Riad Al Bartal

The Moroccan-style renovated family hotel is very distinctive and the pattern on the architectural structure is exquisitely carved. The central courtyard used for gatherings and dining, where the roof top above can be opened to reduce the heat or can be closed to keep warm. Rooms are arranged around the courtyard which reminds me of Hui-style architectures. I also see the shadow of Chinese architecture in some Moroccan architecture but the difference is that in addition to wood, they use stone and mosaic as building materials to form a colourful visual effect as well.

Riad chosen by our travel agent. Handily placed close to a Medina gate means there is just a 100m walk to the Riad. The staff are adorable and only want to please. The grey parrot was very entertaining singing It’s a long way to Tipperary. He doesn’t like men so guys watch your fingers! Good firm beds, bottled water in room, spacious bathroom, great courtyard for meals and relaxing and a roof terrace that is comfortable. The highlight here though is the food. Order dinner at breakfast and you will have a wonderful evening meal. There is a seriously good cook working here.

This Riad really is like a palace. The courtyard is a tranquil retreat from the outside world. The staff are genuinely friendly and speak great english. Breakfast was made to order. Room was large, clean and comfortable. Parking available in the garage next door.

After travelling around Morocco for 2 weeks this was our favorite Riad by far. It is located just a 1 minute walk from Bab Ziat which is easily accessible by taxi as a drop off point so no worries about bringing luggage to the riad. The staff was so welcoming and accommodating. The breakfast/dinner menu changes daily. It was always excellent and generous. Overall a great experience and would recommend to any travellers.

Upon arrival, to my surprise, the room was spit between two floors bathroon in one & bedroom 20 plus upstairs flight. They offered me a so call suite for more but end up taking it for no additional charge. The place looks like an ancient museum but outdated with no real comfort in my suite. Excellent staff & outstanding service. Modest breakfast.

The Riad itself is truly lovely & the public areas & rooms are just as pictured & very impressive in decoration. The owner obviously has a good eye for details which is evident throughout the property which is a visual masterpiece overall. Good housekeeping is found in the lobby/courtyard & rooms but was shockingly ignored on the rooftop terrace which was not just rundown but filthy. Old, rundown, rust-covered, dirty seating cushions laying on the floor. Furniture that had not been cleaned in months perhaps & trash laying on the floor. When we expressed our shock to the manager-on-duty who was unfailingly polite & courteous & eager to help, he claimed there had been rain 2 days prior which was the reason for the unsightly terrace condition, but what we experienced was weeks-to-months of inattention to housekeeping & detail. The furniture cushions did not become as dirty as we saw in only 2 days & the furniture condition spoke volumes about a lengthy lack of attention, as did the poor terrace housekeeping. Was also totally unimpressed by the quality of the bed linens but want to specifically compliment the owner on high-quality plumbing fixtures, which WORK without experiencing any unpleasant problems. Also one of the best breakfast offerings we experienced in 9 days in Morocco, with top quality service to match. Be forewarned that if you plan to eat dinner at Al Bartal you MUST make a reservation in advance. Even though there were only 4 occupied rooms during our stay & we asked at 4:00PM to make a dinner reservation for 7:30 that evening, we were told it was not possible. Yet we only saw 2 tables of 2 persons each actually eating during the evening. Strange. We strolled 5 minutes around the corner to the spectacularly beautiful Palais Faraj for dinner, which is a MUST visit when in Fes. Overall, we enjoyed Riad Al Batal which is definitely a lovely, beautifully decorated choice in Fes, but "details" make a huge difference. Convenient location only 1/2 bock from 1 of the old Medina's entrance gates.