New hotel in Fez medina

The Palais Amani in the Fez Medina is a new hotel that's been open for just a few weeks. The View from Fez team went to investigate.

the courtyard

Situated in Blida with parking at nearby Oued Zhoune, the house is a large riad with nine suites and five rooms. There's a library, salon, hammam with massage room, dining room and rooftop bar and dining terraces.

Co-owner Jemima explains that the house is one of the largest in the medina. It was rebuilt after a landslide in the late 1920s which explains its pleasing art deco feel. The current restoration process took two years. The central courtyard has an enormous garden with citrus trees, and a particularly beautiful fountain.

The rooms are pure luxury. All have a private sound system and wifi, and beautiful linen. No expense has been spared with furniture (made in Marrakech), fittings and art. The bathrooms are sumptuous.

the bedroom in the grand suite

and its bathroom

Palais Amani has a spa with a large hammam with several rooms, including a well-appointed massage room. On offer are a variety of massage and beauty treatments. They have their own range of massage oils made with essences from the Ourika valley. In good weather, you might prefer a massage in the rooftop tented pergola.

The restaurant is open to non-guests. At midday, lunch is served on the roof terrace, and the menu includes Mediterranean dishes as well as Moroccan fare. Dinner is served in the dining room and offers Moroccan food.


On our visit, we sampled the lunch menu under parasols on the terrace. Fresh salads and home-made quiche, followed by coffee and excellent desserts came to Dh375 for two, including wine and a tip.

With room prices ranging from Dh1950 to Dh5500 for two per night in high season, the Palais is unashamedly luxurious and is a welcome addition to options for staying in Fez.