Finding Comfort in the Maze: The Best Mid-Range Hotels in Fes
Fes is a city that immediately captures your attention, mainly because of its magnificent, sprawling, and somewhat bewildering Old Medina (Fes el-Bali), a UNESCO World Heritage site. When you plan your trip here, one of the first things you’ll consider is where to stay, and that choice largely comes down to two distinct areas: the old and the new.
The Fes el-Bali Medina is the true heart of the city—a medieval labyrinth where no cars can enter, filled with the captivating sights, sounds, and smells of traditional life. Accommodation here generally takes the form of a Riad or Dar, which are traditional Moroccan houses converted into guesthouses, offering an intimate and highly authentic experience, usually centered around a peaceful interior courtyard. Staying here means you’re right in the action, but navigating the narrow, winding alleys can be a challenge, and you’ll often have to walk a little way from the nearest drop-off point.
In contrast, the Nouvelle Ville (New City) offers a more structured, modern, and easily accessible base. This area, developed during the French protectorate, has wider avenues, easier access to modern amenities like banks and large restaurants, and is where you’ll find the larger, international-style hotels. Taxis are plentiful here, and the train station is located in this district, offering convenience for onward travel.
If you’re a traveler looking to balance the authentic charm of Fes with comfort, convenience, and excellent value, the mid-range options are where you’ll find your sweet spot. Here are some of the best accommodations in both the old and new parts of the city that offer great amenities without breaking the bank.
Modern Comforts in the Nouvelle Ville
For travelers prioritizing ease of access and standard hotel amenities, the Nouvelle Ville offers reliable, good-value options.
Barceló Fès Medina
This is a modern, 4-star chain hotel situated right in the Nouvelle Ville, making it an excellent choice if you appreciate contemporary design and familiar standards of comfort. It offers a sleek pool, a spa, and a well-equipped business center, catering to both leisure and business travelers. Its location is a major plus for travelers arriving by train or needing easy taxi access, and it’s a short ride to the historic Medina gates.
- Pros: Modern, clean rooms; good location near the train station and transportation; outdoor pool and full-service spa; solid breakfast spread.
- Cons: Lacks the traditional Moroccan atmosphere of a Riad; some past guests have noted inconsistencies with service or Wi-Fi reliability.
Royal Mirage Fes Hotel
An established fixture in the New City, the Royal Mirage is a grander, more traditional hotel offering spacious, elegantly furnished rooms, often with great city views. It’s a great choice if you prefer the full-service environment of a large hotel, complete with a lovely outdoor pool and several dining options. It manages to offer a touch of classic luxury at a mid-range price point.
- Pros: Excellent customer service and welcoming staff; large, comfortable rooms; beautiful pool area; great value for a full-service hotel.
- Cons: Located further from the Medina (requires a short taxi ride); some of the decor is a little dated compared to newer hotels.
ibis Fes
If your primary need is a clean, reliable place to sleep near the train station, the ibis is the definition of functional value. It sticks to the brand’s formula of comfortable bedding, clean rooms, and efficient service. It’s an ideal choice for short stays, business travelers, or anyone who wants a straightforward, no-fuss experience in the Nouvelle Ville.
- Pros: Highly convenient location next to the train station; consistently clean and functional rooms; outdoor pool (a nice bonus); excellent value for money.
- Cons: Very standard, minimalist rooms; lacks the cultural charm of a riad; some wear and tear visible in facilities.
Authentic Charm within the Medina Walls
For those who want to sleep right in the heart of history, the mid-range Riads offer an unforgettable, culturally rich experience coupled with a peaceful retreat from the bustle.
Algilà Fes Riad Medina Charme Hotel
This exquisite Riad lives up to its name, offering a beautiful blend of traditional Moroccan architecture with high standards of comfort. Located centrally within the Medina, it features stunning tiled courtyards, traditional plasterwork, and beautifully appointed rooms. The staff are renowned for their personalized service and for making guests feel genuinely at home. It’s a true oasis of tranquility in a perfect location for exploring the Old City.
- Pros: Stunning, authentic Moroccan décor; superb location in the heart of the Medina; exceptionally warm and helpful staff; highly-rated in-house restaurant.
- Cons: Inner-Medina location means it’s not accessible by car, requiring a walk from the nearest drop-off point; being a traditional Riad, it has many stairs.
Riad Mazar Fes
Riad Mazar is a magnificent find, often praised for its exceptional hospitality and gorgeous design. It’s thoughtfully located just outside the walls of the Old Medina, allowing guests the unique advantage of being a short walk from the bustling souks while also having easy access to main roads and car transport—a huge convenience for arrivals, departures, and day trips. The beautiful decor and tranquil atmosphere make it a favorite.
- Pros: Perfect location on the edge of the Medina for easy car access; stunning traditional aesthetic and beautiful rooms; personalized, attentive staff; delicious traditional meals.
- Cons: Being slightly outside the main core of the Medina may mean a longer walk to some of the central attractions.
Riad TOYOUR
Known as the “Riad of Birds,” this charming retreat is beloved for its beautiful garden courtyard and its namesake avian residents, which give it a serene, natural atmosphere. Situated near a main gate of the Medina, it provides a balance of immersive old-city experience and relative ease of access. Guests rave about the breathtaking rooftop views, which offer a unique vantage point over the city’s ancient roofs and nearby ruins.
- Pros: Lovely, peaceful atmosphere with a central garden; stunning rooftop terrace with panoramic views; friendly and accommodating staff; very good location close to a Medina gate.
- Cons: The “birds” (doves) in the courtyard are charming but can occasionally lead to a noticeable scent or droppings in the open-air common areas; beds can be quite firm.
Riad Jamaï
Tucked inside the labyrinth of the Fes el-Bali Medina, Riad Jamaï is a peaceful haven renowned for its character and excellent service. Its traditional architecture and decoration create a welcoming, authentic atmosphere. The highlight for many is the small but perfectly placed dipping pool—a much-needed luxury and tranquil spot to cool off after a day of navigating the intense heat and energy of the Medina.
- Pros: Beautiful traditional architecture; excellent, attentive staff; a cooling pool is available; good proximity to major Medina gates.
- Cons: Located a bit further into the Medina, which may require a longer walk from the road; breakfast start time may be a little late for very early risers.
Palais Fes Yahya
More of a family-run guesthouse than a large Riad, Palais Fes Yahya offers an intimate and highly personalized experience. The building itself is gorgeously decorated with classic Moroccan tiles and intricate plasterwork, making it visually stunning. The genuine warmth and helpfulness of the family hosts are consistently highlighted in reviews, making it feel less like a hotel and more like staying with friends.
- Pros: Exceptional, genuinely warm hospitality from the family owners; stunning, richly detailed traditional décor; great value for the quality of the property.
- Cons: Limited number of rooms, so it books up quickly; some guests note a slightly more secluded location within the Medina.
Riad Dar Hidaya Fes
Riad Dar Hidaya provides a lovely balance between traditional Fassi style and modern amenities. It’s located deep enough in the Medina for an authentic feel, yet still relatively close to an entrance, which eases luggage handling. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and the small roof terrace offers a quiet spot for relaxation. The staff, particularly the main host, is consistently praised for being helpful, communicative, and ensuring a seamless stay.
- Pros: Friendly, attentive host and excellent service; very good complimentary breakfast; good location within the Medina but relatively close to a parking area; comfortable rooms with good AC.
- Cons: Can be a bit tricky to find initially on your own; limited number of rooms and facilities compared to larger Riads.