Hotel Sahrai Fez

Hotel Sahrai Fez is the second luxury hotel from the owners of the great Riad Fès, but in contrast to its heart-of-the-medina predecessor, Hotel Sahrai has a hillside location overlooking the city. And unlike Riad Fès, the Sahrai exudes a contemporary aesthetic throughout.

Quite a few of Fes’s hotels and riads are located within the medina, but though such a location benefits from unforgettable charms, it also has challenges.

When visiting the Riad Fès, we immediately realized just how immersed it is within the medieval walled city: because of the limited access, our suitcases had to be brought in on the tireless shoulders of the Riad Fès staff (do check out our review). Later, when exploring the area, we’d often get lost among the unmarked streets of the medina.

These problems are not anything to be concerned about at the Hotel Sahrai Fez. In many ways, this hotel is the opposite of a medina riad.

The hotel

There’s a satisfyingly practical concept behind the Hotel Sahrai Fez. The assumption is that you’re in Fes for the cultural antiquity, of course—but that when the sightseeing’s over, you might prefer to retreat to a modern boutique with ample space and modern comforts and tech-friendly amenities.

The Sahrai is strategically positioned so you can appreciate the view of the riad from afar, preferably while sipping mint tea at the rooftop bar at sunset. The hotel has fifty rooms and suites, larger than a riad, but relatively small for a luxury hotel.

The look is clean and modern, with minimalist white, pale brick, and floor-to-ceiling windows, and a few pieces to remind you where you are—a hand-painted vase, a glowing lantern, a decorative wall partition.

Rooms and beyond

The smart in-room amenities include the latest tech, including complimentary wi-fi, and airy bathrooms with luxury tubs. Junior suites feature black marble bathrooms and sweeping views of the medina. And the top-of-the-line Sahrai Suite has its own terrace and outdoor entertaining space.

Notable spaces at Hotel Sahrai include two restaurants, one Moroccan and the other international, plus tennis courts, a fitness center, an infinity pool, and, wisely, a separate pool for children. The obvious highlights, however, are the rooftop bar and terrace—where you might be tempted to camp out all evening— and the opulent Givenchy Spa.

With its stone surfaces, mashrabiya latticework and outdoor treatment space, the elegant spa is very much grounded in the place, but the service and treatment style meet the brand’s high standards.

in our opinion

The charm of the old world and the comfort of the new is the core idea behind the hotel — but the Sahrai captures the spirit of the location without ever appearing dated. Its style is eminently modern, in a sophisticated blend of Moroccan traditions and contemporary luxuries.

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What we love

• The blend of traditional Moorish architecture elements with sleek contemporary design is very enticing. The designer Christophe Pillet's created beautiful living spaces that are equally sleek and tranquil
• The sense of luxury, created with a subdued palette, shimmering fabrics and gentle lantern light—as well as contemporary design solutions, e.g. the glass-walled marble bathrooms
• Spectacular hillside location offering wonderful views over the medina and beyond
• The hotel prides itself on the exclusive Givenchy Spa, the only one in North Africa and one of only four in the world
• Trendy rooftop bar, fast becoming one of the coolest hotspots in the city—especially on weekends, when visiting DJs play their sets
• Guests are welcomed with homemade Moroccan pastries

What you should know

• The hotel is located well outside of the Medina (Royal Palace, Jewish Cemetery, and Bab Semmarine are some 3 km away), but of course, it's well worth venturing into that medieval walled city: the maze of passageways and tiny streets makes it unforgettable. Recognized by UNESCO, It is the largest car-free urban environment in the world
• Families with children are welcome, but the small ones are restricted in some areas, e.g. the spa
• Complimentary WiFi is available throughout. Valet parking is also free
• For the ultimate view, book a suite with a private terrace looking towards the Medina