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A café and cultural space off Tala'a Kebira, home of the camel burger, with a roof terrace, nightly live music and classes in cooking, oud and…
Tea Room at Palais Faraj
The tea room in the Grand Patio of Palais Faraj, a calm poolside spot in a 19th-century palace hotel on the edge of the medina.
At a glance
- Type
- Hotel tea room by the pool
- Area
- Bab Ziat, Fes el-Bali, Fes, Morocco
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Official site
- palaisfaraj.com
Good to know
- Poolside setting
- Mint tea
- Palace hotel
Why we recommend it
The Tea Room at Palais Faraj offers a calm, elegant alternative to the busy cafés of the medina. It is set in the Grand Patio of the palace hotel, beside the swimming pool, and it is a serene place to stop for tea in the afternoon, particularly after a morning in the lanes of Fes el-Bali below. Culture Trip has picked out Palais Faraj as one of the places in Fez to enjoy mint tea, with views over the medina from the hotel.
Palais Faraj began life as the Bensouda Palace, built by Si Mohamed Bensouda, head of a large Fassi family, and it was renovated and opened as a hotel in 2012 in the style of a 19th-century Moroccan palace. Taking tea here is an easy way to experience the architecture of a grand Fassi house without staying the night. The hotel stands on a hill at the edge of the medina near Bab Ziat, and its terraces have some of the best views over the old city.
Mint tea is the obvious order, served in the Moroccan way, and the setting by the pool makes it feel like an afternoon in a private garden. Ask about Moroccan pastries to go with it. If you prefer something stronger later in the day, the hotel's Golden Bar has views over the medina, and L'Amandier and its rooftop garden serve dinner, so you can turn a tea stop into a full evening.
The tea room suits couples, travellers looking for a quiet hour away from the souks and anyone curious to see inside one of the palace hotels of Fes. Because it is part of a luxury hotel, prices are higher than in the cafés of the medina, and smart casual dress is appropriate. Non-residents should contact the concierge in advance to check availability, especially on busy days or when events are taking place.
Reaching the hotel is easiest by taxi, as it is on high ground at the edge of the medina; walking up from Fes el-Bali involves a steep climb. Afternoon is the most pleasant time to visit, and in winter the patio can be cooler, so choose a sunny day. Combine your visit with sunset from the rooftop or the bar for the full view of Fes as the light fades.
Tea Room at Palais Faraj FAQs
Where is the tea room?
In the Grand Patio of Palais Faraj, beside the pool, at Bab Ziat on the edge of the medina.
What should I order?
Mint tea, served the Moroccan way.
Can non-residents visit?
Contact the concierge in advance to check availability for non-residents.
What is the setting like?
A serene poolside patio in a 19th-century-style palace hotel.
How do I get there?
By taxi is easiest, as the hotel stands on high ground at the edge of the medina.
Is it expensive?
Prices are higher than in medina cafés, as it is part of a luxury hotel.
What else is at the hotel?
The Golden Bar, L'Amandier rooftop restaurant and the Essencia Spa.
When is the best time to go?
Afternoon, staying on for sunset from the rooftop or bar.