Riad Laaroussa

Riad Laaroussa occupies a 17th-century palace in Fes el-Bali and is one of the city's best-known small riads. It has just eight rooms and suites, so the atmosphere is calm and personal. At its heart is a tranquil courtyard planted with orange trees, around which the rooms are arranged, and it is the kind of space where you can sit with a book and forget the noise of the souks a few lanes away.

The four suites are named after colours, Green, Orange, Grey and Cream, and the four rooms are Red, Yellow, Blue and Little Brown, which makes it easy to choose by size and mood. Some suites and the salons have fireplaces that are lit in winter, which is a real comfort on cold Fes nights. On the roof, a terrace with lounging areas and an outdoor shower has views over the city, and it is a lovely place for breakfast in the morning or a drink as the sun goes down.

The riad has its own hammam and spa, which can be booked through its scheduling system, and a restaurant for guests who prefer to eat in. The team can also arrange professional guides, transport and day trips, which takes the pressure off planning and helps avoid the problems of unofficial guides in the medina.

Riad Laaroussa stands on Derb Bechara in the western part of Fes el-Bali, a short walk from the Batha area, the Al Batha Museum and Bab Bou Jeloud, so the main sights on Tala'a Kebira are easy to reach on foot. The riad's own map places it close to this western edge of the medina. As with all riads, cars cannot reach the door, so ask the team to meet your taxi at the nearest drop-off point and help with luggage. Carry the address and phone number when you go out until you know the way.

Laaroussa suits couples and small groups of friends who want a characterful, intimate place with good service and a garden courtyard. Families can take one of the larger suites. With so few rooms it fills up quickly in spring and autumn, so book early, and mention if you would like a room with a fireplace for a winter stay.