In the latest chapter of the riad's fascinating history, 2 entrepreneurial French partners rescued the building and rebirthed it as one of the city's most sumptuous hostelries, after an inspired restoration project using the city's finest artisans. Fountains, columns, keyhole arches and ornate tile and woodwork conjure up visions that feel plucked from the pages of 1001 Nights. Bedrooms are regal in size and furnishings, there's an amazing hammam, a lavish courtyard pool and a rooftop restaurant with a side order of city skyline.
Highs
- You're at the heart of the action, in between Bab Bou Jeloud and the Kairouine Mosque
- The hammam is one of the city's best, with a great team of masseurs and therapists
- Oodles of exotic and sensual charm, and perfect for a romantic break
- The pool is a rare treat for a city centre hotel
- Stay for lunch and dinner to try out their Med-meets-Morocco restaurant
Lows
- The stairs up to the higher floors and roof terrace are steep; Orange, Green and Gaetan's Room are on the ground floor
- The laid back atmosphere won't suit those seeking luxurious levels of service
- Laaroussa isn't cheap by Moroccan standards but is good value when compared with places back home - and the price includes an excellent breakfast
Best time to go
Our top tips
- Riad Hotel
- 13 rooms
- Restaurant and bar (open daily)
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Heated Pool
- Spa
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Courtyard
Rooms
There are 5 suites and 8 double rooms. All bedrooms are high-ceilinged and look onto the courtyard, and many preserve their original zellig floors and cedarwood ceilings and doors.
The bedroom's ornate base elements - floors, ceilings and doors - are complemented by silk curtains, sabra bedspreads, intricately carved wardrobes and eye-catching objets like huge brass pots, funky lamps made from fish traps and deco-ish chairs and tables (many from Indonesia). Lanterns, appliqués and bedside lamps up the wow factor whilst the rooms' hot and cold air units ensure you'll be comfortable all year round.
On the ground floor, the vast Green Suite and Orange Suite have high ceilings and can sleep 3-4. Also on this level is the smaller Gaetan's Room, with a cool grey theme and a striking tiled floor.
The rest of the rooms are up on the first and second floors. The suites, again, are lavishly large and great options for families. The Cream Suite has a kingsize baldequin bed plus a second double reached via a steep metal ladder (certainly not toddler friendly). The Blue, Yellow and Brown Rooms open onto a shared cosy salon. The Red Room was a favourite with its kingsize double (can convert in twin beds) and an open-plan bathroom.
We're yet to see the rest of the rooms on the second floor, added since our last visit, but the Terrace Suite looks particularly special with its jet-black bathroom and sun-drenched private patio.
In all bathrooms you'll find monogrammed black and gold babouches and bathrobes, scented candles, a stack of fluffy white towels and flannels as well as full range of Senses de Marrakech bathroom goodies presented in chunky, silver-topped glass vials. Some have huge tadlakt tubs, others modern showers, one even has teapots for taps.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Bathrobes
- Central heating
- Cots Available
- Fireplace
- Toiletries
- WiFi
Eating
Laaroussa's huge roof terrace, with indoor and outdoor seating, provides a perfect setting for a romantic meal-for-two. You eat at small metal-topped tables which are only just big enough to allow for comfortable dining.
The bistro restaurant serves a mostly Mediterranean-influenced menu for lunch and dinner, but there are a few Moroccan classics too. When we visited we focused more on the latter. We had, after nibbles of olives and cashews, a selection of hot and cold Moroccan salads (the lightly spiced aubergine was particularly scrummy) followed by a rich almond, apricot and chicken tagine whose depth of flavour was the proof of its slow-cooking. A tarte aux poires ended the meal on a Gallic note and we enjoyed our chosen red wine, which came from close to Meknes: there were plenty of other bottles to choose from. And, in proper Fassi style, we then slumped into a sofa next to the fire for mint tea and chebbakia briwattes, the little honey-sweetened cakes that are ubiquitous in Fes.
Breakfast is a moveable feast: you choose between eating in the dining room, the courtyard, in your room or up on the roof terrace. The latter would always be my favoured option: the wraparound views of the medina are unforgettable. Expect a traditional Moroccan breakfast of orange juice, malaoui pancakes, semi-leavened bread as well as French-style baguette, a fresh fruit salad and several different jams and honey.
Features include:
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Kids' meals
- Lunch
- Restaurants nearby
- Vegetarian options
Activities
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Private guided tours
- Shopping / markets
- Traditional cultures
Kids
The ethic at Laaroussa is resolutely pro-children and there can be little doubt that any vaguely adventurous child would have a ball in the souks.
Best for:
Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
The Orange and Cream Suites have an extra bed on a mezzanine. Blue, Yellow and Brown are close to each other and open onto a shared salon, a nice option for families if booked together. Ghizlane, Nadim and Hilal rooms are close to each other and open onto a salon library with sofa and fireplace. Most rooms can hold baby cots.
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available, Family Rooms
Babysitting:
Babysitting available by arrangement
Baby equipment:
Baby cots available on request
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
Children's meals:
Special meals are available for kids
Distances:
- Airport: 30 minutes
- Shops: 2 minutes
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Riad Laaroussa is in the heart of Fes' medina, which is in the north of Morocco.
By Air
Fès Sais (20km). Click on the links below for a list of airlines serving this airport.
From the Airport
It's a 30-minute drive from the airport to the medina. The hotel offers a transfer service - see Rates. Alternatively you can jump in a taxi and ask to be dropped at the gates of Ain Azleten (Azliten) or Bab Boujeloud (Boujlouad), and the hotel will come and meet you. The nearest car park is at Ain Azliten (DH10/night).
By Train
There are regular trains to Fès from Casablanca (4hrs), Tangiers (5hrs) and Marrakech (7hrs). If you're travelling overland, the train down from Tangiers or across from Marrakech via Meknes is as cheap-as-chips and very comfortable.
By Car
If you want to hire a car to explore other parts of Morocco see our car rental recommendations.
By Taxi
If you're really game for an adventure share a grand taxi from your point of departure within the country: this is a great way to meet with Moroccans and learn more about this fascinating country.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Morocco and getting around
Airports:
- Fès Sais 20.0 km FEZ
Other:
- Beach 120.0 km
- Shops 0.2 km
- Restaurant 0.2 km