Morocco’s Fez has captured the eye of Vogue with its mesmerizing touristic locations and rich heritage that can be noticed in even the smallest of streets. In a new Vogue article, Ciçek has highlighted the Palais de Fès Suites & Spa, a riad situated near the Al-Qarawiyine University, the oldest university in the world. 

Ciçek describes the palace-turned-hotel as ‘the setting of a thousand and one night’s movie,’ referencing the American Adventure film from 1945 which was set in Baghdad. 

The renowned Fassi palace has welcomed many A-list celebrities among which are Middle Eastern royal families, famous singers and actors, acclaimed fashion designers, and government delegations as well as top CEOs from multinational companies worldwide.

Morocco World News has taken the time to delve into Palais de Fès Suites & Spa focusing on aspects that compelled Ciçek to call it a place where she has never felt more at home. In an interview with MWN, the riad’s owners, siblings Nacer and Ghita Tazi, walk us through the journey of how the hotel came to fruition and share with us the memories attached to the establishment while revealing to us what makes the Palais de Fès Suites & Spa so unique. 

The birth of a tourist gem 

Dar Tazi’s transformation from a palace to a hotel is an homage to the owners’ late father, Azzedine Tazi. They explain that the birth of the hotel began with their father acquiring the property and renovating it into a restaurant that soon attracted countless customers for its authentic Moroccan cuisine. 

‘Driven by the fervent demand from our loyal restaurant clientele and a desire to share a sense of Moroccan hospitality with the world, our father made a visionary decision to expand.’ The restaurant soon became a safe haven for travelers with the addition of newly renovated guest rooms which were soon offered on top of the culinary experience. 

After the Tazi siblings lost their father in 2020, they lovingly vowed to dedicate their lives to the Palace that their father left as a remarkable legacy. ‘With deep reverence for our father’s pioneering spirit, we meticulously crafted Palais de Fes Suites & Spa—an oasis that seamlessly merges past and present, luxury and heritage.’ 

The siblings say their father, Azzedine Tazi, inspired a sense of hospitality among his children from a very young age, involving them in the daily operations of the palace’s business early on. 

“We would accompany him to work, learning the restaurant menu and giving tours of the Palace to our guests. Hospitality became a part of our identity, and we carry that spirit with us to this day,” expressed the siblings. 

After three years of building the pillars of what is now a renowned establishment, Nacer and Ghita are proud to take on their father’s love for hospitality by acquiring the Palace. The two owners work hard to ensure that every part of the hotel carries a sense of comfort and history among their guests, providing signature suites and luxurious service.

Nacer and Ghita are now committed to turning Palais de Fès Suites & Spa into a spotlight in Morocco, potentially with hopes of becoming a global brand that will be easily recognizable to future visitors easily recognize.

‘A home away from home’

Of the characteristics that make Palais de Fès Suites & Spa, or Palais de Fes Suites & Spa, stand out from other accommodations in Fez, the hotel’s convenient location is undoubtedly a distinct feature that lends to its uniqueness, as it is one of few luxury hotels located in this part of town. 

“We are just a few minutes’ walk away from all the important landmarks, making it convenient for you to explore the vibrant streets and immerse yourself in the city’s cultural heritage,” said the siblings.  

Palais de Fès Suites & Spa offers an abundance of Moroccan hospitality thanks to its owners as well as the staff who work diligently to treat the guests like family. 

Over the years, Nacer and Ghita meticulously worked on the palace’s expansion making it more than just a simple hotel. Palais de Fès Suites & Spa provides its guests with an authentic  Fassi experience. The many activities offered at the palace include guided tours around the city’s famous landmarks, visits to tanneries, pottery workshops, and more, contributing to unforgettable experiences among guests. 

The Palace also offers Moroccan cuisine cooking classes that the hotel’s very own cooking academy organizes. The experience acquired from those classes is also immortalized with a unique souvenir: ‘As a special memento, our executive chef presents each participant with a certificate for their culinary achievements, creating lasting memories of their time with us.’

A palace with timeless beauty

Dar Tazi’s owners have made sure that the palace has a mixture of traditional and contemporary elements within its structure to enhance guests’ experiences. 

“Our interior design reflects a harmonious fusion of traditional Moroccan elements and contemporary touches, creating a perfect balance between the past and the present,” say the siblings. 

From private fireplaces and in-room dining to butler service and personal concierge assistance, the Palais de Fès Suites & Spa offers its visitors a perfectly curated blend of history and modernity. 

“It is this dedication to maintaining the integrity of the past while embracing modernity that sets Palais de Fes Suites & Spa apart as a truly exceptional destination.”

Moving forward 

When asked about future plans for the palace, whether it be expansion or renovations, Nacer and Ghita have enthusiastically commented that additions are already in the works. The owners have stated that they are working on the creation of a second fourteenth-century palace named Palais de Fes ‘Imperial’, on top of a new set of duplex suites that they hope will immerse guests in an unforgettable experience. 

“We are working tirelessly to ensure that Palais de Fès “Imperial” opens its doors to guests in the first quarter of 2024. This expansion will allow us to continue offering unparalleled experiences and extend our legacy of providing exceptional hospitality.”