Sidi M'Hamed Chelh Holidays from £233

The property is beautiful. It's a sprawling resort with areas outdoors in the woods near a cascading springs that I enjoyed sitting at. I liked the lobby, the swimming pools and the exercise room. Checking in was easy. You're sat in the very nice lobby and you're greeted with a nice apple lemon ginger juice while the check in is proceeding. The staff is very nice, attentive and professional. The room is very nice, nicely decorated and the linen is crispy clean white cotton. The appetizers in the lobby were very good. But the drinks are crazy expensive. There were a few glitches: my minibar was empty. This is an expensive hotel. When I brought this issue to the management, they offered to fill it. But it did seem to me as if they were cutting corners. Also, my room was dark. The lighting was dim and not enough to read. It was a room to just retire to and go to bed and watch TV. It's unpleasant to not have enough light in a room, especially if you want to read. In the daytime, the room tends to be dark in the part away from the window. When I brought this matter to the management, they offered to upgrade me to a suite. However, the sitting room in the suite was even darker while the bedroom was brighter. I thus declined the upgrade. The lobby is very nice but it too needs a bit more lighting in some spots. I had to look for a corner with enough light to read the menu and see my food. The drinks are crazy expensive. But overall a very nice stay.

I grew up in Fes. I know traditional. This is traditional/modern. I like the vibe. It’s not “stenciled” over a normal wall. This is true craftsmanship everywhere. The house can be quiet and one feels awkward speaking out loud. But truly amazing. The shades close and darken the room which was amazing for my jet lag when I needed dark. The hospitality is outstanding. There is street parking. The breakfast is delicious and authentic Moroccan. The room is spacious. It’s not the best sunlight coming in but plenty of light makes up for it. Closet space is aplenty. I dropped something requiring me to fish it out from a corner behind the credenza. I was shocked: it was spotless. Not a lick of dust. I came in a sad situation where I attended a funeral. I arrived at 4 am . They accommodated amazingly. Communication with the host was truly extraordinary. I intend to come back - no Question. Regarding proximity to places, honestly, this is off the popular circuit which made it super interesting for me. It’s close to modern city center By car. Close to other venues by car. I had no complaints. But it is a personal preference. I’m truly thankful for my stay and for the accommodation. When I had my brother visit late at night to say good bye, and then I went to see him off at the front entrance, someone came to check the door was locked. I sincerely appreciated the vigilance. Btw: I parked my car out front street parking. It was safe. The “takeout” breakfast at 4 am? Thank you.

It’s situated within the medina which is ideal although you will need to walk a little way from the Main Street to access it. It was down a dirty alleyway with some cats and poo which wasn’t nice. It’s not their area but perhaps they may need to consider how to make that first area more appealing to guests as it looks awful. Inside it was a very nicely decorated Riad. Breakfast was good and useful. I would say if visiting in winter months that this Riad was very cold. The air con didn’t seem to work in heating up the room. This was the one place where I could see my breath so that was a bit of a drawback. I’m sure in the warmer months it’s very comfortable.