Fes' Hidden Gem: Riad Le Sucrier – Unforgettable Moroccan Luxury
Riad Le Sucrier: My Tangine-Fueled Rhapsody in Fes (Or, How I Fell Hard for a Riad)
Okay, let's be real. Planning a trip to Fes? You're wading into a world of chaotic souks, mesmerizing mosaics, and more tagine than you can shake a djellaba at. And finding the right place to stay? That's a whole other adventure. But listen, friends, after a whirlwind tour of the medina, stumbling (literally, I tripped on a rogue tapestry) and navigating the labyrinthine alleyways, I truly believe I stumbled upon a gem: Riad Le Sucrier. Forget those sterile, cookie-cutter hotels. This place? This is an experience.
Accessibility (and the very slight hiccups): Now, I will say, as much as the Riad tries, true accessibility in a historic medina setting is always going to be a challenge. The "Facilities for disabled guests" are noted, but navigating those narrow, cobbled streets to get to the Riad, and then maneuvering inside (which has an elevator!) is a feat. My friend, who uses a wheelchair, managed it, but it took some planning and a whole lot of charm on her part. She did an enormous amount of research to assure that everything was OK and that she was able to have a great stay. The staff were absolutely amazing (more on them later), helping with the luggage and any necessary assistance. It's not perfect, but they try. Points for effort, seriously.
The Sheer Indulgence: Things to Do (and Doing Absolutely Nothing):
Okay, deep breath. Where to even begin? Riad Le Sucrier is built for relaxation.
- The Pool with a View: Forget concrete jungles. This pool is an oasis. I spent a blissful afternoon floating in that azure water, gazing over the rooftops of Fes. The view! Chef's kiss. Absolute perfection. And the pool's not just a pretty face; it's meticulously clean.
- The Spa/Sauna/Steamroom… Oh My!: I am a sucker for a spa. And Le Sucrier's? Glorious. I sprung for the full shebang: a body scrub that left my skin feeling like silk (a very strong recommendation), a massage that kneaded away months of stress, and a steam room session that had me feeling utterly revitalized. Seriously, the spa is a highlight. It's my favorite part of my stay.
- Gym/Fitness?: Okay, the gym is… compact. It's there, it’s functional, but I'm not going to lie, I spent more time people-watching from the terrace than hitting the treadmill. But hey, it’s an option, and they have a fitness center!
- Ways to Relax: Every corner of Le Sucrier whispers "relax." From the cozy nooks in the courtyard to the rooftop terrace bathed in sunshine, there's a spot for every mood. I was especially fond of the terrace, where I sipped mint tea and let the city's rhythm wash over me. The rooftop is a perfect place to take in the amazing sunset, but if the terrace is a little too much on a hot day, the lounge areas are perfect for a chilled out evening.
- The Other Thing: There's a pool and a sauna, but I would have loved a jacuzzi!
Cleanliness and Safety: My OCD Brain Approves.
Listen, I'm a bit of a germaphobe. (Don’t judge, we all have our things). Le Sucrier handled everything with impeccable professionalism.
- Hygiene Certification?: Yes, they've got it.
- Anti-viral Cleaning Products?: Check.
- Rooms Sanitized Between Stays?: Absolutely.
- Hand Sanitizer?: Everywhere. I felt safe.
- Safety/Security Features: CCTV everywhere, 24-hour security, secure safe boxes… it was reassuring.
- Staff Trained in Safety Protocol?: They were always masked and at the ready.
- Doctor/Nurse on Call?: Yep, though I didn't need them, thankfully.
Oh, That's Right, I Didn't Get Sick!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Foodie Heaven.
This is where Le Sucrier really shines. Forget your generic hotel fare; this is authentic Moroccan cuisine with a modern twist.
- Breakfast Buffet?: The spread, folks, the spread! Freshly baked bread, creamy yogurts, local fruits, and an assortment of savory delights. The Asian breakfast was also a treat.
- A La Carte in Restaurant? Yep.
- Breakfast in Room?: Absolutely, complete with a silver service tray on your balcony. What a treat!
- Restaurants: Yes, so many.
- Snack Bar: Indeed.
- Restaurants: So many restaurants! You have your pick
- Room Service (24-hour)?: Yes, and it's delicious. Those late-night tagines? Pure bliss.
- Poolside Bar: Perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail.
- Coffee/Tea in Restaurant; Coffee Shop Always!
- Everything Else! Soup, Salad, Desserts, International and Western Cousins, and more!
I devoured everything. And let me tell you, the staff are pros! They’re on the ball and will make sure you get the best food. Don't miss the rooftop restaurant. The atmosphere is incredible, and the views are so amazing
Services and Conveniences: They Thought of Everything.
- Concierge?: Indispensable. They helped arrange tours, recommended restaurants, and navigated the logistical maze of Fes.
- Currency Exchange?: Yes, and it was a lifesaver.
- Daily Housekeeping?: Immaculate. My room was always spotless.
- Laundry Service and Ironing Service?: Essential after a week of wandering the souks.
- Luggage Storage?: Always in the moment.
- Wi-Fi for Special Events; Wi-Fi in Public Areas; Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms!: No digital detox here – I could stay connected, which was a blessing.
- Elevator?: Absolutely.
- Air Conditioning in Public Area?: Yes.
- Cash Withdrawal?: Yes.
- Food Delivery?: Yes - handy!
- Gift/Souvenir Shop?: Always a great idea!
- Invoice Provided, and Cashless Payment?: Always so easy!
- Dry Cleaning?: For the fancy stuff!
- Terrace? Perfect for a cup of tea.
For the Kids?
- Babysitting service: Absolutely, I saw a few families around.
- Family/child friendly: Certainly!
- Kids meal: Definitely an option.
My Room: A Sanctuary in the Medina.
- Air conditioning (essential in the Fes heat).
- Alarm clock (for those sunrise expeditions).
- Bathrobes and slippers (hello, luxury!).
- Blackout curtains (because sometimes you need to sleep in).
- Coffee/tea maker (essential. Coffee is amazing in Morroco.
- Daily housekeeping (bliss).
- Desk (for those urgent emails).
- Free bottled water (crucial).
- Hair dryer (thank goodness).
- In-room safe box (peace of mind).
- Mini bar (for a celebratory drink).
- Non-smoking.
- Private bathroom (of course).
- Satellite/cable channels (for those evenings when you just want to veg out).
- Seating area (perfect for reading).
- Shower (nice and hot).
- Slippers (so comfy!).
- Smoke detector and Wake-up service (important, obviously!)
- Wi-Fi [free] and Window that opens.
- Additional toilet Some suites even have that!
- extra long bed, I had such a good night's sleep in that bed!
- I just love that there is a reading light.
My room was a sanctuary. It was beautifully decorated, spacious, and exceptionally comfortable. And the best part? It was quiet! After battling the chaos of the souks all day, returning to my room felt like sinking into a warm hug. The best.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer? Absolutely. Arrange it through the hotel.
- Car park [free of charge], Car Park [on-site], and Valet parking? You are all set up!
- Taxi service? They can help you with that.
The Imperfections (Because I'm Real):
Look, no place is perfect.
- The Noise: Sometimes, even soundproof rooms can't block out all the calls to prayer or the general bustle of the medina. Embrace it! It'
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your glossy travel brochure itinerary. This is the real deal: a trip to Riad Le Sucrier de Fes, with all the glorious messiness. Prepare for oversharing, questionable decisions, and a love affair with mint tea that will probably last a lifetime.
Fes, Morocco - Operation: Get Lost (and Love It!) - A Messy Itinerary
(A Note Before We Begin: I’m terrible at planning. This is more of a “vague suggestion” than a schedule. Expect deviations. Embrace chaos.)
Day 1: Arrival and "Oh My God, I'm in Fez!"
Morning (Let's Pretend I Slept): Fly into Fes-Saïss Airport (FEZ). Okay, the airport itself is… underwhelming. But the feeling of arriving in Morocco? Electric. The air is thick with the promise of adventure (and, let's be honest, a bit of exhaust fumes). Pre-arranged transfer (smart move, past me!) to Riad Le Sucrier de Fes. Immediately, I'm overwhelmed by the gorgeousness. Tiled courtyards bursting with plants, intricate carvings everywhere, and the scent of orange blossoms. I’m pretty sure I just gasped. Multiple times.
Afternoon: The Riad - My New Fortress of Awesomeness: Settle in. Explore the riad. Get ridiculously excited about the rooftop terrace. (Seriously, the views! Sunset here is mandatory, I'm calling it now). Get lost in the labyrinthine corridors. Nearly walk into a wall. (Happened, I'm not proud). Order mint tea. Drink it while contemplating the vastness of… well, everything. This is where the "becoming Fesi" starts.
Evening: First Dinner Fiasco and Getting Totally, Utterly Lost (Yay!) So, I foolishly, think I’m being resourceful and wander out of the Riad to find dinner without a plan. Big mistake. HUGE. The medina (the old city) is a sensory explosion. The smells! The sounds! The sheer number of people! Immediately, I'm disoriented. I swear, I walked past the same spice stall three times. Ended up at a restaurant recommended by the riad. The food was fine (thank goodness), but the real star was the waiter who kept trying to teach me Arabic phrases. (My Arabic skills are… non-existent). Afterward, attempt to navigate my way back to the riad. Get utterly, spectacularly lost. Embrace it. Ask for directions. Get pointed in five different ways. Finally, stumble back, triumphant (and smelling faintly of spices and bewilderment). Collapse in bed, already plotting tomorrow's adventures.
Day 2: Leather, Dye, and My Very Own Craft Obsession
Morning: The Chouara Tanneries - A Senses Overload (in a Good Way?): Okay, warning: This is intense. Prepare for the smell. It’s… pungent. But holy moly, the view is astounding! The Chouara Tanneries, a cacophony of colors, textures, and the ancient craft of leather making. I took so many photos that my phone almost died from all the content. Seeing the workers, waist-deep in the dye pits, is both mesmerizing and… slightly horrifying. Respect. Bought a leather pouf that I will probably regret later (it's huge), but who cares?!
Afternoon: Crafting & Shopping: Now, I am not a natural shopper. I get overwhelmed by choice. Thankfully, Fes is the perfect place to work on this. Wandered the souks (markets). Got completely sidetracked by a tiny shop selling intricate mosaic tiles. Ended up spending approximately two hours choosing the perfect tile and bargaining for a ridiculously low price. Then, moved on to ceramics. I bought a tagine pot. (I have no idea how to use it, but it’s beautiful!) Also, a little silver bracelet that makes me feel like a total nomad queen.
Evening: Cooking Class - My Culinary Disaster (and Triumph!): Riad arranged a cooking class. This was supposed to be an authentic Moroccan experience. It was, in a way… I set the kitchen on fire (figuratively, I didn't, mostly). But hey, I learned to make tagine and couscous. The tagine came out… interesting. Let's just say the spices were a little generously applied. The couscous, though? That was a triumph! A minor victory, but I’ll take it. Dinner was followed by falling face-first into bed, again.
Day 3: Madrasas and Mint Tea Obsession
Morning: Karaouine Mosque and University (and then a little bit of sneaking): Okay, the Karaouine Mosque is stunning, but as a non-Muslim visitor, access is limited. I did manage to sneak a peek through a doorway. Respect. Then, headed to the Madrasa Bou Inania. The intricate carvings, the architecture… it's breathtaking. Spend ages just gazing up at the ceilings and wishing I was an architectural historian.
Afternoon: More Mint Tea and Rooftop Revelry: Find a rooftop cafe (Fes is full of them) and order a pot of mint tea. (Seriously. Addictive). Just sit. Watch the world go by. Soak it all in. It's perfect. Decide I need a second pot. And a third. Back to the Riad rooftop for sunset. This time, with the knowledge that everything is going to be okay.
Evening: The Sound of Fes: Find a local restaurant that is not full of tourists. Eat incredibly delicious food. Listen to the sounds of the city at night. More mint tea (duh). Reflect on how much I'm loving it here.
Day 4: Sidi Harazem, Relaxation and The Journey Home:
Morning: (Excursion-optional): Today, I went to Sidi Harazem. It's a town just outside of Fes with thermal springs. It was a nice taste of the countryside. Walked through the souks again, just because I could.
Afternoon: Back To the Riad!: Spend the afternoon reflecting. Laying in bed, drinking mint tea, and reading a book. (No books were actually read). Just taking it all in.
Evening: Farewell Dinner: Another restaurant, another incredible meal. One last pot of mint tea. A final, lingering look at Fes. Sigh. This is so sad!
Day 5: Departure and the lingering scent of the Medina… and spices… and possibly regret that I didn't buy more things.
Morning: Reluctant check-out. Last-minute souvenir shopping (of course!). That ceramic tile I'm really sorry I didn't get. Transfer to Fes-Saïss airport. Reflect on the incredible experiences and the beautiful chaos.
Afternoon: Plane to home. The world feels a little bit less chaotic. Even though I didn't get to every single place on my list, this was the stuff of real travel. This was a journey. And it was amazing. The flavors, the people, the beauty… it's all going to stay etched in my memory forever. … and I'm already planning my return.
Riad Le Sucrier: Your Fes Escape - The REALLY Honest FAQs
Okay, so, what *is* Riad Le Sucrier, really? Is it just another Insta-worthy riad?
Okay, full disclosure? When I saw the photos, I thought, "Ooh, the usual. Pretty tiles, maybe a rooftop terrace with cliché cushions." And... well, it *is* beautiful. Seriously, the courtyard is like stepping into a fairytale. But... then you breathe. The air smells of orange blossom and something… richer. It's not just 'pretty,' though it IS. It's *lived-in* gorgeous. The owner, a woman named Amina (more on her later… she’s a character!), clearly loves this place. You *feel* it. It's less sterile photo op and more, "Welcome to our ridiculously beautiful, ancient Moroccan home."
The rooms! What are they *really* like? I'm picturing tiny dungeons, right?
Dungeons? Honey, no. Unless your idea of a dungeon is a luxuriously appointed, air-conditioned, high-ceilinged palace suite. My room? Stunning. Massive bed. (I'm a bed snob; this one passed with flying colors.) Beautiful, hand-carved details everywhere! Seriously, the craftsmanship is mind-blowing. And the *bathroom*! Okay, I’m getting a little dramatic here, but the tiling… the sink… It was like bathing in art. The one slight "issue" – and I'm being picky here – my shower pressure could’ve been punchier (but hey, historical buildings!). But honestly? I'd happily trade a marginally weaker shower for THAT room, any day.
The service. Is the staff… you know, genuinely helpful, or just… there?
Okay, this is where Le Sucrier *shines*. The staff? Absolutely wonderful. But it’s not the forced, practiced politeness you sometimes get. It’s genuine. They remembered my name (and my coffee order, which is a HUGE win). One day, I got hopelessly lost in the medina. Utterly, utterly lost. Panicked, even. Called the Riad, and immediately, they sent someone to rescue me! Seriously, they found me, guided me back, and even (bless them) brewed me a mint tea on arrival. They're not just staff; they're like a warm, protective family. And Amina? She’s constantly flitting around, making sure everyone’s comfortable. She actually *cared* if you were enjoying yourself. It's the little things, you know?
Let's talk food. Because, Moroccan food. It's a big deal. Is it good, or just… Instagrammed well?
Oh. My. God. The food. Okay, so, I have a confession: I'm a foodie. I live for food. And the food at Le Sucrier? It's *chef's kiss* perfection. Breakfast was insane – fresh fruit, pastries, beautiful breads, and the perfect strong coffee. The dinners… Tagines bubbling with fragrant spices, couscous fluffy as a cloud, the pastilla? Oh, the pastilla! Crispy filo pastry, sweet and savory… I almost cried (happy tears!). I’m still dreaming of that pastilla. Seriously, I’d go back just for the food. (And the staff, and the rooms, and the…) Okay, I’m obsessed. But the food… *amazing*.
The Hammam! Spill. Is it worth the hype and the… nakedness?
The Hammam… Okay, so first, yes, it’s worth the hype. Absolutely. The nakedness? Less scary than you’d think. It’s like, everyone is getting scrubbed down, so you’re all in the same boat, you know? The scrub itself? Intense but amazing. My skin felt like a baby’s bottom afterwards. I felt *clean*. And relaxed. And maybe a little bit… philosophical about life. The only slightly awkward moment: I accidentally made eye contact with the attendant while she was *completely* covered in what looked like delicious mud. We both had a little giggle; it was very human. But seriously, do it. It’s an experience.
The location: Is it convenient, or a total maze to get to?
Alright, let’s be real. Fes el Bali, the old medina, is a… labyrinth. Getting *anywhere* in the medina is an adventure. Le Sucrier is, obviously, *in* the medina, so… yes, it’s a bit of a maze to get to the first time. But. And it's a BIG but. The Riad will arrange a porter to meet you at the nearest drop-off point (which is still a walk through the souks, BUT a short walk, and well signposted by the Riad). And the porter? Essential. Luggage on your back, trying to navigate those narrow alleyways? No. Just… no. Also, after the first time, you *kind of* start to remember the way. Kind of. I still got gloriously lost a few times, but hey, that's part of the fun, right?
And Amina, the owner? What's she like? Is she super hands-on?
Amina… Ah, Amina. Okay, she’s… a force of nature. In the best way possible. She's the heart and soul of the place. She's stylish, she's passionate about her riad, she's hilariously blunt, and she knows *everything* about Fes. She'll suggest restaurants, help you bargain in the souks (or, more accurately, *negotiate* on your behalf – she's a pro!), and she just exudes this warmth that makes you instantly feel at home. One day, I was feeling a bit under the weather (too much tagine, perhaps?). She practically force-fed me a traditional remedy and tucked me into bed. (I wasn't *actually* bedridden, but… it was very sweet, and she clearly cares about her guests.) She’s a truly fascinating woman, and without her, the riad, as beautiful as it is, would be… well, it wouldn’t be Le Sucrier. It’s her personality, her dedication, that makes it special.
Okay, what are the cons, the things that might annoy a fussy traveler?
Alright, let’s be honest. No place is perfect. First, the noise. You *are* in the middle of a bustling medina, so… expect some noise. Roosters, the call to prayer, the general hubbub of daily life. It adds to the experience, but if you're a light sleeper, pack earplugs.Nomadic Stays
