Riad Fes – Relais & Châteaux

Embedded deep in the jumble of passageways that make up Fez’s mystical medina, Riad Fes fuses sumptuous décor, old-world serenity, and smart luxury.

Built in the 1930s in a Moroccan-Andalucian style, Riad Fes is the largest and smartest of converted riads in the city, actually enclosing two grand houses.

The finest craftsmanship tradition underlines the astonishing attention to detail running throughout the hotel’s design. Every square inch of this traditional riad is stamped with the hallmarks of Morocco’s exquisite art and design heritage.

Andalusian Opulence and Minimalist Luxury

The two self-contained houses have distinct design aesthetics. Grand and traditional, the old riad invites guests to travel back in time: in an Alhambra-style courtyard, where the arched stucco doorways and sweeping pillars seem to glow with natural light, in Baroque design details, in Moorish art, antique pieces, and luxurious contemporary furnishings.

The palatial two-story court, furnished with red sofas and a grand piano, is at the center of the old riad. Decorated with a gorgeous stuccowork, its massive columns rise to the translucent roof. Historical opulence characterizes the rooms, featuring intricately carved furniture, mosaic, and heavy stained-glass.

A glass door leads to the second house, which could not have been more different. Crisp, sleek, chic: it’s a world of serene minimalism. The luxurious and spacious rooms follow suit.

This artful combination of classic and contemporary luxury works together to produce some of Fez’s finest places to stay.

Dine, cool off, and pamper

Riad Fès offers several options for dining in L’Ambre, which serves Mediterranean fusion cuisine, L’Oriental invites to relish traditional local food, as well as the outdoor areas, around the pool or on the roof terrace, with truly amazing views of the ancient city and surrounding hills.

Then there is the l’Alcazar Bar, by the courtyard pool: a great place to chill out with a delicious cocktail… or two.

Take off the heat with a dip in the patio garden swimming pool—or take time off in the hammam for a body treatment with black soap and ghassoul, a massage, or a beauty treatment.

in our opinion

Well known for its beautiful architecture and stunning décor, we found Riad Fes to be an elegant boutique hotel with a perfect blend of character, creature comforts, and outstanding service.

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What we love

• Ceremonial welcome: mint tea, biscuits, a lemon-scented face towel… served on a brass platter;
• Complimentary: tea throughout the day and wireless internet access;
• The riad has a great location from which to explore the bustling medina;
• Fabulous rooftop dining with spectacular views of the medina and the Atlas Mountains;
• Wonderful public interior design in the old riad, especially the magnificent entrance court with immaculate stuccowork, tiled floors, red-velours sofas, and a grand piano;
• The new Andalous court, with the pool, bar and chillout music, is one of the city's most stylish places to hang out by night;
• We loved breakfasts in the old court, beside the dipping pool! Served at wrought-iron tables, amongst roses and citrus trees, on elegant blue-white patterned china, these sumptuous feasts of seasonal fruit salads, homemade yogurts, fresh orange juice, and pancakes were a great start of the day;
• Every night in the old patio, Riad Fes hosts live music from local musicians.

What you should know

• There's quite a difference between the traditional rooms, deluxe rooms and suites, and baroque-style rooms: it's worth considering carefully which one to book;
• Deluxe rooms have modern style but lack character, when compared to the standard rooms, which provide a Moroccan authenticity. The suites have higher standards and are more spacious. Some rooms have private terraces;
• Most of the rooms are tucked away off various staircases, more difficult to access but offering more privacy than in other riads in the city;
• It's expensive by riad standards—though this is warranted by high standards and service;
• Finding a way back to the riad at night can be a spooky (or exciting) experience;
• The hotel can accommodate children, though both the riad and city are more suited to grown-up holidays;
• The outdoor dipping pool is very small… still, a godsend in summer!
• Book well ahead—Riad Fes is popular!