The Most Beautiful Riads in Fez, Morocco
Ancient Fez, in the northeast of Morocco, oozes atmosphere, from its walled medina to its landscaped Jnan Sbil Gardens. When you visit a place this beautiful, you’ll want a hotel that’s just as fabulous. Step forward, riads: the traditional Moroccan accommodation, with fountain-studded courtyards, rooftop terraces and cool corners for sipping glasses of mint tea.
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1. Riad Al Makan
Riad, Hotel
From ornate blue-and-white floor tiling and fanning palms to intricate tadelakt plasterwork and a striking courtyard, this riad has it all. You could wear out your phone battery snapping selfies here, but you’ll want to save some juice for the must-see Blue Gate – it’s just a 3-minute walk away. A restaurant and a hammam on site mean there’s no need to head out after a long day’s sightseeing.
2. Riad Fes Maya
Riad, Hotel
Stained-glass windows, elaborately carved cedar doors, chandelier-style lanterns – this might just be the most ornate room you’ll ever sleep in. It doesn’t matter which room you choose, either: every one of the nine at this centrally located riad has an artisan’s touch, transporting you to historic Morocco (thankfully, however, the bathrooms are modern). If you find yourself obsessed with the geometric zellige tiling during your stay, you can sign up for a themed workshop at reception.
3. Le Jardin des Biehn
Riad, Hotel
Years ago, a French couple, the Biehns, relocated to Fez and opened this lovely riad, now managed by their son Paul. They gave it a fitting name: the centrepiece is a mature, lush garden stuffed with aromatic herbs, olive trees, vegetables and rustling palms. But, the rooms, too, are something special, blending traditional Moroccan textiles and antiques with the occasional, well-placed contemporary accent to keep things feeling fresh. A garden cafe and steamy hammam give further reason to linger.
4. Riad Layalina
Hotel, Riad
You’re just a 5-minute walk from the Blue Gate, but you’ve also got a pool on site – what else could you wish for? This riad is beloved by visitors for plenty of other reasons, including the intimate feel (there are just seven rooms) and Moroccan cookery classes. Its good looks might also have something to do with its popularity: the tiling and hanging lanterns in the courtyard are utterly atmospheric, especially after dark. Travelling as a group? It’s possible to hire out the whole riad exclusively, too.
5. Riad Alkantara
Hotel, Riad
From above, the strip of the aquamarine pool at the Riad Alkantara, set against the white-washed walls of Fez, looks like a scene from a postcard. The view of the historic city is one reason to come here. Others are the atmospheric rooms, with their traditional tiling and carved cedarwood, and the sense of space. Because the hotel is, in fact, made up of five different riads linked by the pool area, there’s plenty of room to stretch out.
6. Dar Roumana
Guesthouse
7. Riad Fes
Hotel, Riad
8. Riad Laaroussa
Hotel, Riad
9. Karawan Riad
Luxury
10. Riad 9
Guesthouse
11. Dar Seffarine
Riad
12. La Maison Bleue
Hotel, Riad
13. Riad Mabrouka
Hotel, Riad
Ellie Hurley contributed additional reporting to this article.
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