Dar Bensouda

The level of decoration was wonderful. Very ornate designs around the riad were sensitively restored and presented. The furnishings were very plain and simple which I also really liked, though my wife did find the bed a little too firm. The staff were very friendly and helpful, and the pool was a welcome break from the heat. Roof terrace offered great views of the medina. Once you get your bearings in the Medina the Riad is pretty straightforward to find, being just a few turns from point 32 on the Green Walking route through the medina. On a seperate note, (and outside the control of the riad) we found the streets outside the riad, and more generally in the medina fine during the day but not especially welcoming to women after dusk.

Reserved the standard room at a great deal which was spacious and airy with a very high ceiling. Excellent and attentive staff service. The complimentary breakfast was quite filling and served well. Dinners reserved ahead of time are tasty. Although the riad is quite a distance from the exits of the medina, it is so worth it. The accomodating staff gave me the opportunity to see their other beautiful rooms and was blown away. I highly recommend this riad and would definitely return.

The hotel was excellent as was the staff in both welcoming you to the hotel and providing service. The only thing to consider is the uphill trek to the hotel at peak times...crowds were overwhelming.

Dar Bensouda is a truly amazing place, and a perfect place to stay in the amazing city which is Fez. If you are visiting Fez for the colorful atmosphere and the amazing architecture, you will see places like the Madersa Bou Inania, with the stucco ornamentation and exquisite tilework characteristic of the best of Islamic decorative arts, and then you will go back to your own room in a part of a mansion that references the same architectural and decorative tradition. I felt like I was sleeping in a museum, or a castle. It was beautifully appointed, well-maintained and the staff and service were uniformly excellent. Also, while the atmosphere was redolent of Arabic history and perfectly suited to its location in the medina, the riad itself offered a peaceful, quiet respite from the bustle and crowds just outside. I highly recommend Riad Dar Bensouda! One caution: it was very difficult for us to find. Get the best map of the medina you can find, and be prepared to contact the riad directly for directions.

Taxis are not allowed in the medina. Hotel is difficult to find, but this is true for many nice riads in medina area. They do send a man to pick you up and drop you off at the taxi stand. Bring the phone number to call for help. If you are easlly confused from travel or get lost, could be a problem. Riad is so nice insude and staff is great. Wine is available. You will need to navigate the medina to get to restaurants and shops. Maps are almost useless. Local people are a nusance. Remember RULE #1 in medina - Be careful getting advice or directions as they are often used to send you to shops. Even paid guides do it.

It was quiet difficult to find due to its location so it is important to make contact with the riad prior to arrival to organise a meeting place for the staff to meet and take you to the riad. They were very helpful when we were lost and we would just call and they would find us - their location and the confusing streets of Fes were tricky. The staff, room and breakfast were fantastic. We would definitely recommend this place to other but it is important to make contact prior to your arrival to ensure you find the riad stress free.