Fes is a city in northern Morocco, more precisely, it is located on the map 180 km east of the capital Rabat. Fes, the first imperial city of Morocco, was founded at the beginning of the 9th century. The city is known worldwide for its Medina, the old town at the heart of Fes. The city of Fes is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is nicknamed the « Mecca of the West ».
Riad fes Jamaï in the medina
Are you planning a trip to Fes? Then it’s time to find out where to spend your nights. And naturally, the usual reflex is to look for a hotel in fes as accommodation. However, in addition to traditional hotels, there are more authentic places: riads. Renowned for their friendly atmosphere and attentive hospitality, riads will let you experience the real Morocco.
But what exactly is a riad? What are the differences between staying in a classic hotel and staying in a riad? This article will try to answer these legitimate questions if Moroccan culture is not yet familiar to you.
What is the difference between a hotel and a riad?
Riads were originally located in the Medina, that is, the historic center of Moroccan cities. They represent a form of traditional Moroccan architecture. The word riad means garden in Arabic. Staying in a riad is an exceptional experience.
Ryad Fez saffron suite
A riad is a guest house most often located in a small alleyway. Unassuming at first glance from the outside. Yet, as soon as you step inside, the grandeur and charm of the riad are revealed.
A riad is much more than a hotel. Generally, the owners of the place live in the riad, which gives you the opportunity to share some moments with local people. This creates the promise of a friendly atmosphere. Inside the riad there is a kitchen where local dishes are prepared with fresh products bought daily in the medina. A riad also offers good value for money. All these elements will ensure you have an exceptional stay and a guaranteed change of scenery that will enrich your trip even during moments of rest.
Sleeping in a riad means enjoying easy contact with a wonderful sense of closeness. The feeling you experience is that of feeling at home. A riad offers the charms of the Orient with various decorations such as pottery and traditional rugs. Enough to immerse yourself in the authenticity of Morocco and Fes.
Riad Fes mint room
The various reviews available on booking platforms highlight the personalization of a welcome that surpasses less intimate hotels. It’s not just a matter of stars earned or modern style, but of true architectural authenticity carrying the artisan details of the palaces of yesteryear!
Still wondering whether to choose a hotel fes or a riad? Hotels are largely the same wherever they are located on the planet. A hotel is a standardized commercial establishment offering paid accommodation services. A hotel ensures daily upkeep of rooms and beds, as well as the provision of towels. However, a riad offers the same services and much more. Moreover, the service is by nature more personalized and more welcoming. The riad is an emblem of Morocco that preserves and highlights all the charm of old residences. To experience an authentic stay in Morocco, the riad is the ideal place to live a beautiful, memorable experience.
Your stay in a riad, instead of a hotel fes
hotel fes: solarium terrace pergola 2
Now you understand why guests prefer a riad over a hotel in fes. The riad has this heavenly palace feel and great comfort. It’s about a desire to move away from the beaten path of conventional and classic accommodations. The opportunity to forget the hotel and try the adventure of a riad during your stay in Fes in Morocco. Whether alone, with family, as a couple or with friends, a stay in a riad is relaxing and unique.
Staying in a riad means going back in time to discover authenticity. An atmosphere within traditional Moroccan architecture. A riad is beautiful and elegant with decoration made of refined objects and shimmering colors. In detail, the hotels of the medina are entirely closed off on the inside to protect against the heat and noise of the streets. Life in a riad is organized around a central patio. Balconies on the different floors allow you to observe life unfolding around this patio. A riad generally has one to four floors. The patio of the hotel is the most important part, this place is the lungs of the riad and is naturally designed to keep it cool. Often equipped with water features such as pools or fountains, you can also find plants there, it brings a soothing touch and is conducive to gathering.
The dining room and living room face the patio where general life takes place. The kitchen is also on the ground floor while the rooms are upstairs. The roof is set up as an open-sky terrace and overlooks the urban environment as well as other rooftops. A riad is traditionally decorated with ceramics and zellige. Zellige is a mosaic made of colorful pieces of glazed tiles forming a geometric assembly. In a riad, you experience the adventure of attentive, discreet service, and enjoy a stay with spa. A riad that meets the above criteria is a beautiful hotel fes maroc.
hotel in fes: riad jamai a room rental in fes
Why choose a riad? Is it more expensive than a hotel in Fez?
Hotel fes prices in the Medina are often between 80 and 170 € per night. In comparison, the Riad Jamaï costs between 40 and 90 € per night depending on the type of rooms and suites. This price gives you access to the lounge, the pool, of course the patio and terrace, and a library.
The Riad Jamaï team welcomes you inside a traditional riad for which a comparison with a hotel with pool in fes is relevant. A great opportunity to stroll through the streets around the building and discover the authentic charm of a Moroccan city. An ancestral architecture built around a patio where you can relax in a hotel fes maroc. Riad Jamaï is located in the heart of the Fes medina, in the historic center, in an alleyway of the Andalusian quarter. This Arab-Moorish architecture offers the charm and comfort of a palace worthy of the Tales of a Thousand and One Nights. In a traditional residence of the Fes Medina, you will have the opportunity to discover the Moroccan way of life. Fully renovated, this hotel fes will impress its guests.
Riad Fes cumin suite
It is from the magnificent terrace of the riad that you will be able to admire the famous Medina and the panoramic view over Fes. Breakfast is included in the price. In this riad, the lounges have been converted into suites to offer even more comfort and a more enriching experience. Suites and rooms with enchanting names: Mint, Curry, Paprika, Saffron. A touch of cumin or chocolate.
The rooms of the medina do not aim to be luxurious, unlike Barcelo, Maya, Jnan Palace, the Jamai is more typical, the accommodation offer is authentic and corresponds to an immersion into centuries of history. Selecting a room is child’s play with our booking tool integrated into the site, booking is done directly by entering your dates. To book, select the highest-rated room that has won you over.
Riad Fez indigo room
based on the concept of dar, riad, a booking in the establishment of a room or suite will satisfy you with the quality of each bed, the availability of staff and associated services such as wifi, the possibility to do activities: excursions, body treatments, visits.
Several reviews left by our travelers highlight the details of our rooms, the staff’s work and sometimes details such as having a good time in the bath of our suites. Once selected, a room reservation can be made directly on the hotel’s website with the possibility of benefiting from a discount from 4 nights. Our calendars are synchronized with all booking platforms, so every room is guaranteed as available. Booking offers can be found during the low season, in the months of January, February and November each year.
There is only one way to form a real opinion of a riad, and that is to stay there and live this experience in the fes medina hotel.