Uncover Fes's Hidden Gem: Palais Amani Hotel's Royal Secret!
Uncover Fes's Hidden Gem: Palais Amani Hotel's Royal Secret!
Uncovering Palais Amani: More Than Just a Hotel, It's a Moroccan Fairytale (With a Few Hiccups)
Okay, buckle up, because I’m about to spill the saffron tea on Palais Amani in Fes. They call it a “hidden gem,” and, honestly? They’re not wrong. But “gem” doesn't mean perfect, you know? It’s got facets, some sparkling brilliantly, others… well, let’s just say they could use a little polishing.
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- Title: Palais Amani Review: Fes's Royal Secret Unveiled (Honest & Unfiltered)
- Keywords: Palais Amani, Fes, Morocco, luxury hotel, riad, spa, pool, Fes Medina, reviews, travel, accessibility, dining, Moroccan cuisine, rooftop terrace, spa review, hotel review, best hotels in fes, accommodation, hotel deals, riad experiences
- Meta Description: A raw, honest review of Palais Amani in Fes, Morocco. Discover the good, the bad, and the utterly enchanting aspects of this "hidden gem," from its Royal Secret to its shortcomings. Accessibility tips, dining insights, and a look at what makes this hotel a truly memorable experience.
Accessibility: A Work in Progress (Bless Their Hearts)
Right off the bat, let's talk accessibility. This is where things get a little… tricky. Palais Amani is built into the heart of the Fes Medina, meaning narrow alleyways and cobblestone streets are the norm. While they do have an elevator (a HUGE plus!), navigating the surrounding area with a wheelchair would be a Herculean task. (Emphasis on the Herculean.) They do say they have facilities for disabled guests… I didn't see a ton of them, to be honest. So, if accessibility is a dealbreaker, proceed with caution and DEFINITELY contact them before you book to clarify specifics. I’m giving them props for what is there, but it's not ideal.
Internet: The Digital Nomad's Prayer Answered (Most of the Time)
Thank the internet gods! Free Wi-Fi in every room! And it was actually… good! I had a video call with my mother and it only cut out once. (Cue dramatic sigh of relief.) They also boast internet access (LAN) – I didn’t test it because, well, who even remembers LAN anymore? But the Wi-Fi in public areas was also reliable. I could actually work from a sun lounger by the pool. Score!
Cleanliness and Safety: The Modern Traveler's Comfort Zone
I’m a germaphobe. It's a thing. So, the fact that they're offering all these COVID-conscious measures – anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, staff trained in safety protocol, hand sanitizer everywhere – was a huge relief. They even had rooms sanitized between stays and opt-out available for room sanitization, though I opted in, because, again, germaphobe. They were also offering cashless payment service and professional-grade sanitizing services. The safe dining setup felt secure and they were using individually-wrapped food options. All very reassuring. They also had my favorite thing when traveling: a doctor/nurse on call.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Journey (With a Few Stumbles)
Alright, let's talk food because, let's be honest, that's half the fun.
- Restaurants: They have restaurants. Plural. A la carte meals in the restaurant and the cafe outside. They've thought ahead, too, with alternative meal arrangements.
- Breakfast: The breakfast buffet was a triumph. I'm talking mountains of fruit, fresh pastries, and strong coffee. You can get breakfast in your room, which is truly living the dream. And they even had a breakfast takeaway service.
- Cuisine: Moroccan food, obviously. But they also offer Asian cuisine and international cuisine. The variety of options available was welcome, but it could be hit or miss on the quality. The fish tagine was mind-blowing. I think I'm still dreaming of the spices. The salad was… well, let’s just say I’m not sure where the lettuce came from.
- Bars: Poolside bar? Yes, please! Happy hour? Double yes! They made some amazing cocktails there, and the pool was absolutely gorgeous.
- Other Stuff: Coffee/tea in the restaurant, desserts in the restaurant, also a snack bar. They've thought of everything!
My Big Moment (The Spa): Forget the World, Just…Me.
This is where Palais Amani really shines. The spa. Oh. My. God.
I booked a massage and a body scrub. I wasn’t expecting to transcend my earthly form, but… I think I did. The spa itself is beautiful, all hushed lighting and fragrant oils. My masseuse, a woman whose name I sadly can’t recall, had hands that could melt glaciers. (Seriously, I think I melted.) The body scrub was… intense. In a good way! They used some kind of local herbs and oils, and I swear, I emerged feeling YEARS younger. The sauna and steamroom were also excellent. They had a foot bath which was an amusing thing that my toes really appreciated. The pool with a view was also spectacular, it's really something special. (Pro-tip: Book the spa early. Treat yourself! It’s worth every single dirham.)
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: A Royal Retreat
Here’s the deal: Palais Amani is designed for relaxation. You can kick back by the pool, soak up the sun, and generally do very little. Which, honestly, after a few days navigating the bustling Medina, is exactly what you want. They even have a gym/fitness center if you happen to feel guilty after all the delicious food. There were things to do like body wraps.
Services and Conveniences: They've Got You Covered (Almost)
- Services: I’m talking concierge, daily housekeeping, doorman, luggage storage, laundry service, and dry cleaning. Super helpful, especially when you're traveling. They had a safety deposit box, which gave me peace of mind for my… important documents.
- Conveniences: Currency exchange? Check. Convenience store? Check. Cash withdrawal? Check (although I never really used it, honestly.) They had a gift/souvenir shop
- Getting Around They went above and beyond with this, and got us airport transfer, a taxi service, and valet parking.
For the Kids: Fun for Everyone (Probably)
They're family/child friendly and provided things like kids meals and a babysitting service.
Available in all rooms:
- Air conditioning: Absolutely essential.
- Free Wi-Fi: Yep, still a win.
- Minibar: Well-stocked.
- Bathtub/Separate shower: Excellent for both bubble bath and the water-efficient.
- Coffee/tea maker: Caffeine fix, at all times.
- Slippers: Luxury.
- Bathrobes: Yes!
- Hair dryer: Thank you, hair gods.
- Desk: Nice for working, when I had to.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Absolute perfection!
Rooms: Beautiful, But Potentially Noisy (Beware the Courtyard!)
The rooms themselves are gorgeous. Think traditional Moroccan design, with intricate carvings, beautiful fabrics, and all the modern amenities you could want. Air conditioning was a lifesaver. The interconnecting room(s), non-smoking rooms, and soundproofing were all appreciated.
- The Bad News: We were in a room facing the courtyard. Which is beautiful to look at…but not so beautiful when the wedding ceremonies (yes, they host weddings) start at 7 AM. Let’s just say I perfected my glare.
- The Good News: The bathrobes were plush, the slippers were cozy, and the bed was ridiculously comfortable. The complimentary tea was a nice touch. Oh, and the blackout curtains were ESSENTIAL.
Safety/Security: Feeling Secure
They've got CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, which gave me a feeling of safety. Fire extinguisher, smoke alarms, security [24-hour], front desk [24-hour], are all good signs.
Getting Around: Finding Your Way (Or Getting Lost…Gloriously)
- On-site car parking…although I didn't have a car.
- Car park [free of charge]
- Car power charging station
The Verdict: Should You Stay? (Absolutely… With A Few Caveats)
Palais Amani is a truly special place. It's elegant,
Luxury Escape: Ma'anshan's Shell Hotel - City Center Bliss!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your slick, curated Instagram feed. This is real life in Fes, Morocco, Palais Amani edition. And let me tell you, it's a doozy. Prepare for a travel itinerary that's more like a chaotic tapestry woven with threads of pure joy, utter confusion, and the occasional existential crisis fueled by too much mint tea.
Day 1: Arrival & Architectural Overload (aka, "Lost in the Labyrinth of Love")
- Morning (ish):
- Arrival in Fes-Saïss Airport. Okay, so first impressions? The airport is…small. Like, really small. My luggage miraculously arrived (hallelujah!), and I fumbled through the customs line feeling like a total fish out of water. Language barrier? Check. Jet lag? Double check. The driver from Palais Amani was a lifesaver, though. He seemed to understand the silent panic in my eyes when I couldn't find the car.
- Transfer to Palais Amani: The drive into the medina was an experience. Cars battling donkeys for road dominance, the overwhelming smells of spices, exhaust fumes, and something that smelled suspiciously like someone frying samosas… it was glorious chaos.
- Check-in at Palais Amani: Holy. Mother. Of. Architecture. Seriously, this place is insane. So many mosaic tiles, it made my brain hurt in the best way possible. I had a minor mental breakdown trying to find my room (palatial corridors are not helpful when your sense of direction is on par with a goldfish).
- Afternoon:
- Lunch at the Palais: Food, finally! I ate a mountain of Tagine (lamb, naturally) and nearly licked the plate clean. Seriously, I'm not sure I've ever tasted anything so flavorful.
- Wandering the Medina: Alright, this is where it got real. I plunged into the heart of the Fes medina, and was immediately swallowed by the labyrinth. Within five minutes, I was hopelessly, utterly, gloriously lost. The narrow alleyways, the souks overflowing with everything you could possibly imagine (and things you couldn't), the constant calls of "Bonjour madam! Hello, friend!"… It was sensory overload, but in the best way possible. I bought a scarf (because, you know, obligatory) and haggled shamelessly using a phrasebook and a lot of hand gestures.
- Tea Break: I needed a caffeine fix. I found a tiny cafe run by a guy with the most infectious laugh. Mint tea? Obviously. More like a sugary, minty explosion of deliciousness. I contemplated just staying there forever.
- Evening:
- Dinner at the Palais Amani: I returned to the hotel like a zombie after a long day of walking, collapsing onto a cushion in the courtyard and letting the quiet wash over me. The evening meal was a beautiful and decadent affair -- I'm pretty sure I consumed an entire roasted chicken. They put on a traditional music performance after. My only regret is that I didn't learn any of the dance moves.
Day 2: Leather, Leather, Everywhere (and the Smell… Oh, the Smell)
- Morning:
- Breakfast at the Palais Amani: The rooftop terrace is heaven. Seriously. I ate enough pastries to fuel a small army while gazing over the rooftops of the medina.
- Exploring the Tanneries: Okay, get ready. This is the big one. The tanneries. This is what people warn you about. So, picture this: giant stone vats filled with colorful dyes, surrounded by… well, let's just say the smell is unique. I'm not going to lie, it was intense. I plugged my nose with the mint provided and forged ahead, taking in the spectacle of workers laboring in the sun. It's a harsh life, but the craftsmanship is undeniable. This is a serious, serious dose of realism and beauty.
- Shopping Spree: I spent a small fortune on a leather jacket (which I totally needed… didn't I?) and a few other trinkets. Haggling is definitely an art form. I'm still convinced some merchants are laughing at my amateur attempts.
- Afternoon:
- Cooking Class: I have an awful confession to make. I'm not a good cook BUT the cooking class at the Palais Amani was awesome and I had so much fun. I managed to make a halfway decent tagine (with a little help, obviously). At the end: the fruit with fresh mint tea.
- Relaxation Time: I'm actually exhausted from just writing about all of it. The afternoon was dedicated to enjoying the gorgeous terrace and the delicious tea.
- Evening:
- Dinner: Dinner this evening, I ate with my new friends that I made at the cooking class around the patio. The food was amazing and the company was even better. This is what I feel like travel is all about.
Day 3: The Farewell (and the lingering scent of rosewater)
- Morning:
- Breakfast: Okay, I'm starting to dream about the breakfast at the Palais. It's that good.
- Last Wanders: One last stroll through the quieter corners of the medina, searching for a few last moments of magic. Looking back at all the things I missed so I can come back.
- Souvenir Shopping: I had to bring a few things home.
- Afternoon:
- Lunch: One final tagine at the Palais, because, well, one can't have too much tagine.
- Departure: The driver from the Palais met me. Again, this airport felt even smaller this time.
- Saying goodbye I'm already planning when I can come back.
Reflections & Ramblings:
Wow. Okay, deep breaths. This trip was intense. It was messy. It was everything I hoped for and more. I got lost (a lot), I haggled (badly), I ate so much food that I'm pretty sure I've gained five pounds, and I loved every single second of it. There were moments of pure, unadulterated joy mixed with moments of utter, "What have I gotten myself into?" panic. But that's the beauty of it, isn't it? The imperfections, the unexpected detours, the feeling of being completely, wonderfully out of your comfort zone.
Palais Amani was, well, it was a dream. It's an oasis of calm in the middle of a bustling, beautiful chaos. The staff are genuinely lovely, the food is to die for, and the architecture will leave you speechless. Seriously, if you're looking for something more than a generic hotel experience, go. Just go.
And to anyone thinking of going to Fes? Do it. Just be prepared to embrace the beautiful mess. You won't regret it.
(And if you happen to find yourself lost in the medina? Just ask for directions. Everyone is friendly. And if you can't find your way back, just enjoy the adventure. You'll probably stumble upon something amazing.)
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Okay, spill the tea! What's *really* so special about the Palais Amani? All the reviews make it sound… perfect. Is it?
Ugh, "perfect." Don't believe everything you read, darling. While the Palais Amani *is* breathtaking, it's not a fairytale. Think of it more like a meticulously crafted antique – stunning, yes, but with its own little quirks. The special sauce? It's that feeling. You enter, and BAM! You're transported. Not to "Morocco: The Land of Instagram Filters," but to a *real* palace, steeped in history, with this crazy, intoxicating smell of orange blossom and something else… spice? Incense? I don't know, but it’s addictive. It's like the walls whispered stories.
What about the 'Royal Secret' they keep banging on about? Is it just marketing fluff?
Okay, this is where it gets messy. The ‘Royal Secret’ is an experience, a *vibe*. It feels like you’re getting a glimpse into a secret world. Think less “James Bond” and more “The Secret Garden” but with better food. And the staff? They don't just *work* there; they're practically part of the family. Always smiling, always anticipating your needs… maybe a little *too* anticipating because sometimes… Ugh, let me tell you about the bath…
So, spill about this bath! What's the problem?
The bath. Oh, the glorious, supposedly romantic bath. Picture this: I’m in my room, feeling like a princess after a long day of haggling in the souks. I've ordered the… was it rose petal or jasmine? Doesn't matter, smelled divine! And then the door opens, and in walks this incredibly sweet woman carrying a tray… and a bucket. A *literal* bucket. Turns out, the bathroom wasn’t quite ready, water pressure issues, blah blah blah. She proceeded to *manually* fill the tub using the bucket. Bless her heart! But… it took forever, by which time I had cooled off and all my princess fantasies had evaporated, replaced with a nagging thought: “Are we really doing this? In a palace?” It wasn't the *most* romantic start. But hey, it's a memory, right? And the water was hot!
Let's talk food. The reviews rave about it. Is it worth the hype?
Oh. My. God. The food. Okay, I’m not even a foodie, but this… this was something else. Forget bland hotel fare. We're talking explosions of flavor. Tagines that’ll make you weep, couscous so light it floats, and pastries… oh, the pastries! I dreamt about them for weeks. The breakfast spread? Epic. It's like they're trying to kill you with deliciousness. You HAVE to try the pastilla. Trust me on this one. And the rooftop restaurant with the view of the Medina at sunset? Utterly magical. I am STILL dreaming of mint tea on that rooftop and the smell of the food.
Are there any downsides? Be honest.
Okay, besides the bucket-bath incident (which honestly, I laugh about now), the downsides are minor, but worth knowing. First, the location. It's fantastic, *inside* the old Medina, which is part of what makes it so authentic. That also means navigating narrow, winding alleyways to get there. Taxis can't get right to the door. You'll need them to drop you at a nearby square, so be prepared for a short walk. And, expect a bit of noise from the city's pulse – calls to prayer, the hum of activity. It's part of the experience, though, it's not like a sterile hotel, which might be a downside for some, but I loved it. And honestly, the staff's attentiveness could sometimes feel a *little*… intense? They’re so eager to please, but can sometimes be overwhelming.
Is it kid-friendly? Should I bring my little monsters?
Hmmmm, that's a tough one. The Palais Amani screams “romantic escape,” which might not be ideal for a bunch of screaming kids. While they *welcome* families, it's not really geared towards them. There's no pool, a pretty small space, and a more… refined atmosphere. If your kids are well-behaved and appreciate beautiful things, sure! But if chaos reigns supreme in your household, maybe consider something a little less… serene. You’ve been warned!
What kind of person is this hotel REALLY for? Who is it NOT for?
Honestly, it's for the romantics, the dreamers, the people who crave an authentic experience, not just a pretty hotel. It's for those who want to step back in time and immerse themselves in the culture. Who is it NOT for? The jet-setters who just want another Instagram shot. The ‘I want everything NOW’ crowd. The ones who can't handle a tiny bit of inconvenience. People who are afraid of a bit of “real life” alongside their luxury. If you're after cookie-cutter perfection or need a place to run around and splash, you’ll be disappointed.
Any tips for making the most of your stay?
Embrace the chaos. Seriously! Relax. Let go of expectations. Get lost in the souks, chat with the locals, and soak up the atmosphere. Don’t be afraid to ask the staff for recommendations – they know all the hidden gems. And most importantly: be patient, be kind, and be prepared to fall in love with a place that's not just beautiful, but full of heart. Oh, and tip generously! They deserve it! And maybe, just maybe, request a room *not* near the water pressure issue. (Just kidding, sort of…)
Alright, final verdict: would you go back?
Without a doubt. Bucket-bath and all! The Palais Amani isn’t just a hotel; it's an experience. It's a memory. It's a feeling. It's magical, flawed, and utterly unforgettable. I'm already dreaming of the next time... and getting there again! And one last thing: Book the hammam! It’s not the cheapest, but it’s worth every single dirham. You'll thank me later. Or, you know, complain about the bucket bath like me. Either way, it'll be worth it!
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