Riad Fes
morocco, morocco · ★★★★★
The Verdict
Worth it for your honeymoon?
Riad Fes is the finest hotel inside the Fes el-Bali medina — a palatial five-star riad with 24 rooms arranged around a mosaic-tiled central courtyard with a fountain, a rooftop terrace with panoramic views over the ancient city, and a hammam and spa of genuine quality. Fes itself is one of the most extraordinary cities on earth — a living medieval city of 200,000 people in a walled medina that has barely changed since the 9th century, with the world's oldest university, a working tannery, and souks of such depth and complexity that wandering them for days barely scratches the surface. For honeymooners who want to be immersed in Islamic culture and medieval Moroccan civilisation at the highest level of comfort, Riad Fes is the definitive address.
- ✓Prioritise spa & wellness
- →Need a strictly adults-only resort
- →Want a direct beachfront
- →Prefer boutique & intimate properties
Score Breakdown
85/100
At a Glance
Room Recommendation
Which room to book
Book a Privilege Suite or a Deluxe Room in the main historic riad building — these rooms have original zellige tile floors, hand-carved stucco ceilings, carved cedar wood details, and either views of the mosaic courtyard or small private terraces. The rooftop suite has a private terrace with medina views. Request a room with a courtyard view for the most authentic riad experience — the sound of the central fountain and the carved plasterwork is the architecture of a living heritage.
No Surprises
True cost breakdown — 7 nights for two
Based on mid-range rooms, premium-economy flights from Europe, full dining and signature experiences. Adjust for your actual travel profile.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Room (7 nights avg $600/nt) | $4,200 |
| Flights (2 pax, economy/premium) | $600 |
| Airport transfers / seaplane | $200 |
| Dining & drinks (beyond room) | $6,300 |
| Excursions & experiences | $700 |
| Spa / signature treatments | $600 |
| Tips & service (8%) | $840 |
| Total estimated | $13,440 |
Book Your Stay
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Day by Day
Your 7-night honeymoon itinerary
Arrival in the Ancient City
Arrive at Fes — the oldest and most complex medina in the world — and be guided by a hotel attendant through the labyrinthine lanes to Riad Fes. The transformation from chaotic medieval street to the cool, perfumed interior of the riad courtyard is instantaneous and extraordinary. Mint tea in the mosaic courtyard, then the rooftop terrace for sunset over the medina — a sea of minarets, domes, and terracotta rooftops stretching to the surrounding hills.
Hammam & the Hammam Quarter
Morning hammam at Riad Fes — the hotel's own hammam uses local Fes black soap, rose water from the Dadès Valley, and ghassoul clay from the Atlas for a deeply restorative couple's ritual. In the afternoon, walk to the Al-Attarin Madrasa (the most beautifully decorated Koranic school in the world, with zellige, stucco, and carved cedar combining in three tiers of ornamental perfection) and the Kairaouine Mosque and University, founded in 859 AD.
The Souks of Fes', the Tanneries
A full day in the Fes el-Bali medina with a hotel-recommended guide — the souks are divided by trade as they have been for a millennium: leather workers, brass smiths, carpet weavers, spice traders. The Chouara Tannery, visible from rooftop terraces above the leather quarter, is one of the most iconic images in North Africa — vats of coloured dye worked by hand as in the medieval period. Lunch at a rooftop restaurant with views over the old city.
Day Trip to Meknes & Volubilis
Drive 60km west to Meknes — the imperial city built by Sultan Moulay Ismaïl in the 17th century as his vision of Versailles, with monumental gates and a vast royal granary and stables. Continue to Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Roman city with extraordinary mosaic floors in remarkable preservation, set in wheat fields with the Atlas foothills behind. Return to Fes for dinner on the Riad Fes rooftop terrace.
Andalusian Fes & Pottery Quarter
Explore the Andalusian quarter of Fes — the district on the opposite bank of the Oued Bou Khrareb from the main medina, settled by Muslims expelled from Spain in the 15th century, with its own character and extraordinary mosques. Continue to the pottery and ceramic quarter outside the medina walls, where the famous Fes blue pottery is made by hand in studios that have operated for centuries. Buy pieces for home.
Spa Day & Rooftop Dinner
A full day centred on the Riad Fes spa — the hammam, a rhassoul clay facial, and a full-body argan oil massage constitute a complete and affordable day of Moroccan wellness. In the evening, the hotel can arrange a private dinner on the rooftop terrace, with traditional musicians playing Andalusian music and the medina spread below in the flickering light of its lanterns and minarets.
Farewell Morning
Last morning in the medina: an early walk to the viewpoint at the Borj Nord fortress for a final panorama over the whole of Fes el-Bali in the morning light — one of the great views in the world, a city of 9,000 lanes and 350 mosques unrolled below you like an illuminated manuscript. Return to Riad Fes for breakfast in the courtyard, then the drive to Fes airport. No other city in Morocco stays with you quite like Fes.
Honest Assessment
What to know before you book
Fes el-Bali medina is a maze — getting lost is inevitable and part of the experience, but couples who find disorientation stressful should always explore with a guide initially. Even experienced travellers lose their bearings.
The medina is alive with hawkers and touts around tourist sites like the tanneries; while the riad's position and a good local guide insulate you significantly, some couples find the persistent sales approach in the souks exhausting.
Riad Fes has a rooftop pool but no beach and no outdoor space equivalent to a resort — it is a city riad hotel, best combined with a beach destination for a complete Morocco honeymoon.
Pre-Arrival
Email to send the hotel
Subject: Honeymoon booking inquiry — Riad Fes Dear Riad Fes team, My partner and I are planning our honeymoon and are very interested in staying with you from [DATE] to [DATE] ([X] nights). We are particularly interested in: the rooftop suite or a Privilege Suite in the historic riad building Could you please let us know: - Current availability for our dates - Any honeymoon packages or complimentary upgrades - Your recommendation for a private guide for our first medina day and the tannery visit Thank you for your time. [Your names]
Send 2 weeks before arrival. Fill in names, dates, and preferences. Hotels respond to personalised requests.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is Riad Fes good for honeymooners?
It is the finest hotel in Fes and an outstanding choice for culturally curious honeymooners who want to explore one of the world's great medieval cities in comfort and style. The riad's beauty, the hammam, and the rooftop views over the medina create moments of genuine romance. Best combined with a more resort-oriented base (Marrakech or the Agafay) for a complete Moroccan honeymoon.
What is the best time to visit?
March through May and September through November are ideal — Fes is at a higher altitude than Marrakech and can be cold in winter and hot in August. Spring has gardens and jasmine in bloom; autumn has perfect temperatures. Ramadan (dates change annually) creates a different but deeply atmospheric medina experience; note that some restaurants and services change their hours during this period.
What should we book in advance?
Book your room early, particularly the rooftop suite and Privilege Suites which have limited availability. Arrange hammam appointments before arrival. Book a guided medina tour for the first full day — the hotel's recommended guides are essential for getting the most from the first medina experience and for reaching the tannery viewpoints.
Is it adults-only?
No, Riad Fes accepts all guests. The sophisticated five-star riad atmosphere and the cultural orientation of a Fes visit means the clientele is overwhelmingly adults and couples. Children are welcome but the medina is not well-suited to young children's needs.
What's the best room type for a honeymoon?
A Privilege Suite or the rooftop suite is the best honeymoon choice — the rooftop suite has a private terrace with medina panorama that is extraordinary at sunrise and sunset. In the main riad building, the rooms with carved plaster ceilings and courtyard fountain views are the most romantically immersive. Avoid the newer annex rooms which lack the historic character of the original riad.
How do we get there?
Fly into Fes-Saïss Airport (FEZ), which is served by direct flights from several European cities including Paris, Brussels, and London, and from Casablanca via Royal Air Maroc. The hotel is inside the medina — taxis drop you at the medina gate and a hotel representative meets you to guide you through the lanes. Fes can also be reached from Casablanca by the excellent Al Boraq high-speed train in under 1.5 hours.
Same Vibe, Different Destination
