Riad El Ghalia
Chain: Not Available
Description
Charming Riad in Fez's Ancient Medina
Luxurious Accommodation: Dar El Ghalia offers air-conditioned rooms with a minibar, radio, and en suite facilities, ranging from standard to spacious suites, all centered around a beautiful patio.
Relaxation and Dining: Guests can unwind in the hammam, enjoy massages, and savor regional delicacies at the on-site bar and restaurant.
Explore and Experience: Conveniently located, guests can easily visit nearby spas or take day trips to explore the rich cultural heritage of cities like Sefrou Imouzzer, Ifrane, and Volubilis.
Experience the charm and luxury of Dar El Ghalia - Book now for an unforgettable stay!
Sentiment Analysis
Clean rooms
Friendly staff
Great location
Comfortable beds
Popular Amenities
Guest education on local ecosystems and culture
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
Family rooms
Lift / Elevator
Luggage storage
Express check-in/check-out
Safety deposit box
Fax/photocopying
Tour desk
Ironing service
Car hire
Sauna
Massage services
Packed lunches
Availability Side
Standard Double Room
These rooms with attached bathroom are arranged around the central courtyard. Smoke and fire detectors are provided.
Superior Suite
These suites feature a unique decor with intricate morroccan tiling or furniture. Smoke and fire detectors are provided.
Royal Suite
This suite offers 3 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms fitted with a bath, hairdryer and free toiletries. It includes a living room with a flat-screen TV and a...
Standard Triple Room
This room overlooks the patio. It has a flat-screen TV and air conditioning.
Guest Sentiment Categories
Cleanliness
Guests consistently mentioned cleanliness as a positive aspect.
Service
Service was generally appreciated, although a few guests had complaints about wait times.
Location
The hotel is located in close proximity to many key landmarks and public transport.
Room Quality
Rooms were spacious and comfortable, although some guests mentioned minor maintenance issues.
Amenities
The amenities provided were satisfactory, with some guests highlighting the gym and pool, while others mentioned the lack of spa services.
Value for Money
Some guests felt that the price was a bit high for the services offered, while others thought it was reasonable given the location.
Food and Beverage
Breakfast and restaurant services were generally well-received, although a few guests thought there could be more variety.
Overall Experience
Most guests had a positive overall experience and would recommend the hotel to others.
Hotel Rules
Check-In / Check-Out Policy
Check In
12:00 PM
Check Out
12:30 PM
Check In Start
12 AM
Check In Ends
3 PM
Hotel Policies
Hotel Important Information
Show LessPlease inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation. In the event of an early departure, the property will charge you the full amount for your stay.
Reviews (68)
Lesley
3 weeks ago
7.0
tagadafan
3 weeks ago
10.0
Nous avons passé un séjour merveilleux, le riad est magnifique et très bien placé dans la médina tout en étant très calme. Un îlot de tranquillité qui fait du bien après l'agitation du souk ! Je recommande le restaurant qui est un des meilleurs que nous ayons fait au Maroc et ne pas hésiter à faire un tour sur le toit terrasse qui a une très belle vue sur la médina.
Cons: Rien tout était parfait
Nadia
9 months ago
7.0
Cheyne
10 months ago
10.0
It was very comfortable and spacious. The staff were great. Our room was massive and warm in the winter.
Cons: All was great in the property.
Maya
1 year ago
9.0
You feel you are in the last century, very beautiful, authentic
Cons: Nothing really.
Hilda
1 year ago
10.0
What an amazing 200 yrs old house decorated with original pieces! We had a great stay. The Staff is excellent. They make us to feel at home. The location is perfect to explorer the Medina. I would choose it again!!
Paul
1 year ago
9.0
Karim
1 year ago
4.0
L’entrée du Ryad, ça va n’est pas trop loin de l’axe principal arrivé au Riyad. Le hall d’entrée est typiquement marocain, ce qui est très beau et magnifique pour les yeux. Par contre arrivé dans la chambre, très dommage de voir que les installations sont vétuste rouillé pas du tout entretenu, aucun joint dans le lavabo des petites choses qui ne coûte rien mais qui font beaucoup. C’est vraiment très dommage car si l’entretien de la chambre serait fait honnêtement ce serait un très bel endroit mais malheureusement je ne peux pas conseiller.
Aleksandr
2 years ago
9.0
No problems. Everything was smooth and organised.
Ribaudo
2 years ago
10.0
Wunderschön!
Bhavik
2 years ago
1.0
unfortunately there is noting much to like about this riad. we had a forgotablle experience at this riad.
Cons: There is lot to not like about this riad. The location to begin with, its in a very shoddy corner of the medina and very difficult to find with loads of anti social elements waiting there to mis guide you. they switched off the wifi and the life on weekdays at 09 PM and on weekends at 10 PM. (absolutely shocking, never seen such a setup any where else). they said the hot water in the rooms is available only after 07 am and but it runs the whole day, which was also a lie, there was no hot water in the evenings too. the room given to us was also not what we booked, but another room which had layers of dust over the surface of the furniture. the bathroom was very small and had no curtains, there the water would spill over to entire bathroom area making it difficult for the second person to go and have a shower. over all a big disappointment.
Lia
2 years ago
10.0
Alan
2 years ago
8.0
Mehroze
2 years ago
7.0
The Riad is absolutely stunning. The seating area in the courtyard is beautiful. They also serve sheesha/huqqa here at any time. Breakfast was decent.
Cons: The bed was uncomfortable. Our double bed was basically two mattresses joined together with gap in the middle. Bed linen is not comfortable to sleep on. Pillows were really uncomfortable too. We decided to move to another Riad for our remaining days in Fes just because of the bed. It's such a shame because everything else was amazing.
Anonymous
2 years ago
10.0
Andre
2 years ago
10.0
Très bon séjour à Fès! Riad typique marocaine très bien localisé, personnel très sympathique et la écoute.
Alexandra
2 years ago
10.0
A simple continental breakfast was included, and happily consumed each morning, with a huge variety of locally made breads and jams. The chef was exceptional, so we dined in every night, and worked our way through the menu. It was a lovely, comfortable place to hang out through the heat of the day, and the staff even packed us a takeaway breakfast when we had to leave at 3.30am for an early flight. Our room was huge and the decor throughout the hotel was stunning.
Cons: The bathroom drain was a bit smelly sometimes, but as we were in the oldest part of Fes (8th century?) I guess that was hardly surprising! I will return when the roof garden has been refurbished - the view was spectacular!
Daria
2 years ago
10.0
Hicham
2 years ago
10.0
Very nice Riad with a grandeur feeling - my room was large and when enjoying the patio you can really see all the little touches that add to its charm. Location is literally a 3 minutes walk from where you can take a cab. Great Riad within the Medina and very nice host
Kylie
2 years ago
10.0
Highly recommend! The service was excellent and the building was BEAUTIFUL! Everything is within walking distance. The local people are friendly and we felt very safe as Americans. This hotel made staying in Fes a wonderful experience!
Asma
2 years ago
5.0
friendly staff
Cons: it was very cold, the room didn’t look like the pictures. the bathroom door was hard to close. no hairdryer
Neil
2 years ago
10.0
The place, the staff, the food . The room.
Cons: Nothing
peeter
2 years ago
10.0
It was the best stay of my 10days trip without any doubt! What a place! Riad with history , very authentic. As I was only guest for 2 nights, I got excellent service and huge room with all the comfort. Owner had lived there forever runs the place, so it was great to hear about history. Absolutely good restaurant, nice breakfast. Recommendation: use the tour-guide that they offer you-helps a lot to navigate in the city. Only negative aspect: parking-they just do not have it and You have to leave you car in 7 minutes distance...if they have space in there at all
Rosie
2 years ago
9.0
Absolutely beautiful riad and such helpful friendly staff!
Cons: The bathroom door didn’t close properly.
Mohammad
3 years ago
10.0
Verified traveler
5 years ago
10.0
The hotel is a little hard to find, but they have a spray painted sign on the wall (high up) nearby. There is an elevator to get to your rooms, breakfast was nice, room was a little dusty but clean.
Verified traveler
5 years ago
8.0
an amazing palace-like property with a real old-world sensibility, and an outstanding staff - friendly and helpful in every way.
Verified traveler
5 years ago
10.0
Le cadre et l emplacement au top le personnel discret et serviable de plus une bonne table
Verified traveler
6 years ago
10.0
This place is beautiful and the breakfast is nice. It really is a special place that makes you feel like you've gone back in time. I highly recommend it. The towels could have been fresher is my only feedback. We also received help finding a good guide, which I appreciated. We loved Mohammad, who served us breakfast and helped to walk us to the taxis when we needed help.
Margaret
6 years ago
8.0
This was a nice riad, but could be great. The building is spectacular and I hope someone soon gives it the TLC it deserves. The wine and beer selection was inclusive but the availability of what was on the menu was disappointing... it would be better to have listed only what is really available. The upstairs terrace was dusty but we enjoyed an evening up there despite this. The attentiveness of the main hostess and his helper was on point. Our stay overall was good because our expectations were reasonable based in the price. I would also recommend the riad but at present it is a 3-star property with 5-star potential!
Verified traveler
6 years ago
8.0
Access to property very poor and had to be accompanied in case you got lost .
Amanda
6 years ago
8.0
It's beautiful and in such a fun location! The staff goes above and beyond. Tons of smiles. Felt like home.
Mint
6 years ago
8.0
伝統的な造り、装飾がとても綺麗でした。スタッフが親切でした。残念な点としてはテレビが使えなかった事と部屋内の二階の部屋が少し埃っぽくて目が痒くなりました。朝食がパンばかりで物足りませんでした。
Verified traveler
6 years ago
8.0
Very beautiful place. The place itself can be a tourist attraction. Very helpful and friendly staff. Delicious food. However, half the time, there was no hot water. The location is also not that good as it is difficult to find it amidst the labyrinth that is the old city. The bedroom was upstairs which was slightly inconvenient.
Thomas
6 years ago
8.0
A spectacularly beautiful setting--almost like a movie set ( of 2 centuries wealthy decor). The large dining room was the centerpiece: We were excited when we walked in. Off season the staff were not particularly interested enough in us to bother much- except to collect money. The breakfast was not palatable. So we didn't bother the next day. The server for dinner did not have a clue about serving utensils or other needs! (Probably his & the cook's first night?) Our room was very dark making reading difficult. While 2 antique lamps stood ready, there were no outlets to reach them! The bed was comfortable. The bolster and pillows challenged comfort. The bathroom was very good as was our room's decor. The winding thru the medina eventuality made us feel successful at finding our way back. Note: look way up to see signs for it! In a summary: We suspect El Ghalia is a wonderful setting in which to stay. We just can't say this for February.
Verified traveler
6 years ago
10.0
Hotel authentique traditionnel dans un ancien palais marocain au cœur de la medina ,personnel tres accueillant toujours au petit soin pour vous . Séjour tres agréable .
Harald
6 years ago
8.0
Veldig fin «lobby», slitent rom, men koselig! Utrolig serviceinnstilte ansatte og veldig bra frokost i forhold til vår erfaring med riader. Ligger perfekt til mtp utforsking av medinaen i Fez!!
Verified traveler
6 years ago
10.0
Magnifique Riad nichée dans la médina, facile à trouver car c'ést fléché. Personnel très sympa, petit déjeuner copieux, repas excellent. Chambre confortable.
Catherine
7 years ago
10.0
Dar El Ghalia is absolutely stunning, we gasped when we first walked in. Every staff member was smiling and helpful and polite. They organized a great walking tour of the medina for us, as well as a day trip to Chefchaouen. The riad is also extremely well located, just inside the medina, so easy to explore the medina or hop into a taxi for exploration elsewhere.
Verified traveler
7 years ago
10.0
Beautiful riad, large rooms and excellent staff. We had many meals there and the food was wonderful.
Maria
7 years ago
10.0
The staff were so friendly and very welcoming. The Riad is comfortable and in the heart of the medina.
Héctor
8 years ago
10.0
It was amazing
Adam
8 years ago
8.0
Fes is an amazing ancient living city unlike I have ever been to before. It is not overly touristic although not what it once surely was. El Ghalia was well located and staffed by very nice people.
Verified traveler
9 years ago
6.0
This Riad is very old and the interior is amazing.
Verified traveler
9 years ago
8.0
Ahmed and the staff at Dar El Ghalia are very helpful and make visitors feel welcome. French and English are spoken. The common areas are as grand as you see in the pictures, and are made for relaxing before dinner after a day in the sun. The rooms are clean and spacious (my double room had a sitting area with large sofa, two chairs and a fireplace, comfortable bed, decent sized bathroom). This hotel is good for travelers who like the idea of staying in a beautiful private home rather than a cookie-cutter chain hotel. Breakfast is an assortment of Moroccan breads, butter and jams, coffee and orange juice. All the expected things like hot water, air conditioning, TV, wifi, and a nice breakfast are here, as well as antiques, plants, and tile details. While centrally located in the medina near Place Rcif, arrange for a transfer / pickup if you are coming from the train station or airport at night. You will never find the riad your first time through the winding, dark alleyways. While I do believe the area is safe, as a woman traveling alone, I stayed in after dark to avoid any risk.
kashif s.
9 years ago
8.0
This hotel was located at the old part of the town but conveniently located to the souk and other the attractions around the city. you have to like the history & culture to enjoy the location. When we arrived on the main street outside the hotel, we're setback for a little while but when arrived at the hotel, it was a great experience. In my opinion, a true Moroccan gem. If you like culture and don't mind the real experience, I would highly recommend staying at this location.
frequent travel
10 years ago
4.0
The place advertised as 4* on the expedia site and I wouldn't give 3* It's location is a good walk from any transport No parking Took a while to get key to a room The place needs a lot of preservation the rooms are fine towels are too old The taps in the shower were not working well the roof terrace view is splendid, but the furniture is tatty and not very clean Service extremely poor we ordered food and got two plates a basket of bread and a glass of a drink we ordered the waiter brought the plates and quickly disappeared, there is no way to communicate with staff if you are in the terrace, And when we got the bill it was 400 dirham for a 4" plate of pastilla and a tagine and orange juice!!!! We felt totally ripped off. A plate of tagine big enough for two people is 60 to 75 dirham in the same city in a decent cafe/ restaurant. Shame on expedia for passing this as 4*
Bulu
10 years ago
10.0
Very nice Riad. Great location for visiting Madina or transportation. Breakfast was wonderful. Room was very nice and roomy. Staff was helpful in just about everything. Highly recommend this place.
Richard P.
11 years ago
8.0
What you will find is that Fes is a huge hill. Dar El Ghalia is on a lonely street at the bottom of this hill so you are always climbing to get anywhere. Good news- it's all downhill on the way back. Keep in ming that "Riads" are intimate hotels with an interior courtyard. A "Dar" is more similar to a mansion turned hotel. And a hotel is, well, a hotel. I prefer Riads but this is a fine Dar and, for the price, you can't beat it. You'll never find it if driving, someone took mercy on us and led us to about three blocks from the Dar so we could park and walk to the place. Not an easy walk with luggage. The owner was very nice. Make sure the women bring a cover-up.
maggi
11 years ago
6.0
Day 1 breakfast was good ...eggs with mixed breads and jams days 2 3 4 and 5 mixed bread and jam only no variety.. 2 evening meals were ok but small and very expensive ...
Verified traveler
12 years ago
2.0
POWER CUT AFTER WE ARRIVED. WHEN WE LEFT THE HOTEL STİLL POWER CUT.
wrongway
12 years ago
10.0
Staff was extremely helpful. Food was very good. Very nice terrace overlooking the Medina,, to have a wonderful breakfast each morning. I would definitely stay here again.
Juanita
12 years ago
8.0
Dar El Ghalia is a beautiful and charming riad very close to the walls of the Medina. While you must walk quite a distance - uphill - from the taxi drop-off, there are signs that point you in the right direction. The building itself is extremely plain and drab from the outside, but once the door is open you enter into a beautiful example of moroccan style and comfort. The staff is very accommodating and helped my daughter getting some legal documents sent back to the United States before we were even checked in. Each room is individualized and the junior suite we had was very comfortable. The only draw-back was the extremely small bathroom. There was barely enough legroom for comfort on the toilet but one adjusted as necessary! I highly recommend this riad for anyone who wants a taste of the architecture and style of Morocco.
Katherine
12 years ago
8.0
This was a nice little gem in a quiet area of the Media with very gracious and helpful hosts. The hotel was small (8 rooms) with a amazing public lobby where you can relax and have a drink. The rooms all open up to the main courtyard and were comfortable with plenty of room. The hosts were very lovely, and the there was always someone on staff that spoke very good english. There was a nice roof top terrace where you could enjoy a drink (alcohol was available) and a nice Hamman (Spa) on site (unfortunately, it was down when we were there, but looked lovely). The wifi worked great in lobby. Tips: Call before you arrive as you have to walk about a 1/2 mile to get to the hotel (no cars in the Medina). The hotel will arrange a taxi for you from the Train/Airport and have someone waiting for you at the main gate of the Medina to assist you with bags and walk you to the hotel. They are also happy to arrange other tours/services for you and the restaurant on site was very very good.
William
13 years ago
10.0
A gem in the heart of Fez Medina -- museum quality with excellent service and food.
Susan
13 years ago
10.0
Great Riad, excellent service, food and superb views over old town from top terrace. Difficult to find without a local guide first time, but oK after that
Rich
13 years ago
8.0
Not too difficult to find. The old city is confusing, but I was dropped off at the correct place and then had to walk about 100 meters to the riad door. I had someone directing me, so it wasn't bad, but if you are by yourself, you may never find the place. It's not centrally located, so there isn't anything nearby. The riad itself is nice. The interior is very authentic, and the roof garden is a nice place to have breakfast. It was nice enough, but it's more like 3 - 4 stars, certainly not five. The staff, though, is extremely helpful and attentive, and they have wi-fi on the first floor.
Rune
13 years ago
8.0
It's a clear goal for the riad, to be the best in the city. The service is great, and they went out of their way to please me. Among other things, they gave me a guide to my full dispossal.
Eduardo
13 years ago
8.0
Me and my girlfriend had wonderful time in Riad Al Ghalia. The hotel is magnificent, with a very nice staff. The bedroom is a jewel, we felt like princes in that huge bed. The only problem is the localization, in a very strange and dirty neighborhood. If you go to Fes, ALWAYS pick a guide at the train station, to help you to get trough the dark streets. Will make you feel safer. But imagine, if I say that about the neighborhood and still liked the hotel, it's because it's really good!
KayLondonUK
13 years ago
8.0
The Riad is quite beautiful but the standard rooms are extremely small and require a good cleaning down. As we were the only guests for the first few days the hotel kindly upgraded us the next day on our request to a suite which felt better and was far cleaner. I disliked the old shower curtains used in the bathrooms which was out of character with the place. Had we had to stay in the smaller standard room it would have heavily impacted on the enjoyment of our stay. Fez is old, historic and could also benefit if the local Government invested in better street cleaning and civic infrastructure. Fez is original and unique but it is also old, decaying and tourism has been impacted by the Arab Spring so you'll see a lot of poverty but the people are not as aggressive as the Egyptians you just have to keep firm. My expectations had been mismatched as I thought it would be a more ancient version of Marrakech. However, it is a place probably like no other but just be prepared that it is old and is in need to be maintained. The Riad could do with some refurbishment.
Verified traveler
14 years ago
10.0
Although we had an awful travel experience in Morocco, Riad El Ghalia was definitely the highlight of the trip. Staff (and even the owners) were incredibly nice and considerate which made us feel like home during our 3-night stay in the hotel (we didn't even want to go out of the hotel!!!). Room was clean, comfy and quite (though the surrounding neighbourhood of the hotel was shabby which makes the hotel a secret garden). The view from the rooftop was good as well. The restuarante of the hotel is one of the best in Morocco. Nice food and nice service. If weather permits, we could eat at the rooftop enjoying the magnificant night view. However, breakfast is the same everyday so maybe you would get a little bored of it. Overall, I highly recommended this hotel and this is the best hotel I've ever stayed in my life!!!
Verified traveler
14 years ago
10.0
Riad El Ghalia is a beautiful riad overlooking the Medina. From the moment you enter into the house you are surrounded with history and Moroccan tradition. We asked the staff to organize our taxi from the bus stop. The driver dropped us off at the entrance to Medina and then one of the staff met us there and took carried our bags and walked us to the riad. It's only a few turns from the gate so it's not a problem to find your way back. Everything was absolutely amazing! From the staff who welcomed us and organized our tours to the comfort of this old family villa and to quality of service and food. We travelled through 5 cities in Morocco and stayed at 4 star accommodations -this was by far the most authentic, beautiful, comfortable and special place! When I go back to Fes I will definitely stay there again!
Pujanil
14 years ago
10.0
I have been to Morocco many times over the course of 30 years and this Riad is a haven of beauty and peace in a city bustling with energy. Coming back from a day of exploring alleyways, medersas, and souks in the old medina, you can sit and rest in the indoor garden with its tinkling fountain or enjoy the rooftop view. The staff is dedicated to your every wish, and happy to accommodate your requests. The rooms are all named, each one decorated in a different style, all traditional and refined. The restaurant is among the best in the city. Ladies, you will feel like a princess in this place. Gentlemen, if you wish to spoil your Significant Other, bring her here.
Shafraz
14 years ago
10.0
We traveled for over 6 weeks in total and I must say, Riad El-Ghalia was the best hotel that we stayed at. The staff were very accommodating to our needs and very friendly. The rooms were spacious and very comfortable. My only regret is not having more time up on the terrace with my book!
Jack
15 years ago
10.0
This really was a palace, as you discover entering the enormous central courtyard. Arriving at dusk is ideal, as the Moorish lanterns are lit, the fountain is on, and you are served tea in one of the many couches scattered around. Our suite was lovely, with two sitting areas and a gracious iron four-poster bed. The bath was tiny, even claustrophobic - but these are the choices you make staying in an historic property. The staff could not have been better - friendly, helpful, attentive. When their hammam (steam area) wasn't ready, they arranged for a guide to escort us to the local hammam, where he scrubbed and tugged us into bliss. The food was great, and the dining room is beautiful. We ended up eating there both nights of our stay. It is NOT cheap, but a fine dinner with a nice selection of Moroccan wines and attentive service more than compensated for the higher prices. The location is a bit obscure, but an advance phone call took care of that. As our taxi pulled up in the local main street, there was a hotel guide there to take our bags and lead us to the derb (alley) on which the hotel was located. We would stay there again in a heartbeat, and encourage anyone else to stay there, as well. A wonderful treat, and a true highlight of our time in Fez
Ferguson
15 years ago
10.0
Fabulous Riad, far exceeded our expectation. One would never imagine that a Riad of that quality was hidden behind the entrance doors in such an old Medina. The service was impecable and the food outstanding. Would definitely stay there again.
Paula
16 years ago
10.0
It was great to arrive at an hotel that actually lived up to (and went beyond) the promotional photos. This place is on a grand scale, as it used to be a palace, but is intimate and friendly at the same time, as there aren't that many rooms. It's a little bit like going back in time as the setting is very French Imperial, with interesting Moroccan and European artifacts at every turn. The rooms were large and the food was great. Overall, fabulous!
Verified traveler
16 years ago
4.0
The hotel is nice, looks lovely, rooms are just OK, spacious but a little dirty. What is bad about this is the location, it's just horrible. It's exteremly hard to find the place, I found it with the help of a local kid. But it is in a BAD neighborhood. You could tell right when you got there. Even our tour guide said to not walk around there at night, that it was pretty dangerous. And since the main street is like a 5 min walking distance, which you DO NOT want to do at night, you have to stay in and have dinner at the hotel. The hotel restaurant is nice, but VERY expensive, especially compared to Moroccan standards. It was the equivalent to an expensive dinner in California.
Starts From
$80.00 / night
N°13 Derb Ras Rhi Ras Jnan Médina Fès 30110, Fès, MA
Nearby Landmarks & Visits
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Air conditioning
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