The best hotels in Fes

This small guesthouse sits steps from the Bou Inania Madrasa in the heart of the medina. Rooms are basic but clean, with traditional zellige tilework giving them character. The owner speaks good English and gives honest advice on navigating the old city. Breakfast is simple but included. Good choice if you want a cheap, authentic medina base without much fuss.

Hotel Cascade is one of the most well-known budget options near Bab Boujloud, the main gate into Fes el-Bali. The rooftop terrace has a direct view over the blue and green tiled gate and is the best thing about this place. Rooms are sparse and a bit dated, but everything works and the sheets are clean. Staff at the front desk are used to backpackers and keep check-in quick. Do not expect luxury, just a cheap, well-located bed in the medina.

Riad Laaroussa is tucked deep into the Andalusian Quarter on the quieter east bank of the medina. The interior courtyard is genuinely beautiful, with a central fountain and hand-painted cedar ceilings. Each room is individually decorated with antiques and quality Moroccan textiles. The staff will arrange a guide to the tanneries or a cooking class without the usual tourist markup. One of the most genuine riad experiences you can find in Fes.

This riad is located in the Ziat neighborhood, a short walk from the Chouara tanneries. The building has been carefully restored and keeps its original 19th-century architecture intact. Rooms facing the courtyard are the best pick, especially at night when the lanterns light up the plasterwork. Breakfast on the rooftop terrace with medina views is a strong start to any day. Couples especially like this place for its calm atmosphere and attentive service.

Hotel Sahrai sits on a hillside in the Dhar Mehraz district above the medina, giving it panoramic views over the entire city. The design is contemporary Moroccan, which feels refreshing after the traditional riad aesthetic. The infinity pool is one of the best hotel pools in Fes and worth the stay alone on a hot afternoon. Restaurant quality is high, with a menu that mixes Moroccan and Mediterranean dishes well. A strong mid-range option for travelers who want modern comfort with a spectacular view.

Riad Maison Bleue is one of the most recognized riads in Fes, operating since the late 1990s on the Ain Azliten street near the Kairaouine mosque area. The five-room original riad has been expanded with a larger annexe next door. Service is professional and the evening dinner, served by candlelight in the courtyard, is genuinely good Moroccan cooking. The hammam on site saves you from navigating a public one. It books up fast, so reserve well ahead for peak season.

Dar El Ghalia is a beautifully restored palace near the Rcif Plaza, one of the medina's main squares. The building dates to the 17th century and the owners have kept original mosaic floors and carved plasterwork in excellent condition. The location puts you within a five-minute walk of the Kairaouine mosque and most of the major souks. Rooms on upper floors have small terraces overlooking the rooftops. The on-site restaurant specializing in traditional Fassi cuisine is worth a dinner booking even if you are not staying here.

The Sheraton sits in the Ville Nouvelle district on Avenue des FAR, about a 20-minute walk from Bab Boujloud. It is the most reliable international-brand option in Fes, with consistent room quality and a proper gym and pool. Business travelers appreciate the meeting facilities and fast Wi-Fi that riads rarely match. The location is less atmospheric than the medina but taxis into the old city are cheap and easy. A sensible choice if you need predictability and corporate amenities.

Palais Amani is a restored 19th-century palace on Oued Zhoun street, one of the wider lanes in the northern medina. The property has 14 rooms and suites, each with high ceilings, original zellige floors, and quality linens that stand apart from most Moroccan guesthouses. The cooking school is a genuine highlight, led by local chefs in a proper kitchen rather than a tourist setup. The rooftop pool and terrace have unobstructed views across the medina skyline. This is one of the best addresses in Fes for travelers who want authentic architecture with serious luxury behind it.

Riad Fes is consistently regarded as the top luxury property inside the medina walls, located on Derb Ben Slimane in the Ziat neighborhood. The 30-room property was built around a series of interconnected courtyards and a garden that feels impossible to find in such a dense urban setting. The spa is full-service and the hammam uses traditional methods rather than a spa-lite version. Dinner in the main dining room is a formal, beautifully presented affair. If budget is not the primary concern, this is the definitive Fes experience.