My wife Marina and I have just returned from six days and nights at Riad Laaroussa. In three decades of travel around the world, we have never felt more welcome and at ease than we did at this extraordinary house deep in the old medina of Fez. The house itself is an astonishing oasis of tranquility, from the beautiful inner courtyard with its fountains and orange trees to the terrace and its 360-degree views of the medina and mountains beyond. It is difficult to say which is more pleasurable: the breakfasts of fresh fruit, warm pastries, and Moroccan-style crepes served on the terrace as the sun begins to bake the medina, or the candlelit gourmet dinners set out in the courtyard to the accompaniment of the splashing water of the fountains and the call to prayer echoing from the city’s minarets.

What makes one’s stay at Riad Laaroussa truly memorable, however, is the bonhomie and hospitality of Fred Sola and his wonderful staff – Sabah, Samira, Fatima, Mounir, Mohammed,
Couter, Khadija, Rabia, Naima, and the others whose names I apologize for having forgotten.

The Fez medina, with its narrow lanes crowded with people in flowing djellabas and donkeys trundling by laden with crates of Coca-Cola or bales of wool, can be daunting upon arrival for the first–time visitor. Fred and his staff eased our transition from the 21st to the 9th century by ensuring we were met at the train station and escorted through the maze of the medina and then welcomed with mint tea in the salon of the riad. This respite gave us time to appreciate our new surroundings and compare them to the photos on the salon walls showing what the riad looked like before and during its renovation – a breathtaking transformation.

Fred encouraged us to consider the house our own, especially to feel at home in the kitchen. That is, in fact, where we spent our most delightful time, chatting with Samira and Fatima and Sabah, unlocking the secrets of Moroccan cuisine, learning Arabic along with the cooking, and making good friendships in the bargain. Each day we’d head off into the medina with Samira to shop for that night’s dinner, tasting the figs or grapes she considered buying, getting to know the merchants, feeling as though we belonged in Fez too.

Fred is fond of speaking of the humanity of Fez, that contact with what’s essential in our common nature that one senses in the centuries-old pageant coursing up and down its cobbled streets, swirling past its mosques and through its fragrant souks. He’s on to something there, but it extends as well to the adventure and journey he and his staff have embarked upon at Riad Laaroussa itself. Their joie de vivre is infectious and reassuring. Come to Fez and Fred’s house to feel good about life again.

Sean from Ann Arbor

what a wonderful stay. my wife and i stayed at the riad for 3 nights while we visited fes and surrounding area. the riad was magnificant - perfect location in the medina, hidden away on a small street, incredibly decorated.
the slightest detail was not overlooked. the food was fantastic when we ate there. the service from booking drivers to guides was perfect. best of all was the polite and knowledgable staff. we became friends with them and chatted with them often; they were so friendly and wonderful to talk to.
would highly recommend this riad in fes!

We stayed only 1 night in the Blue Room, which connects to a sitting/dining room and stairs leading to the beautiful roof garden. We had a small child with us, sleeping in our room while we were dining, so the staff brought our dinner to us and served it in our adjoining lounge. They could not have been sweeter or more accommodating. The location is great, right in the old medina of Fes and the building and courtyard are a spectacular restored mansion. Don't miss the breakfast on the roof, it was one of the highlights.

I really don't want to write this review...simply for selfish reasons. I plan to go back and I don't want the word to get out! The only reason I'm writing this is because it would be a great disservice to Fred and the staff if I didn't write it.

The stay was absolutely wonderful. The Riad is superb, in an excellent location and is run by a top notch staff. Don't pass up on the opportunity to go to the market with Samira and prepare dinner.

I've stayed at other places in Fez (such as Riad La Maison Bleue...also very nice) but this is the best and happens to have the lowest prices for its category of accommodations.

If you want to stay in the Medina (which is not for everyone!) this is definitely the place to do it.

Regards.