In northwestern Morocco, lies the city of Fez – tucked between the Rif and the Middle Atlas Mountains, carrying tales from 789 CE. Originally created as two rival cities along the banks of River Fes, the cities saw immigrants, expansion, colonialism, and accompanying diverse cultures. Dubbed as the Athens of Africa and the Mecca of West, the erstwhile capital city remains the cultural capital of Morocco. Famous for the Medina with its labyrinth of lanes, Fez is home to the world’s oldest functioning university. In addition, it also has plenty of attractions such as those listed among the Top 12 Things to Do in Fez. A city for all tastes, Fez appeals to all – be it the shopper, foodie, culture-seeker, or wanderer. So, here are some of the best hotels in Fez, Morocco, to plan your next vacation.
Where to Stay in Fez, Morocco
This old imperial city is segmented into three parts: Fez el Bali, Fez el Jdid, and Ville Nouvelle. Each attests to the uniqueness of Fez in its own way. The historic part, Fez el Bali, with the world’s largest pedestrian zone offers an immersive cultural experience. Ville Nouvelle, the French Quarter, is a quiet cosmopolitan but is often expensive than other parts. Areas around Fez el Jdid and Blue Gate, with its Marinid architecture, is the quieter and affordable part of Fez, to connect with the city in one’s comfort zone. However, the outskirts of Fez el Jdid provide a peaceful getaway with panoramic city views. Also, areas around the train station are perfect for quick layover stops. Take your pick of the best hotels in Fez, Morocco, located in these areas.
Riad El Yacout
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It’s easy to spot the Riad El Yacout , located close to the Batha Foundation. An old traditional residence renovated into affordable luxurious accommodation. It offers easy access to the Medina and Blue Gate. In addition, it’s features include a picturesque terrace, pools, and a serene inner courtyard.
This hotel houses a variety of personalized rooms and suites including bridal and honeymoon suites. Loaded with standard amenities including shuttle service, hypoallergenic rooms, hammam, meeting, and banquet halls, the riad’s also home to a restaurant serving Moroccan cuisine. Also, this riad’s family and child-friendly. In addition, it offers an immersive Moroccan experience by organizing various cultural activities. Therefore, Riad El Yacout offers a comfortable stay in a vibrant city.
Palais Faraj Suites & Spa
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You’re sure to feel like royalty at the 19th-century palace of Palais Faraj that sits perched on a hill at the edge of the Medina. Noted for its intricate ornamental architecture, Faraj offers a mix of comfort with exquisite artistic flair. Sculpted ceilings, carved wooden pieces, and zellige tiles abound here. Each room and suite has been intricately designed to highlight its history in a classy and chic manner. Offering views of the city and distant mountains, Faraj is only a five-minute drive from the bus station.
Look forward to an abundance of amenities including a spa, hammam, library, sundeck, garden, fully-equipped meeting rooms, banquet room, and bars. Also, the concierge can arrange various activities on request and at an extra charge. The hotel’s two restaurants serve local cuisine. The restaurants tend to get busy and need reservations. Similarly, you can also enjoy private dining and picnic boxes on request.
Hotel & Spa Dar Bensouda
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A 16th-century house characterized by its vibrant colors, Hotel and Spa Dar Bensouda promises you a cozy stay. Look forward to stucco features, plastered bathrooms, carved, and painted wood ceilings at this traditional property. Bensouda houses 18 rooms and suites centered around a fountain courtyard at the heart of the Medina. Head to the terrace to enjoy sweeping views of the Medina and the Atlas Mountain range.
In addition, this hotel comes with a load of amenities. These include free breakfast, an outdoor pool, spa, and hammam. Also, you could get the concierge to arrange for activities such as cooking classes. Dar Bensouda has communal places such as a lounge with a fireplace to relax and mingle. Meanwhile, an onsite restaurant serves Moroccan cuisine. Although expensive, Dar Bensouda offers a luxurious stay making it one of the best hotels in Fez.
Riad Amor
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If you are seeking a romantic stay, Riad Amor is just right for you. This riad was a part of the palaces belonging to the El Mokri family of Fez. Built in a Hispano-Moorish tradition with a subtle mix of Andalusian splendor and artsy Moroccan styles, it’s unique charm beckons all. The renovated building now showcases artful interiors and rich history.
Located within the Medina, in close proximity to the main attractions, Amor offers a perfect terrace to watch the sunrise. Amenities at this traditional property include spas and a hammam. In addition, pets are allowed on request but attract a fee. Take your pick of rooms suitable for families, children, and people with mobility limitations. Above all, Amor offers an outdoor pool, free breakfast, babysitting, banquet hall, a restaurant, and a bar. Each room and suite is uniquely decorated and comes at a decent price.
Ryad Salama
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A charming property offering a tranquil yet Moroccan experience, Ryad Salama is one of the best hotels in Fez. Take your pick of six luxurious rooms furnished in Moroccan decor. These come with balconies or patios overlooking the tree-lined garden. Its convenient location in the Medina places the riad close to parking spots. Similarly, you could also just walk to prominent city attractions that are in the vicinity.
The property’s family and child-friendliness should figure in your decision. Along with standard amenities, its garden view, a sundeck, a terrace, a Turkish bath, a bar, and a restaurant promise a great time. Also, you could fuel up with the Moroccan-styled Continental breakfast each morning. At dinner time, settle in to savor Moroccan or French cuisine in the garden. The riad’s mosaics, stained glass windows, the garden, and terrace make for a peaceful getaway at affordable prices.
Riad Sara
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A 17th-century building renovated into a guesthouse, Riad Sara offers an exceptional stay in Fez. Located on a quiet yet convenient location near Batha Square of El Bali, this property has an unassuming exterior. However, be prepared to be captivated with its lush interior decorated in an artistic fashion. The property is family, child, and mobility-friendly besides being equipped with numerous amenities. These include public parking, free breakfast, WiFi, massages, a sun terrace, multilingual staff, soundproofing, and hypoallergenic rooms. In addition, there are additional amenities available on request at an extra cost.
Apart from the restaurant on site, there are numerous eateries within walking distance. The place is renowned for its fantastic coffee. This historic guesthouse with its beautiful interiors and hospitable services is also easy on your wallet despite being one of the best hotels in Fez, Morocco!
Hotel Sahrai
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A trendy, five-star hotel with a modern outlook and typical Moroccan style, Hotel Sahrai sits on a hill. Set between the Medina and the New Town, it offers unique views of the city. Therefore, this hotel is perfect for both business travelers as well as leisure seekers. Sleek and pleasing interiors, soundproof rooms, shuttle service, valet parking, and butler services are just some of the amenities available. In addition, an infinity pool, swim-up bar, and the Givenchy spa with its hammam let you indulge in the hilt.
Also, you will have access to a heated pool from February to October. In-house restaurants serve Parisian, Moroccan, and Lebanese cuisine while the rooftop bar is perfect for unwinding. Often preferred by couples, this star hotel is one of the luxurious and best hotels in Fez, Morocco. It also doesn’t come cheap.
Riad Andalib
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A four-star luxury hotel, Riad Andalib is one of the top-rated and best hotels in Fez. Situated in R’cif district within the Medina, it’s a short walk from Qarawiyyin University. In addition, it’s in close proximity to public transport including the train station. This Andalusian-styled riad has two charming restaurants. One of them’s located on the rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the Medina and its minarets.
Apart from the regular amenities, Riad Andalib has a small pool, soundproof rooms, a solarium, sun terrace, designated smoking rooms, bar, concierge, and private parking. Also, it offers bridal and honeymoon suites while multilingual staff adds to the experience. All these make it one of the best hotels in Fez, Morocco.
Dar Hafsa
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A 19th century traditional Moroccan home turned into a bed and breakfast, Dar Hafsa offers a cozy stay. Also, it’s located in a residential neighborhood, just five minutes from major attractions. Dar Hafsa, with its ornate tile work, painted doors, and indoor balconies is a family-run hotel. Its terrace offers gorgeous views of the Medina and Riff Mountains. Therefore, you’re assured of a warm homestay experience.
This hotel’s been recently renovated and is equipped with high-speed WiFi as well as a sun terrace. In addition, you’ll enjoy free breakfast each morning. Set in a prime location, it’s close to restaurants. These are some reasons it figures on the list of best hotels in Fez. However, there’s no parking facility, and children under the age of five are not welcome here.
Riad Toyour
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Riad Toyour or the Riad of Birds, with its courtyard, terrace, and a garden featuring birds is one of the most beautiful riads in Fez. Overlooking Borj Nord, this property’s located within walking distance to the Blue Gate and Medersa Bouinania. Therefore, it’s a short distance away from the Medina and the royal palace. One of the best hotels in Fez, Morocco, this riad welcomes children, families, and pets. Also, it offers the usual bouquet of amenities along with hypoallergenic and soundproofed rooms, shuttle service, public parking, meeting rooms, bar, and a restaurant.
In addition, this riad provides Continental or halal breakfast and a variety of activities to keep you busy. This mid-range hotel offers a tranquil experience all around. The only glitch you’re likely to encounter is their sometimes faulty air conditioning.
Riad-Boutique Borj Dhab Fez
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Ideally located within Fez el Bali, Riad-Boutique Borj Dhab Fez is one of the best hotels in Fez, Morocco. This ancient Moroccan house dates back to 1904. It was renovated with modern amenities and promises a memorable experience. Equipped with multi-lingual staff, public parking, WiFi, concierge, air conditioning, library, and babysitting, this Andalusian-styled riad offers views of the Medina and its inner courtyard. In addition, this trendy hotel, coupled with a Moroccan restaurant is family and kid-friendly.
You can unwind on the courtyard with the carved cedar doors while a fountain gushes in the center. Also, you could relax on the terrace savoring panoramic views of the Medina. Known for its hospitality and cleanliness, this riad offers various amenities. Above all, it’s easy on the pocket.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Fez:
- Nagham Cafe: This is a lovely, casual restaurant that serves Moroccan, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cuisines. The constantly changing menu’s sure to have you stopping by more than once!
- Dar Roumana: Specializing in an array of French and Moroccan delicacies, the beautiful ambiance and unmatched service will leave you wonderstruck. You can also find Mediterranean cuisine on the menu.
Recommended Activities In Fez:
- 6-Hour Best of Fez Medina Tour: Enjoy a guided tour of the cultural heart of this bustling city. Gain insights into its rich past as you accompany your guide on this enjoyable escapade.
- From Fes: Chefchaouen Instagram Tour: Set off on a full-day exploration of Chefchaouen from Fez. Stop by its famed blue streets and buildings for excellent photo opportunities.
