The hype
An exquisitely decorated, authentic riad with incredibly hospitable staff and a museum-like atmosphere.
Riad Rcif
$115-180 / night
Book this if You want to sleep in a meticulously restored 14th-century palace that feels like a living museum, complete with intricate zellij tiles and carved cedarwood.
Why People Love It
- Stunning 14th-century Andalusian-Moorish architecture
- Panoramic rooftop views of the Fes Medina
- Excellent traditional Moroccan breakfast and dinners
Quick Take: It's a breathtaking historical gem, but the central courtyard design means noise travels easily and the beds lean toward rock-hard.
Reviewed by @DebbiJamesTravel: My stay at Riad Rcif was unforgettable. Waking up in that luxurious canopy bed and walking out to the stunning mosaic courtyard felt like a dream. If you're heading to Fes, this peaceful oasis is an absolute must-book.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The beds are notoriously firm, and the central AC is sometimes turned off during the shoulder seasons, leaving rooms stuffy.
- Architecture and history buffs
- Travelers wanting an authentic Fassi palace experience
- Couples looking for a romantic rooftop dinner setting
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9
- Housekeeping: Daily housekeeping is thorough, keeping the intricate tiles and historical details surprisingly dust-free.
- Bathroom hygiene: Bathrooms are spacious and sparkling clean, though some guests note slow-draining showers due to the ancient plumbing.
- Maintenance: Generally well-maintained for a 14th-century building, but expect some quirks like stiff doors or finicky AC.
- Linens & towels: Clean and fresh, though the towels aren't the fluffiest you'll ever use and the beds are notoriously firm.
- Odors & scents: Usually smells of fresh mint tea and subtle incense, though occasional medina plumbing smells can waft in.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Echoing chatter and clinking from the courtyard restaurant
- Call to prayer (standard for the medina)
Before you book
Good to know
- Cars cannot reach the riad; you will be dropped off at Place R'cif and a porter will guide you.
- There is a mandatory city tax of MAD 31 (about $3) per person, per night.
- The riad is a restored 14th-century palace, so expect steep stairs and no elevator.
What to pack
- Earplugs to block out the echoing courtyard noise and the early morning call to prayer.
- Comfortable walking shoes for the steep, uneven, and sometimes slippery medina alleys.
- A light jacket for breezy evenings on the rooftop terrace.
Room Genie
Best picks
- Suite Royal Cherine or Aida for spacious luxury, king beds, and stunning historical details.
- Upper-floor rooms for better natural light and slightly less courtyard noise.
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor rooms directly off the courtyard, which lack privacy and suffer from echoing dining noise.
- Rooms near the kitchen or reception area where early morning staff activity begins.
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Hi team, I'm so excited for my stay. Could I please request a room on an upper floor, away from the main courtyard dining area, to ensure a quiet night's sleep? Thank you!”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the riad hard to find?
Yes, it's deep in the car-free medina maze. Always arrange for the hotel's porter to meet you at Place R'cif to guide you and carry your luggage.
Do they serve alcohol?
Yes, unlike some traditional riads, they serve wine and beer, which is perfect for a sunset drink on the rooftop.
Is there a pool?
There is a small indoor plunge pool in the courtyard, but it's more for aesthetics and a quick cool-down than actual swimming.
Is the riad wheelchair accessible?
No. The medina's narrow, uneven streets and the riad's steep, narrow staircases make it inaccessible for wheelchairs.
How is the Wi-Fi?
It's free and generally reliable in the courtyard and rooftop, but the thick 14th-century walls can make the signal spotty inside the rooms.
Can I pay with a credit card?
Yes, Visa and Mastercard are accepted, but you should bring cash (Dirhams) for the local city tax (MAD 31/night) and tips.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Message the hotel ahead of time with your arrival details so their porter can meet you at Place R'cif—Google Maps will fail you in the medina.
- ✨
Book a dinner on the rooftop terrace around sunset; the food is excellent and the panoramic view of the medina is unbeatable.
- ✨
If you book a spa treatment, clarify the exact duration beforehand to avoid misunderstandings about how long the massage lasts.
5 things to know before you go
💡The AC is centrally controlled and management sometimes turns it off during the spring, leaving rooms stuffy.
💡The beds are traditional Moroccan style, which translates to extremely firm mattresses.
💡The indoor plunge pool is beautiful to look at but often too cold and shaded for a comfortable swim.
💡The riad is a former Pasha's palace built in 1372, meaning you are sleeping in a 650-year-old piece of history.
💡Spa treatments are highly rated, but double-check the duration before booking—some guests reported 1.5-hour massages ending after 50 minutes.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Riad Rcif is located and what's nearby.