11 Best Hotels in Fez and the Middle Atlas, Morocco

Kamal Chaoui has turned his family home in the tranquil troglodyte village of Bhalil into a delightful B&B with four rooms thoughtfully decorated with local touches—perhaps a donkey pannier or an intricately painted wooden door as a headboard—all with handwoven blankets across the beds. The roof terrace is the perfect spot for breakfast in summer, but the dar stays cozy in cooler months thanks to Kamal’s inventive heating system. Part of Bhalil’s allure is its location in the foothills of Jebel Kandar and, as well as showing you around the village and organizing visits to local markets, Kamal leads full-day hikes through the mountains from 4-km (2½-mile) walks to serious 28-km (17½-mile) hikes, stopping to eat with locals along the way. You can order a delicious three-course Moroccan dinner at the B&B for 220 DH.

Tucked down a quiet street in the heart of Fez medina, this 300-year-old traditional house has been lovingly restored with the addition of some contemporary comforts, such as air-conditioning and a Bluetooth speaker. It has four spacious en suite rooms set around a central courtyard, and the lovely roof terrace is perfect for breakfast-with-a-view or, by request, dinner. And, for the medina, this guesthouse is easy to find.

The House of the Pomegranate is a sumptuously restored residence, with four stunning suites that showcase the work of Fez’s famous artisans in their carved cedarwood doors and lofty ceilings, mosaic tile floors, and intricate plasterwork. The stunning Yasmina Suite is the most ornate, and all but the top-floor Argana Suite have sitting areas; organic Moroccan toiletries are provided in the en suite bathrooms. Breakfast and creative cocktails are served on the spacious roof terrace, which has showstopping views across the medina’s rooftops. In cooler months, you can dine by the fire in a cozy salon. The courtyard restaurant is one of the best in the city. 

Meticulously restored, this delightful riad's triple-height courtyard and five rooms are resplendent with dazzling zellij tiles and ornate stuccowork. It's been beautifully furnished with antiques from all over the country, but the comforts are contemporary, with rain showers in the en suite bathrooms and free Wi-Fi throughout. In the morning, a flask of tea or coffee is left outside your room before you have a breakfast feast in the adjoining Ruined Garden restaurant, on the balcony, or in the library in cooler months. The roof terrace is a lovely spot at sundown with a soundtrack of competing muezzin. You can also rent the whole riad at a per-night rate.

Despite its name, this contemporary hotel from a Spanish chain actually sits in a prime spot at the edge of the Ville Nouvelle, with stellar views over the medina. The stunning lobby and the rooms and suites are well thought out, with stylish modern decor. Le Bistrot serves international fare, and there's a snack bar, for a quick bite, and a bar. A spa with a Turkish bath and an outdoor pool complete the picture. It’s business-friendly, too, with a well-equipped business center and conference space. The budget-minded should opt for the room-only rate and have breakfast in a nearby café.

A beautiful example of ornate Fassi architecture, this ancient house-turned-boutique B&B---all soaring painted-wood ceilings, hand-carved stucco, and intricate zellije tilework---has been painstakingly restored. The six, spacious rooms are all unique, elegantly decorated with antique furniture, handwoven carpets and hand-beaten brass lanterns from Place Seffarine, around the corner. There’s no restaurant but convivial breakfast and dinners are served for guests around a large communal table in the rooftop terrace dining room; it's perfect for sunset watching, too.

Outside of town en route to Azrou's cedar forest, this pretty, Alpine-style hotel is set in a stone mansion on verdant grounds and well equipped with classic wood furnishings, air-conditioned and centrally heated rooms, serene mountain views, and indoor and outdoor swimming pools. The bar (complete with a billiards table) and atmospheric restaurant are pleasant spots to relax. Upgrade to a suite and enjoy the in-room fireplace on chilly winter days.

Set in the former home of a 19th-century minister, the Palais Sheherazade is a perfect expression of traditional style, with spectacular woodwork and tranquil views onto the vast courtyard. Every detail is beautiful, from the hand-painted tiles in the courtyard to the wooden terrace overlooking the chemical-free pool. Attracting local celebrities and dignitaries to their luxury establishment, the well-connected proprietors make it a point to direct visitors to eat in the courtyard restaurant, where you can sample an inventive assortment of flavorful dishes, occasionally with live Andalusian-inspired music. The existing suites have recently been refurbished, and a new 8,000-square-foot spa from French spa guru Anne Semonin, with a heated pool, has opened in a newly restored part of the palace, with grand suites above it.

The Belgian owner has given this traditional house a lighter, more contemporary feel while staying true to its Moroccan roots, decorating the five rooms—named after colors—in pale tones, with smooth tadlak (waterproof plaster) walls and splashes of vibrant color from throws, rugs, and local artwork. Breakfast is served on the rooftop terrace, where you can lounge on banquettes or cool off in the wading pool. After sightseeing, relax with a glass of mint tea and a sweet treat in the patio lounge and library. A Moroccan home-cooked dinner is available upon request, and hands-on cooking workshops are offered with the riad's chefs. Pick up the helpful guide to Fez that the owner put together.

It's just like staying at a friend’s house (a friend with impeccable taste, that is), and what it lacks in size—there are just three spacious bedrooms around the courtyard, each on a different level—it more than makes up for in style. Moroccan craftsmanship and global antique finds are mixed to great effect at this beautifully restored late-18th-century guesthouse. Breakfast is served on the roof terrace, which is perfect for sunbathing and stargazing. Not all the rooms are created equal, so opt for the stunning master suite on the top floor, with a 16-foot-high ceiling; or you can always rent the whole house. Rates include all taxes, transfers to/from the airport or train station, porter service, breakfast, and two full-time housekeepers.

Carefully restored, this Andalusian-style town house in the heart of the medina is consistently a pleasure: every detail is polished, from magnificent doors and crafted furnishings to a pretty garden. All suites, air-conditioned and equipped with modern technology, have quality linens, decoration, and sumptuous bathrooms. The proprietors are attentive and helpful about every detail of your stay in Fez.