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Hotel & Spa Riad Dar Bensouda
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Avg. €177 /night, 9/13 - 9/14
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#12 of 163 hotels in FezLocation
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Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
As soon as you cross the threshold of this incredible property, you will access a magnificent architectural gem. Thanks to the patience of Abdellatif Ait Ben Abdallah, a personality known for the numerous Moroccan heritage saving actions in the Media of Marrakech, this luxurious 16th century Fez dwelling has finally found its original soul and revived. Every detail, simple or complex, the proportions harmony, the magic of the colors, and the extraordinary combination of the ancient zellij, the stucco, and the carved woods shows the incredible elegance and the highly refined taste of its previous owner, the Bensouda Saint. Now accessible to all, Dar Bensouda is the ideal place for a memorable experience. The 18 rooms and suites with majestic doors, carved and painted wood ceilings, and zellij floors, all have private bathrooms for your convenience. To enjoy and gather with your family or friends, Dar Bensouda has several common areas as well. The large living room with a fireplace, the vaste rooftop terrace with astonishing panoramic views of the entire Medina, the restaurant where we serve a traditional and refined Moroccan cuisine, and last but not least, the beautiful seperate pool patio to refresh yourselves at all times. A private Hammam and Spa are also available for your convenience. What's nearby Karaouiyne 0.4 km Medersa Bouanania 0.6 km Batha Square 0.7 km Bab Bou Jeloud Fes 0.7 km Royal Palace Fes 1.9 km
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Property amenities
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Free breakfast
Airport transportation
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Spa
Rooftop terrace
Wifi
Pool / beach towels
Indoor pool
Outdoor pool
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Breakfast in the room
Kids' meals
Special diet menus
Taxi service
Facial treatments
Foot bath
Foot massage
Hammam
Hand massage
Head massage
Manicure
Massage
Neck massage
Pedicure
Solarium
Steam room
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Concierge
Outdoor furniture
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
24-hour front desk
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Ironing service
Room features
Air conditioning
Dining area
Housekeeping
Safe
Stovetop
Extra long beds
Sofa bed
Bath / shower
Seating area
Sofa
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Bottled water
Laptop safe
Private bathrooms
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Room types
City view
Pool view
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Historic Hotel
Languages Spoken
English, French, Spanish, Arabic
Location
14 Zqaq Lebghal Kettanine, Fez 30202 Morocco
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 100 out of 100
100
Sais Airport
14.4 km•
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88 Restaurants
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1,391Review18Q+A100Room tips
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Detailed Reviews
+1
I stayed at Dar Bensouda during the month of October with my friend and I cannot express in writing how special and stunning this hotel is.. First the hotel staffs were kind to send us a person to help us carry our luggage from our cab to the hotel (a bit of a walk since the old part of the city is for pedestrians only, and no car nor motorbike can actually get through the narrow streets) Once we arrived, we couldn't comprehend how such place existed inside this city! The large size of the courtyard and of the walls is just unbelievable. The staff was kind enough to explain to us the important history of the house and we discovered right then that the house used to belong to a very important family in fes (the old owner was a teacher at the oldest university in the WORLD). The reason we loved this hotel is that it didn't shy away from the Moroccan culture and heritage. On the contrary, they showcased their culture with the utmost respect and you can see that from the moment you enter. We had most of our meals at the house and I was blown away by the freshness of the fruits and vegetables. It's very clear that the produce in Fes are much better quality than other parts in Morocco) The staff in this hotel are so considered, they kindly asked us if we came to Fes as just a simple visit or for a special occasion. We replied that we were celebrating a graduation. And the next we know the next day they served us couscous on the rooftop with a lovely and special set up.
I don't usually care to write reviews but this was such a special trip and it's all due to Dar Bensouda hotel and team!
So from the bottom of our hearts we thank you and we will for sure come back soon!
xx
I don't usually care to write reviews but this was such a special trip and it's all due to Dar Bensouda hotel and team!
So from the bottom of our hearts we thank you and we will for sure come back soon!
xx
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Date of stay: October 2022
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Marrakech Riads, Directeur général at Hotel & Spa Riad Dar Bensouda
Responded 6 Feb 2023
Dear Guest, Thank you very much for your kind words. We are really glad you had a pleasant experience and we’re sure that our entire staff enjoyed catering to your needs as much as you enjoyed your Stay with us, we hope to see you again at Dar Bensouda very soon. Best Regards
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
This place is not for regular travelers. Those who will not push themselves a little bit to find a hidden gem in the old city, or feel curious to live a couple of days without being surrounded by electronic devices everywhere. Furthermore, it needs a person who appreciate the glory of the past, the genuine beauty of antiques and doesn’t consider such charm as rustic metal or scaly wood.
This dar was belonged to a well respected Imam, Ahmed bensoudeh, a prestigious man, with well known teaching religion classes. Staying in this riad after all of these years with the same preserved non modified beauty is so authentic, and reinforce the touristic experience of Fes and its near by amazing wooden sculptures in Quraan schools. It is so obvious that the owner supervises the property closely, and has very specific vision of how the riad experience should be. I totally appreciate his choices of leaving the mosaic, the wood, and the carved plaster with no renewal. I liked as well the selection of very simple furniture that will not interfere visually with these rich elements and keep the main focus on the correct places. The pool and terrace is another story. The staff understand the philosophy of the owner, respect it, conducting it to the visitors, and working with their maximum effort to meet those high standards. Mrs Huda, the site manager, embarrassed us with her kindness and her super meticulous way to make sure that every single detail is just perfect. It feels like a family to stay there. My kids were so happy to stay here as the wifi was excellent all over the building! We didn’t have any smell issue as we had with the previous riad we were in. They take the luggage in the check in, and out, to the parking area. At the end of our stay I feel mind clear and my soul is satisfied with beauty and meditations. It is very nice to carry this feeling with you when you travel back. Big Thanks to the team of this wonderful riad.
This dar was belonged to a well respected Imam, Ahmed bensoudeh, a prestigious man, with well known teaching religion classes. Staying in this riad after all of these years with the same preserved non modified beauty is so authentic, and reinforce the touristic experience of Fes and its near by amazing wooden sculptures in Quraan schools. It is so obvious that the owner supervises the property closely, and has very specific vision of how the riad experience should be. I totally appreciate his choices of leaving the mosaic, the wood, and the carved plaster with no renewal. I liked as well the selection of very simple furniture that will not interfere visually with these rich elements and keep the main focus on the correct places. The pool and terrace is another story. The staff understand the philosophy of the owner, respect it, conducting it to the visitors, and working with their maximum effort to meet those high standards. Mrs Huda, the site manager, embarrassed us with her kindness and her super meticulous way to make sure that every single detail is just perfect. It feels like a family to stay there. My kids were so happy to stay here as the wifi was excellent all over the building! We didn’t have any smell issue as we had with the previous riad we were in. They take the luggage in the check in, and out, to the parking area. At the end of our stay I feel mind clear and my soul is satisfied with beauty and meditations. It is very nice to carry this feeling with you when you travel back. Big Thanks to the team of this wonderful riad.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Marrakech_Riads, Responsable commercial at Hotel & Spa Riad Dar Bensouda
Responded 7 Jan 2020
Dear Guest, Thank you very much for your kind words. We are really glad you had a pleasant experience and we’re sure that our entire staff enjoyed catering to your needs as much as you enjoyed your Stay with us, we hope to see you again at Dar Bensouda very soon. Best Regards
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
This is the only riad you should be considering for your stay in Fes. Yassine (the manager) and his staff go above and beyond in every single way. The property is an impeccably restored 16th century structure with three courtyards, a pool, and rooftop terrace. It’s deep in the medina on a quiet street - exposing you to off the beaten path beauties and encounters with local Moroccans. If that wasn’t enough, it’s the staff and their excellent service that really sets this riad apart.
Many riads in the medina will pressure you to bring your friends there, buy a trip to the desert, or take a “tour” that is just shopping. This is not that riad. Riad Dar Bensouda is a sanctuary where you can come to rest and find people who are helpful, patient, and flexible. We never felt pressured in any way during our stay. In fact, we eloped here! Yassine helped us with many of our requests - from chatting with our photographer (who was in charge of our schedule for the elopement), arranging taxi transportation before sunrise that involved a stop to get the photographer at a different location, calling a porter to guide us out of the medina and to the car at 5am, got us day of last minute reservation at the Ruined Garden during peak season (and somehow pulled some strings so we got a coveted garden table!!!), moved our luggage to another room when we extended our stay and needed to switch rooms since someone else had booked ours, brought us tea exactly on time at the end of our elopement ceremony, checked on us when I got a little travelers’s illness, and helping us book a few classes when we decided the day of that we wanted to dive deeper into Morocco’s art and music. The list goes on. The staff here deserves a serious raise for all they did for us.
If that’s not enough to convince you, the riad is impeccably cleaned from top to bottom every day. The floors are mopped and rooms are serviced. There’s free continental breakfast served every morning, and lunch and dinner are offered at an additional cost if you prefer to eat in after your long day exploring the medina (the cost can be added to your room and paid with card which is appreciated when the rest of the medina is a cash economy).
This medina’s location may not be for everyone. It’s not on the main throughways near Bab Boujloud. Don’t let that affect your choice, however. Being deeper in the medina means less hustle and less traffic. It also means you will be much closer to the sights of the Chaouwara Tanneries, Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts, Palace Seffarine (and it’s amazing metal work souk), Fontaine Sabaghine (the dye alleyway), and University Kairaouine. I found this side of the medina much more authentic. The craftsman coops work out here, and the shops near Bab Boujloud are just resellers. Don’t sleep on exploring deep into this location. If you are only in Fes for a few days, say at Dar Bensouda and ask Yasssine to set up a guide for you. You won’t regret it.
Many riads in the medina will pressure you to bring your friends there, buy a trip to the desert, or take a “tour” that is just shopping. This is not that riad. Riad Dar Bensouda is a sanctuary where you can come to rest and find people who are helpful, patient, and flexible. We never felt pressured in any way during our stay. In fact, we eloped here! Yassine helped us with many of our requests - from chatting with our photographer (who was in charge of our schedule for the elopement), arranging taxi transportation before sunrise that involved a stop to get the photographer at a different location, calling a porter to guide us out of the medina and to the car at 5am, got us day of last minute reservation at the Ruined Garden during peak season (and somehow pulled some strings so we got a coveted garden table!!!), moved our luggage to another room when we extended our stay and needed to switch rooms since someone else had booked ours, brought us tea exactly on time at the end of our elopement ceremony, checked on us when I got a little travelers’s illness, and helping us book a few classes when we decided the day of that we wanted to dive deeper into Morocco’s art and music. The list goes on. The staff here deserves a serious raise for all they did for us.
If that’s not enough to convince you, the riad is impeccably cleaned from top to bottom every day. The floors are mopped and rooms are serviced. There’s free continental breakfast served every morning, and lunch and dinner are offered at an additional cost if you prefer to eat in after your long day exploring the medina (the cost can be added to your room and paid with card which is appreciated when the rest of the medina is a cash economy).
This medina’s location may not be for everyone. It’s not on the main throughways near Bab Boujloud. Don’t let that affect your choice, however. Being deeper in the medina means less hustle and less traffic. It also means you will be much closer to the sights of the Chaouwara Tanneries, Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts, Palace Seffarine (and it’s amazing metal work souk), Fontaine Sabaghine (the dye alleyway), and University Kairaouine. I found this side of the medina much more authentic. The craftsman coops work out here, and the shops near Bab Boujloud are just resellers. Don’t sleep on exploring deep into this location. If you are only in Fes for a few days, say at Dar Bensouda and ask Yasssine to set up a guide for you. You won’t regret it.
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Try to stay more than just a day or two in Fes. It’s worth it to get your sea legs in this...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Marrakech Riads, Directeur général at Hotel & Spa Riad Dar Bensouda
Responded 17 Oct 2023
Dear Guest, Thank you very much for your kind words. We are really glad you had a pleasant experience and we’re sure that our entire staff enjoyed catering to your needs as much as you enjoyed your Stay with us, we hope to see you again at Dar Bensouda very soon. Best Regards
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
With so many options to choose from in Fes and having never set foot in Morocco, I found Dar Bensouda online with terrific reviews. I booked three nights here. The riad itself is immaculate, you could spend an entire day just lounging on the gorgeous rooftop (be sure to catch the sunrise up there at least one morning), the main courtyard, the pool/restaurant area, and more. The room itself is beautifully decorated and everything was provided for. The gentlemen were so helpful to me during my stay. Cleanliness was top notch and the comfort of the bed was great.
Please note that this riad is inside the Medina. I was dropped off by my cab outside the Medina as cars are not allowed inside. It was very hectic, chaotic, and your cellphone map will not work there, don’t count on it. Please organize a meeting point with the riad staff so they can escort you to and from the riad to your transportation (something I wish I knew going there & don’t forget to tip!). Also would recommend scheduling a walking tour with a professional as Fes can be overwhelming to navigate alone.
This riad is a quiet haven in the middle of Fes. Be prepared for very narrow streets, very high walls, and lots of hills to climb. Worth a visit, just coordinate with the Dar Bensouda staff to escort you to and from a meeting point upon arrival and departure so you start the trip off on a good foot!
Please note that this riad is inside the Medina. I was dropped off by my cab outside the Medina as cars are not allowed inside. It was very hectic, chaotic, and your cellphone map will not work there, don’t count on it. Please organize a meeting point with the riad staff so they can escort you to and from the riad to your transportation (something I wish I knew going there & don’t forget to tip!). Also would recommend scheduling a walking tour with a professional as Fes can be overwhelming to navigate alone.
This riad is a quiet haven in the middle of Fes. Be prepared for very narrow streets, very high walls, and lots of hills to climb. Worth a visit, just coordinate with the Dar Bensouda staff to escort you to and from a meeting point upon arrival and departure so you start the trip off on a good foot!
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Date of stay: November 2020Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Marrakech Riads, Directeur général at Hotel & Spa Riad Dar Bensouda
Responded 15 Dec 2020
Dear Guest, Thank you very much for your kind words. We are really glad you had a pleasant experience and we’re sure that our entire staff enjoyed catering to your needs as much as you enjoyed your Stay with us, we hope to see you again at Dar Bensouda very soon. Best Regards
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Great place made even better by Yazzine, the host who was always there. He was super communicative on WhatsApp before we arrived, which eliminated our anxiety in going to a new city.
We arrived around 11 one night in February 2022, and Yazzine had a mint tea and cookies waiting for us – and then took us upstairs to a delicious dinner that was waiting for us.
We were traveling with our teenage sons and needed two rooms. One of the rooms didn’t work for us because of stairs to the WC, so Yazzine immediately moved us to another room that was perfect (except for slow wifi). The next morning, he offered to move us to another room that was even better (and had good wifi). Our rooms were beyond clean, comfortable, cozy and had amazingly tall ceilings. The roof deck was beautiful (though with poor wifi), and the open pool patio was a real treat. We spent a couple of hours in the open courtyard, reading.
We were suffering jet lag, so for the three days we were at the riad, Yazzine held breakfast for us. Every morning it was lots of jam, honey, cheese, olives, the best butter we’d ever tasted, donuts, warm bread, Moroccan crepes, mint tea, omelets and fresh OJ….We felt guilty at how much food we’d left behind but we’d eaten all we could, and there was still so much left over.
We had $30-ish hamams at the riad, which Yazzine arranged. They were delightful.
Yazzine also arranged a super guide for us – Youssef – who explained more about the city than we could’ve gotten in seven tour books. He was a young guy who was so insightful and funny. In addition to showing us all the sites and giving us history and info on the culture, he showed us some shops (which we'd requested). We wanted to go to an antique store, and Youssef made sure we got to an authentic one because there are many out there selling reproductions. We wanted to see the markets and how leather and spices et al were made, so the places he took us were also stores. But they were super low key and there was no pressure to buy. Youssef may have gotten a kickback from the stores, but we were happy to pay it. He even suggested a reasonably priced dinner restaurant when we asked.
I think Yazzine is a mind reader. He seemed to know when we would need something and poof!, it was there.
Would not change anything about this stay, other than to have made it longer.
By the way, when you're negotiating with a seller, don't pay more than 40% to 50% of their original price, according to the manager at another riad in Marrakech .
We arrived around 11 one night in February 2022, and Yazzine had a mint tea and cookies waiting for us – and then took us upstairs to a delicious dinner that was waiting for us.
We were traveling with our teenage sons and needed two rooms. One of the rooms didn’t work for us because of stairs to the WC, so Yazzine immediately moved us to another room that was perfect (except for slow wifi). The next morning, he offered to move us to another room that was even better (and had good wifi). Our rooms were beyond clean, comfortable, cozy and had amazingly tall ceilings. The roof deck was beautiful (though with poor wifi), and the open pool patio was a real treat. We spent a couple of hours in the open courtyard, reading.
We were suffering jet lag, so for the three days we were at the riad, Yazzine held breakfast for us. Every morning it was lots of jam, honey, cheese, olives, the best butter we’d ever tasted, donuts, warm bread, Moroccan crepes, mint tea, omelets and fresh OJ….We felt guilty at how much food we’d left behind but we’d eaten all we could, and there was still so much left over.
We had $30-ish hamams at the riad, which Yazzine arranged. They were delightful.
Yazzine also arranged a super guide for us – Youssef – who explained more about the city than we could’ve gotten in seven tour books. He was a young guy who was so insightful and funny. In addition to showing us all the sites and giving us history and info on the culture, he showed us some shops (which we'd requested). We wanted to go to an antique store, and Youssef made sure we got to an authentic one because there are many out there selling reproductions. We wanted to see the markets and how leather and spices et al were made, so the places he took us were also stores. But they were super low key and there was no pressure to buy. Youssef may have gotten a kickback from the stores, but we were happy to pay it. He even suggested a reasonably priced dinner restaurant when we asked.
I think Yazzine is a mind reader. He seemed to know when we would need something and poof!, it was there.
Would not change anything about this stay, other than to have made it longer.
By the way, when you're negotiating with a seller, don't pay more than 40% to 50% of their original price, according to the manager at another riad in Marrakech .
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Date of stay: February 2022
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Some of the rooms have stairs to their WCs, so this is something for people with mobility issues...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Marrakech Riads, Directeur général at Hotel & Spa Riad Dar Bensouda
Responded 8 Mar 2022
Dear Guest, Thank you very much for your kind words. We are really glad you had a pleasant experience and we’re sure that our entire staff enjoyed catering to your needs as much as you enjoyed your Stay with us, we hope to see you again at Dar Bensouda very soon. Best Regards
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I cannot recommend Bensoudda more highly for offering a wonderful retreat after a dusty day in the medina. A breathtakingly beautiful spot, both at ground level and from the roof top, behind an unassuming door, with lovely big rooms and a small boutique spa offering fantastic massages. Yassin, the manager is meticulous but in a laid back way, making things feel easy and ensuring everything works during your stay - whether arranging professional henna services on site, booking the best guides for Fes or locating operational Apple chargers for your laptop! Ibrahim, his right hand man, is equally beguiling and ensures that nothing is done without a genuine smile and good grace, from making excellent omelettes in the morning to fixing broken reading glasses within seconds - and you don’t want to be out and about without Aziz at your side to ensure you get where you need to (and back) like your own personal body guard. An amazing team who create a truly special family feel to the place and who understand the perfect balance between great service and personable style. My only suggestion for them would be to keep reimagining the menu but their recommendations re local restaurants and riads were spot on. Thank you!
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Marrakech Riads, Directeur général at Hotel & Spa Riad Dar Bensouda
Responded 14 May 2022
Dear Guest, Thank you very much for your kind words. We are really glad you had a pleasant experience and we’re sure that our entire staff enjoyed catering to your needs as much as you enjoyed your Stay with us, we hope to see you again at Dar Bensouda very soon. Best Regards
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This place is everything you could want and more. Such a cool, hip, traditional, well decorated, maintained place with comfy beds, quality linens, good AC, good WiFi (if you care about that), attentive staff, lots of caring touches and attention to detail, a great location, a pool to dip in to cool off, AC that actually works, quiet spacious rooms, good food, lots of little places to lounge and read or play board games. What more can I say?
In our 19 days of travel in Morocco and Portugal we stayed at six different places. The four nights at Riad Dar Bensouda were the most special and memorable in so many ways. Yassine the manager helped us with tour guides, finding our way in and out of the Medina, restaurant recommendations and logistics. He was awesome in every way. The massages and Hamman were great too.
I was so worried it was going to be horribly hot in Fes in August and that sleeping at night in the heat would be an issue, but where we live in Northern California is much hotter and the rooms and temperature were perfect.
Mamadou, Ibrahima and Isaac were wonderful. The rooms are quiet, cool and cozy and so unique. This place is a true gem worthy of its high rating. My only complaint is the pictures on their website don't do it enough justice in representing all of the above!
In our 19 days of travel in Morocco and Portugal we stayed at six different places. The four nights at Riad Dar Bensouda were the most special and memorable in so many ways. Yassine the manager helped us with tour guides, finding our way in and out of the Medina, restaurant recommendations and logistics. He was awesome in every way. The massages and Hamman were great too.
I was so worried it was going to be horribly hot in Fes in August and that sleeping at night in the heat would be an issue, but where we live in Northern California is much hotter and the rooms and temperature were perfect.
Mamadou, Ibrahima and Isaac were wonderful. The rooms are quiet, cool and cozy and so unique. This place is a true gem worthy of its high rating. My only complaint is the pictures on their website don't do it enough justice in representing all of the above!
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Date of stay: August 2022
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Marrakech Riads, Directeur général at Hotel & Spa Riad Dar Bensouda
Responded 11 Oct 2022
Dear Guest, Thank you very much for your kind words. We are really glad you had a pleasant experience and we’re sure that our entire staff enjoyed catering to your needs as much as you enjoyed your Stay with us, we hope to see you again at Dar Bensouda very soon. Best Regards
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This was our first visit to Fes and really wanted to stay at a unique riad in the heart of the medina. Dar Bensouda satisfied this and more. The building oozes the flavor and style of Morocco, and the decor is very tasteful. Rooms are quiet and serene. The staff were extremely gracious and Yazid did an amazing job in looking after our needs. The food on premises was simple but delicious, but be reminded that riads do not offer alcohol. The location was very tricky and required that you navigate through the aggressive hustlers wanting to guide you through the streets. Highly recommend taking advantage of Dar Besouda’s escorts to and from the hotel, or those offered by your dining establishment. Avoiding that stress and hassle will then preserve the magical experience of staying at Dar Bensouda.
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Marrakech Riads, Directeur général at Hotel & Spa Riad Dar Bensouda
Responded 11 Oct 2022
Dear Guest, Thank you very much for your kind words. We are really glad you had a pleasant experience and we’re sure that our entire staff enjoyed catering to your needs as much as you enjoyed your Stay with us, we hope to see you again at Dar Bensouda very soon. Best Regards
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The historic building with roof terrace overlooking the medina is beautiful, the staff are polite but their upselling on overpriced extras (some up to 10x fair price as we found out later) just feels like a ripp-off, which we wouldn’t have expected in an compared to other riad’s in Fes more upmarket accommodation.
There was not a lot of choice for breakfast, the pool wasn’t heated and the water so cold that we didn’t go in. Reading in the description that “guests also have access to the riad's hammam” made us think that there’s a spa area we would have access to but when I asked the manager explained that there’s only access to the hammam for booked treatments. I inquired for a massage and my friend for the hammam treatment. The riad’s manager upsold me the hammam treatment (incl. exfoliation) ensuring me it’s ok to do with sensitive skin.
When we had our treatment it seemed that my 30min hammam treatment was cut short to start with the massage. My friend confirmed later, that she’d received a longer treatment involving more steps than I did. We both paid the same price (ca. 30 USD) - so really unhappy giving that I also paid around 45 USD for the massage, where the therapist did not speak English so it was impossible to communicate specifics about how I’d like my massage. On top of that, the exfoliating treatment was not suitable for my sensitive skin and left me with a burning sensation on arms and legs for more than 2 days after. Also, when visiting the spa facilities, I only saw the room used for the hammam treatment and the massage room and not like I would have expected according to the description an area you could just access to relax.
On our last day in Fes, we asked the hotel manager about directions how to get to a specific leather shop next to the biggest tannery, where we read that you can pay the owner to see the tannery tubs up close/walk in between them to take pictures. Instead of telling us where to go, he offered to arrange for someone to take us there. This turned out to be a tour guide who took us to the tannery - not the shop as we requested (first refused to take us there and only after insisting on this and arguing took us there and told us not to buy anything from that shop) and after hustled us through shops, where we suspect she gets commission from and put pressure on us to buy from them. After this “tour” she charged us around 40 USD
Further the hotel arranged airport transfer and other transport for us at (as we found out later) prices up to 10x the fair price (one including another unwanted stop at a porcelain factory, where we were hustled to buy)
Going for an upmarket, luxurious riad (how this was marketed here on booking.com) we were very disappointed about all this.
There was not a lot of choice for breakfast, the pool wasn’t heated and the water so cold that we didn’t go in. Reading in the description that “guests also have access to the riad's hammam” made us think that there’s a spa area we would have access to but when I asked the manager explained that there’s only access to the hammam for booked treatments. I inquired for a massage and my friend for the hammam treatment. The riad’s manager upsold me the hammam treatment (incl. exfoliation) ensuring me it’s ok to do with sensitive skin.
When we had our treatment it seemed that my 30min hammam treatment was cut short to start with the massage. My friend confirmed later, that she’d received a longer treatment involving more steps than I did. We both paid the same price (ca. 30 USD) - so really unhappy giving that I also paid around 45 USD for the massage, where the therapist did not speak English so it was impossible to communicate specifics about how I’d like my massage. On top of that, the exfoliating treatment was not suitable for my sensitive skin and left me with a burning sensation on arms and legs for more than 2 days after. Also, when visiting the spa facilities, I only saw the room used for the hammam treatment and the massage room and not like I would have expected according to the description an area you could just access to relax.
On our last day in Fes, we asked the hotel manager about directions how to get to a specific leather shop next to the biggest tannery, where we read that you can pay the owner to see the tannery tubs up close/walk in between them to take pictures. Instead of telling us where to go, he offered to arrange for someone to take us there. This turned out to be a tour guide who took us to the tannery - not the shop as we requested (first refused to take us there and only after insisting on this and arguing took us there and told us not to buy anything from that shop) and after hustled us through shops, where we suspect she gets commission from and put pressure on us to buy from them. After this “tour” she charged us around 40 USD
Further the hotel arranged airport transfer and other transport for us at (as we found out later) prices up to 10x the fair price (one including another unwanted stop at a porcelain factory, where we were hustled to buy)
Going for an upmarket, luxurious riad (how this was marketed here on booking.com) we were very disappointed about all this.
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Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip: Don’t book any extras through them (guides, tours, transfers, etc.) they charge multiple times...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Marrakech Riads, Directeur général at Hotel & Spa Riad Dar Bensouda
Responded 17 Nov 2022
First of all, thank you very much for taking the time to provide us with your review. We appreciate the effort you put in this thorough explanation. We sincerely apologize your experience among us wasn’t as expected. Dar Bensouda is one of the most popular riads in Fez, however, unlike other properties, we do not offer our guests stays but experiences. Our staff is highly polite as you mentioned and also highly qualified. They wouldn’t in any case put pressure on guests, they only suggest extras as part of their job, and it is up to the guest to chose to go ahead with those or not. When it comes to pricing, please be assured that our pricing policy is among the best in the market, we offer luxurious services in an astonishing setting, and our prices for all our Spa services are extremely reasonable, when compared to similar properties, not lower end ones obviously. When it comes to the services, our therapists are also among the best in the market, it is true that their knowledge in English is limited, but please remember that English is not an official language in Morocco, so not everyone is supposed to speak it. In cases like these, we prefer to hire qualified individuals, even if they’re not fluent in all languages. When it comes to the treatment itself, our therapists work based on the guests preference and skin type, so treatments might be different from a case to another, as some steps can not be suited for some types of skins, so they’re skipped or changed. This is why you might have had a different experience than your friend. Finally, when it comes to the shops, we do not work with guides specifically, however the law in Morocco prohibits “regular” staff to escort tourists to the shops or touristic areas, it is the guide’s job to do so, that’s why they’re certified. Our manager always suggest the best options and puts the safety and security of our guests as a top priority, that’s why he suggested the guide, some areas of the Medina can sometimes be unsafe for tourists, but it is always up to the guest to chose to go ahead with any type of service or not, especially that the prices for all services are discussed beforehand, and are available on all digital communication and prints. We hope we’ve been able to clarify, please feel free to reach the management for any further questions or concerns. Thank you very much once again for your candid review of your recent stay. Your feedback is extremely valuable to us, as we strive to improve with each and every stay.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed at Riad Dar Bensouda for 2 nights, and it was great. The staff was friendly, and the food was some of the best we’ve had in Morocco. They helped us communicate with our transfer for a pick up location and had someone carry our bags for us upon pick up and drop off. The riad itself is beautiful, and the rooftop has an amazing view. Highly recommend staying here while in Fes!
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Date of stay: March 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Marrakech Riads, Directeur général at Hotel & Spa Riad Dar Bensouda
Responded 26 Mar 2022
Dear Guest, Thank you very much for your kind words. We are really glad you had a pleasant experience and we’re sure that our entire staff enjoyed catering to your needs as much as you enjoyed your Stay with us, we hope to see you again at Dar Bensouda very soon. Best Regards
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I don't know but it seems unlikely.
I would email the staff. They are very friendly and helpful.
Enjoy Fes, January should be a great time to be there.
Hello
You have parkings all around the old city.
Then you have to walk inside the old city.
Advise the riad
They will send someone to guide you and take care of your luggage.
The riad is a piece of art!!
Tripadvisor doesn't allow us to to post our email address
please note that you can find it on the official website marrakech-riads
Yes! Rasha bought ours to Marrakech and charged it to our bill :)
Thank you for your interest in Dar Bensouda and please note that we have the heater in all the rooms.
"The old city can be challenging to navigate without a guide, especially at first. "Read full review
"get a pick up from hotel staff from the train station or airport as it is very hard to find the hotel in the mdina where internet is patchy "Read full review
"Ask for a porter to meet your taxi/transportation at the medina entrance. Tricky to navigate upon arrival. "Read full review
"Expect to walk 10-15 minutes to reach and leave the place. You will see huge gap in your bedroom doors, but can be closed using curtain."Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
€82 - €180 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
riad dar bensouda hotel fes
LOCATION
MoroccoFèz-MeknesFez
NUMBER OF ROOMS
18
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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Claim Your ListingHOTEL & SPA RIAD DAR BENSOUDA | UPDATED 2024 Reviews & Price Comparison (Fez, Morocco) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Hotel & Spa Riad Dar Bensouda
Which popular attractions are close to Hotel & Spa Riad Dar Bensouda?
Nearby attractions include Al-Attarine Madrasa (0.3 km), Fes el-Bali (0.3 km), and Museo Nejjarine (0.2 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Hotel & Spa Riad Dar Bensouda?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include an indoor pool, free wifi, and free breakfast.
Which room amenities are available at Hotel & Spa Riad Dar Bensouda?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a dining area, and extra long beds.
What food & drink options are available at Hotel & Spa Riad Dar Bensouda?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast and an on-site restaurant during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Hotel & Spa Riad Dar Bensouda?
Conveniently located restaurants include Riad Rcif, Darori Resto, and Restaurant Ouliya.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Hotel & Spa Riad Dar Bensouda?
Yes, guests have access to an indoor pool during their stay.
Does Hotel & Spa Riad Dar Bensouda have airport transportation?
Yes, Hotel & Spa Riad Dar Bensouda offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are any cleaning services offered at Hotel & Spa Riad Dar Bensouda?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Does Hotel & Spa Riad Dar Bensouda offer any business services?
Yes, guests have access to a banquet room and conference facilities during their stay.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Hotel & Spa Riad Dar Bensouda?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, and Arabic.
Are there any historical sites close to Hotel & Spa Riad Dar Bensouda?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Bab Boujloud (0.8 km), Kairaouine Mosque (0.3 km), and Chouara Tannery (0.6 km).