Rooms

Tizwa's 9 bedrooms are spread over 3 levels. They vary in size and configuration, but have lots of common features: ornate zellig tiles, coloured tadelakt (polished stucco) in bathrooms, garnet-coloured Berber rugs.

The size of the rooms, along with subtle lighting and an absence of clutter, creates a mood that invites relaxation. Light slants in from courtyard-facing windows past the arabesques of wrought-iron grilles and half moons of stained glass, creating pools of coloured light.

Opposite the sitting room, one of the Luxury Doubles is a large, high-ceilinged room, plenty big enough to slot in easy chairs and a table. Next door to this, the Deluxe Double is the newest addition, and benefits from having a bath and a shower in its lovely bathroom. The first-floor rooms (a Luxury and the Superior) also have high cedar ceilings plus zellig tiles on walls and floor, mostly of cobalt blue. The Suite is the largest, spread across 2 floors with the bedroom on the lower level and a small dressing room and bathroom above this. On the top floor, the Double Room was our favourite. It has a really private feel with a big bathtub and double sinks set into a long sweep of marble. This and the Suite are alone in having fireplaces: book one of these rooms should you visit in winter. There are 3 Basic Doubles; as the name suggests these are plainly decorated and small in size - a low wooden ceiling exaggerates the compact size - but this is reflected in their very low rates.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Hairdryer
• In-room treatments available
• WiFi

Eating

You come to expect delicious breakfasts in Morocco, and Tizwa's didn't let us down. With the sun bathing our table (there are umbrellas and a tent for shade in the hotter months) and the medina's roofscape stretching out before us, we were in no mood to rush. A potful of coffee was accompanied by freshly squeezed orange juice, creamy homemade yoghurt served with muesli and chopped fruit, fresh Moroccan bread, along with several different jams and pancakes drizzled in honey.

And we were glad that we chose to have dinner at Tizwa: if you plan to do the same, let Merieme know at breakfast. We emerged from our room to find dozens of candles twinkling round the courtyard and our table dressed in white linen and strewn with rose petals. The meal began with a selection of salads: scrumptious briouattes, ricotta cheese wrapped in mille-feuilles pastry, slices of lightly spiced fried aubergine and courgette, olives and scrummy fresh bread. This was followed by a beef, prune and almond tagine, and a dessert of sliced oranges sprinkled with rose water and crushed pecan nuts.

Just ask if you would prefer to dine on the roof terrace or in your own room. Tea and pastries are available any time, and there are plenty of restaurants within walking distance should you want a change of scene - The Ruined Garden and Fes Cafe Restaurant are recommended.

Features include:

• Breakfast
• Dinner by arrangement
• Kids' meals
• Lunch by arrangement
• Organic produce
• Restaurants nearby

Activities

• Try to find your way to the Place an-Nejjarine to visit the Museum of Arts and Crafts, and one of the city's most ancient funduqs. Tizwa has some trusted guides if you'd prefer company
  
• Cut through the medina to Bab Bou Jeloud or the Place As Seffarine and people-watch over mint tea from one of their many cafés
  
• Visit the tanneries to remind yourself that in some ways Fes has changed little in hundreds of years
  
• Take a day trip to Meknes and Volubilis, home to some of the world's best preserved Roman mosaics
  
• Shop 'til you drop: with patience and a sense of humour you're in a win-win situation when bargaining for handicrafts in the souks
  
• Experience the delights of a hammam: it's also a great way of meeting locals
  
• Jump in a petit taxi and head for the Fes El-Jdid neighbourhood. Don't miss the Jewish Cemetery and the Habarim synagogue

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Historical sites
• Museums / galleries
• Private guided tours
• Shopping / markets
• Traditional cultures
• Well being

Kids

Children are welcome and extra beds can be added to most rooms, but there are no baby cots.

Best for:

Children (4-12 years)

Family friendly accommodation:

Extra Beds Available

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Riad Tizwa is the best area of Fes' medina - Batha. Fes is in the north of Morocco.

By Air
Fly into Fes Sais, which is served by several airlines. Alternatively, fly into Marrakech and take a 1-hour hopper flight.

From the Airport
Transfers can be arranged through the hotel, or you can jump in a taxi.

By Train
There are regular trains to Fes from Casablanca (4hrs), Tangiers (5hrs) and Marrakech (7hrs).

By Car
If you want to hire a car to explore other parts of Morocco see our car rental recommendations.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.