Dar el Ghalia

Morocco , Fez
FEZ, Ross Rhe Ras Jnane Medina De Fes, 13-15
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50 reviews shown

10/10

Exceptional

13 Apr 2024

Hilda

A gem in the old Medina!

What an amazing 200 yrs old house decorated with original pieces!
We had a great stay. The Staff is excellent. They make us to feel at home. The location is perfect to explorer the Medina.
I would choose it again!!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Mar 2023

Hicham

Very nice Riad with a grandeur feeling - my room was large and when enjoying the patio you can really see all the little touches that add to its charm. Location is literally a 3 minutes walk from where you can take a cab. Great Riad within the Medina and very nice host

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

08 Mar 2023

Kylie

Highly recommend! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Highly recommend! The service was excellent and the building was BEAUTIFUL! Everything is within walking distance. The local people are friendly and we felt very safe as Americans. This hotel made staying in Fes a wonderful experience!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

31 Jan 2023

peeter

just amazing

It was the best stay of my 10days trip without any doubt! What a place! Riad with history , very authentic. As I was only guest for 2 nights, I got excellent service and huge room with all the comfort. Owner had lived there forever runs the place, so it was great to hear about history. Absolutely good restaurant, nice breakfast. Recommendation: use the tour-guide that they offer you-helps a lot to navigate in the city. Only negative aspect: parking-they just do not have it and You have to leave you car in 7 minutes distance...if they have space in there at all

Self

10/10

Exceptional

26 Feb 2020

Verified traveler

Goos Value

The hotel is a little hard to find, but they have a spray painted sign on the wall (high up) nearby. There is an elevator to get to your rooms, breakfast was nice, room was a little dusty but clean.

Self

8/10

Excellent

10 Jan 2020

Verified traveler

an amazing palace-like property with a real old-world sensibility, and an outstanding staff - friendly and helpful in every way.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

This place is beautiful and the breakfast is nice. It really is a special place that makes you feel like you've gone back in time. I highly recommend it. The towels could have been fresher is my only feedback. We also received help finding a good guide, which I appreciated. We loved Mohammad, who served us breakfast and helped to walk us to the taxis when we needed help.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

11 Aug 2019

Margaret

Authentic Riad

This was a nice riad, but could be great. The building is spectacular and I hope someone soon gives it the TLC it deserves. The wine and beer selection was inclusive but the availability of what was on the menu was disappointing... it would be better to have listed only what is really available. The upstairs terrace was dusty but we enjoyed an evening up there despite this. The attentiveness of the main hostess and his helper was on point. Our stay overall was good because our expectations were reasonable based in the price. I would also recommend the riad but at present it is a 3-star property with 5-star potential!

Family

8/10

Excellent

09 May 2019

Verified traveler

Access to property very poor and had to be accompanied in case you got lost .

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

15 Apr 2019

Amanda

It's beautiful and in such a fun location! The staff goes above and beyond. Tons of smiles. Felt like home.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

19 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

Very beautiful place

Very beautiful place. The place itself can be a tourist attraction. Very helpful and friendly staff. Delicious food. However, half the time, there was no hot water. The location is also not that good as it is difficult to find it amidst the labyrinth that is the old city. The bedroom was upstairs which was slightly inconvenient.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

16 Feb 2019

Thomas

Off season leaves poor impression

A spectacularly beautiful setting--almost like a movie set ( of 2 centuries wealthy decor). The large dining room was the centerpiece: We were excited when we walked in. Off season the staff were not particularly interested enough in us to bother much- except to collect money. The breakfast was not palatable. So we didn't bother the next day. The server for dinner did not have a clue about serving utensils or other needs! (Probably his & the cook's first night?) Our room was very dark making reading difficult. While 2 antique lamps stood ready, there were no outlets to reach them! The bed was comfortable. The bolster and pillows challenged comfort. The bathroom was very good as was our room's decor. The winding thru the medina eventuality made us feel successful at finding our way back. Note: look way up to see signs for it! In a summary: We suspect El Ghalia is a wonderful setting in which to stay. We just can't say this for February.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Nov 2018

Catherine

Dar El Ghalia is absolutely stunning, we gasped when we first walked in. Every staff member was smiling and helpful and polite. They organized a great walking tour of the medina for us, as well as a day trip to Chefchaouen. The riad is also extremely well located, just inside the medina, so easy to explore the medina or hop into a taxi for exploration elsewhere.

10/10

Exceptional

13 Mar 2018

Verified traveler

great stay - good food and service. large rooms

Beautiful riad, large rooms and excellent staff. We had many meals there and the food was wonderful.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

31 Jan 2018

Maria

Very friendly and welcoming

The staff were so friendly and very welcoming. The Riad is comfortable and in the heart of the medina.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Apr 2017

Héctor

It was amazing

Partner

8/10

Excellent

12 Jan 2017

Adam

Amazing location

Fes is an amazing ancient living city unlike I have ever been to before. It is not overly touristic although not what it once surely was. El Ghalia was well located and staffed by very nice people.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

17 Oct 2016

Verified traveler

The hotel was adequate for what we had booked.

This Riad is very old and the interior is amazing.

8/10

Excellent

31 May 2016

Verified traveler

Moroccan Hospitality

Ahmed and the staff at Dar El Ghalia are very helpful and make visitors feel welcome. French and English are spoken.

The common areas are as grand as you see in the pictures, and are made for relaxing before dinner after a day in the sun. The rooms are clean and spacious (my double room had a sitting area with large sofa, two chairs and a fireplace, comfortable bed, decent sized bathroom).

This hotel is good for travelers who like the idea of staying in a beautiful private home rather than a cookie-cutter chain hotel. Breakfast is an assortment of Moroccan breads, butter and jams, coffee and orange juice. All the expected things like hot water, air conditioning, TV, wifi, and a nice breakfast are here, as well as antiques, plants, and tile details.

While centrally located in the medina near Place Rcif, arrange for a transfer / pickup if you are coming from the train station or airport at night. You will never find the riad your first time through the winding, dark alleyways. While I do believe the area is safe, as a woman traveling alone, I stayed in after dark to avoid any risk.

8/10

Excellent

01 Jan 2016

kashif s.

A hidden gem

This hotel was located at the old part of the town but conveniently located to the souk and other the attractions around the city. you have to like the history & culture to enjoy the location. When we arrived on the main street outside the hotel, we're setback for a little while but when arrived at the hotel, it was a great experience. In my opinion, a true Moroccan gem. If you like culture and don't mind the real experience, I would highly recommend staying at this location.

Family

4/10

Poor

24 Sep 2015

frequent travel

The place itself is ok

The place advertised as 4* on the expedia site and I wouldn't give 3*
It's location is a good walk from any transport
No parking
Took a while to get key to a room
The place needs a lot of preservation
the rooms are fine towels are too old
The taps in the shower were not working well
the roof terrace view is splendid, but the furniture is tatty and not very clean
Service extremely poor we ordered food and got two plates a basket of bread and a glass of a drink we ordered
the waiter brought the plates and quickly disappeared, there is no way to communicate with staff if you are in the terrace,
And when we got the bill it was 400 dirham for a 4\" plate of pastilla and a tagine and orange juice!!!!
We felt totally ripped off.
A plate of tagine big enough for two people is 60 to 75 dirham in the same city in a decent cafe/ restaurant.
Shame on expedia for passing this as 4*

10/10

Exceptional

05 May 2015

Bulu

Great Riad.

Very nice Riad. Great location for visiting Madina or transportation. Breakfast was wonderful. Room was very nice and roomy. Staff was helpful in just about everything. Highly recommend this place.

8/10

Excellent

24 Aug 2014

Richard P.

Not bad

What you will find is that Fes is a huge hill. Dar El Ghalia is on a lonely street at the bottom of this hill so you are always climbing to get anywhere. Good news- it's all downhill on the way back. Keep in ming that \"Riads\" are intimate hotels with an interior courtyard. A \"Dar\" is more similar to a mansion turned hotel. And a hotel is, well, a hotel. I prefer Riads but this is a fine Dar and, for the price, you can't beat it. You'll never find it if driving, someone took mercy on us and led us to about three blocks from the Dar so we could park and walk to the place. Not an easy walk with luggage. The owner was very nice. Make sure the women bring a cover-up.

6/10

Pleasant

25 Jun 2014

maggi

the food

Day 1 breakfast was good ...eggs with mixed breads and jams days 2 3 4 and 5 mixed bread and jam only no variety.. 2 evening meals were ok but small and very expensive ...

2/10

Poor

13 Sep 2013

Verified traveler

EXCEPT STAFF TERRIBLE.

POWER CUT AFTER WE ARRIVED.
WHEN WE LEFT THE HOTEL STİLL POWER CUT.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

24 May 2013

wrongway

great service, beautiful decor

Staff was extremely helpful. Food was very good. Very nice terrace overlooking the Medina,, to have a wonderful breakfast each morning. I would definitely stay here again.

8/10

Excellent

02 May 2013

Juanita

Beautiful

Dar El Ghalia is a beautiful and charming riad very close to the walls of the Medina. While you must walk quite a distance - uphill - from the taxi drop-off, there are signs that point you in the right direction. The building itself is extremely plain and drab from the outside, but once the door is open you enter into a beautiful example of moroccan style and comfort. The staff is very accommodating and helped my daughter getting some legal documents sent back to the United States before we were even checked in. Each room is individualized and the junior suite we had was very comfortable. The only draw-back was the extremely small bathroom. There was barely enough legroom for comfort on the toilet but one adjusted as necessary! I highly recommend this riad for anyone who wants a taste of the architecture and style of Morocco.

Family

8/10

Excellent

03 Mar 2013

Katherine

Great hotel in quiet area of Medina

This was a nice little gem in a quiet area of the Media with very gracious and helpful hosts. The hotel was small (8 rooms) with a amazing public lobby where you can relax and have a drink. The rooms all open up to the main courtyard and were comfortable with plenty of room. The hosts were very lovely, and the there was always someone on staff that spoke very good english. There was a nice roof top terrace where you could enjoy a drink (alcohol was available) and a nice Hamman (Spa) on site (unfortunately, it was down when we were there, but looked lovely). The wifi worked great in lobby.

Tips: Call before you arrive as you have to walk about a 1/2 mile to get to the hotel (no cars in the Medina). The hotel will arrange a taxi for you from the Train/Airport and have someone waiting for you at the main gate of the Medina to assist you with bags and walk you to the hotel. They are also happy to arrange other tours/services for you and the restaurant on site was very very good.

10/10

Exceptional

30 Aug 2012

William

Fez delight

A gem in the heart of Fez Medina -- museum quality with excellent service and food.

10/10

Exceptional

31 Jul 2012

Susan

Authentic decor

Great Riad, excellent service, food and superb views over old town from top terrace. Difficult to find without a local guide first time, but oK after that

Family

8/10

Excellent

28 Apr 2012

Rich

Reasonable, but peripherally located

Not too difficult to find. The old city is confusing, but I was dropped off at the correct place and then had to walk about 100 meters to the riad door. I had someone directing me, so it wasn't bad, but if you are by yourself, you may never find the place. It's not centrally located, so there isn't anything nearby. The riad itself is nice. The interior is very authentic, and the roof garden is a nice place to have breakfast. It was nice enough, but it's more like 3 - 4 stars, certainly not five. The staff, though, is extremely helpful and attentive, and they have wi-fi on the first floor.

8/10

Excellent

15 Apr 2012

Rune

They want to be the best

It's a clear goal for the riad, to be the best in the city. The service is great, and they went out of their way to please me. Among other things, they gave me a guide to my full dispossal.

8/10

Excellent

24 Dec 2011

Eduardo

A wonderful hotel in the middle of the dirty

Me and my girlfriend had wonderful time in Riad Al Ghalia. The hotel is magnificent, with a very nice staff. The bedroom is a jewel, we felt like princes in that huge bed. The only problem is the localization, in a very strange and dirty neighborhood. If you go to Fes, ALWAYS pick a guide at the train station, to help you to get trough the dark streets. Will make you feel safer. But imagine, if I say that about the neighborhood and still liked the hotel, it's because it's really good!

8/10

Excellent

22 Dec 2011

KayLondonUK

Five Days in Fez at Riad El Ghalia

The Riad is quite beautiful but the standard rooms are extremely small and require a good cleaning down. As we were the only guests for the first few days the hotel kindly upgraded us the next day on our request to a suite which felt better and was far cleaner. I disliked the old shower curtains used in the bathrooms which was out of character with the place. Had we had to stay in the smaller standard room it would have heavily impacted on the enjoyment of our stay.

Fez is old, historic and could also benefit if the local Government invested in better street cleaning and civic infrastructure. Fez is original and unique but it is also old, decaying and tourism has been impacted by the Arab Spring so you'll see a lot of poverty but the people are not as aggressive as the Egyptians you just have to keep firm. My expectations had been mismatched as I thought it would be a more ancient version of Marrakech. However, it is a place probably like no other but just be prepared that it is old and is in need to be maintained.

The Riad could do with some refurbishment.

10/10

Exceptional

12 Nov 2011

Verified traveler

The BEST hotel ever!!!!

Although we had an awful travel experience in Morocco, Riad El Ghalia was definitely the highlight of the trip.

Staff (and even the owners) were incredibly nice and considerate which made us feel like home during our 3-night stay in the hotel (we didn't even want to go out of the hotel!!!). Room was clean, comfy and quite (though the surrounding neighbourhood of the hotel was shabby which makes the hotel a secret garden). The view from the rooftop was good as well.

The restuarante of the hotel is one of the best in Morocco. Nice food and nice service. If weather permits, we could eat at the rooftop enjoying the magnificant night view.

However, breakfast is the same everyday so maybe you would get a little bored of it.

Overall, I highly recommended this hotel and this is the best hotel I've ever stayed in my life!!!

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jun 2011

Verified traveler

MOST AMAZING MOROCCO EXPERIENCE!

Riad El Ghalia is a beautiful riad overlooking the Medina. From the moment you enter into the house you are surrounded with history and Moroccan tradition. We asked the staff to organize our taxi from the bus stop. The driver dropped us off at the entrance to Medina and then one of the staff met us there and took carried our bags and walked us to the riad. It's only a few turns from the gate so it's not a problem to find your way back. Everything was absolutely amazing! From the staff who welcomed us and organized our tours to the comfort of this old family villa and to quality of service and food. We travelled through 5 cities in Morocco and stayed at 4 star accommodations -this was by far the most authentic, beautiful, comfortable and special place! When I go back to Fes I will definitely stay there again!

10/10

Exceptional

27 Apr 2011

Pujanil

Peace and Serenity in Fes, Morocco

I have been to Morocco many times over the course of 30 years and this Riad is a haven of beauty and peace in a city bustling with energy. Coming back from a day of exploring alleyways, medersas, and souks in the old medina, you can sit and rest in the indoor garden with its tinkling fountain or enjoy the rooftop view. The staff is dedicated to your every wish, and happy to accommodate your requests. The rooms are all named, each one decorated in a different style, all traditional and refined. The restaurant is among the best in the city. Ladies, you will feel like a princess in this place. Gentlemen, if you wish to spoil your Significant Other, bring her here.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Feb 2011

Shafraz

Highlight of Fes

We traveled for over 6 weeks in total and I must say, Riad El-Ghalia was the best hotel that we stayed at. The staff were very accommodating to our needs and very friendly. The rooms were spacious and very comfortable. My only regret is not having more time up on the terrace with my book!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Feb 2010

Jack

A Moroccan Fantasy come true

This really was a palace, as you discover entering the enormous central courtyard. Arriving at dusk is ideal, as the Moorish lanterns are lit, the fountain is on, and you are served tea in one of the many couches scattered around. Our suite was lovely, with two sitting areas and a gracious iron four-poster bed. The bath was tiny, even claustrophobic - but these are the choices you make staying in an historic property.

The staff could not have been better - friendly, helpful, attentive. When their hammam (steam area) wasn't ready, they arranged for a guide to escort us to the local hammam, where he scrubbed and tugged us into bliss. The food was great, and the dining room is beautiful. We ended up eating there both nights of our stay. It is NOT cheap, but a fine dinner with a nice selection of Moroccan wines and attentive service more than compensated for the higher prices.

The location is a bit obscure, but an advance phone call took care of that. As our taxi pulled up in the local main street, there was a hotel guide there to take our bags and lead us to the derb (alley) on which the hotel was located.

We would stay there again in a heartbeat, and encourage anyone else to stay there, as well. A wonderful treat, and a true highlight of our time in Fez

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jan 2010

Ferguson

Exceptional Riad, would highly recommend

Fabulous Riad, far exceeded our expectation. One would never imagine that a Riad of that quality was hidden behind the entrance doors in such an old Medina. The service was impecable and the food outstanding. Would definitely stay there again.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Oct 2009

Paula

Wow!

It was great to arrive at an hotel that actually lived up to (and went beyond) the promotional photos. This place is on a grand scale, as it used to be a palace, but is intimate and friendly at the same time, as there aren't that many rooms. It's a little bit like going back in time as the setting is very French Imperial, with interesting Moroccan and European artifacts at every turn. The rooms were large and the food was great. Overall, fabulous!

4/10

Poor

20 May 2009

Verified traveler

Horrible, horrible location

The hotel is nice, looks lovely, rooms are just OK, spacious but a little dirty. What is bad about this is the location, it's just horrible. It's exteremly hard to find the place, I found it with the help of a local kid. But it is in a BAD neighborhood. You could tell right when you got there. Even our tour guide said to not walk around there at night, that it was pretty dangerous. And since the main street is like a 5 min walking distance, which you DO NOT want to do at night, you have to stay in and have dinner at the hotel. The hotel restaurant is nice, but VERY expensive, especially compared to Moroccan standards. It was the equivalent to an expensive dinner in California.

4/10

Poor

30 Dec 2023

Karim

Déçu

L’entrée du Ryad, ça va n’est pas trop loin de l’axe principal arrivé au Riyad. Le hall d’entrée est typiquement marocain, ce qui est très beau et magnifique pour les yeux. Par contre arrivé dans la chambre, très dommage de voir que les installations sont vétuste rouillé pas du tout entretenu, aucun joint dans le lavabo des petites choses qui ne coûte rien mais qui font beaucoup. C’est vraiment très dommage car si l’entretien de la chambre serait fait honnêtement ce serait un très bel endroit mais malheureusement je ne peux pas conseiller.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jul 2023

Ribaudo

Wunderschön!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

12 Apr 2023

Andre

Très bon séjour à Fès!
Riad typique marocaine très bien localisé, personnel très sympathique et la écoute.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

28 Dec 2019

Verified traveler

Le cadre et l emplacement au top le personnel discret et serviable de plus une bonne table

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

19 Feb 2019

Mint

伝統的な造り、装飾がとても綺麗でした。スタッフが親切でした。残念な点としてはテレビが使えなかった事と部屋内の二階の部屋が少し埃っぽくて目が痒くなりました。朝食がパンばかりで物足りませんでした。

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jan 2019

Verified traveler

Hotel authentique traditionnel dans un ancien palais marocain au cœur de la medina ,personnel tres accueillant toujours au petit soin pour vous . Séjour tres agréable .

8/10

Excellent

21 Dec 2018

Harald

Herlig riad

Veldig fin «lobby», slitent rom, men koselig!
Utrolig serviceinnstilte ansatte og veldig bra frokost i forhold til vår erfaring med riader.
Ligger perfekt til mtp utforsking av medinaen i Fez!!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Dec 2018

Verified traveler

Magnifique Riad nichée dans la médina, facile à trouver car c'ést fléché. Personnel très sympa, petit déjeuner copieux, repas excellent. Chambre confortable.

Partner