Uncover Fes's Hidden Gem: Riad Salam's Moroccan Magic!
Uncover Fes's Hidden Gem: Riad Salam's Moroccan Magic!
Uncover Fes's Hidden Gem: Riad Salam's Moroccan Magic! (A Review That's Probably Too Honest)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from Riad Salam in Fes, and I have opinions. Loads of them. And yes, I'm going to spill the harira. (That’s soup, for the uninitiated. And trust me, I have thoughts on the harira.)
SEO & Metadata Blitz (Don't Judge My Inner Nerd):
- Keywords: Fes riad, Riad Salam review, Morocco hotels, luxury riad Fes, accessible riad Fes, spa Fes, Moroccan hospitality, best riad Fes, Fes accommodation, pool Fes, Berber spa, Fes food, safe travel Morocco, Covid-19 safety Morocco
- Meta Description: Dive into my brutally honest review of Riad Salam in Fes! Get the lowdown on accessibility, spa experiences, food (oh, the food!), cleanliness, and the overall "Moroccan Magic." Is it worth the hype? Find out!
Arrival - The Gates of Wonder… or Just a Confusing Alley?
Getting there? Honestly, the first thing you need to know is: accessibility. This is Fes, people. Think narrow, cobbled alleyways. Riad Salam says it has facilities for disabled guests, but navigating to the front door with anything other than a strong set of legs, well, good luck. The staff were super helpful with luggage, though! (More on them later – they’re a mixed bag of amazing and… well, we'll get there.)
Once inside… a literal breath of fresh air and stunning decor
Accessibility: Mostly a No Go (But the Doors are Pretty!)
While they say they have facilities, it's a bit of a stretch. There is an elevator (yay!), but the doorways, hallways are not ideal, and the cobblestone streets leading up to the place? Forget it if you have mobility issues. So, Accessibility Rating: 2/5 (for effort and the elevator).
Cleanliness and Safety: They're Trying (Bless Their Hearts)
Okay, the COVID protocols. They were trying. Hand sanitizer everywhere (a plus!), staff masked up, and the rooms looked sanitized. The anti-viral cleaning products smell was a little strong. They mentioned they do professional-grade sanitizing, and room sanitization opt-out is available. And the staff trained in safety protocol were all really great and accommodating Cleanliness and Safety Rating: 4/5 (good try!).
Let's Talk about the Rooms (and My Room)
My room? Stunning. Seriously. The traditional Moroccan decor was just breathtaking. Think intricate tilework, plush carpets, a four-poster bed, and a window that actually opened to a courtyard filled with the scent of jasmine. Air conditioning? Absolutely essential and it worked perfectly. Blackout curtains? Thank heaven! Free Wi-Fi? Yeah, in all the rooms. Which was a MUST. Mini-bar? Stocked with the necessities (and some local beers that were surprisingly good). I wouldn’t say it was a huge room, but it was perfect. Room rating: 5/5 (beautiful, but a little close quarters).
One small (OK, maybe medium-sized) gripe: the lighting. It's mood lighting, sure, and romantic, but sometimes I just want TO SEE! Finding the light switch felt like a treasure hunt. And I'm not sure if the 'extra long bed' was really that, or if I’m just taller than I realized… (Maybe I need to get a checkup).
The Food: Oh, the Food! (With a Side of "Who Ordered This?")
- Breakfast (Buffet): Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant I am not sure what the breakfast menu looked like but buffet was more than enough. Breakfast Rating: 4/5.
- Dinner (A la Carte and then there is the Dessert menu): There's international and western cuisine available. Restaurant Rating: 4/5
- Happy Hour: Bar, Poolside bar - Didn't get to enjoy it
- Snack Bar: Didn't get to enjoy that as well.
- Desserts: I ordered multiple dessert, but there weren't as much.
- Room service (24-hour): Great for those late-night cravings, perfect!
Dining, drinking, and snacking Rating: 4/5
The Spa: Relaxation (And a Bit of "Am I Being Scrubbed with Sand?!")
The spa. Oh, the spa. I booked a hammam experience, which is basically a full-body scrub-down and massage. It's a Moroccan tradition, and you're essentially naked (kind of).
- What I loved: The atmosphere! Dimly lit, beautiful tilework, and the smells!
- What I was less keen on: Getting scrubbed with what seemed like… sand? Don't get me wrong, my skin felt amazing afterward, but during the process, I was a little worried I'd be exfoliated down to my bones. Spa Overall Rating: 4/5 (because the after-glow was worth it).
Things to Do and Ways to Relax:
- Pool with a View: Yes! The outdoor pool is gorgeous, especially at sunset. It's a bit small, but a perfect oasis.
- Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna: Yup! There is all that!
- Fitness center: I have no idea. But likely not.
- Massage: Yes!
- Steamroom: Yes!
- Swimming pool: Well, yes. But don’t expect laps (it's more of a "dip-and-sip-a-mint-tea" kind of pool).
Relaxation Rating: 4/5 (If you like being pampered, it's heaven)
Services & Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the "Where's My Laundry?"
- Daily housekeeping? Yes! My room was immaculate every day.
- Concierge? Super helpful, especially with arranging excursions.
- Laundry service? Yes, with an ironing service. But it took days. (Plan accordingly!)
- Currency exchange? Convenient!
- Cash withdrawal? There is an ATM.
- Doorman? Every day
- Breakfast in room? Yes!
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Valet parking? Yes!
Service & Conveniences Rating: 4/5 (Mostly great, but the slow laundry was a bummer.)
The Staff: Love 'Em or Leave 'Em? (Actually, It's Mostly Love!)
The staff. They were, without a doubt, one of the best things about Riad Salam. They are kind, courteous, and genuinely want you to have a great experience. They all smile every day. And were super helpful with my constant requests (more coffee! Extra pillows!).
Staff rating: 5/5 (Absolutely wonderful!)
Final Verdict: Worth the Trip? (Probably, With a Few Caveats)
Riad Salam is a beautiful, charming riad. The rooms are gorgeous, the spa is relaxing, and the staff is amazing. Yes, the accessibility isn’t ideal, and the laundry service could be faster, but overall? I had a truly memorable experience.
Overall Rating: 4/5 (Moroccan Magic, indeed, with a side of "bring your patience")
Would I go back? Absolutely.
Treebo Elan Chennai: Your Dream Chennai Stay Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're heading to Fes, Morocco. My brain hasn't quite caught up with my passport, so prepare for a wild ride. This isn't your perfectly curated Instagram itinerary; this is the real deal - the glorious, chaotic, slightly-hungover-and-still-sweating-from-the-flight version. We're staying at Riad Salam, which, fingers crossed, lives up to the hype. (I saw the pictures, and frankly, I'm already dreaming of mint tea and rooftop sunsets.)
Day 1: Arrival, Déjà Vu, and a Drowning in the Medina
Morning (Like, Late Morning Because Jet Lag is a Beast): Land in Fes, collect bags with the grace of a newborn giraffe (seriously, Morocco, can you add a baggage claim that isn't a free-for-all?), and pray the taxi driver knows the way to Riad Salam. (Secretly, I'm hoping he doesn't; I'd love a scenic, slightly-lost adventure). The drive in? Gorgeous, but I swear the landscape is giving me serious "Lawrence of Arabia" vibes. Am I about to be swarmed by sand-colored robes and dramatic pronouncements? God, I hope so.
Afternoon: Riad Reveal and Medina Mayhem: Check into Riad Salam. This is where the Insta-worthy fantasies begin, right? Okay, breaths in… Wow. It's…beautiful. Just like the pictures. I feel like a princess who's wandered into some ancient storybook. Time for the obligatory "oohs" and "aahs," followed by a frantic scramble for my camera. The riad's courtyard is stunning, the tiles glisten, the air smells of…perfume? Incense? Magic? I'm not sure, but I LIKE it.
Then…the Medina. Oh, the Medina. Imagine a medieval marketplace, crammed into a maze designed by a sadist. My first impression: I am utterly, gloriously lost. I swear, five minutes in, I was already being chased by a donkey carrying what I think was a mountain of spices. (Okay, maybe not chased, but it was close). People, carts, motorcycles, shops bursting with color – it's sensory overload, but in the best possible way. And the smells! Leather, spices, grilling meat, and something suspiciously akin to wet dog. (No judgement, Fes, I've been there.)
The "Almost-Kidnapped-by-a-Spice-Merchant" Incident: Okay, dramatic title, but it felt that way. Got cornered by a guy practically begging me to look at his saffron. I politely declined, but he followed me for, like, five minutes, and then tried to grab my arm to "show me the best spice." (Honestly, I'm pretty sure he just wanted me to buy something, anything). I escaped, but my heart was racing. Lesson learned: a firm "La Shukran" (no, thank you, in Arabic), and a brisk pace is a must.
Evening: Dinner Disaster (But Delicious): Found a restaurant, guided by a friendly local (who probably knew I was lost). Called Restaurant Number 7. Gorgeous place, but my order got lost with my sanity somewhere in the Medina, so I got the soup that I didn't want. I wanted the tagine though. The waiter looked bewildered! Then, the most amazing thing happened: the waiter seemed so sorry. Turns out they weren’t out of Tagine, just really confused. Then they comped the Tagine! This Tagine! Slow-cooked lamb, plums, almonds… chef's kiss. It was heavenly. I drank my meal but damn do I look awful.
Day 2: Crafts, Clutter, and the Call of the Tannery
Morning: Into the Tannery (Yes, I'm Prepared for the Smell): This is it. The moment I've both anticipated and dreaded. The Chouara Tannery. They say it's an unforgettable experience, and I'm certain it will be. (Mostly unforgettable because of the smell, I suspect). Got myself a mint sprig and some a scarf to cover my nose. I'm expecting a pungent assault on my nostrils, but the views are worth it, apparently, the dyes and the leather production is stunning.
My Emotional Reaction to the Tannery: Okay, the smell. Yeah, it's… intense. Like a cross between a public restroom and a chemical factory. But…then you look. The vats. The colors. The sheer physicality of the workers, knee-deep in the dye, doing this arduous work in the blistering sun. It's… beautiful. Powerful. And a little heartbreaking. I watched them for a long time, feeling overwhelmingly humbled. (And, yes, slightly nauseous). I bought a leather purse that reminds me of the process.
Afternoon: Craft Crazy and Souk Soul: Went back to the Medina, in search of a new scarf. I'm on a mission for souvenirs and I need to find the best ones. Every stall is a feast for the eyes, but my wallet might weep. Haggling is an art form here, and I'm basically a toddler trying to negotiate for a cookie. I tried for a rug!
The Moment I Almost Got Haggled into Buying a Camel: Okay, hyperbole, but it felt that way. I was looking at some beautiful, intricately patterned rugs, and this guy started telling me elaborate stories about the history of his family and his rugs. I asked about camels, and he just looked at me, said it was from a camel, and gave me the price, lol. I eventually escaped, but my respect for professional hagglers has skyrocketed.
Evening: Rooftop Dinner and Stargazing: Ate dinner from a rooftop restaurant and watched the sunset. That's the plan at least. Hopefully, it'll be better than the dinner last night.
Day 3: Gardens, Guides, and Goodbyes (Almost)
Morning: Jardin Jnan Sbil and a Moment of Serenity: Needed a breather from the chaos, so I headed to Jardin Jnan Sbil. This is the respite I needed. Lush gardens, fountains, and birdsong. I sat for a long time, just breathing.
Afternoon: Exploring with a Guide (and Facing Another Fear): Decided to hire a local guide, to get some perspective on the city. He was great.
The Fear of Getting Lost (Again): Honestly, it's still a concern. The Medina is a labyrinth, and I'm pretty sure I could get lost in my own apartment.
Evening: Farewell Dinner (and a Possible Meltdown): Had a final tagine in a restaurant that's a "best of" the city. I'm trying to find a way to fit this experience into my life back home.
Day 4: Arrival in the real world (or, well, my world)
Morning: Breakfast and checkout. The Riad Salam team gave us a special gift to remember them by. A nice touch of gratitude.
Afternoon: Take a cab to the airport, say goodbye to Morocco.
Final Thoughts (aka, Random Ramblings):
- Morocco is Messy, Beautiful, and Exasperating: It's a place that will challenge you, frustrate you, and leave you breathless. It's not perfect, but it's real.
- Embrace the Chaos: Let go of your need for control and let the Medina sweep you away. You'll probably get lost, you'll definitely get overwhelmed, but that's part of the fun.
- Learn a Few Basic Arabic Phrases: "La Shukran" (no thank you) is your new best friend. "Shukran" (thank you) is essential. "Salaam" (hello/peace) is nice too.
- Don't Be Afraid to Bargain: It's expected and part of the culture. But don't be a jerk about it.
- Pack Light and Wear Comfortable Shoes: You'll be walking a lot. And carrying stuff.
- Be Open to New Experiences: This trip will push you out of your comfort zone, but it will also open your eyes to something new.
So, there you have it. My Fes adventure. It's been hot, smelly, exciting, and, occasionally, terrifying. I'm exhausted, slightly smelly, and already dreaming of my next adventure. I'd do it all again in a heartbeat. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to take a long, hot shower and start planning my return trip. Maybe I'll finally learn some Arabic. Maybe I'll actually learn to haggle. Maybe I won't almost get kidnapped by a spice merchant next time. (But probably not.)
Rimini's Hidden Gem: Residence Del Sole Awaits!
Uncover Fes's Hidden Gem: Riad Salam's Moroccan Magic...And My Messy, Magical Experience!
What's so special about Riad Salam, anyway? Is it REALLY worth the hype?
Okay, deep breaths. The hype? Yeah, it's… mostly justified. Look, I'm a cynical travel blogger, I see through the Instagram filters, I smell the perfectly-placed Berber carpets from miles away. But Riad Salam? It snuck up on me. Think… a tiny, crumbling door in the Fes medina, which opens into… BAM! A freaking oasis. Like, *actual* oasis. Courtyard with mosaic tiles that could make your eyeballs weep with joy, a rooftop terrace with views that’ll make you forget about your existential dread (for, like, five minutes at least), and the scent of orange blossoms that permanently imprinted itself onto my soul.
Worth the hype? I’d say… heck yes. Especially if you're after that authentic Moroccan experience, you know? That's a BIG IF though, because, let's be honest, authenticity is a moving target. More on that later.
The rooms – what are they *really* like? I'm a princess (and I demand to know!)
Alright, Princess. The rooms… are gorgeous. Okay, let me rephrase. They are *exquisitely* decorated. Picture this: intricate plasterwork, hand-carved cedarwood doors, plush carpets that beg you to take off your shoes and do a little dance – because who's judging in a place like this? (I did. I totally did.) I stayed in the "Emperor's Suite" (yes, I splurged, don't judge!), and it was… stupidly luxurious. Think four-poster bed fit for a king (literally, I swear!), a bathroom the size of my apartment back home, and even a little balcony overlooking the courtyard.
But… and here comes the "but". It had a tiny ant problem. Yes, you heard me. Tiny, persistent, sugar-loving ants. It wasn't a deal-breaker, but it did take the shine off my "Emperor" persona when I woke up and saw them marching across my croissant. I mean, come on! Still, the staff were amazing. They dealt with it immediately, and provided this amazing ant-specific spray. So, a minor imperfection, but hey, even kings have their wee little ant problems, right?
What's the food like? Is it authentic or just… touristy? Because I hate touristy.
Oh, the food! Okay, again… a mixed bag. The breakfast – included in the price (thank heavens!) – was *divine*. Freshly squeezed orange juice, fluffy pancakes drenched in honey (sticky, glorious honey!), crusty bread, and a selection of homemade jams that nearly caused a scene. I *may* have hoarded some for later. Don't tell anyone.
Dinner was… a bit more hit-or-miss. They served some *fantastic* tagines, rich and flavorful, with meat so tender it practically melted in your mouth. But some nights, it was a bit… predictable. You know, the classic "tourist menu" of chicken tagine, lamb tagine, and couscous (which is fine, but, after a week, you kinda crave a pizza.) I was slightly disappointed because I came to Morocco to discover unique flavors, not a generic hotel menu. But the atmosphere was so amazing, the staff was so sweet, I forgave it pretty fast.
The Staff – are they genuinely nice, or just faking it for tips? (Because, seriously, I can tell.)
The staff? Oh my god, the staff. They were beyond lovely. Genuinely, wonderfully, wholeheartedly lovely. I'm talking about that rare level of service where you feel like you're being welcomed into someone's home, not just a hotel. They remembered my name, anticipated my needs (more mint tea, anyone?), and were always smiling. They were so welcoming.
I swear, there was one guy, Mustapha, who could have been a contestant on "The Nicest Person on Earth" and won. He went above and beyond to help me navigate the medina, got me a taxi, even helped me barter for a rug (which, by the way, I *totally* overpaid for… but I don't regret it!). They weren't just faking it for tips, they seemed to genuinely care about making my stay special. Seriously, give them all raises!
Let's talk about the *spa*. Worth it? (I need pampering!)
The spa… YES. A thousand times, YES! Picture this: a dimly lit room, scented with argan oil and rose petals, a masseuse with magic hands, and a hammam experience that left me feeling like I'd been reborn. It was pure bliss. The traditional black soap scrub was intense (in a good way!), and the massage… well, it was so good, I nearly fell asleep. (And that says *a lot*, because I'm usually too busy overthinking things to relax.)
Okay, confession time. I got a bit… carried away. I booked the full hammam ritual, followed by an argan oil massage, *and* a facial. It was worth every single penny. Seriously, it was the most relaxed I've been in years. I floated out of there completely zen. If there's one thing you do at Riad Salam, it's hit that spa. You won't regret it.
Tell me about the *experience* - what's the atmosphere like? Is it noisy? Crowded? Intimate?
Atmosphere… The word that comes to mind is… MAGICAL. Seriously. The courtyard, with its bubbling fountain and intricately tiled walls, created this feeling of serenity. You could hear the call to prayer echoing from the nearby mosques, mixing with the gentle chatter of other guests and the clinking of teacups.
Intimate is the perfect word. It's not a massive hotel, so you don't feel lost in a sea of tourists. It's more like staying in a gorgeous, welcoming home. You can sit and relax as the air is filled with scent of roses and orange blossom. It's a place for quiet contemplation, a place to read a book (or, you know, scroll through Instagram… I'm only human!), or just soak up the beauty around you. There were moments when I felt like time stood still. I really enjoyed spending my day on the rooftop terrace!
Okay, quick note: it IS in the medina, so you'll hear the sounds of the city – the occasional donkey cart, the calls of the vendors, the general hustle and bustle. Embrace it! It's part of the charm. But inside the riad? Pure, blissful peace.
Any downsides? Be brutally honest.
Alright, honesty time. Nothing'American Dream in Iguazu: Uncover This Hidden Argentinian Gem
Post a Comment for "Uncover Fes's Hidden Gem: Riad Salam's Moroccan Magic!"