This riad was a palatial gem hidden behind a deceptively modest door. In the middle of the hectic medina the Ghalia is a tranquil oasis. Our family of 6 stayed in an enormous suite with a sitting room, 3 beautifully appointed bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. We were pressured into partaking of their Christmas meal which was a bit pricey. But otherwise the staff was very friendly and attentive without being obsequious. The breakfasts were a feast, the food delicious. It was a pleasure to come home to this riad after a day of wandering around the streets of Fez. By the way, would recommend having a guide in Fez.

Dar El Ghalia was an average experience. The people are great: very helpful, knowledgeable, kind & curteous (and speak excellent English & French). They found us a guide for half a day - - Hameed - - who was excellent, friendly, and was way above steering us into shops. The location is very good, close to the Bar Rcif and well signposted (which is important if one does not speak Arabic). Good roof terrace and the food is above average. Problems: rooms are dark and cluttered, the cheapest rooms are really dodgy (we upgraded to a medium tarrif room due to the lousy low end one. I feel like we suffered bait & switch), it's a very formal place in that the staff all wear traditional costume that makes them look like uncomfortable Swiss Guards, and it's overall very expensive. For about GBP100/night I was expecting a lot more. If they layed off the formality, lightened up the rooms (and cleaned up the lowest fare ones), and did away with the nickel & diming then I think we would have found value.