Best Riads in Fez: My Top 5 Picks in the Medina

Fez is a fascinating historic city, with some of the best-preserved riads in Morocco. It’s one of the world’s largest Medinas; be prepared to get lost at least once in the narrow alleys. My top tip for Fez is to explore with a guide (best booked through your riad), at least for one day; many of the city’s historic and religious sites are well hidden.

My second trip to Fez was during a heatwave in mid-July; I wouldn't recommend travelling at that time of year for holidays (unless you have to; it was incredibly hot). However, for work research, it was perfect, because I could visit many of the best riads in Fez and experience and photograph the city’s historic sites without crowds.

When choosing a riad in Fez Medina, there are so many; I did a lot of research before I travelled and narrowed it down to a handful to focus on during my stay. This article covers budgets from 50 euros to 400 euros per night.

Here is my list of the top 5 riads I recommend to friends and family looking for a place to stay in Fez old town. 

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Dar Roumana - Best Traditional Riad in Fez Medina

Room rates from euro 115-215 per night 

Dar Roumana, Fez

This was the first place I stayed in Fez Medina, an architecturally stunning riad with great in-house dining and lovely people. It’s one of the best riads in Fez, and there are just five suites, so if one is available for your dates, book it! So much care went into the restoration and preserving the riad's original features. The owner is an American lady, and the team is Moroccan. I stayed in the Tamarind Suite and loved the large, firm-yet-comfy bed, beautiful crisp white linen, and thick floor rugs. I loved the large windows, wooden shutters, and waking up to the soft morning light filling the room. Modern touches include air conditioning (except in the Roumana Suite), stylish zellige (tiles) in the ensuite bathrooms, and a double shower (in some). I enjoyed the location in a quieter (northern) neighbourhood of Fez Medina, a 10-minute walk to one of the main souk streets: Talaa Kbira. The food was fantastic: breakfast on their pretty roof terrace with lovely city views, and dinner in the candlelit courtyard with a water fountain. The dinner menu (Franco-Moroccan) changes seasonally, and tables are open for non-residents too. You can find details about the restaurant here. 

Riad Fez - Best Luxury Riad in Fez Medina

Room rates from euro 400+ per night 

Riad Fez

If you’re looking for a luxurious riad in Fez, this is it! I visited Riad Fes for a private tour and sunset drink with their delighted marketing director. It is exquisite, one of the finest riads in Fez, in terms of its style, finishes, and service. The hotel interiors and details throughout are magnificent. This is one of the best boutique hotels in Fez, made up of four riads, with 30 rooms and suites in total. Riad Fes is in a great location in Fez Medina, close to Rue Talaa Sghira and within walking distance to historic sights, with parking nearby, handy for taxi pick-ups and drop-offs. They have a hammam and outdoor swimming pool with loungers, which looked very inviting on a hot Summer’s day. The riad style is elegant and traditional, discreet and quiet.  If you don't have the budget for a stay at Riad Fes, note that it’s also a member of Relais & Chateaux, which means excellent food and drink offerings. 

Riad Tizwa Fez - Best Value Riad in Fez Medina

Room rates from euro 50-150 per night 

Riad Tizwa Fez

I stayed here for a couple of nights and found it a very reasonably priced, traditional riad in Fez Medina. There are seven rooms in total, each one unique with lovely details and different bathroom layouts; some with a bathtub. It is one of the best riads in Fez for solo travellers (they offer a compact double that works well for solo occupancy). Riad Tizwa also works well for families who can book rooms next door or close together. The location is great, within walking distance of historic sights in Fez Medina, and close to road access, which is handy for luggage pick-up and drop-off. Breakfast on their sunny terrace, which has space for loungers, was perfect! The staff speak French and English and were very accommodating of all my requests. I loved the homely, thoughtful touches, like natural bath products decanted in ceramic and glass pots, and sun hats on the rooftop. 

Riad Laaroussa - Best Riad in Fez for Families

Room rates from euro 100-300 per night 

Riad Laaroussa

I popped in for a hotel visit and to enjoy a hammam and massage in their spa. It was great to get a feel for the riad and see who it would suit (they cater well to families and I met several US clients). The team was very friendly, and the riad - traditional yet homely - has a nice feel. Riad Laaroussa has 8 rooms and suites, so slightly larger than Dar Roumana, but smaller and less expensive than Riad Fes. The same (family) owners have run it since it opened as a boutique hotel in Fez in 2006. Some of their Suites sleep families/groups of friends, sharing a Double and Single or Twin Beds in one room. It’s one of the best riads in Fez for relaxing after sightseeing, with a lovely heated pool, sun lounge, and bar area in the beautiful gardens. Bistro Laaroussa is on the rooftop for dining with a view of the Merenid Tombs. This is one of the most centrally located riads in Fez Medina. 

Dar Seffarine Fez - Best Riad in Fez for History Lovers

Room rates from euro 100-150 per night 

Dar Seffarine

Dar Seffarine was closed for staff holidays when I visited; it’s one I have marked to return to, especially for the history and architecture. The riad is over 600 years old, with towering columns, cedarwood salons, four-metre-high doors, intricate ‘zellige’ tilework, and exquisite details. If you’re looking for a place to stay in Fez that focuses on history and simplicity, Dar Seffarine is a great option. Located a stone’s throw from the Qarawiyine Library and near the Chouara Tannery. I also love the sound of their Islamic Architecture tour, which you can book through the riad.

Other Places to Stay in Fez (Palace Hotels)

While this article focuses on riads in Fez Medina, if you prefer restored palace hotel stays, I can recommend Palais Amani (especially for their cookery school, room rates: € 110- 300 per night) and Palais de Fès Suites and Spa (room rates: € 160-320 per night).

Thank you for reading.

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