Palais Amani

A slightly hipper, more modern take on the restored riad hotel with a gorgeous courtyard garden and lovely small spa.

• The courtyard filled with orange trees
• The rooftop bar
• The easy access to the oldest part of the medina

For those who don't mind following a steep and narrow lane into the medina with their suitcases and want a contemporary take on riad living, Palais Amani is a great choice. The historic riad (with a fabulous garden filled with orange trees at its center) was bought by a former London caterer and his wife who spent two years painstakingly fixing it up and adding a chic design aesthetic to the nine suites and five rooms. The blue-and-white tiled central courtyard evokes the Andalucian influences on the local architecture and is a perfect spot for breakfast or afternoon tea. The best rooms are on the higher floors, in particular, the suite exceptionelle, which has a gorgeous coffered ceiling and large elaborately tiled bathroom. There is also a family suite with its own private terrace adjacent to the bar terrace that is open to guests every night after 7 pm. The owner spends ten days a month in Fez but his local staff attends to guests with warmth and dedication always.

Couples who want easy access to the souk and a contemporary design who don't need amenities like a gym.

Anyone who needs curb side access with a car; it is quite a walk from the street up narrow lanes and steps.