The city of Fez offers several types of accommodation, and it’s a stroke of luck that this thousand-year-old city has managed to develop tourism within its very walls. Yet several constraints could have hindered the welcoming of travelers within the medina of Fez itself, with alleys so narrow, steep, sometimes made of packed earth and worthy of a labyrinth that one might wonder: how can travelers from all over the world be welcomed?
Sleeping in a riad, an unforgettable experience!
The medina of Fez really offers only one type of accommodation, riads or dars. Traditional houses are called dar or riad depending on the architectural structure they offer; for example, when a garden is attached to the house, the name most often given is riad. When the traditional Moroccan house is smaller, enclosed in on itself, the name given is dar. Both types of accommodation are offered by the establishments in the medina.
When you book a riad, you’re not booking a hotel, but a house with staircases that can have one to three floors. Generally, the corners of the house have half-floors, as the main rooms have such high ceilings. Sleeping in a riad can be considered a luxury, but some riads in the medina have affordable prices including breakfast. The experience of staying in a dar in the medina of Fez remains unique, and the travelers from all over the world you meet there brighten up your stay.
The new city of Fez, more classic hotels
Outside the medina, also known as Fez El Bali, you will find more classic accommodations such as hotels. The new city, Fez El Jdid, closely resembles all the major cities of the world with well-laid-out avenues and perpendicular streets and alleys. Several large chains have set up in the city of Fez to offer beds for the night. You will find Barcelo, Borj Fès, Ibis and others catering to the needs of professionals or Westerners.
Whatever your choice, the team at Riad Jamaï advises you to set aside at least one day to visit the medina and to take the time for a mint tea to enjoy the calm of the riads and above all the beauty of the place!
A riad is a house closed off from the outside
