Riad Al Bartal

A beautiful little oasis in Fes, with wonderful people, delicious food and thoughtful touches that make you want to stay

We absolutely loved Riad Al Bartal! It’s such a beautiful, charming place, full of greenery, and you can tell that a lot of thought has gone into every little detail. The location is excellent, close to the Ziat Gate, making it easy to get a taxi or meet a tour guide without having to navigate the hustle and bustle of the medina every time. Breakfast was delicious, especially the sweet potato jam, which was a lovely discovery! We also had dinner at the riad and it was equally delicious, with a very nice selection of wines. The staff really made the experience special. Hassan was an absolute star, always friendly, attentive and ready to help. We saw him most often during the day, and nothing seemed too much trouble. Hamza and Fouad (hopefully I’ve got the names right!) were equally lovely and welcoming in the evenings. They also kindly accommodated our request for an early breakfast on the day of checkout, which we really appreciated. The whole place has such a lovely atmosphere. It’s easily one of the highlights of our time in Morocco.

Very little, and none of it would stop us from staying again! Our room had a lovely mezzanine layout, although navigating the stairs to reach the bathroom in the middle of the night can be a little tricky when you’re half asleep. A bottle of water in the room each day would also be a nice touch. The staff were always willing to provide one when asked, but having it replenished automatically would be more convenient. The shower pressure fluctuated a little, and the toiletries came in tiny single use sachets that weren’t consistently replenished daily. Refillable dispensers would probably be a more practical and sustainable solution.

Such a beautiful riad! It looks just like the photos on Booking.com, and everything feels authentic and elegant. Breakfast was delicious. The spread was similar to what we’d had at other riads, but everything tasted better here, and they even served eggs! Their mint tea was the best we had. I’d love to know the recipe. The staff were warm and welcoming and made us feel safe and at home. Arriving at night can feel a little unsettling if you’re parking nearby. A few people followed us as we walked from the parking area. We later realized they often hang around there, but I’d still keep an eye on your belongings. We had a lovely stay. I’d happily recommend this riad to friends and would love to come back!