4 Best Hotels in The Mediterranean Middle Atlas, Fez and the Middle Atlas

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.

Near the Michlifen ski slopes, this luxurious chalet-style retreat is less than an hour and a world away from the world's largest medieval city. Walk into the chic lobby, all natural stone, marble, honey-color wood, and fine designer furnishings, and you'll understand the appeal for R&R seekers. The resort spoils guests with four restaurants, a vast spa and fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, and spacious rooms decorated with an eye for detail. Get active with golf, hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. Or enjoy an afternoon cocktail on the grand terrace surrounded by the natural beauty of the Middle Atlas peaks.

Though the period charm has diminished, this budget hotel offers clean rooms, shuttered balconies at the front, and agreeable service. The two-story Art Deco structure in the heart of the Ville Nouvelle offers ample evidence of the French influence in Taza. The restaurant, while no gourmet tour de force,prepares hearty tagines of several varieties.

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.