Showing posts with label Where to Stay. Show all posts

So looking forward for a weekend in Casablanca and thinking where to stay and what to see? Casamood, Our friends based in the economical capital of our beloved kingdom are doing such a good job that we agreed to help promoting their city guide, after all, they're not our competitors :) !
3:37 AM

The spanish hotel chain has finally opened after more than one year of heavy works in the very beginning of Hassan II avenue, just in front of the infamous MacDonalds, knows for its healthy options and for terrorising the cows all over the world. 
The hotel looks gorgeous from every angle and would be the first natural choice for a business oriented traveler, or people with special needs -like handicapped- that would experience difficulties in our beloved medina. There are more than 100 rooms including superior, suites and even one Royal Suite, all with carefully designed furniture and ultramodern bathrooms, and Gatsby is already starting to place its visiting friends there, instead of keeping them at home, when soon a friendship is turned into a nightmare. At barely 3 minutes in taxi from the medina, or even in an adventurous 20 minutes walk, the Fez Medina Hotel suits also tourists willing to visit the old city and discover its millenary veiled charms.
There is also a little hammam, a swimming pool and a restaurant looking quite out of context but inspiring specially for business lunches. Prices are reasonable starting at 100 euros in their own web including breakfast (probably cheaper in webs like booking.com). So all that Gatsby can say is that a hotel like this was much needed in Fes, that besides being one of the most interesting destinations in Morocco is starting to awake as an economic center after long years of being neglected by the authorities and companies alike.
8:07 AM



Yesterday, after a normal Ramadan day watching James Bond movies -the Roger Moore ones, of course-, Gatsby was in the mood for new scenarios and new adventures. Atlas Palais Medina & Spa Fes opened a few months ago, belonging to the sometimes prestigious and sometimes doggy hotel group Atlas Hospitality, and was about time to pay it a visit. Plain t-shirt and velvet smoking shoes were probably enough for the occasion, better overdressed than underdress, and Oscar Wilde would have agreed.

The Hotel is situated in the road that links the New Town with the Medina, in the very same spot where a couple of years ago there was only a couple of really scary Petrol Stations. With long palmtrees, manicured gardens and its own door recalling Bab Boujelloud the hotel becomes one of the big players in the area. The lobby is spacious and elegant, the staff is really polite and welcoming, but without being intrusive, and the swimming pool at night was the perfect spot for a late drink listening to some old arab music.

The rooms are modern and big, and prices are not too bad either, almost cheaper that the drinks (Orange Juice 60 dhs). The only problem is that not being in the medina the hotel does not attract foreign tourists for now, but rather a fashionable crowd from Rabat and Casablanca.

Gatsby knows that an incredible Nightclub and Lounge are now in construction, the arquitect being a dear friend, someone not to forget, the same who designed the famous L'Italien Restaurant near Champs de Courses.

For more infos have a look at their website:
1:16 PM

If you remember 'The Little Prince', the tiny jewel from Saint-Exupéry that we should be reading more often, there is a passage that says:

Grown-ups love figures (...) If you were to say to the grown-ups: “I saw a beautiful house made of rosy brick, with geraniums in the windows and doves on the roof,” they would not be able to get an idea of that house at all. You have have to say to them: “I saw a house that cost $20.000.000.” Then they would exclaim: “Oh, what a pretty house that is!”

Assuming you're a grown-up I will tell you that it took 790 million dirhams (around 70 million Euros) to bring it back to life this hotel in the biggest facelift in history, with permission of Berlusconi. The Michlifen Hotel instantly became a landmark when first opened in 1973, surrounded by a cedar forest in the highest spot of Ifrane. Such a place could not escape from the hedonist eyes -and the rest of the body- of Gatsby. When he first visited the place it was still under renovation, but his dearest friend slept there and told him that he had never seen such a place in Morocco, and barely anywhere in the world, leaving Gstaad apart.
The Michlifen Ifrane Suites & Spa counts 70 rooms all boasting luxury and mountain resort glamour with Pierre Frey linen, has a 3.500 sq m Spa with all kind of treatments, a 2.500 sq m gym, exterior and interior swimming pools and a helicopter runway for the VIP's. The gorgeous interiors are blessed with Ralph Lauren furniture and others. It belongs to the same group as La Mamounia of Marrakech, which gives you an idea of the standards.
The prices are the only thing that bring you back to reality, the rooms start at 5.000 dirhams up to 80.000 dirhams for the 800 sq m Royal Suite. But don't worry, if you're not Terry Benedict you can go only to enjoy the restaurant, their chef was trained with the famous Pourcel brothers and it will cost you around 500 dh per person. And if none of the above suggestions convince you just head towards the bar, where you are likely to find Gastby begging for happy hour on Champagne magnums...Bollinger '69, of course.
9:56 AM

We've got a newcomer in the ancient and lovely medina of Fez, its name is Riad Verus, and its here to stay. Noureddine and Leonora have restored -in a record time- this magnificient riad overcoming the usual difficulties with P&P -Passion and Patience-, undoubtely two of the elements you come to experience the most in the Fez medina.
Boasting five suits with bathrooms, and each room named after roman rulers, the riad is a lovely example of traditional architecture, but with all the amenities a modern traveller would need.
It is conveniently located near Batha, and with prices starting as little as 30 euros, nothing can prevent you to come to Fez and once in your room exclaim, like Nero did when he moved to his newly built Palace of the Caesars in Rome: 'at last I am lodged as a man!'
8:34 AM



'The city was getting nearer, and at the same time it loomed up within my own mind, rising out of the darkness of memory.
A geode of amethyst, brimful of thousands of tightly packed crystals and surrounded by a silver-green rim: this was Fez, the Old City of Fez, in the twilight.'
(Titus Burckhart – Fez)
If you decide to come to Fez and discover why a lot of people fall in love with this magical city, make sure you treat yourself to a nice lodging. Gatsby is an experienced traveller, has slept in a lot of beds and knows a lot of houses. But even in Fez, with its many wonderful riads and lovely restored houses Gatsby has found one that specially suits his mood and its willing to recommend to other discerned travellers.
Dar Attajalli stands out for the beauty of its walls, yes, but specially for the soul that breathes in the entire house and invites you to relax while whispering uncovered secrets of other times and cultures. Not little of that soul comes from the propietor and host, Kleo, that will make sure everything runs smooth around you. Relax in the patio listening the deep sounds of the monumental fountain, lounge in the terrace watching the sun go down, stay in your suite with one book from the well stocked library, here there is only one rule, follow your bliss. And Gatsby knows one thing or two about that.
6:45 AM

When thinking about coming to Fez there are multiple things you should take care of, being the most important of all booking the right place where your moroccan dream will come true.
Tripadvisor is a great tool but beware, many things are highly manipulated. Edreams, Lastminute and Booking offer many riads in the medina, but not usually the most refined, and feels utterly inhuman.
Remember that Gatsby was a tourist in Fez once too, and everytime he had to come he took care of reserving through www.fez-riads.com run by Helen Ranger. Why? She has handpicked the most beautiful riads in the Medina to provide you with that magical feeling you're looking for, she knows everyone and everyone knows her, her website is clear and in three different languages and has -that is the part we like the most- a small selection of private houses ready for rent, all special, all detail, all wonderful. On top of everything she donates a percentage of her earnings to several restoration projects in the Medina. And if that was not enough I will reveal that she amongst others is resposible for the Lonely Planet basic guide Fez Encounters. Of course she is as well one of Gatsby's friends and goes without saying, a true lady.
10:46 AM
If you are not the regular tourist and you like to do things your own way you may consider renting a fully furnished house in the medina, where you can do pretty much what you like, like exploring the medina, cooking your own food, watch a huge selection of Dvd's, throw sexy parties or do whatever you feel. http://www.rentinfez.com/ propose this vibrant house mix of moroccan-harem-meets-italian-elegance. For as little as 100 euros a night you will have the house at your disposal and they will bring you breakfast in the morning and treat you...well, as a pacha.
5:01 AM
The word hotel is derived from the French hôtel (coming from hôte meaning host), which referred to a French version of a townhouse or any other building seeing frequent visitors, rather than a place offering accommodation.

In Fez, hotels are an option for large groups or people in real need of a swimming pool. We strongly advise to stay in a Riad insted. Anyway here is a choice of hotels from luxury to charmingly decadent, all have good bars and are interesting places to meet tourists and expats alike. Note that the restaurants inside are highly uninteresting with tasteless food and poor quality service.






Sofitel Palais Jamai


The Sofitel Palais Jamai is housed in a grand 19th- century Moorish palace, built for the Grand Vizier of Jamai, surrounded by verdant gardens and located in the centre of Fez's romantic old town. The 142 guestrooms over six floors are decorated in light, subtle tones with Moroccan-style furnishings have French windows leading to balconies. All are equipped with wireless Internet access, satellite television, direct-dial phones, minibars and complimentary bottled water. Bathrooms include showers, telephones, bathrobes and slippers. The hotel offers a range of spa facilities including a sauna, a steam room, massage treatments and a spa tub. The well-tended gardens feature a tennis court and an outdoor heated pool surrounded by palm trees and a sun terrace.










Hotel Les Merinides


Set in landscaped grounds, with palm trees shading the lawns and terraces, Les Menerides has a tiled outdoor swimming pool with views of the mountains and city. There are concierge services, a bar, and 24-hour room service. Wireless Internet access is available, and onsite parking.






Hotel Jnan Palace


This hotel is an excellent option for travellers willing to stay in the Ville Nouvelle, with all the amenities you can think of on a 5 star hotel including a gorgeous Bond-like swimming pool. The bars inside are cozy and lively and it hosts the only good Disco in the city, Le Palace.










Hotel Batha

One of our favourites for its charming decadence. Right in the entrance of the medina this three star hotel used to host the British Consulate and it is said Churchill smoked some cigars in here. It has a small swimming pool and an almost indecent bar. The prices are rather low and can be a good option for travellers on a tight budget but respect themselves nonetheless.
tel.+21255741077 mail : hotelbatha@menara.ma










Hotel Menzeh Zalagh

This 4 star hotel is situated in the ville Nouvelle just beside Mc Donalds, and can be a good surprise for anyone wanting a traditional big hotel with all the usual amenities. Rooms are tired but spacious and with acceptable air conditioning. The views from the balconies are stunning and the swimming pool is a very cool set. If you book it in advance with http://www.hotelopia.com/ you will have amazing discounts of about 50%, so its quite worth it. Expect to find large groups travelling rather than romantic couples or bohemian artists.
6:01 AM







A Riad (Arabic: رياض‎) is a traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior garden. The word riad comes from the Arabian term for garden, "ryad". The riad became popular to begin with because of the religion of Islam . The riads were inward focused which allowed for family privacy and protection from the weather in Morocco. This inward focus was expressed in the central location of most of the interior gardens and courtyards and the lack of large windows on the exterior clay or mud brick walls. Entrance to these houses is a major transitional experience and encourages reflection because all of the rooms open into the central atrium space. The style of these riads has changed over the years, but the basic form is still used in designs today. Recently there has been a surge in interest in this form of house after a new vogue of renovation in towns such as Marrakech or Fez.

Here is a selection ranging from expensive to affordable, but all of them are worth a stay.



One of the 10 Sexiest Hotels in Morocco, it's chic, luxurious and traditionally Moroccan. There are many areas for you to lounge around at the Riad.




After two years of restoration by skilled and devoted local craftsmen this vast 17th century palace (of a net floor size close to 1000m2), once home to the Minister Mnebhi, is now ready to welcome you - The Riad Laaroussa which offers 5 suites and 2 rooms.


This historic house which has been home to the Alaouites descendants is a small palace and architectural jewel. Careful and meticulous restoration with natural materials and a lot of heart and soul of the German proprietor brought Dar Attajalli back to its former splendour.

This house is one of our favourite choices for its opulent suites and warm welcome. Suites start as little as 90 euros per night. Totally worth it.



http://www.darseffarine.com/

The riad is a magnificent piece of art. Tucked away off the noisy back streets of Fez, Dar Seffarine is an oasis in this hectic vibrant city. Beautifully restored by the most amazing hosts, Alaa and Kate, you feel like you've stepped back in time with a few nods to the modern world.




Riad Number 9 is fabulous. It is a feast for the eyes and sets the perfect pace for Fez. Every item in the Riad has been hand picked and is unique and gorgeous. The transformation of the riad is the work of owners Stephen di Renza and Bruno Ussel, each with their own particular talents.



Dar Hanna is a private home located in the middle of the Fes Medina. Josephine, the owner, has brought this beautiful Dar or home back to its original splendor. Rooms are comfortable and very clean, and Josephine treats guests like personal friends staying in her home.
6:57 AM
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