Les Mérinides

Les Mérinides is a hilltop hotel on Borj Sud, above Bab Guissa and beside the Merenid Tombs, overlooking the Fes el-Bali medina in Morocco's Fès-Meknès region. The position on the northern hill gives one of the classic views of Fes, with the medina's roofs, domes and minarets spread in the valley below. The hotel is a short taxi ride or a steep walk from the lanes and gates beneath, and Bab Guissa, Bab Boujloud and the Bou Inania Madrasa can be reached on foot downhill in about 15 to 25 minutes. Because it is outside the pedestrian lanes, it offers something the medina riads cannot, namely vehicle access and parking, which suits travellers arriving by car from Rabat, Meknes or Marrakech. The building is a larger hotel in a modern interpretation of Moroccan style, in contrast to the smaller courtyard riads below. Room types are Standard Rooms, Superior Rooms and Suites, and published rates run from about MAD 1,100 to 2,600 per night, which places it at the upper end of the mid-market. Amenities listed include a swimming pool, a restaurant, a panoramic terrace, a bar and Wi-Fi. The restaurant and terrace are typically popular for sunset meals and drinks, since the hill setting suits evening views, and the bar is one of the few places in the area to serve alcohol, which is not available in many medina riads. The pool is a relief in the hot summer months. Service is oriented towards leisure visitors and tour groups looking for convenience and views. The hotel's own website is lesmerinides.com, and it can be reached by phone on +212 535 64 52 26. Visitors should note that evening trips back from the medina are easiest by petit taxi.