Riad Dar Chrifa

Once you figure out the maze of alleys leading to the main bab ( gate) to the medina, the trip from Dar Chrifa to the main attractions of Fes is quite within reach on foot. Having stayed in a riad in Marrakesh, we were able to appreciate the upper scale decorations and amenities of this one. The architecture of all riads may be similar, but the size, the furnishings, the decorations make all the difference. Dar Chrifa is divided into apartments, one more beautifully decorated than the other- the doors were open to the ones unoccupied, so we could walk into several. We were offered a different suite than the one we had booked; the next day they realized their mistake ( we hadn't) but they didn't charge us extra, which was decent of them. Breakfast was in the inner hall and consisted only of jam spreads, olives, oil (argan?) and some cheese; good for local taste. There is a rooftop terrace which offers views over the neighbourhood.

Sound travels fast in this riad. After having a phone conversation on the rooftop, I went back to our suite with the info, but I was told it wasn't necessary, as they had overheard everything from the room! Once in the main central hall, you have to speak really quietly, or else everyone will hear you. Also, the bathroom of the Musk suite was in dire need of a good scrub; lots of hairs, the floor was far from clean and the sink tap hadn't been scrubbed in ages... When I took the hair dryer from its stand, it came off, stand included, leaving a hole in the wall... Also, there's a significant difference between the main room of the suite, lavishly decorated, and the other bedroom, which looks more like a room in a hostel, sparsely decorated and crowded with three beds.

The breakfast was fine. Staff were pretty helpful. The bed was fine, the room was spacious as well.

Doesn't feel very clean in the bathroom. The lighting in the room was way too dim. Also, we were arranged to stay on the ground floor. Doesn't have a great experience regarding the privacy.

Riad is in a good location, easy to arrive and to leave in the Medina. The breakfast was great. Friendly staff, specially Fatjma, She gave us nice tips and organize tours and transfers.