Palais Batha

Prós: This riad is in a great location, right near the centre of the old town but with full road access to the front door (so no dragging luggage through the walking streets of the medina). The riad is typically Moroccan and was exactly as pictured. The maid was excellent, delivering a thoughtfully cleaned room and delicious breakfast each day.

Contras: The riad has a busy restaurant which hosts streams of your groups all day long. I was the only house guest at the time and felt somewhat overlooked by the staff. For a Westerner, Morocco is a very different destination. On my previous trip to Marrakech, the riad owners sat me down on arrival and offered plenty of cultural advice, tourist tips and general directions to ensure a great trip. They also checked on ne regularly for anything else. There was none of this on my arrival in Fez. Indeed, the management seemed only interested in trying to extract more money for tours, taxis and even a basic media map. Disappointing.