Escape to Paradise: Riad Zitouna's Fes Magic Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Riad Zitouna's Fes Magic Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Riad Zitouna - More Than Just Fes Magic (A Messy, Honest Review!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from Riad Zitouna in Fes, and… well, let's just say the experience was more "Moroccan fairytale" meets "slightly frazzled travel writer" than I initially anticipated. This review? It's gonna be honest, warts and all. Forget your perfectly polished brochures, we're going deep.
Accessibility: A mixed bag, frankly.
- Wheelchair Accessible: Officially, yes. Informally? Hmmm. The riad itself is beautiful, a real labyrinth of courtyards and arches. But navigating those ancient, uneven cobblestone streets of the medina to the riad? Let's just say my knees got a workout just imagining it for someone in a wheelchair. Inside, they have an elevator, which is a HUGE plus, but I did spot a few steps here and there. Grade: C+ (Needs improvement in street access!)
- Facilities for disabled guests: I saw some efforts, which is more than other riads, but I can not assess its accessibility, if it really does the job.
- Elevator: Yes! A massive relief, considering the multi-level design.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling (mostly) secure.
- Anti-viral cleaning products & Professional-grade sanitizing services: They clearly took the whole Covid thing seriously. Everywhere smelled… clean. Almost too clean, in a slightly clinical way. You got the sense everything was being aggressively sanitized.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Yep. See above.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Good!
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They were wearing masks, washing hands, all the right moves.
- Hand sanitizers everywhere. Good.
- Safe dining setup: Tables were spaced, and they were clearly trying their best.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: YES! Which made me feel more secure to begin with!
- CCTV in common areas & outside property: Security was a priority. Felt safe, even late at night.
- Fire extinguisher, smoke alarms: Standard, but appreciated.
- Doctor/nurse on call: A bit of extra peace of mind.
The Rooms: My Little Sanctuary (and a few quirks!)
- Wi-Fi ([Free] in all rooms!): Glorious, glorious Wi-Fi. Essential for any modern traveler desperately trying to upload Instagram stories. The signal was surprisingly strong, even in my room, 1000 years away from reception, in the depths of the riad.
- Air conditioning: Thank GOD for air conditioning. Fes gets HOT. I never understood why some hotels have no AC, I hope this stays forever.
- Blackout curtains: Yes! I'm a light sleeper, and those thick, beautiful curtains were a lifesaver (and blocked the sunrise at 6 am).
- Bedding and comfort: Beds are AMAZING! I was so tired it was a pleasure to sleep on it.
- Added Touch: Additional toilet, additional towels, very clean and neat!
- Mini bar: Yes! Which, naturally, I raided. They have a fridge… you know… for the emergency water, and whatever else you want.
- Bathroom: Beautifully tiled, with a REALLY good shower (strong water pressure, a MUST for me!). I could tell that this riad was made to pamper and relax your body.
- Room decorations, room service [24-hour], room decoration: The room decor was absolutely gorgeous, oozing that classic Moroccan vibe. Definitely a beautiful choice.
- Other details: Desk, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Linens, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food (with a few missteps).
- Breakfast [buffet] & Western breakfast: Okay, the breakfast was… decent. They had a buffet with a selection of pastries, cheeses (yes!!!), fruit, and some hot dishes. The options were more limited than I would've liked compared to the amazing options like the local ones that you can find on the street, but hey, it was free! I was also able to get some western breakfast if I asked.
- A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant: There was an a la carte menu for other meals, but I stuck to what I knew.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Good coffee. Essential.
- Poolside bar & Restaurants: There was a pool, and they had a poolside restaurant. I did not use these.
- Asian Cuisine, Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant: This is available, but I didn't try them.
- Room service [24-hour] & Bottle of water: Yes, and very handy.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Day! (And a bit of wandering…)
- Spa: YES! The spa was the star of the show for me. This is where Zitouna truly shines.
- Massage, Body scrub & Sauna: I splurged on a massage and a hammam (body scrub). It was heaven. Truly, pure, unadulterated bliss. The massage therapist was a miracle worker, kneading away all the tensions of modern life. The scrub? Exfoliating perfection. I left feeling like a completely new person. Do yourself a favor and book a session. Seriously. Don't even think about it, just do it.
- Pool with view & Swimming pool [outdoor]: The pool was beautiful, overlooking the city, but I didn't have time to enjoy it. I could not resist the spa.
- Fitness center: I didn't use it.
Services and Conveniences: (Mostly) Smooth Sailing
- Concierge: Super helpful. They arranged a tour for me, gave me directions, and generally saved me from getting completely lost in the medina (which I still managed to do, multiple times).
- Currency exchange: Good for when you run out of dirhams, which you will.
- Daily housekeeping: Rooms were spotless!
- Laundry service: Definitely a bonus if you're traveling light (like I attempt to do, failing every time).
- Luggage storage: Helpful.
- Wi-Fi for special events: Yes.
- Cash withdrawal: Yes.
- Airport transfer: Yes.
- Car park [on-site] Yes.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Yes.
- Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: These are available.
For the Kids: (I didn't bring any, so…)
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: They seem to cater to kids, based on the website. Can't really comment firsthand.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer: They offer it, which is HIGHLY recommended to avoid the madness of the Fes airport.
- Car park [free of charge] Yes, which is a HUGE deal!
- Taxi service, Car power charging station, Valet parking: They have all the facilities you may need!
Overall: Is it worth it?
Yes, absolutely. Despite a few minor imperfections, Riad Zitouna is a truly magical place. The spa alone is worth the stay, and the overall experience is one of luxury and relaxation. It's a beautiful oasis in the chaotic heart of Fes. Go. Just… go. Metadata:
- Title: Escape to Paradise: Riad Zitouna's Fes Magic Awaits! (A Messy Honest Review)
- Description: A raw, honest, and detailed review of Riad Zitouna in Fes, covering accessibility, cleanliness, rooms, dining, spa, and services. Find out the good, the bad, and the absolutely amazing!
- Keywords: Riad Zitouna, Fes, Morocco, Review, Accessibility, Spa, Hammam, Massage, Pool, Medina, Luxury Hotel, Travel, Honest Review
- **Meta
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a very messy, opinionated, and utterly imperfect travel itinerary for Riad Zitouna in Fes, Morocco. Forget "perfect" – this is gonna be real.
Riad Zitouna – Fes, Morocco: A Glorious, Chaotic Mess of an Itinerary
(Prepare for Whining & Gushing in Equal Measure)
Day 1: Arrival & OMG, That Rooftop! (And the Jet Lag from Hell)
- Time: Around midday (ish… let’s be real, jet lag is a cruel mistress)
- Event: Arrive in Fes. Try not to weep at the airport (I almost did, the smells were… intense). Transfer to Riad Zitouna. Prepare for a sudden, overwhelming feeling of “WOW.”
- Transportation: Assuming you're not walking (which, let's be honest, I wouldn't recommend with luggage), you'll be in a pre-arranged car or taxi. Hope it's not a death trap.
- Immediate Reaction: The Riad? Utterly gorgeous. From the outside, it looks discreet but then you step inside and BAM. Intricate tiles, a peaceful courtyard, and the smell of… something amazing. Honestly, I need to get my bearings, my brain is mush.
- Impression: I'm already plotting how to smuggle this whole riad back home with me. The rooftop terrace is breathtaking. Breathtaking! And I'm already dreading leaving.
- Minor categories:
- Food: Immediately find the restaurant. It's all a blur for me at this point, but I think I want to grab a bite.
- Drinks: A mint tea! The ritual, the flavor, the sheer beauty of it… I am easily pleased, clearly.
- Accommodation: First impressions are great, the room is a stunner, but let's see how I feel at 3 AM when I'm staring at the vaulted ceiling, wide awake.
- Evening: Venture cautiously into the medina for a very short walk. Seriously, don't wander too far. It's easy to get lost. I am not exaggerating, the medina is a labyrinth. Get some dinner at a place suggested by the hotel (I'm too tired to be adventurous). Collapse into bed. Pray for uninterrupted sleep.
Day 2: Medina Mayhem & The Leather Tanneries (Prepare Your Noses)
- Time: Wake up. Curse jet lag. Drink a lot of coffee.
- Event: Guided tour of the Fes el Bali (the old medina). Prepare to have your senses assaulted – in the best possible way, mostly.
- Transportation: Mostly on foot. Be prepared to navigate narrow alleyways, dodge donkeys, and be (politely) harassed by shopkeepers.
- Morning: The medina. Oh, the medina! So much going on. I can't decide whether to be overwhelmed or awestruck.
- Afternoon: Leather tanneries. Okay, here comes the honesty. This is where things get… intense. The smell? It punches you in the face. Consider taking a sprig of mint to hold under your nose. I almost passed out! It's a powerful assault on the senses. But, the experience is fascinating, seeing the process is truly unique.
- Quirky Observation: The shopkeepers in the medina have a way of making you feel like they're your best friend… until you don't buy anything. Then the smiles sometimes vanish.
- Emotional Reaction: Simultaneously fascinated and slightly horrified. The smells linger (even after a shower).
- Evening: Cooking class! The thought of cooking Moroccan food makes me happy but I'm also slightly terrified because I can barely make toast. I'm so hungry.
- Food: Hopefully, the food will be better than my own culinary skills.
- Opinion: I'm hoping to love it. If I hate it, I'll still act like I loved it.
Day 3: The Blue Gate & The Ceramic Craze
- Time: So, I’m still not sure what time it is, but it can't be past noon.
- Event: Visit the Bab Boujloud (the Blue Gate) – the iconic entrance to the medina. Walk around and enjoy the sights and sounds of the city.
- Morning: The Blue Gate is as beautiful as all the pictures. I may or may not have spent far longer photographing the gate than was strictly necessary.
- Afternoon: Visit the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and crafts! I also found a ceramics workshop, I think I'm going to blow my whole budget.
- Quirk: I'm currently considering buying a tagine for my kitchen. Do I even cook? No. Do I need it? Probably not. Will I resist? Absolutely not.
- Evening: Dinner at a restaurant with a view. I'm hoping to find even more gorgeous views.
- Impression: I'm starting to feel less like a clueless tourist and more like (a slightly less clueless) explorer.
- Opinion: I'm completely and utterly charmed by this city.
- Minor categories:
- Drinks: Try the fresh orange juice from a street vendor. It's amazing! (And cheap!)
- Food: Try to find traditional tagine. It's absolutely delicious.
- Accommodation: I'm glad I picked this place. I'd live here and be perfectly content.
Day 4: RELAX! Time to get the steam from the Hamman
- Time: Whenever you can.
- Event: Relax at the Riad. Enjoy the Hamman or take a massage.
- Morning: The rooftop terrace is calling, probably to drink a mint tea.
- Afternoon: Ah, the Hamman. Get ready to get all your stress and dirt scrubbed off. Prepare to be naked with strangers. (It is a rite of passage). My skin tingles and I feel like a new person.
- Quirk: It might be the best spa experience of my life.
- Evening: I am going to want to stay at the hotel for the last day, but I am also going to want to go out.
- Impression: This just might become a yearly trip.
- Opinion: I'm leaving my heart here.
- Accommodation: Time seems to slow down here. I'd live here and be perfectly content.
- Drinks: Another mint tea. Always!
Day 5: Departure (Goodbye, Fes… For Now)
- Transportation: Taxi to the airport. Try not to cry.
- Event: Leave Fes. Say goodbye to the Riad, the medina, and the magic.
- Emotional Reaction: Bitterly sad to go but already planning my return trip.
- Last Thought: This trip was everything I hoped for and more.
- Goodbye:
- Food: One last amazing breakfast at the Riad!
- Minor Categories: One last look at the view.
- Accommodation: I'll be dreaming of this place long after I'm home.
(Disclaimer: This is a highly subjective itinerary. Your experience will inevitably be different. Embrace the chaos, get lost (and then get found!), and enjoy the journey!
Escape to Paradise: Studio Elisabeth, Your Tinos Island Getaway
Escape to Paradise: Riad Zitouna's Fes Magic Awaits! (and What REALLY Happens)
So, Riad Zitouna… is it REALLY paradise? Like, Instagram-worthy paradise?
Okay, let's be real. The photos are *gorgeous*. Seriously, I'm pretty sure the architects and photographers are sorcerers. Riad Zitouna *does* have that magical Fes vibe going strong. Think: intricate tilework, courtyards that practically whisper "relax," and rooftop terraces that beckon you to drink mint tea and contemplate life. But paradise? Well... My first thought? *Minor* problem: my luggage didn't arrive with me. Paradise-lite is what I was experiencing. But after a while, I had to admit the place was charming. You'll spend half your time snapping pics for Insta and the other half just... soaking it in. Just remember to pack some extra patience, especially if you're directionally challenged like me. Finding the entrance initially felt like a quest for a lost artifact!
What's the deal with the location in the Fes medina? Seems kinda chaotic, right?
Chaotic is an understatement! It's like the biggest, most vibrant, most exhilarating (and sometimes overwhelming) maze you've ever seen. Listen, getting to Riad Zitouna is an adventure in itself. Prepare for a sensory overload: donkeys laden with goods, the scent of spices battling with the fumes from the tanneries, and the incessant calls of vendors. I remember my first attempt... I *think* I got there eventually. I kept getting lost. But isn't that part of the charm? You'll feel like Indiana Jones at times. Just take the riad's directions *seriously*. And maybe Google Maps. Or, like me - just ask people. They are extremely kind, even when you're flailing like a fish.
The food! Is it as incredible as everyone says? I'm picturing tagines piled high...
Oh. My. Goodness. The food. I'm drooling just thinking about it. The breakfast spread alone is worth the trip: fresh-baked bread, locally sourced honey, and enough pastries to fuel a small army. And Tagines, yes!!! I had lamb tagine and it was literally the best thing I've ever eaten. The flavors! The textures! Even now, I wish I could teleport back to that table. The cook, he was a grumpy old man, but God, could he cook! The only negative? I ate way too much and I didn't even want to move all day.
Are the rooms luxurious? I'm picturing a king-sized bed and fluffy robes...
Luxurious in a *Moroccan* way, which is a different kind of luxurious than you find in, say, a sterile, modern hotel. My room was beautifully decorated, with hand-carved furniture and a ridiculously comfortable bed (even if it did take me a night to get used to it). I also enjoyed the fact it came with a view... of the inner courtyard. Seriously great for taking a picture. Now, the robes... Yes, fluffy robes! I practically lived in mine. But don't expect the clinical perfection of a chain hotel. This is about character, experience, and the feeling of stepping into a different world. I had a small issue because my room was next to a generator which the staff worked tirelessly at fixing. I am still a fan of the hotel - because as soon as the hotel knew about the problem they switched my room!
What about the staff? Are they friendly and helpful?
Yes, absolutely. The staff at Riad Zitouna are genuinely fantastic. They're the reason this place is so special. They are attentive, happy to help with anything, and they really make you feel like you're at home. The manager was a rockstar! He was on top of everything. Every waiter had a smile, and everyone seemed to know how to accommodate your every whim. It's genuinely moving to see how invested they are in making your stay memorable. I remember one day... I was feeling completely lost, and one of them walked me all the way to the nearest main street and showed me exactly where my tour would meet. That's the kind of hospitality you can expect.
Should I book a Hammam experience?
YES. YES. A thousand times, YES. The Hammam experience at Riad Zitouna is... transformative. I was initially a little hesitant. Naked? Scrubbing? But trust me, it's amazing. It's like being reborn. The attendant, who was a woman named Fatima, knew exactly what she was doing. The steam, the scrub, the massage... pure bliss. Afterwards, my skin felt like silk, and I felt completely relaxed. It’s an all-in-one service! I am not sure how I could ever forget it.
Did you encounter any issues or frustrations? Be honest!
Okay, so... yes. The medina can be overwhelming. The initial luggage snafu was a bummer. Finding a taxi can be a challenge. I would also say that you need to arrange your return transport *beforehand*. I almost missed my flight out! (thankfully, I didn't, and learned my lesson). But in the grand scheme of things, the minor hiccups were quickly overshadowed by the magic of the place. It wasn't perfect, but that's what made it *real*. Honestly, the imperfections added to the adventure, in the end.
Is it suitable for families with young children?
It's a tricky one. The riad is lovely, but the medina can be a bit overwhelming for young children. The stairs in the riad might be a concern. And the general hustle and bustle... well, think carefully. For older kids and teenagers, it's probably a fantastic experience – a real cultural immersion. But with little ones, you might find yourself stressed more than you're relaxed. I witnessed a family there with some young children and they seemed to have a great time.
Would you go back?
In a heartbeat! Even with the chaos, the lost luggage, and the occasional navigational challenges, I loved it. I’m already plotting my return. Seriously, Fes has a way of getting under your skin. And Riad Zitouna? It's a perfect place to recharge, explore, and let yourself be charmed. Definitely go. Just prepare to be completely captivated! Also, I'm still dreaming of that lamb tagine... *starts to drool again*
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