Choosing where to stay in Fez comes down to one major decision: inside the ancient medina (Fes el Bali) for atmosphere and authenticity, or outside in Ville Nouvelle for modern comfort and convenience. Most visitors choose the medina, where converted riads offer some of the most distinctive hotel experiences in North Africa. Here’s a neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood guide with specific hotel recommendations for every budget. For monthly temperatures and rainfall data, see our Fez weather by month. For a complete overview, visit our Fez travel guide.
Where to Stay in Fez: Fes el Bali (Old Medina)
The old medina is where 90 percent of visitors choose to stay. You’ll sleep in a riad, a traditional courtyard house with a central fountain, intricate tile work, and a rooftop terrace overlooking the medina. Most riads have 5 to 15 rooms, offering an intimate, personalised experience. Breakfast is almost always included and served on the rooftop terrace. The trade-offs: no cars means you’ll walk 5 to 15 minutes through narrow alleys to reach your riad from the nearest gate (porters carry your luggage for a 20 to 50 MAD tip). WiFi can be patchy in thick-walled buildings. Some riads lack air conditioning (check before booking for summer visits). Heating in winter is often limited to space heaters. To choose the best season for your trip, read our guide to the best time to visit Fez.
Suggested Hotels in Fes el Bali
Riad Fes – Relais & Chateaux
A 5-star riad set in a restored 14th-century palace with a rooftop pool, hammam, and cocktail bar overlooking the Atlas Mountains. Rooms blend Moroccan craftsmanship with contemporary luxury. Best for couples and luxury travellers seeking a world-class riad experience. Check rates and availability Find the top attractions in our guide to things to do in Fez.
Riad Laaroussa Hotel and Spa
A 17th-century palace turned into an 8-room riad with a large garden courtyard, hammam, and rooftop terrace. The orange-tree garden is a rare quiet space in the medina. Best for travellers who want a peaceful, romantic base with excellent service. Check rates and availability Our Fez events and festivals guide lists all major annual events.
Riad Verus
A budget-friendly riad near Bab Bou Jeloud with dormitory beds from 80 MAD (US$8) and private rooms from 250 MAD ($25). Clean, social, and well-run, with a rooftop terrace and free breakfast. Best for backpackers and solo budget travellers who want a medina location without medina prices. Check rates and availability Learn about each area in our Fez neighborhoods guide.
Where to Stay in Fez: Fes el Jdid (Royal Quarter)
Fes el Jdid offers a middle ground: an old-city feel with wider streets, fewer touts, and good access to both the medina and the Royal Palace area. It’s a 15-minute walk to Bab Bou Jeloud. Accommodation options are more limited than Fes el Bali, but the riads here tend to be quieter and less expensive. Practical information is in our Fez travel tips guide.
Suggested Hotels in Fes el Jdid
Palais Faraj Suites & Spa
A restored 19th-century palace with 25 suites, an infinity pool, and panoramic views over the medina from its hilltop position. The on-site restaurant serves refined Moroccan cuisine with a French twist. Best for luxury travellers who want a palatial experience with easy access and parking. Check rates and availability
Riad Fes Baraka
A mid-range riad with an indoor pool and hammam, offering traditionally decorated rooms around a central courtyard with citrus trees. The rooftop terrace has views of the medina and the Borj Nord fortress. Best for couples and mid-range travellers seeking authentic decor at moderate prices. Check rates and availability
Where to Stay in Fez: Ville Nouvelle (New City)
Ville Nouvelle is the practical choice. You’ll get reliable hot water, strong WiFi, air conditioning that works, and easy access to the train station (Gare de Fes) and main roads for day trips. The trade-off is zero atmosphere: this is a generic modern city with French colonial architecture, broad avenues, and none of the medina’s magic. It’s a 10 to 15 minute taxi ride to Bab Bou Jeloud (costing 15 to 20 MAD/US$1.50 to $2).
Suggested Hotels in Ville Nouvelle
Hotel Sahrai
A 5-star design hotel with an outdoor pool, Givenchy spa, and two restaurants overlooking the medina from a hilltop in Dhar El Mehraz. The architecture blends contemporary design with Moroccan elements. Best for travellers who want resort-style luxury with modern amenities and don’t mind being outside the medina. Check rates and availability
Barcelo Fes Medina
A 4-star chain hotel near the train station with an outdoor pool, spa, and international restaurant. Rooms are modern and predictable, with reliable WiFi and air conditioning. Best for business travellers, families, and anyone prioritising comfort and convenience over character. Check rates and availability
