Dar el Mathaf

The one person who made our stay better was Amina, the young woman who handled breakfast and cleaned the rooms. She was kind, respectful, and clearly worked hard. Most of the other guests we met had similar frustrations, and most left after one night. A pair of Spanish girls had ended up there by mistake after they couldn't find their original booking. I wish we'd left early too. My sister and I chose Dar al Mathaf in Fez after reading reviews, hoping for a charming stay in a Dar near the Medina and central parts of the city. That excitement wore off quickly. On arrival, Anas, the manager and owner, didn't help with our bags through the narrow entrance. When I raised it, he said there was no staff available. I tried to stay positive, but we also didn't get the mint tea or water other guests had mentioned, and there was nothing provided in the room. We were told we'd booked a basic room without a private bathroom, and accepted an upgrade for €15 extra per night, paid straight away. We carried our own luggage up to the first floor. The room looked much smaller than its online photos, which worried us, though we tried to make the best of it. After exploring the Medina the next morning, we came back hoping to rest, but couldn't because of loud, constant conversations downstairs from Anas, his mother, and aunt. Sound carries throughout the property. It felt like being in someone's family home, with no privacy or sense of guest comfort. The listing hadn't said that the family used the shared areas all day as their living room. A few days later, Anas repeatedly pressed us to pay the room tax. I said, as I have during 15 years of travel in Morocco, that I'd settle it at the end of the stay, which is the norm. He kept hounding us, and it felt uncomfortable and unprofessional. Despite the high ratings, this wasn't the peaceful, private, professionally run guesthouse advertised. I'd tell anyone visiting Fez to look elsewhere. In my view, it's no more than a 1-star guesthouse, and guests are made to feel like intruders in the family home. The family owners are using it to make money at travellers' expense. I wouldn't recommend Dar al Mathaf.

Traveling with our 5-month-old baby, we found the conditions uncomfortable and potentially unsafe. We left early the next morning, but it took five separate requests before staff opened the door to let us out. The manager was rude and confrontational when staff called him. I told him about black mold in the shower, and he dismissed it, saying it was my fault for not getting more information before booking, even though the hotel hadn't answered my messages. Expedia has tried to contact the hotel about a refund, but they continue to deny responsibility. At check-in we found black mold, no mattress protectors, and no proper bedding, with neither a comforter nor a sheet under the blanket. Hygiene was poor overall. Before arriving, I'd tried several times to reach the hotel on both WhatsApp numbers listed on Google and got no reply. When we raised concerns after checking in, they brushed them off with, “we're just a guest house.” Between the mold, cleanliness, lack of communication, and unprofessional treatment, this place isn't fit for guests, especially families. I'd book somewhere else.

Back for my second stay, and it was still amazing. Such a beautiful hotel, with care put into every detail and a perfect vibe. I'd absolutely recommend it!

The relaxing atmosphere made for a lovely stay. Staff were really kind, and my room was clean and comfortable. Highly recommend!!