Where to Stay in Fès? The Best Neighborhoods & Hotel Picks

Where to Stay in Fès?

Fès is a seriously cool destination for your Morocco vacation. As the city grows in popularity, you’ll find a wide selection of accommodations to choose from.

For us, there are really only two areas worth staying in Fès:

1. Old Medina: Here you’re right in the middle of the world’s largest labyrinth and get to experience authentic Fès. Almost all of the major sights are here, and you can explore them easily on foot.
2. New Town: Perfect if you want to discover modern Fès. The French influence is really noticeable here — there are plenty of contemporary restaurants and a lively nightlife scene.

The 2 Best Areas to Stay in Fès on a Map

On the map below you can see where the Old Medina and the New Town in Fès are located. It’s a great overview of the two neighborhoods we recommend for your stay.

Staying in the Old Medina

When we think of Fès, we immediately picture the narrow alleyways and the buzzing energy of the world’s largest medina. That’s why our top recommendation for where to stay in Fès is the Old Medina.

Especially if it’s your first time in Fès, you simply have to base yourself in the Old Medina. Only here can you truly experience authentic Moroccan life.

From here, you can reach the most beautiful sights easily on foot. And on every corner you’ll find traditional restaurants serving genuinely delicious Moroccan food.

Just like in Marrakech, the hotels in the Fès medina are not your typical hotels. Accommodations in Moroccan medinas are called riads.
Riads are traditional Moroccan houses — usually on the smaller side, with a beautiful inner courtyard and stunning Moroccan design. We’ve already put together a list of the 13 most beautiful riads in Fès to make your search easier.

Advantages of staying in the Old Medina in Fès:

• Perfect base for exploring the city’s top sights on foot
• You’ll feel like you’re sleeping inside a 1001 Nights fairy tale
• Staying in a riad gives you a real taste of authentic Morocco
• Even though you’re right in the thick of things, riads are unbelievably peaceful inside
• Solid selection across all price ranges

Disadvantages of staying in the Old Medina in Fès:

• The Old Medina is completely car-free, so you’ll always need to walk part of the way to your accommodation
• This makes the journey from the airport a bit longer — and the same goes for the return trip
• Since most riads only have a few rooms, popular ones fill up fast
• The medina’s alleyways can get really hectic — it might take a little while to get used to the pace

Our Hotel Recommendations for the Old Medina in Fès

The Hotel & Spa Dar Bensouda sits right in the heart of the medina. The building dates back to the 17th century, and we love its elegant modern-Moroccan design. It’s one of the few riads in Fès with a pool and its own spa — a real treat.

A more affordable option is the Riad Lune et Soleil. It has a classic traditional Moroccan design and is our absolute reader favorite. At around 70 euros per night, the value for money is excellent. It’s located on the edge of the medina, which is a nice bonus.

A Fès Hotel in the New Town

In the New Town of Fès you’ll experience modern Morocco, with strong French influences. The French began building this part of the city in 1916.

The New Town is defined by open spaces and wide boulevards. Throughout, you’ll find plenty of modern restaurants, cafés, and even bars and clubs where you can get alcohol — something that’s pretty unusual for Morocco.

If you need a breather from the intensity of the medina after your road trip through Morocco and want a lively nightlife scene, this is the place to be.

Like the neighborhood itself, the hotels in the New Town tend to be modern and conventional. Budget options are limited here — prices run a bit higher. If you’re watching your spending, an apartment is often the smarter choice in this part of Fès.

Honestly, we’d only suggest a New Town hotel if you’ve already experienced the Old Medina on a previous trip or if you simply don’t want to sleep in a riad.

That said, keep in mind that the best sights are all in the medina. By taxi, it’s about 15 to 20 minutes from the New Town to the Old Medina, depending on where you’re headed.

Advantages of staying in the New Town in Fès:

• Modern, conventional hotels with all the usual amenities
• Plenty of international restaurants, cafés, bars, and clubs on your doorstep
• You can drive right to your hotel, and many have their own parking
• Fès’s main train station is right in the New Town
• Closer to the airport

Disadvantages of staying in the New Town in Fès:

• Most of the sights are in the Old Medina, so you’ll always need to travel there
• You won’t be staying in the world’s oldest and largest medina
• You’ll miss out on the one-of-a-kind atmosphere of a traditional Moroccan riad
• The selection of good hotels in the New Town is pretty limited

Our Hotel Recommendations for the New Town in Fès

The Hotel Royal Urban Concept is a really solid pick if you’re after a budget-friendly hotel in the New Town. The rooms have a modern, minimalist feel, and it’s within easy walking distance of the train station.

For something truly special, the Hotel Sahrai is one of the most beautiful and luxurious hotels in Fès. Our favorite feature? The enormous pool with a breathtaking panorama over the city. If you really want to treat yourself, this is the one.