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If awards were given out for sheer glamour and opulence then the Riad Fès would win hands down. This boutique heritage hotel excels at five star luxuries with 21 stylish rooms, a fabulous restaurant, a hammam-spa, a courtyard patio and even a small swimming pool.

Spread across what is actually three fused Riads (traditional Moroccan houses), this grand Riad complex is built around an intimate courtyard with palm trees and fountains. Sumptuously furnished bedrooms are linked by numerous stairways. The Riad is an oasis of tranquillity in an otherwise boisterous neighbourhood.

The decor is lavish and ornate with an abundance of Fassi tiles, stained glass, brass lamps and traditional embroideries. A collection of old French and English timepieces tick-tock around the house, an idea that the architect owner carried through from the riad's original proprietor.

If you find the grandeur a little overwhelming then opt for one of the smaller rooms (although still big) such as those located on the roof that come with private terraces.

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Chosen by The Good Travel Company for its heritage value, The Riad Fès was bought and restored by the town's municipal architect, Chakir Sefrioui, and there's nothing that he can't tell you about Fès, the Riad and its history.

Sefrioui and his wife are among the 5% of native Fassi remaining in the medina and, like UNESCO, he wants to save it. The Riad Fès is just one way of doing this. He spent nearly three years restoring the property to its former grandeur and in doing so has saved a part of Fès' history.

In addition to remaining architecturally true to form, the interior design perfectly matches the building history. Moroccan velvet divans and 1930s armchairs reflect the marriage of 14th century Andalucian designs to ideas brought by Fassis from Europe 130 years ago.

Rooms

Food

In the heart of a medieval city known for its diverse eateries, Riad Fès offers one of a handful of fine dining restaurants that should not be missed when visiting Fez. A delightful selection of Moroccan cuisine with an original Riad Fès twist is served in any of the three dining rooms or in the outdoor areas, around the pool or on the roof terrace.

L’Oriental and Le Salon Oriental provide the ultimate setting for a traditional Moroccan diner in a Moorish atmosphere with intricately carved stucco and wooden ceilings. While L'Ambre sets the stage for a stately and elegant dining experience with clean oriental lines and contemporary touches.

Starter dishes on the menu include traditional Moroccan dishes such as Lahrira (traditional Fassi soup with chick peas and lentils), Bestela bi lafrakh (a savoury puff pastry filled with pigeon, almonds and aromatic herbs) and Briouates (puff pastry pockets with meat and fish filling). Main courses include Djaj mhamer (golden roasted chicken smothered in a three-spiced sauce), Frakh maamar (pigeons stuffed with semolina, dry raisins and almonds), L’hame tfaya (succulent lamb meat flavoured with saffron and coriander) and Tajine de crevettes (prawns in a delicately spiced sauce of Fez).

There is also the L'Alcazar Bar available to guests. This stylish lounge area combines stunning design with a warm atmosphere. The lounge bar and fumoir feature a vast choice of cocktails, malt, cognac, wines and a selection of cigars.

Features & Facilities

• English, French & Arabic spoken
• Two enclosed patios, one with a dipping pool
• Roof-level dining terrace
• Restaurant with choice of dining venues, room service available
• Wireless internet access
• Live local entertainment nightly
• Complimentary tea throughout the day
• Laundry service
• Elevator to room levels and roof-level terrace
• Tour arrangements
• Car rental service
• Hammam (steam bath)
• Massage
• Meeting space for up to 60 people
• Indoor and outdoor entertaining areas that can accommodate up to 150 people for cocktails, dinners and formal banquets.

See Local Info for more information.

Local Info & Activities

Within the Riad you can book into the hotel's hammam, get an in-room massage or take a soak in the spa town of Moulay Yacoub that lies 30 minutes away. Horse riding and golf are also available.

The Medina The best way to explore Fès' lively medina (old walled centre) is with an official guide (the hotel can help book this). It's a maze of winding alleys and very easy to get lost. A guide will not only ensure you get back to the Riad in one piece, but they can offer insight into Fès' history and culture.

Meknes The medina here is much smaller and easier to navigate than at Fès. While here visit the mosaics in the ruined city of Volubilis and stop in at Moulay Idriss. This is a lively pilgrimage town for Muslims honouring the great grandson of the prophet Mohammed and founder of Fès; a trip here is worth one fifth of the hajj to Mecca.

Atlas Mountains The mountains of the Middle Atlas can be reached in one to two hours (by car) providing cool respite from the heat in summer months and the chance to go skiing in winter.

insider tips

July and August can be unbearable in Fès (temperatures soar above 40C) and you can expect high 30's during June, September and October. Spring and autumn are lovely times to visit and winter can be magical (and you get to go skiing!). Just make sure you bring some warm clothes for the evenings.

In April Fès hosts the 'Fèstival of Culinary Arts', in June there is the 'Fèstival of World Sacred Music' and the 'Jazz in Riads Fèstival' takes place in September.

A money belt is prudent and remember to take cash if you're planning on shopping in the souks.

Sustainability

The Riad Fès was bought and restored according to strict conservation principles by the town's municipal architect, Chakir Sefrioui.

Sefrioui and his wife are among the 5% of native Fassi remaining in the medina and, like UNESCO, he wants to save it. The Riad Fès is just one way of doing this.

In addition to remaining architecturally true to form, the interior design perfectly matches the building history. Moroccan velvet divans and 1930s armchairs reflect the marriage of 14th century Andalucian designs to ideas brought by Fassis from Europe 130 years ago.

The hotel has yet to adopt any ‘Green’ policies.

Getting There

Riad Fès is in the Zerbtana area of Fès' medina, just a five minute walk from Place Batha. The Riad can arrange pickups or transfers on request.

Regular trains run from Fès to Marrakech (7 hours), Casablanca (4 hours) and Tangiers (5 hours). The train station is a 10 minute drive from the Riad.

The nearest airport is Fès Sais Airport (15km away), the hotel can arrange transfers from here and the train station for an additional charge. A taxi from the airport into the city takes about 30 minutes. Ask for Place Batha, the hotel is a five minute walk from here.

Visit our Transport section for flights, hybrid car rentals and train bookings.

Rates & Bookings

All prices are in Euro and are per room per night, on single or double occupancy basis. Rates include breakfast.

accommodation

Royal Suite €544

Ambassador Suite €408

Junior Suite €272

Deluxe Room €182

Standard Room €154

terms & conditions

• Bed & Breakfast rates are inclusive of accommodation, breakfast, taxes, service charge and free use of internet.
• Rates exclude Moroccan Tourism Tax 11 Dirhams per person per night, airport transfers, other meals and activities.
• Children are free up to 3 years old and cots are also free. Extra beds for children aged 3 to 17 are €31.
• Accepted credit cards: Visa and MasterCard

booking & cancelation policy

• A 15% deposit is required to secure a reservation.
• Cancellations made up until 21 days prior to arrival will incur loss of 10% deposit.
• Cancellations made 15-21 days prior to arrival will be charged 35% of the total amount.
• Cancellations made 7-14 days prior to arrival will be charged 60% of the total amount.
• Cancellations made less than 7 days prior to arrival will be charged 85% of the total amount.
• 'No Shows' will be charged 100% of the total amount.

Want to avoid cancellation fees? Visit our Insurance section for information on travel insurance.