9 amazing places to stay in Fes for solo travellers

Looking for the best places to stay in Fes for solo travellers? Fes is a city that can feel overwhelming, particularly if you’re travelling solo. While it’s home to incredible architectural landmarks and one of Morocco’s best museums (Dar Batha!), the medina can be crowded, with lots of people vying for your attention. 

That’s why it’s really important to find accommodation where you can escape when the hustle and bustle all gets too much. Thankfully, Fes is overflowing with incredible riads and hotels to suit independent travellers on all budgets, from cheap and cheerful hostels to luxurious retreats. 

In this article, I’ll share some of the best places to stay in Fes for solo travellers, whether you’re watching your dirhams or seeking all-out opulence. All (except one) are located within Fes el-Bali, putting you within walking distance of the medina’s madrasas, tanneries and souks. 

Heading to Marrakech? Check out some of the most inspiring places to stay in the “Red City” for solo travellers.

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Luxury hotels and riads in Fes for solo travellers

Riad Fes – Relais & Châteaux

Best luxury hotel in Fes for solo travellers

Perfectly positioned in the middle of the medina, Riad Fes is an exquisite retreat for solo travellers who want to be in the heart of all the action. It centres around a gorgeous courtyard filled with Moorish architectural elements and comfortable sofas perfect for enjoying the enchanting atmosphere. The hotel’s spacious suites are just as desirable, each equipped with a king-size bed and a Carrara marble bathroom (some with clawfoot tubs).

If you don’t feel like dining out, Riad Fes’ renowned Gayza restaurant offers authentic Moroccan dishes alongside elegant French cuisine in what is a stunning setting. You can socialise with other guests at the rooftop bar while soaking in the sweeping city views or retreat to the Cinq Mondes Spa and outdoor pool. Anyone familiar with the Relais & Châteaux brand will know the opulence you can expect at its properties and Riad Fes doesn’t disappoint. 

Hôtel Sahrai

Best 5-star hotel in Fes for solo travellers

Perched on a hilltop, this gorgeous boutique hotel offers breathtaking views of Fes. It was envisioned by the renowned French designer Christophe Pillet and contrasts with the rest of the properties on this list with its contemporary aesthetic. Hôtel Sahrai seamlessly combines Moroccan architectural elements with a modern twist and is perfect for solo travellers wanting a break from a traditional riad stay.

The property features exquisite zellige tiles, copper lanterns and Fassi ceramics, along with custom furnishings throughout. Hôtel Sahrai is more than a hotel, with several restaurants that serve Moroccan, French and Lebanese dishes, plus a rooftop lounge bar where you can enjoy the sparkling lights of Fes below. When you’re not pampering yourself at the onsite spa, you can take advantage of the hotel’s cultural offerings, which include Arabic calligraphy and Moroccan cooking classes.

Karawan Riad

Best luxury riad in Fes for solo travellers

Set within a beautifully transformed 17th-century palace, Karawan Riad stands out as one of the finest boutique hotels in Fes. The hotel has been carefully restored with traditional materials such as handcrafted zellige, detailed plasterwork and wrought iron – it will definitely appeal to solo travellers with a love for Moroccan design. 

Each of the seven spacious suites is uniquely decorated with artefacts from around the globe and has a completely different vibe, so you can select the one that appeals to you most. Foodies can indulge with fine-dining meals at the Karawan Restaurant, which emphasises locally grown and organic ingredients. Enhancing the charm of this boutique hotel is the Leelah Hammam & Spa, an Ottoman-style retreat complete with vaulted ceilings and heated floors.

Mid-range hotels and riads in Fes for solo travellers

Riad Al Bartal

Best mid-range riad in Fes for solo travellers

The first time I stepped inside Riad Al Bartal, I really couldn’t believe what lay beyond its (relatively unassuming) front door. If I’m being completely honest, I audibly gasped! Draped in plants and beautifully decorated with antiques, the interior courtyard is a sight to behold. The floors are decorated with blue zellige tiles and the walls are embellished with intricate stucco lace and carved cedar wood.

Riad Al Bartal is tucked away in a quiet corner of the medina (not far from Bab Ziat) and within walking distance of its architectural sights. No two rooms are the same, with some more “cosy” in their footprint and others lavishly spacious, complete with huge bathtubs. The hospitality here is incredible, not only from the friendly staff but also the resident African grey parrot “Poulet”. Rates include breakfast and multi-course dinners are available on request. 

Dar Dalila

Best affordable boutique hotel in Fes for solo travellers

With an almost perfect review rating on Booking, this affordable Fes hotel is doing something right! It’s located near Bab Ziat, making it easy to reach if you’re arriving by taxi, and it definitely has that “wow” factor! With a profound respect for Moroccan heritage and culture, owner Geoffroi has created this sanctuary that I think is perfect for solo travellers. The space has been exquisitely restored by skilled artisans and the attention to detail is remarkable.

Dar Dalila is the perfect choice if you want luxury, affordability and an intimate setting, with just a handful of beautifully decorated rooms and suites. All come with spacious beds (feel free to sleep diagonally!) and private ensuites with mosaic zellige tiles. A realllllly good breakfast is included and can be enjoyed either on the rooftop terrace or in a relaxed indoor setting.

Riad Semlalia

Best rooftop pool in Fes for solo travellers 

Originally built in 1910 and lovingly renovated in 2023, Riad Semlalia is a fantastic mid-range option for solo travellers visiting Fes. It’s set around a whitewashed courtyard shaded by palms and framed by beautifully carved plasterwork. The rooftop terrace is a highlight, complete with a pool from where you can enjoy sweeping city views. 

Each of the 11 guest rooms is uniquely decorated and comes with a private bathroom (splurge on a suite if it’s within your budget). Home-cooked meals are served in the intimate dining room or on the terrace overlooking the medina – perfect for nights when you don’t feel like venturing out. The quiet location near Bab Ziat is convenient for catching taxis and it’s not too far a walk from all the action. 

Budget riads and hostels in Fes for solo travellers

Moroccan Dream Hostel

Best hostel in Fes for solo travellers

If you’re travelling on a tight budget and looking for a highly-rated Fes hostel, this one is a great option. It’s located in the heart of the medina (not far from Al Quaraouiyine) and occupies a historic building that’s been lovingly restored. It’s a great place to meet like-minded travellers and there’s a rooftop offering stunning views of the nearby minarets. 

Moroccan Dream Hostel offers a range of room options, including 8-bed mixed dorms and 5-bed female-only dorms. There are also private single rooms for travellers who want their own space but with access to shared bathroom facilities. There’s a cheap and cheerful breakfast available each morning, including fresh bread, jams and mint tea. 

Riad Sara

Best affordable riad in Fes for solo travellers

Within easy reach of the Dar Batha Museum of Islamic Arts, this affordable Fes hotel offers a cosy and welcoming retreat for solo travellers. Each of the seven spacious suites features unique decor, showcasing beautiful tiled floors and plasterwork on the ceilings. Most come with four-poster beds and ensuite bathrooms complete with tubs.

A highlight of staying here is indulging in a hammam and experiencing this traditional Moroccan bathing ritual. Beyond its wellness facilities, Riad Sara also features a restaurant that serves a menu inspired by both Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisines, using fresh ingredients sourced from the property’s own garden.

Riad Green House

Best budget hotel in Fes for solo travellers

Solo travellers who book one of the deluxe doubles at this highly-rated Fes riad are in for a treat. When you read the reviews for Riad Green, one thing is clear – the hospitality and warmth that guests experience here is truly exceptional. The staff is dedicated to making sure that everyone feels at home and well taken care of, something that’s really important when you’re travelling alone.

Additionally, the architecture is stunning, particularly the tile work in the central patio. Several of the rooms come with balconies overlooking this scene – nab one if you can! Aside from the included breakfast, Riad Green House serves gourmet dinners made from locally sourced ingredients and can cater to various dietary requirements. Enjoy it on the rooftop terrace at sunset for a meal you won’t forget.