Safi – Booking a riad in Fez is a leap of faith. Behind the medina’s winding alleys are hundreds of beautifully restored homes, many with the same picture-perfect courtyards and carved cedar details. What sets them apart only becomes apparent once you’re through the door.

Here are the riads that consistently stand out. 

Hotel & Spa Riad Dar Bensouda

A restored 16th-century palace built around two courtyards, Dar Bensouda is the grand option. 

It has carved and painted ceilings, a rooftop over the whole medina, a pool, and a private hammam. 

The 18 rooms open onto the courtyard, with zellige floors and carved doors adding to their traditional charm. In-house dinners and cooking classes make it easy to enjoy a full Fez experience without leaving the riad.

The only trade-off is the location. Tucked deep inside the medina, reaching it can involve a few wrong turns through the winding alleys.

Choose it for the full palace, if you don’t mind earning your way to the door.

Riad Semlalia

Semlalia is the quiet one. It’s a small restored guesthouse built for slowing down. 

It has a rooftop pool, a sauna and a courtyard that stays cool through the afternoon, making it a retreat more than a base, and the calm is the point. 

The riad features 11 rooms, rooftop dinners, and a team that arranges each day seamlessly.

One detail to keep in mind: this is an adults-only hideaway. It’s best suited for couples looking for a quiet escape, where a peaceful atmosphere matters more than a central medina location.

Dar Faracha Fes

Behind a plain medina door, Dar Faracha opens onto a beautifully decorated courtyard and an indoor pool. 

Its host goes beyond the usual welcome, helping arrange everything from desert excursions to taxi fares, while guiding guests through the maze of alleys outside.

With a child-friendly atmosphere, it’s a natural choice for families. Like Bensouda, the riad is tucked deep inside the medina, where having a helping hand to navigate the first arrival can make all the difference.