“A real Arabic dream”
This is a great place to stay, perfectly located in the Medina of Fez. It is an oasis of peace, above all when you come back from the markets of the Medina. The staff is all local, extremely friendly, helpful and caring, they make all efforts to make you feel at home and assist you if you have any need. Breakfast is traditional and very good (the day of our departure they prepared breakfast at 4 am especially for us!); if you decide to have dinner at the hotel (to pay on the side of the hotel bill), the cuisine is excellent and the courtyard has a very special atmosphere. The room was enormous, on two floors, with all comforts and richly decorated in the traditional Andalousian way. The bathroom was large and provided all sizes of clean towels and robes. Everything was impeccably clean,
The courtyards had a very traditional and magic touch and reminded me of the Arabian Nights.
The location was perfect as it was a few steps away from the famous Bab El Jaloud, at the entrance of the Kasbah and a few steps away from Baghdadi Square, where you can find a taxi at any time of the day or night.
I'd highly recommend this Riad.
Area recommendations
Stay in the Medina; the New Town (Nouvelle Ville) is not interesting and is rather polluted. The Medina of Fez is magic, adventurous and fascinating. Just watch out during the night and, generally, learn how to deal with the many "proposals" you receive in the streets.
Small taxis (Petit Taxis) are very cheap, just make sure they have the counter switched on.
When to go
September/October or May/June
Getting there
By airplane or by train from Casablanca.
Getting around
Be considerate of the local uses, do not behave like a Western colonizer and do not think the locals will respect you just because you have/give more money than they do. They'll respect you if you can show respect for their culture, if you engage with them in a sale (which can be rather hard and stressful) without giving in too soon but if you keep your word.
What to pack
Clothes for all different occasions - you don't want to look like a stupid tourist but you want to stay comfortable.
Dining
The Medina Cafè at Bab El Jaloud is top notch!!! (Cous cous and Brochettes, tea and biscuits)
Nightlife
Not much (unless you're looking for something dodgy), but it's great to walk through the Medina by night, very fascinating, just watch out.
GO FOR A HAMMAM at the Maison Blue Riad, it's a real treat! If you're more adventurous, go to a public hammam and meet the locals in an intimate environment.
