Riad Almaz

There was no pool outside despite the listing. The tiny pool inside the riad was typical and authentic, meant only for charm, decoration and to keep the dwelling cool in the heat of summer. Crucially, the listing must explain the connection between the Riad Almaz and the (nearby) hotel, Palais de Fes, and the hotel’s address, where the included breakfast is served daily. The listing must advise that transfer from the airport should be to the hotel, not the riad (which only very very local people know about and even took some time to find by the Moroccan man with a cart for our luggage who agreed to help when the taxi driver dropped us in Fes el Bali). Once at the hotel, the staff will escort clients to Riad Almaz and provide keys and information. The hotel staff were excellent at all times. The riad itself was damp (with black mould on the ceiling in the room allocated/booked) but we were given another room on the second day, following our complaint (which was better, still damp but without obvious mould). Unfortunately, the property smelled badly of the old drains but that was understandable given its age and authenticity. A Morrocan family, with young children, live in the riad. We were the only guests.

The Riad is beautiful. And Abdul made us feel like we were the only people there. He’s a consummate host who has mastered the art of hospitality. We loved it.

Everything is good. The only issue is the parking.

The Riad itself was very traditional and the room was great. Here’s what’s missing from the Expedia Ad that is important to note. This location is extremely difficult to find. There is absolutely no sign. It appears to be affiliated with a very nice hotel not too far away, however, this information is no where to be found. We finally located someone to help us, who brought us to our room in the Riad and then left. No checking in, no communication, no key- nothing. A family lives in the Riad- who are lovely- but if they are out, there is no way to get in. Breakfast is included, but again, no communication. Only once we walked towards the larger hotel did someone motion for us to come for breakfast. It was all very confusing and without the help of our local guide, we never would have even found the place. Finally- the “pool” is a hole in the ground that needs some cleaning. Nice people, but severely lacking communication to help facilitate our visit.