Riad Malak

Getting a taxi was easy with their help. The receptionist walked us to where it was waiting, since the nearest car park is quite a distance away. We left happy with the Riad overall. Its shared spaces and bedroom were very nice, and the welcome mint tea was a lovely touch. The location is right in the Fez Medina. The bathroom showed a lot of use, the floor mats were very dirty, and we couldn’t get cold water until we figured out the tap needed a little persuasion.

The terrace has an amazing view, and this really felt like a home away from home. I had a fantastic stay and will definitely come back.

I returned to Riad Hala in 2024 with two friends for what is now the 30th Sacred Music Festival, and we all loved it. My first stay was nine days during the International Sacred Music festival in Fez in June 2018. This was my first time in this part of the world, and the staff’s kindness made the trip wonderful. They arranged a taxi driver to meet me at the airport and guide me to the hotel, helped sort out a working phone plan in Morocco after my American provider couldn’t do it beforehand, and arranged a group guide for a few guests. The room was delightful, with a sitting area and an ensuite bathroom where everything worked. It was clean and pleasant, and the wifi was dependable. Breakfast was extraordinary, and I enjoyed the chance to eat there each day and meet other guests from Germany, Spain, England, America, and Italy. The riad is ancient and historic, very well kept, and has the modern conveniences you need while preserving its beautiful architecture. It won’t look like an American chain hotel. In this part of the world, a fortress-like doorway by European standards keeps the beauty behind it. I highly recommend staying in the old city, where you step straight into market life. I added a photo of my room, though you’ll need to bring your own teddy bear.

The breakfast in the hall felt special, with its delicious traditional Moroccan food and interior that gives you a taste of old Morocco. The hotel is in a perfect spot, and you can walk to the main attractions. It’s lovely, clean, and really cosy, and Karim and Mustafa were always ready to help with any question. We became friends in a day. For this reasonable price, it’s more than great. A place you’ll want to come back to.