Sometimes it’s hard to decide where to stay when you travel to a new destination, and particularly when the accommodation is a bit different to what you are used to.
Whether you’re visiting on a short break or exploring Morocco on a road trip, you can choose to stay in a hotel or in a riad, a traditional Moroccan house converted in accommodation.
My personal preference is always to go for traditional accommodation that can give me an insight on the local history and way of life. So here are a few recommendations for the best riads in Fes, Morocco, including a bonus entry at the end.
Table of Contents
Best Riads in Fes: Riad Fes (Relais & Chateaux)
Address: 5 Derb Ben Slimane Zerbtana, Fes 30100
Located in the heart of the medina, Riad Fes is the perfect place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the area without having to leave the city. It is the perfect oasis of calm and you will feel a million miles away from everything.
But what really makes it special is that Riad Fes is not just a riad. It’s, in fact, five riads that have been lovingly and sympathetically restored and converted into one. These buildings were traditional Moroccan mansions that once belonged to Fassi families, wealthy and highly influential families from 19thcentury Fes.
Check availability for Riad Fes (Relais & Chateaux) here
To learn more: Fes Accommodation Guide, Best Riads In Fes, Morocco
Best Riads in Fes: Riad Fes Maya
Address: Avenue Ben Mohamed El Alaoui, N°12 Derb Debbagh Bourjouaa Fes 30120
Located within walking distance from all the major tourist attractions in Fes, Riad Maya is a true hidden gem. To get to it you will have to walk through some narrow alleys but once you open the entrance door, you will step into another world.
While you’ll be too busy admiring the beautiful interior design, the staff will do anything to make you feel welcomed.
Luxury, attention to detail and incredible mosaics are just some of the things that make this place special.
Check availability for Riad Fes Maya here
To learn more: Fes Accommodation Guide, Best Riads In Fes, Morocco
Best Riads in Fes: Riad Toyour
Address: 22 derb el Miter, Ain Zleten, Fes 30110
Centrally located in the Old Town directly outside the Medina, Riad Toyour is the perfect place to stay when visiting Fes. This beautifully decorated riad will have you feeling like you’ve been transported to a relaxing oasis.
The open spaced courtyard is full of beautiful trees and flowers that attract the local birds who like to sing in the trees and play in the water. Waking up to their playful sounds is the perfect way to start the day.
Check availability for Riad Toyour here
To learn more: Fes Accommodation Guide, Best Riads In Fes, Morocco
Best Riads in Fes: Karawan Riad
Address: 21 Derb Ourbia Makhfiya, Fes 30000
Of all the amazing places we have stayed, Karawan Riad remains firmly in our Top 10 most extraordinary accommodation anywhere.
Once a former palace, the current French owners have worked tirelessly to return the Riad to its former glory as well as bring it into the 21st century.
The renovation took 11 years and no expense has been spared on the design nor the restoration with stunning tile work, natural stone, hand carvings, sumptuous fabrics and textiles and luxury bedding throughout.
Check availability for Karawan Riad here
To learn more: Fes Accommodation Guide, Best Riads In Fes, Morocco
Best Riads in Fes: Riad Tizwa
Address: 15 Derb Guebbas, Batha, Fes
I discovered Riad Tizwa while visiting Fes on a two-week tour of Morocco. Riad Tizwa is a boutique guesthouse located inside the Fes medina, yet close enough to the outside to make it easy to find without getting lost in the warren of streets.
Being inside the medina literally means you are in the heart of everything – it’s like stepping back in time and really getting the full authentic experience of medieval Fes.
The Riad itself is a converted traditional Moroccan home with 8 rooms beautifully decorated with gorgeous Moroccan mosaic tiles and a roof terrace with views that stretch all the way to the Mid Atlas Mountains.
Check Availability for Riad Tizwa here
To learn more: Fes Accommodation Guide, Best Riads In Fes, Morocco
Best Riads in Fes: Dar Seffarine
Address: 14 Derb Sbaa Louyate, Fes 30020
Dar Seffarine is, quite simply, gorgeous, and one of the highlights of my trip to Morocco. It’s down a tiny lane near Seffarine Square, which is home to the copper makers of Fes, in the medina.
The Dar (different from a riad because there is no garden in the courtyard) is over 600 years old and has been fully restored in recent years. It’s one of the most beautiful buildings I’ve ever seen. The level of detail in the zellige tilework, hand-painted cedar walls, intricate carvings and marble work is incredible.
Check availability for Dar Seffarine here
To learn more: Fes Accommodation Guide, Best Riads In Fes, Morocco
Best Riads in Fes: Le Cheminée Bleue
Address: 61 Zkak Roumane Bab Elguissa, Fes 30000
We spent a few days in Fes during our trip to Morocco and we stayed in a couple of different riads. Our favourite by far was La Cheminee Bleue.
The interior is beautifully decorated and each room is unique with an en suite bathroom. It’s located in a quieter area of the Medina but still within walking distance from the main tourist alleys and markets.
Check availability for Le Cheminée Bleue here
To learn more: Fes Accommodation Guide, Best Riads In Fes, Morocco
Bonus Entry: Hotel Sahrai
Address: Dhar El Mehraz, Fes 30000
Although not a riad, I felt that it was worth including Hotel Sahrai in this list, as it is a pretty spectacular hotel that has been designed with elements of traditional Moroccan architecture such as the use of lanterns and water throughout the property.
This hotel will make the decision on whether to stay on a riad or a hotel hard.
Opened in 2014, Hotel Sahrai is a contemporary hotel that was built in the former site of a summer palace. It was designed by French architect and designer Christophe Pillet, and it feels very bright and airy but with an intimate feel.
This beautiful hotel is located away from the relentless medina, and it feels like a retreat where you can relax while you enjoy the expansive views of the largest medina in the Arab world.
It is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, so you can trust your stay will be pretty special here.
Check availability for Hotel Sahrai here
To learn more: Fes Accommodation Guide, Best Riads In Fes, Morocco