5 of the Best Luxury Boutique Hotels in Fes

Looking for the best luxury boutique hotels in Fes? Discover 5 inspiring small-scale hotels and riads that are offering personalised, high-end stays in this ancient city.

If there’s one Moroccan destination that gives Marrakech a run for its money in terms of high-end stays, it’s definitely Fes. Having visited the city multiple times and experienced many of its accommodations, I can tell you that the boutique hotels here really are divine!

This ancient city in the country’s north is considered the cultural capital of Morocco. There are architectural treasures and energised souks at every turn!

In Fes, there really is a feeling that you’re stepping back in time. The sights, sounds and scents of this centuries-old urban centre envelop the senses. 

Hidden away from the hustle and bustle are some incredible hotels and riads, many of which occupy beautiful old buildings that have been lovingly restored. I’m not talking big-name global brands with hundreds of rooms but gorgeous boutique stays offering an intimate and exclusive experience.

Staying at a luxury boutique hotel in Fes is ideal for anyone who is interested in Moroccan architecture. Or people who appreciate personalised service and want a peaceful oasis to retreat to at the end of the day. 

In this article, I’ll share with you five of the best luxury boutique hotels in Fes. I’ve included some magnificent old riads and a contemporary property with jaw-dropping views.

Not only are the rooms and suites amazing. But the onsite experiences include everything from traditional hammams and spas to cooking classes and calligraphy lessons.

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Riad Fes – Relais & Châteaux

Best luxury boutique riad in Fes with a spa

Tucked away in a quiet street near Bab Bouljoud, Riad Fes is a boutique oasis under the Relais & Châteaux umbrella. In the centrepiece courtyard, you’ll find a stunning display of Moorish architecture. There’s gorgeous tilework, ornate archways and comfortable sofas where you can soak up the old-world atmosphere.

Beyond the opulent common areas, the hotel’s spacious suites are equally impressive. Each features a king-size bed and a Carrara marble bathroom (some with clawfoot tubs).

Foodies will delight in the hotel’s acclaimed Gayza restaurant, which serves up authentic Moroccan cuisine and refined French dishes in a breathtaking setting. After a memorable meal, you can retreat to the rooftop bar to take in panoramic views across the city.

The icing on the cake is the Cinq Mondes Spa. It boasts two hammams and three massage rooms where indulgent treatments are available. This is definitely one of the best boutique hotels in Fes!

“This place is absolutely amazing! A wonderful little oasis tucked in the medina of Fes.” – Smith (read more reviews here)

Hôtel Sahrai

Best luxury boutique hotel in Fes with medina views

Boasting panoramic views across Fes from its hilltop setting, this magnificent hotel was envisioned by the acclaimed French designer Christophe Pillet. It fuses traditional Moroccan architectural elements with a distinctly contemporary feel. I particularly love the glass-walled bathrooms in the rooms and suites. 

In addition to zellige tiles, copper lanterns and Fassi ceramics, there are bespoke furnishings throughout this boutique hotel in Fes.

Hôtel Sahrai is far more than just a place to stay. There are multiple restaurants serving Moroccan, French and Lebanese cuisine, as well as a rooftop lounge bar where you can watch the lights of Fes twinkling below.

When you’re not indulging at the onsite spa (which uses products by Cinq Mondes and marocMaroc), you can learn the art of Arabic calligraphy during a bespoke cultural experience.

“Fantastic boutique hotel, will definitely stay again.” – Christy (read more reviews here)

Karawan Riad

Best luxury boutique riad in Fes with a hammam

Occupying a 17th-century palace that has been reimagined for the 21st century, Karawan Riad is undeniably one of the best luxury boutique hotels in Fes. It has been meticulously restored using traditional materials – handcrafted zellige, intricate plasterwork and wrought-iron. I was completely taken aback with its soaring proportions. 

Artefacts collected from around the globe feature in the seven individually decorated suites. All are generous in their size, to say the least.

Fine dining is the focus of the Karawan Restaurant (the breakfasts are also a treat). Plus, there’s a magnificent rooftop terrace where you can drink in the views.

Adding to the appeal of this boutique Fes hotel is the Leelah Hammam & Spa, an Ottoman-style sanctuary complete with vaulted ceilings and heated floors.

“The attention to detail in the riad is exquisite!.” – Fiona (read more reviews here)

Palais de Fes Suites & Spa

Best luxury boutique hotel in Fes for families

Steeped in history, this boutique hotel in the Fes medina traces its origins back to the 14th century. It seamlessly blends Moroccan elegance with modern comforts. Each of its signature suites is a masterpiece in design – think Islamic motifs, colourful tiles and gilded accents.

For families, there’s an exclusive three-bedroom riad that offers access to all of the property’s facilities. This makes Palais de Fes Suites & Spa one of the best luxury boutique hotels in Fes for families.

Guests can bask in the hotel’s grandeur from the breathtaking terraces, which offer panoramic views across Fes’ maze-like streets. When it’s time to dine, the acclaimed Restaurant Dar Tazi serves up traditional Moroccan flavours with a modern twist, surrounded by hanging gardens.

To top it all off, the newly opened spa is the perfect place to rejuvenate after a day of discovering the medina’s ancient wonders. 

“Every detail of Palais de Fes echoes love for Moroccan tradition and a keen understanding of luxury.” – Haitam (read more reviews here)

Palais Amani

Best luxury boutique hotel in Fes with cooking classes

Occupying the former home of the prominent Lahlou family, Palais Amani is a luxury boutique hotel near the University of Al Quaraouiyine. Parts of the palace date back to the 17th century, although it was largely rebuilt in the 1930s following a devastating landslide.

During the 2000s, the property was lovingly restored into the gorgeous five-star hotel seen today. 

In addition to its 21 rooms (each of which is individually decorated), there’s a gourmet restaurant set within a leafy patio. I particularly love the fireside bar, perfect for cosying up on a winter’s evening.

A highlight of staying at Palais Amani is learning the secrets of Fassi cuisine at the onsite cooking school. It’s considered one of the best in Fes. Alternatively, you can indulge with a traditional hammam followed by a massage at Les Bains Amani.

“The hotel was very luxurious and relaxing…The courtyard was beautiful and the terrace with the views of the old Medina was stunning especially at night.” – Mina (read more reviews here)

Tips for selecting a luxury boutique hotel in Fes

When considering a stay at a luxury boutique hotel in the Fes medina, remember that the area is exclusively for pedestrians. This means you won’t be able to drive right up to the entrance to drop off your luggage.

Once you make your reservation, your hotel or riad will usually reach out to provide you with the best parking options and directions for walking to the property. They may even send someone to meet you at the parking lot to ensure you find your way easily.

If you’re arriving by taxi from Fes-Saïss Airport, you can use Google Maps to identify the nearest gate (“bab”) to your hotel.

For a luxury boutique hotel in Fes that offers onsite parking, I suggest checking out Hôtel Sahrai. It provides complimentary valet parking. Just keep in mind that it’s not in the medina itself, but offers incredible views across the historic district’s rooftops. 

Many of the best luxury boutique hotels in Fes provide pickup services from the airport, train or bus station. I strongly suggest arranging one for a hassle-free arrival. Alternatively, you can book a secure and reliable Fes airport transfer with Welcome Pickups.

A driver will greet you at your arrival point holding a sign with your name. They will also coordinate with someone from the property to meet you at the taxi drop-off area (often with a luggage trolley) to assist you in navigating the medina. This makes it much simpler than trying to find your way through the maze of streets alone!

When selecting a luxury boutique hotel in Fes, keep in mind that the city is home to numerous mosques that begin their calls to prayer at dawn. If you’re sensitive to noise, it might be a good idea to choose a hotel that isn’t located right next to a mosque.

That being said, most of the city’s luxury boutique hotels are well-soundproofed. I’d still recommend bringing a pair of earplugs just in case. 

Finally, remember that every hotel in Fes imposes a government-required tourist tax that needs to be paid at the property. This charge is separate from the nightly room rate and is usually settled at check-in or check-out. This minor additional fee is applicable to each guest per night, with the exception of children under 12 years old.

About Me

I’m Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I’ve developed an intense love for Morocco, its incredible landscapes, storied cities and the exceptionally generous hospitality of its people.

Malika in Morocco is a place to share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. As a resource for travellers visiting Morocco, I want to encourage others to experience this captivating destination the way they desire, whether that’s independently or under the expert guidance of local tour operators.

I believe strongly in supporting responsible and sustainable tourism initiatives while inspiring travel experiences that are life-impacting and mutually beneficial for both travellers and locals.