When it comes to design, I don’t think I’ve stayed in a hotel that tops this one. When I started writing this Karawan Riad review, I had a hard time limiting down the photos I wanted to share. Part of that reason is because my friend Tia who I was traveling with had her new clothing line with her, and I got to play dress up for a photos shoot she needed to do. I’m no model, that’s for sure, but it’s a good deal for me because in exchange for modeling for her I get a couple of pieces of clothing. That’s worth posing for a little while lol!
We checked into Karawan in Fes after a couple of days in Chefchaouen which has a very small medina and is easy to get around. It was on second city in my Morocco itinerary.
Little did we know Fes wasn’t going to be so simple! It’s written about like it’s the “easier” of the cities compared to Marrakesh and more laid back. If you go to the popular shopping streets here it is, but get off track up in the NE parts and be prepared to be hassled, a lot. I’ll talk about it more later! Back to the hotel.
Karawan Riad Review, Fes
As I said it was designed to perfection and the French owners took a lot of time and care to make sure things were literally PERFECT in each and every room. We explored a few that were without guests so we could take photos and I’m going to share them now as a little hotel tour.
“Karawan Riad was the grandest harem in town. It was here that the pashas of the time entertained, while their ladies peeked at proceedings from square balconies tucked into each corner of the first floor of the palace. These women were known for their refined culture and beauty, for music, poetry and an elegant cuisine, and above all their best ability to advise their men-folk based on what they saw from their secret observatories. Although, there was little written record of the time, 300-years on our dream was to recreate that atmosphere.”
This was our room, how amazing is that? I love the decor in here and it made me want to go shop and buy everything, especially the brass light hanging over the middle of the room. The leather poufs are a staple in Morocco and I love seeing them used in a fancy design like this. I bought 3!
Our room have a loft up top which is why I chose it. I loved it and knew I could get a better photo angle of the room to show you guys!
Bathrooms were unique in each room, some with tubs some without, but they all had rain showers and a lot of space.
The rooftop was amazing here and offered views all across Fes. You can’t really beat that! The hotel is open to non-guests for dinner so if you can’t stay here, you can make a dinner reservation and come early to see the view.
Dinner was super tasty, as was breakfast which was pastries and fruit with coffee/tea and juice. For dinner we had lamb dishes that I devoured in about 3 minutes and forgot to take a photos of! It was really tasty though. We tried out a few of her new outfits up on the roof for her new collection (Studio Tia is the brand).
Each room had a different them, and the one below was a little more “African” theme and not just Moroccan in style. I loved this room second best to our room!
There was a lot of space at the hotel to enjoy outside of the bedrooms. They have an amazing terrace and a huge library that is just stunning. Since we were doing the photo shoot, I thought I’d share these photos instead of the photos of just the empty library to make it a little more fun, although it seems a little self-obsessive lol sorry!
They also have a spa onsite with a hamman. A hamman is a very cool experience where you get a bath from some ladies (or men if you’re a dude). They take off all the dead skin which is great, except that it takes off your tan so I avoid it for the most part.
As you can see the place has great decor all around and is just perfect! If you want to book you can book here. Take some time to check out the unique rooms they have as each one is totally different and then you can choose your favorite.
Things to keep in mind at Karawan Riad:
Dinner is served from items they buy that day, fresh. You have to put your dinner order in that afternoon. Because they don’t have a full kitchen at all times there is no room service and you cannot eat breakfast in your room. Breakfast is included in the price.
The spa is affordable here and again it’s something you need to book ahead. There is WiFi here. They also offer airport transfer and if you come on your own will send someone to meet you in by the road so you can find it in the medina (and to help with your luggage).
This place has great reviews and is one of the top 3 hotels in Fes overall. There were no negatives about the place. Even the location was great! If you’re looking for luxury in Fes, this is the best place for it. You can find rooms for around $250 per night.
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