Hotel
Hotel Sahrai
A contemporary five-star hotel on a hill above Fez, designed by Christophe Pillet, with a spa, rooftop lounge and Moroccan, Italian and Lebanese restaurants.
Riad Fes
A Relais & Châteaux hotel in a restored 14th-century palace in the medina, with two pools, a spa, a rooftop terrace and the Gayza restaurant and bar.
At a glance
- Type
- Luxury riad hotel, Relais & Châteaux
- Area
- Zerbtana, Fes el-Bali, Fes, Morocco
- Price
- $$$$ · Luxury
- Hotel class
- 5-star
- Official site
- riadfes.com
Good to know
- Pool
- Spa
- Rooftop terrace
- Restaurant
- Bar
Why we recommend it
Riad Fes is one of the best-established luxury addresses in the medina of Fes, and it combines the atmosphere of a historic palace with the services of a full hotel. The property was restored from a 14th-century palace that once belonged to a notable local family, and its owners describe themselves as among the pioneers of riad restoration in the city, having run it for around twenty years. It is a member of Relais & Châteaux and is recognised with a MICHELIN Key for its hospitality.
Rooms range from Classic, Deluxe and Deluxe Superior categories to two signature suites, L'Ambassadeur and La Royale, so there are options for couples on a special trip as well as families who need more space. The hotel is unusual for the medina in having two pools: a 14-metre pool, open all year, set against a contemporary green wall, and a second pool in an Andalusian patio surrounded by arcades. The spa, created with Cinq Mondes and marocMaroc, offers treatments after long days walking the lanes.
Dining is a strong reason to stay. The Gayza Restaurant serves French and Moroccan menus devised by a long-serving Fassi chef and a Meilleur Ouvrier de France, and Gayza Le Bar pours Moroccan and international wines and signature cocktails in the evening, with a menu served by the pool during the day and tea time from 4pm. The Rooftop terrace looks over the medina towards the surrounding mountains and is a natural place to watch the sun set. Note the dress code: elegant attire is expected in the restaurant, bar and rooftop, and shorts are not allowed after 7pm except for children under 12.
The hotel stands on Derb Ben Slimane in the Zerbtana area of Fes el-Bali, so the lanes, souks and monuments of the old city are reachable on foot. As with every riad in the medina, cars cannot reach the door, so ask the hotel how best to arrive and whether a porter can meet you for luggage. Reception is also the place to ask about licensed guides and transfers.
Riad Fes suits travellers who want a polished, full-service stay inside the old city rather than a small guesthouse, and it is especially good for couples and food lovers. Book well ahead for spring and autumn, when the city is busiest, and reserve dinner at Gayza at the same time if you plan to eat in.
Riad Fes FAQs
Is Riad Fes part of a hotel group?
It is a member of Relais & Châteaux and holds a MICHELIN Key.
How old is the building?
It was restored from a 14th-century palace that belonged to a notable local family.
Does it have a pool?
Yes, two: a 14-metre pool open all year and a second pool in an Andalusian patio.
Is there a spa?
Yes, the spa was created with Cinq Mondes and marocMaroc.
Is there a dress code?
Elegant attire is expected in the restaurant, bar and rooftop, and shorts are not permitted after 7pm except for children under 12.
Can non-guests eat there?
The Gayza Restaurant and bar take table bookings by phone or online.
How do I get there with luggage?
Cars cannot reach medina riads, so ask the hotel to arrange your transfer and a porter.
Where is it?
At 5 Derb Ben Slimane in the Zerbtana area of Fes el-Bali, within the car-free medina.