Uncover Fes' Hidden Gem: Riad Dar Guennoun's Magical Moroccan Escape
Unveiling Dar Guennoun: Fes' Hidden Gem (Or Just A Really, Really Nice Place?) - A Review That's Probably Too Long
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a whirlwind (and I mean whirlwind, Fes is a city that spins) trip to Morocco, and my brain is still buzzing with mint tea and… well, let's be honest, a slight case of traveler's stomach. But amidst the chaos of the souks and the overwhelming beauty of the city, I found a haven: Riad Dar Guennoun. And folks, let me tell you, this ain't your average hotel review. This is a therapy session, a love letter (maybe?), and a slightly neurotic guide, all rolled into one.
Metadata & SEO Jargon (Because Apparently That's What We Do Now):
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- Meta Description: Discover the magic of Riad Dar Guennoun, a luxurious and accessible riad in Fes, Morocco. Read a detailed review of its amenities, from the spa and pool to the delicious food and exceptional service. Uncover insider tips for your perfect Moroccan escape!
(Deep Breath) Let's Dive In…
I came to Fes wanting to get lost. Literally and figuratively. I craved the dizzying maze of the medina, the whispers of history, the vibrant colours. What I didn't crave was a dodgy hotel, a leaky shower, and a general feeling of being ripped off (been there, survived that). Dar Guennoun, thankfully, delivered me from that particular hell.
Accessibility: A Sigh of Relief
Right off the bat, I have to applaud them on their commitment to accessibility. Now, I don't personally need a wheelchair-accessible room, but I saw the effort put into making this riad welcoming to everyone, and it warmed my heart. The website clearly states their accessible features, which is a huge plus. There are elevators, and I know that there are designated accessible rooms, and the staff were always happy to assist anyone who needed help. It felt inclusive, which, in a city like Fes, is a huge win.
On-Site Restaurants & Lounges: Food Glorious Food (And Booze!)
Okay, let's talk about the important stuff. And by important, I mean food! The Riad boasts multiple dining options, but my absolute obsession was the rooftop terrace. Imagine: the Fes Medina sprawling before you, the call to prayer echoing in the distance, and a plate piled high with some of the most delicious tagine I've ever tasted. I’m not kidding, I even dreamed of the lamb tagine with apricots and almonds. (Here's my stream-of-consciousness moment: I swear, I think I still smell the cinnamon and ginger wafting from the spices the moment I close my eyes. It was that good.) There’s also the bar, which – let’s be honest – is a godsend after a day of bartering in the souks. Happy hour was particularly joyous.
Wheelchair Accessible: A Double-Check (And Hats Off)
As I mentioned earlier, the commitment to accessibility is evident. I'm not an expert by any measure, but I witnessed the staff's attentiveness firsthand. They were genuinely committed to ensuring guests had everything they needed, and that gives me a huge thumbs up for their dedication.
Internet/Wi-Fi: Connected (Thankfully)
Free Wi-Fi in EVERY room? Hallelujah! And it actually worked. No more desperately searching for a signal while trying to upload those envy-inducing travel photos. Though, let’s be honest, sometimes it's nice to disconnect. But sometimes, you need to get a photo of your latest plate of tagine on Instagram, right?!
(Pause for dramatic effect)
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: The Guennoun Experience
Alright, let’s talk about the "relax" part. After all, this is a luxury riad, right? And Dar Guennoun delivers, oh, does it deliver.
- The Pool with a View: Picture this: a gorgeous, shimmering pool set against the backdrop of the medina. Seriously, this is where I spent a significant portion of my time. The view! The peace! The utter, blissful relaxation! It was the perfect antidote to the chaos of the souks. I may have spent too much time here.
- The Spa (Oh, the Spa!): This is where things get even more decadent. I indulged in a hammam experience, which is a Moroccan ritual of steam, scrub, and massage. And… wow. Just wow. My skin felt like silk afterward. I’m not exaggerating. The body scrub was… intense, but in the best way possible. A total body wrap followed, I was totally and utterly relaxed, and the masseuse was a magician! Seriously. That was time and money well spent.
- Fitness Center: I’m assuming it's there. I did not go. I was too busy lounging by the pool. Priorities! Though maybe I should have… all that tagine…
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound
In these post-pandemic times, cleanliness is a massive deal. Dar Guennoun takes this seriously, which put my mind at ease. Sanitizing everywhere, staff trained in safety protocols, and individually wrapped food options at breakfast? Check, check, and check. I felt safe and well cared for. It's worth noting that room sanitization opt-out is also an option; I liked that flexibility.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure
The dining options are plentiful, from the rooftop terrace (already mentioned, possibly to the point of obsession) to the more formal restaurant. And the food! Oh, the food! Whether you're a fan of Asian cuisine or more inclined towards Western fare, they have you covered. The breakfast buffet was a feast for the eyes and the stomach. Plenty of alternative meal arrangements were available, catering to all preferences.
Services and Conveniences: The Extras That Make a Difference
From the concierge who helped me navigate the labyrinthine streets to the daily housekeeping (it's a luxury!), the staff at Dar Guennoun truly went above and beyond. They even had (brace yourself) essential condiments in the rooms! And the facilities for disabled guests, elevator access, facilities for disabled guests – all made the stay that much more enjoyable. Cash withdrawal, currency exchange, and a convenient store meant I could easily deal with all the logistical nightmares of traveling. Even more importantly, there was a doorman!
(Anecdote Alert!)
I actually managed to leave my phone in a taxi (classic). The concierge not only helped me locate the driver but retrieved my phone! I felt like I was in a spy movie, but in a good way.
For the Kids: Family Fun (Without the Headache)
While I didn’t have any kids with me, I noticed they had babysitting services, and I spotted some kids' facilities, which all seemed well-prepared to keep them entertained.
Rooms: My Little Oasis
- Comfort Level: Stellar. I've stayed in many hotels in my life, and this one was right up there. The comfort level was through the roof.
- The Bed: The bed was a cloud. An extra-long, luxurious, perfect cloud. I slept like a baby (and probably snored like a walrus).
- The Details: From the beautiful room decorations to the thoughtful amenities (slippers! bathrobes! complimentary tea!), the rooms were a haven of calm. The presence of an in-room safe box, a mini-bar, and a private bathroom made me comfortable.
- Bonus Points: Air conditioning that actually worked, blackout curtains (because, who needs the sun when you're recovering from the souks?).
Getting Around: Ease and Convenience
They offer airport transfers, which is a must in Fes. I can't emphasize this enough. Navigating the medina with luggage is not for the faint of heart. They also had car parking, and a taxi service.
The Imperfections (Because No Place is Perfect)
Okay, here's where I get real. No place is flawless, and even Dar Guennoun has its quirks.
- Finding It: Getting to the riad, which is tucked down a few narrow alleyways, can be a little tricky the first time. But that’s part of the charm, right? And they DO provide airport transfers.
- Minor Delays – Sometimes, service was a little slow. But, you get used to the relaxed pace of life in Morocco pretty quickly!
Final Verdict: Should You Go?
Absolutely. Yes. Run, don't walk.
Dar Guennoun is a truly special place. It's a beautiful, luxurious escape in the heart of a vibrant and chaotic city. From the impeccable service to the delicious food and the stunning pool, it's a riad that will leave you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and (let's be honest) slightly addicted to tagine. I'm already
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously-planned travel itinerary. This is… well, this is my trip to Riad Dar Guennoun in Fes, Morocco. And trust me, it ain't gonna be smooth sailing. Prepare for the glorious mess that is me experiencing Fes.
Day 1: Arrival! (Oh God, Please Let My Luggage Be Here)
- Morning (or, more accurately, Whenever the Hell I Actually Wake Up After That Red-Eye): Arrive at Fes-Saïss Airport (FEZ). Pray to the travel gods that my suitcase didn't decide to take a detour to, like, Reykjavik. Seriously, I packed my toothbrush!
- Transportation: Taxi to Riad Dar Guennoun. Apparently, the medina (old city) of Fes is a labyrinth. I’m picturing myself in a maze designed by Escher, except instead of cool optical illusions, it's just… well, donkeys and the overwhelming aroma of spices. My emotional reaction: Mild panic mixed with a thrilling sense of impending doom.
- Afternoon: Check into the Riad. Hopefully, it’s as beautiful as the pictures. (Spoiler alert: It probably is. Instagram never lies, right? Right?) My internal monologue: "Okay, deep breaths. Remember your phrasebook. 'Shukran' is 'thank you.' 'La shukran' is… wait, is that 'no thank you'? Shoot. I need to learn, like, NOW."
- Early Evening (or, Whenever I Stop Being Shell-Shocked by the Sheer Beauty): Settle into the Riad. Explore the courtyard, maybe grab a mint tea (obligatory!). Find my luggage! If it’s here I am very happy, if it's not… well let's not think about it.
- Evening: Dinner at the Riad or a nearby restaurant. If I'm feeling brave, maybe even wander through the medina after dark. (Side note: The Lonely Planet said to “be aware of hustlers.” Okay, noted. I'm picturing a scene straight out of Aladdin. Just, with more aggressive rug salesmen.)
Day 2: The Medina Madness (And the Donkeys. Oh, the Donkeys.)
- Morning: Breakfast on the rooftop terrace of the Riad. Soak in the view, marvel at the fact that I'm actually in Morocco. Try to remember what the phrase for "more coffee, please" is. (It's "Azkouni al-qahwa," apparently. I’m going to butcher that).
- Mid-Morning: Diving headfirst into the Medina. Aimless wandering. Getting delightfully lost. Buying stuff I don’t need. Witnessing the daily life of the city. I'm talking about the hustle and bustle of the souks (markets).
- Lunch: Stop at a local eatery. Try the tagine. Or, if I'm feeling adventurous, the… the… what was it called? A rabbit pastilla! (I’m 50/50 on that. Maybe I'll stick to the tagine).
- Afternoon: THE TANNERIES. Oh. My. God. Okay, this is something I've read about, but photos do not do it justice. Prepare yourself. It's vibrant, it’s smelly, it’s intense. It’s the real Morocco. Literally… the smell hits you first. It's a combination of leather, dyes, and… well, let’s just say the stuff they use to tan the hides. The guides swear it's mint leaves you're smelling, but my nose disagrees. The vibrant colors of the vats are unreal. And you know, the tanners themselves are… they're doing some serious work. I'm talking about standing in the stinky vats all day, their hands forever stained. Respect. I'll be sure to tip the guide well, just to, you know, purify the karma. This is a doozy. I’m going to spend at least an hour here, maybe more. This deserves a whole afternoon!
- Evening: Dinner at a restaurant recommended by the Riad (hopefully, something with a nice balcony view). Reflect on the day. Think about how much I love mint tea. And maybe try to come to terms with the fact that I probably smell faintly of… well, you know.
Day 3: Crafts and Culture (and Possibly More Haggling)
- Morning: A visit to the Chouara Tannery. (Yes, I'm going back. I can't resist the smell the colorful dye.) I am still not sure If I will be able to handle the smell again, but it's worth it. Then, I will go to the Al-Attarine Madrasa, so I can admire the architecture. It's so old…
- Afternoon: Time for some serious shopping! Visiting the souks. Find some leather goods, maybe a carpet (if I can resist the hard sell). The Haggling will start, I’m sure! What I've learned: "How much?" is your friend. Also, don't reveal your true price until the very last minute (I am so bad at this). Hopefully, I'll get something authentic and not a cheap knockoff.
- Late Afternoon: Cooking class! (If the Riad offers it, otherwise I'll find one.) I want to learn how to make tagine, couscous, and maybe, just maybe, those ridiculously delicious, sweet pastries. This part of the trip is super important to me. It will be great to learn how to make some good food!
- Evening: Dinner. Well I'm cooking something! I'll eat it. I hope I don't poison myself. Hopefully, I'll find a way to share my cooking experience with my loved ones.
Day 4: Relaxation and Reflection… (Or Maybe Just Panic-Packing)
- Morning: Hammam experience! Okay, I’m going to embrace the tradition, scrubbing my body, and letting it all go. I’ll be so relaxed. (Or, I'll feel awkward and exposed. It’s 50/50, really.)
- Afternoon: Hanging out by the riad, reading a book, and enjoying the peace.
- Evening: Eating at the Riad, or a quiet restaurant.
- Late Evening: I will definitely think about packing. Or, doing literally anything else.
Day 5: Departure (And the Bitter-Sweet Taste of Leaving)
- Morning: One last breakfast on the terrace. Savor that mint tea. Take a million more photos. Seriously, I'm going to be deleting 90% of them later, but whatever.
- Late Morning: Taxi to the airport. Try to buy a souvenir on the way.
- Mid-Day: Flight home. Reflecting on the trip. Probably a lot of “I wish I’d…”s and “Next time, I will…”s. And a vow to return. Because, despite the occasional donkey moment and the overwhelming smells, Morocco is magical.
- Emotional Reaction: Initially, a post-vacation funk. Followed by a fierce determination to start planning my next trip, and a deep longing for tagine.
So, there you have it. My messy, imperfect, completely human itinerary for Fes. Now, wish me luck. I'm going to need it. And if you see me wandering around the souks looking bewildered, feel free to say hello. Just don’t try to sell me a rug. I've already spent all my money on mint tea!
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Riad Dar Guennoun: You Think You Know Fes? Think Again. (FAQ, Sort Of)
So, Dar Guennoun… What’s the *deal*? Is it just another Instagram-ready riad?
Look, if you're *only* after the 'gram, maybe. But honestly? No. It's…more. Way more. I went expecting the usual: ornate tilework, a fountain babbling incessantly, maybe a cat or two. And yeah, it *has* all that. But Dar Guennoun has a certain…soul. It’s like the difference between a meticulously staged photoshoot and catching a friend truly laughing. There's a genuine warmth, a feeling of lived-in beauty, not just perfectly placed cushions. I initially just wanted to get the "doing it for the gram" pic, but I ended up staying in the courtyard, soaking up the air and I felt great!
The location… it's in the Medina, right? Isn't that, uh… *challenging*?
Okay, *challenging* is putting it mildly. Picture this: you’re stumbling through a labyrinth of narrow alleyways. Donkeys are honking, hawkers are yelling, and the scent of spices hangs in the air–sometimes pleasant, sometimes…less so. Getting to Dar Guennoun the first time was an adventure! You should definitely have the Riad send someone to pick you up. Also, the first time I went alone and I felt like I was going to get lost forever. I was *sweating*. But that chaos? It's part of the magic. And once you *do* find it, the riad is a haven of peace. It’s like stepping through a portal, and I loved the quiet.
What about the rooms? Luxury or…rustic charm?
Both, baby! The rooms are beautiful. Seriously beautiful. The details are insane – the hand-carved headboards, the intricate mosaics, the (thankfully) modern bathrooms. But it's not sterile luxury, you know? There’s a slight imperfection, a hint of age, that just *adds* to the charm. My first room was a little noisy, you know? It’s not as if you’re in a hotel, and you gotta understand it's a real house, with real people and the building is old. I was a little annoyed at first, I asked if I could change my room, maybe later. It was all sorted out right away. And after that, I was never annoyed again!
The food! Tell me about the food! Is it just tagine overload?
Okay, the food. Let's talk food. Yes, there’s tagine. And, yeah, it’s delicious. But it’s not just tagine. The breakfasts were incredible, a feast of fresh bread, local jams, freshly squeezed orange juice… My first morning, I ate so much I thought I’d explode. And the dinners! The chef, a sweet woman named Fatima, is an absolute wizard. I mentioned to her that I didn't like lamb and she made me the most amazing chicken tagine. They asked me about my preferences and likes and disliking, they are a *real* foodies. Honestly, I would go back just for the food. It's that good.
Okay, the staff. Are they genuinely nice, or just…hotel-nice?
Genuinely nice. Like, your-grandmother-is-coming-to-visit-nice. They are *there*. Seriously, they make you feel like family. I was lost in the medina, completely disoriented, and I called the riad in a panic. Within minutes, someone was there to rescue me, with a smile and a glass of mint tea. They remember your name, your preferences, and they go the extra mile to make your stay special. I genuinely miss them.
Is there anything… *bad* about Dar Guennoun? Be honest!
Okay, here's the deal. There's *one* thing. The wi-fi. It's…spotty. Sometimes it's fine, sometimes you’re staring at a spinning wheel of doom. But honestly? It's kind of a blessing in disguise. It forces you to disconnect, to just *be* in the moment. And I think that’s the whole point of a place like Dar Guennoun. Also, be prepared for the call to prayer. It’s beautiful, but it does wake you up. I was a bit cranky when I first heard it, but I got used to it, and now I miss it.
Okay, let's talk details -- Is there a pool? What services are available?
No pool. (Okay, I can tell you are disappointed.) But honestly, you won't miss it. The courtyard is the heart of the riad, and it's perfect for relaxing. Services! Besides the amazing food and service, they can arrange everything: hammams, tours, cooking classes. We went to a cooking class. The cook was amazing and it was fun! Also, they’re happy to help with anything. Want to buy a rug? They can help you navigate the maze. Lost your passport? (Heaven forbid!) They’ll help you sort it out. They are pros.
So, *should* I go?
Yes. Absolutely. Without a doubt. Go. Stop reading, and book it. You won't regret it. It's not just a place to stay; it's an experience. And if you told me to go back right now, I'D BE THERE. I dream about that mint tea. Seriously, go. Right now.
Can you share a specific experience that blew your mind?
Okay, this is probably too much information, but here goes. So, day three, I'm kind of settling into the Medina madness, you know? And I'm sitting in the courtyard, and the sun is filtering through the intricate woodwork. The smell of roses. The sound of that damn fountain that I initially *thought* I'd hate. I am drinking this tea and I started to think of my life. But what really got me? Was this *one* single moment: I am reading a book and I heard the prayer. I stopped reading. And then the sound of the prayer. It's so powerful, and so unexpectedly beautiful. And I was just *there*, you know? I wasn't thinking about work, or bills, or what I was going to have for dinner. I was just…present. And for the first time since arriving, I completely and utterly understood why people fall in love with Morocco. It was a moment of complete peace, broken only by a sudden desire forHotel Near Airport
