A delightful maison d’hôtes in Fes

This is a real find for us, a true delight in the heart of the Medina, a complex maze of narrow, busy lanes in a part of Fes little changed for 1,000 years.

A maison d’hôtes translates as a guest house and in Dar El Ghalia one is a guest of the owner, Omar Lebbar.

Enter a tranquil haven in the heart of the Medina

The house has been in his family since the end of the 18th century. From the outside it appears just like its neighbours, but step through the heavy wooden doors and enter another world. The central courtyard has tiled floors, a tinkling fountain, palms and shrubs and exquisite architecture. This is the focal point of the Riad with public rooms and some suites leading off the courtyard.

Most guest rooms, there are only 14, are on 2 upper floors. On the first level there are most attractive double rooms and on the higher floor there is a selection of totally individual but very charming suites, these are larger rooms with a sitting area, 7 have bathrooms and 7 have shower rooms.

Memorable meals and service

Apart from the air of comfort and good living that permeates throughout, the service here is memorable. Breakfast is a feast and on warm days service is on the rooftop terrace with views over the old town towards the new town on the hill. Dinner is candlelit in a small intimate room off the courtyard or in the courtyard itself. Gala dinners on 24 and 31 Dec are included in our prices.

We recommend the Dar El Ghalia for its great style, thoughtful good service, excellent cuisine and its difference.

If you choose to have a hire car we will of course give you good directions to Fes and to Dar El Ghalia, where the willing staff will park your car for you and walk you to the hotel. Alternatively we can provide you with private transfers.

Driving time or transfer from Fes airport approximately 20 minutes.