Fès-Meknès is a region of north-central Morocco that holds two of the country's four imperial cities: Fès, home to the world's largest living medieval medina and the oldest university in continuous operation, and Meknès, the 17th-century capital of Sultan Moulay Ismail. Between and around them lie the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the holy hilltop town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, the cedar forests and lakes of the Middle Atlas around Ifrane and Azrou, and the cherry-growing towns of Sefrou and Bhalil.
Accommodation overview
Fès-Meknès is built around the riad: restored courtyard houses in Fès el-Bali and the Meknès medina, typically 8-15 rooms with breakfast included. Palace hotels such as Palais Jamaï and Sahrai sit on the hillside above Fès, while modern chain hotels cluster in the Ville Nouvelle and mountain lodges serve Ifrane and Azrou. Budget guesthouses and hostels near Bab Bou Jeloud start around 200 MAD ($20 USD), mid-range riads run 700-2,000 MAD ($75-215 USD), and luxury properties 2,500-8,000 MAD ($270-865 USD). Medina riads cannot be reached by car, so most arrange a pick-up at a gate such as Bab Bou Jeloud or Place R'cif. Book ahead for spring and autumn, when Fès is busiest; winters are cold and quiet, and summer is very hot.
Hotels by budget
Find accommodation that fits your travel budget.
Budget-friendly
Mid-range
Riad Fez Maya Suite & Spa
Comfortable mid-range hotel in Fès-Meknès.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Transatlantique
Comfortable mid-range hotel in Fès-Meknès.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Panorama Ifrane
Comfortable mid-range hotel in Fès-Meknès.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel La Chaumière Ifrane
Comfortable mid-range hotel in Fès-Meknès.
Check rates on Booking.comLuxury
Sofitel Fès Palais Jamaï
Premium luxury accommodation in Fès-Meknès.
Check rates on Booking.comRiad Fès Relais & Châteaux
Premium luxury accommodation in Fès-Meknès.
Check rates on Booking.comMichlifen Resort & Golf
Premium luxury accommodation in Fès-Meknès.
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Our top picks
Handpicked recommendations for every type of traveler.
Sofitel Fès Palais Jamaï
Quality accommodation for your stay in Fès-Meknès.
Check rates on Booking.comRiad Fès Relais & Châteaux
Quality accommodation for your stay in Fès-Meknès.
Check rates on Booking.comJnan Palace Fès
Quality accommodation for your stay in Fès-Meknès.
Check rates on Booking.comRiad Laaroussa
Quality accommodation for your stay in Fès-Meknès.
Check rates on Booking.comBooking tips
Get the best deals and avoid common mistakes.
Fès riads are hidden in car-free alleys. Visitors should request the property's WhatsApp number when booking and agree a meeting point (usually Bab Bou Jeloud, Place R'cif or Bab Guissa), where a staff member walks guests to the door. Do not follow touts who offer to find the riad.
Peak seasons are March-May and September-November. Book the best riads 4-8 weeks ahead in these months; July-August is hot (35-40 C in Fès) so rates drop, but Ifrane fills with Moroccan families.
Hotels on the Bab Guissa and Borj Nord hill have easier taxi access; visitors with heavy luggage can hire a porter (typically 30-50 MAD / $3-5 USD) at Bab Bou Jeloud for medina riads.
Winter nights in Fès, Meknès and especially Ifrane are cold (often 0-5 C). Visitors should check that rooms have heating, since many older riads rely on portable heaters.
Most medina riads include breakfast and will serve dinner if asked by midday. Alcohol is limited in medina properties; larger hotels in the Ville Nouvelle and Palais Jamaï serve it.
Fès-Saïs airport (FEZ) is about 15 km from the medina; a petit taxi or grand taxi fare is about 120-150 MAD ($13-16 USD). Many riads arrange a pick-up for a similar price. ONCF Fès station is in the Ville Nouvelle, 10-15 minutes by petit taxi (about 20-30 MAD / $2-3 USD) from Bab Bou Jeloud.
A Moroccan tourist tax of roughly 15-30 MAD ($1.50-3 USD) per person per night is added by most licensed properties and is normally paid at check-out.
Compare direct rates with Booking.com and Hotels.com; small riads often offer the lowest price by WhatsApp or email and free airport transfers on stays of 2+ nights.
Alternative accommodations
Beyond traditional hotels, consider these options.
Guesthouses
Family-run guesthouses offer authentic local experiences and often include home-cooked meals. Great for cultural immersion.
Serviced apartments
Ideal for longer stays or families. Kitchen facilities help save money and provide flexibility.
Hostels
Budget-friendly option for solo travelers. Dorms and private rooms available with social common areas.