Riad Fes Hotel & Spa

Riad Fes Hotel & Spa is a five-star palatial riad on Derb Cherfa in the Fes el-Bali medina, in Morocco's Fès-Meknès region, and is widely regarded as one of the best-known luxury addresses in the old city. The riad sits in the Batha side of the medina, within walking distance of the Batha Museum, the Bou Inania Madrasa and Bab Boujloud, and several of the city's main monuments can be reached in about 10 to 20 minutes on foot through the lanes. Vehicles cannot enter the medina, so luggage is typically carried the last stretch by porter. The house is built in the grand Fassi style around a central courtyard, with intricate carved stucco, zellige mosaics, painted cedar and a refined, formal atmosphere. Room types include Deluxe Rooms, Junior Suites and Prestige Suites, and published rates are about MAD 2,500 to 6,000 per night, among the highest in the medina. Listed amenities include a spa and hammam, a swimming pool, a restaurant, a courtyard, concierge service and Wi-Fi. The restaurant focuses on Moroccan and Mediterranean cooking, with breakfast served in the courtyard or on the terrace, and the pool is a rare feature for a medina property that is appreciated in the summer heat. The spa and hammam offer traditional steam and massage treatments. Service is high-end and attentive, with a concierge able to arrange private guides, restaurant reservations, craft visits and transfers from Fes-Saïss airport, about 15 km away. The property is geared towards leisure travellers, couples and honeymooners, and is also used for small celebrations. Visitors should expect a quiet courtyard atmosphere inside, in contrast to the busy lanes outside, and should plan for stairs between floors typical of historic houses.