Where to Stay in Fes – A Local Guide to the Best Riads & Hotels
Choosing where to stay in Fes is not just about comfort or price it’s about how you experience the city. Fes is deep, traditional, and layered. Your accommodation can either make the city feel magical… or confusing.
I’ve guided travelers across Morocco for years, and I always say this:
If Marrakech is energy, Fes is soul. And where you sleep in Fes matters more than almost anywhere else in Morocco.
This guide is written to help you choose the right area and the right style of stay, based on how you travel not just star ratings.Before choosing where to stay, it’s important to understand how the city works and what you’ll be visiting. My guide on Things to Do in Fes explains the Medina, main sights, and how to plan your days without feeling overwhelmed.
Best Areas to Stay in Fes
Before choosing a riad or hotel, you need to understand the layout of the city. Fes has two main areas, and each offers a very different experience.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Fes, choosing the right riad or hotel can completely change how you experience the city.
Staying Inside the Medina (Fes el-Bali)
This is the heart of Fes. The old Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world.
If this is your first time in Fes and you want the full experience this is where you should stay.
You’ll wake up to the sound of calls to prayer, walk through ancient alleys, and step directly into daily life. It can feel overwhelming at first, but it’s also what makes Fes unforgettable.
Best for:
- First-time visitors
- Cultural travelers
- Short stays (2–3 nights)
Keep in mind:
- No cars inside the Medina
- Choose a riad close to Bab Bou Jeloud or a main gate for easier access
Staying Near Bab Bou Jeloud (Best Location for First Timers)
If you want the Medina experience without getting lost every day, this area is perfect.
Riads near Bab Bou Jeloud offer:
- Easy access to taxis
- Short walks into the old city
- A balance between comfort and immersion
This is where I usually recommend my clients stay.
Staying in the New City (Ville Nouvelle)
The New City is modern, open, and easy. Hotels here feel more familiar if you’re used to European cities.
It’s not historic, but it’s comfortable.
Best for:
- Families
- Travelers with a car
- Longer stays
- Those who prefer modern hotels
You’ll need taxis to reach the Medina, but they are cheap and easy.
Best Riads in Fes (By Style)
Luxury Riads in Fes
Luxury in Fes is quiet, refined, and hidden behind old walls. These riads focus on architecture, calm courtyards, and rooftop views.
Expect:
- Large rooms
- Traditional zellige tiles
- Personal service
If you’re looking for a luxury riad with history and calm, I recommend checking availability early the best ones fill up fast.👉 Check prices & availability here
Mid-Range Riads (Best Value)
This is where Fes really shines. Many mid-range riads offer:
- Beautiful design
- Excellent location
- Friendly hosts
- Great value for money
Most travelers I guide choose this category.
These riads offer the best balance between comfort, location, and price
.👉 See the best mid-range riads in Fes here
Budget Riads & Guesthouses
Budget doesn’t mean bad in Fes. Some smaller riads are clean, welcoming, and perfectly located.
Ideal if:
- You spend most of the day exploring
- You want authenticity over luxury
For affordable stays with good reviews, it’s worth booking ahead, especially in high season.
Best Hotels in Fes New City
If you prefer modern comfort, international standards, or easy parking, the New City is your best option.
Hotels here are:
- Easy to reach by car
- Close to restaurants and cafes
- Good for families and business travelers
You can still visit the Medina daily by taxi.
Modern hotels in Fes offer good value, especially outside peak season.
👉 Check New City hotels and prices
My Honest Advice as a Local Guide
Here’s the truth most websites won’t tell you:
- Location matters more than luxury
- A beautiful riad in the wrong area can ruin your experience
- Staying inside the Medina is worth it even if it feels intimidating at first
If you’re unsure, choose:
- A riad near Bab Bou Jeloud
- With clear directions and staff who arrange pickups
To understand how long to stay and what to prioritize, read:
👉 Fes Travel Guide
👉 Plan Your Trip to Morocco
How Many Nights to Stay in Fes
- 2 nights → Quick cultural visit
- 3 nights → Ideal for first-timers
- 4 nights → Deep exploration, relaxed pace
- Fes is not a city you rush.
If Fes is part of a longer trip, my complete Morocco Travel Guide will help you understand routes between cities, travel times, and how to balance places like Fes, Marrakech, and Chefchaouen.
FAQ – Where to Stay in Fes
Is it safe to stay inside the Medina?
Yes. Riads are safe, and hosts help with directions and pickups.
Should I choose a riad or a hotel?
Riads offer culture and atmosphere. Hotels offer convenience.
Is the Medina noisy at night?
Most riads are very quiet once doors close.
Can taxis reach my riad?
Only to the gates. Many riads arrange porters.
Is the New City better for families?
Yes, especially with young children.
Do riads have air conditioning?
Most mid-range and luxury riads do.
Final Thoughts from a Local Guide
Fes rewards patience. The right place to stay will help you slow down, feel comfortable, and truly understand the city.
Choose location first, reviews second, luxury last.
Many travelers visit Fes together with the Blue City, and if Chefchaouen is next on your route, my guide to Things to Do in Chefchaouen will help you plan a calm and well-paced stop after Fes.
Some links in this guide are affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend places I trust and would suggest to my own guests.
