heritage and hospitality.
Whether you choose the extravagance of a luxury riad or the camaraderie of a budget guesthouse, Fes promises an unforgettable experience. From the tiled courtyards of Riad Fes to the sunlit terraces of Riad Nass Zmane, every accommodation provides a distinctive chapter in your Moroccan narrative.
As you plan your adventure, remember that we offer bespoke tours across Morocco, designed to immerse you in the country’s most captivating destinations.
From camel treks in the Sahara to guided explorations of hidden riads, our tours reveal the essence of Moroccan culture, history, and natural beauty. Let us guide you on an unforgettable journey through the Imperial Cities and the Atlas Mountains, ensuring that every moment in Morocco is as magical as the sun setting over the Fes medina.
- Ready to embark on your Moroccan adventure? Contact us today to plan your unforgettable journey through the heart of Morocco. Sources