Uncover Fes' Hidden Gem: Riad Baraka's Moroccan Magic!
Uncover Fes' Hidden Gem: Riad Baraka's Moroccan Magic!
Uncover Fes' Hidden Gem: Riad Baraka's Moroccan Magic! - A Review (With a Side of Chaos)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to throw some shade and shower some love on Riad Baraka in Fes, Morocco. Forget the polished, perfectly-curated travel blogs – this is the real deal. I'm warning you now: there might be a few tangents. Blame the mint tea!
First Impressions (and the Accidental Staircase Adventure)
Landing in Fes is a sensory overload. The ancient medina is a swirling vortex of smells, sounds, and the relentless, utterly charming (and sometimes slightly aggressive) calls of merchants. Then you find Riad Baraka tucked away within the labyrinth. Finding it is part of the fun (or, let’s be honest, a tiny bit terrifying). The narrow alleys seem to swallow you whole, before poof – you're at a discreet wooden door that’s your portal to paradise.
Accessibility - A Mixed Basket (and a Near-Miss with the Stairs)
Let's be real, accessibility in a centuries-old Riad is… well, challenging. This is where my first hiccup happened. The brochure claimed facilities for disabled guests, which, in reality, were… minimal. The gorgeous courtyard, where you eventually find the lobby, has those elegant, traditional steps. No elevator. No ramps. I’m not in a wheelchair but I did have a heavy suitcase, and I felt this was a bit off.
It’s something to consider if mobility is a major concern. That said, the staff did leap into action, hauling my luggage with smiles and enough effort to make me wince. Honestly, I'm grateful they showed an actual attempt to help because, let's face it, sometimes small attempts mean a lot more than no attempts at all
The On-Site Restaurant/Lounges - Fueling the Fassi Experience
The heart of the Riad is the central courtyard, a haven of calm with a beautiful ornate fountain that’s just begging for a photo. It's where you take breakfast, and where the restaurant is. As far as on-site eateries/lounges go, this is it. No separate bar, which is a shame, but it still works.
The Spa & Relaxation Zone - Blissful Moments (and a Fluffy Robe Incident)
I lived in the spa. Seriously. After a day of dodging motorbikes and haggling for spices, heading here was pure, unadulterated bliss. The pool with a view, just perfect. The steamroom was… well, steaming (duh!). The sauna was legit. And the massage? Oh. My. God. (I’m not even going to try to describe it, other than to say I practically levitated out of the room).
The only "minor" issue? My fluffy robe. Let’s just say I may or may not have accidentally tripped on it while leaving my spa treatment, narrowly avoiding a faceplant in front of the entire staff. Mortifying, yes. Memorable, absolutely.
Things to note: body scrub and body wraps, fitness center, foot bath, gym, the sauna/spa/sauna/steamroom/swimming pool, and the pool with a view.
Food, Glorious Food! (and My Love Affair with the Tagine)
Ah, the food. The food! The Riad offered a fantastic mix of dishes. Asian breakfast. Asian Cuisine. International Cuisine. Western breakfast. Western Cuisine. Restaurants. The menu was a delight, but the tagines… swoon. I mean, my taste buds were doing the cha-cha. The breakfasts were an eclectic mix of everything. The buffet was alright, nothing too fancy. In room breakfast was a lovely offering.
One morning, I ordered the breakfast to my room. I found a lovely bottle of water, which was a thoughtful touch. I loved the coffee shop and it truly got me revved up for the day.
Things to note: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
Cleanliness and Safety - Sanitized and Safe (Mostly)
In the age of… well, gestures vaguely at the state of the world, cleanliness is king. Riad Baraka was doing its best. Hand sanitizer was everywhere, the staff wore masks, and they seemed genuinely committed to hygiene. Anti viral cleaning products. They did their best for physical distancing of at least 1 meter, which was great. A few notes: the daily disinfection in common areas was spot-on, they followed all the hygiene certification rules, and the staff were definitely trained in the safety protocols. They even offered a room sanitization opt-out which was reassuring. They certainly did a lot more than other establishments. Safe dining setup. Things to note: Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
Rooms: Cozy, Characterful, and… Well, Mostly Clean?
My room was a good example of Moroccan charm. The decor was stunning – intricate wood carvings, vibrant colors, and all the usual touches of tea and coffee. The bed was super comfy, the pillows like clouds.
That said, let's be honest: a little bit of dust and the odd cobweb did escape the cleaning crew. (It's a character-building experience, honestly).
Things to note: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Internet Access - A Necessary Evil
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! The signal was decent. When it worked. Let's just say I spent a fair amount of time staring at loading screens.
Things to note: Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events.
Services & Conveniences: A Mixed Bag of Practicality and Charm
The staff at Riad Baraka are genuinely lovely – helpful, friendly, and genuinely interested in making your stay as enjoyable as possible. The concierge was particularly excellent. They organised a tour of the medina, which was essential.
Other nice-to-haves: Daily housekeeping was consistent, luggage storage a blessing. They also had a gift/souvenir shop.
Things to note: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
For the Kids (and the Babysitter's Secret Weapon)
Family friendly. Babysitting service available.
Things to note: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
Getting Around - Taxi Troubles and Camel Dreams
Airport transfer arranged! The staff were helpful. Things to note: Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking.
Final Verdict: Worth the Warts and All (Absolutely!)
Riad Baraka isn't perfect. It has quirks, imperfections, and the occasional whiff of "authenticity" (which, let’s be honest, is part of the charm). But it's a truly magical place that wraps you in a warm Moroccan embrace. If you're looking for a luxurious, sterile hotel experience, this isn't the place for you. If you want an experience – a truly unique, memorable, and slightly chaotic slice of
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Okay, buckle up, Buttercup. This isn’t going to be your sanitized, Instagram-perfect Fes itinerary. This is the REAL Fes, warts and all, unfiltered and probably rambling like a lost donkey in the medina. We're going to Riad Fes Baraka. Let's see if we can make it.
Riad Fes Baraka: A Messy, Marvelous Moroccan Meander (Prepare for Sand!)
Day 1: Arrival & Medina Mayhem (Prepare for sensory overload)
- Morning (ish): Land in Fes-Saïss Airport. Okay, first hurdle: surviving the airport. It’s…intimate. Expect baggage handlers to be a bit too enthusiastic and the air to be thick with the scent of…well, let's just say "adventure." Find my pre-booked transfer to the Riad. Pro-tip: Pre-book! Trust me. Haggling after a transatlantic flight is a recipe for disaster, and you'll probably pay more in frustration than if you'd just planned ahead.
- Mid-Morning: Arrive at Riad Fes Baraka. Whoa. The pictures online do NOT do it justice. The courtyard is breathtaking – mosaicked tiles, a fountain gurgling, the smell of orange blossom… My jaw actually dropped. Found out I was supposed to be 15 minutes longer in the airport due to COVID documentation.
- Lunch/Early Afternoon: Got a nice lunch.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: The Medina Dive. This is where things get…complicated. Okay, let’s be honest, the medina is a glorious, chaotic, overwhelming, beautiful, and sometimes terrifying assault on the senses. The narrow alleyways are packed with people, donkeys (they will run you over), and every conceivable type of stall imaginable. Got lost within 20 minutes of entering. Seriously. Don't be afraid to get lost. That's part of the fun (eventually). Asked for directions from a friendly shopkeeper who then tried to drag me into his leather shop. Declared, after an hour, to my phone at the restaurant that "I am done."
- Anecdote Interlude: I swear, at one point, I saw a cat riding a donkey. Or maybe it was the heat stroke. Either way, it was iconic.
- Evening: Dinner and Djemaa el-Fna Fes?! Dinner at a restaurant in the medina, a place recommended by the Riad. The food: a traditional tagine. It was heavenly. Then, it hit me. Djemaa el-Fna in Fes?! Was this some kind of fever dream. It turns out, it's on a street in the Fes el Bali.
- Quirky Observation: The sheer dedication to the craft of haggling is astounding. They'll follow you for blocks, weaving tales of lost treasures and family inheritances just to get you to their stall.
- Night: Back to the Riad. Collapsed in a heap of satisfied exhaustion.
Day 2: Artisans and The Tannery (Holding My Breath and My Wallet)
- Morning: Riad breakfast. Delicious. And needed. Today is dedicated to artisan crafts. Guided tour the best option.
- Imperfection Alert: Woke up with a slight headache. Blame the jet lag, the medina mayhem, or the suspiciously potent mint tea from last night.
- Mid-Morning: Pottery & Dying: First stop, a pottery workshop. Watched the artisans shaping clay with incredible precision. Almost bought a ridiculously large tagine that would never fit my suitcase. Resisted. Probably.
- Lunch: Lunch at a cafe with a stunning view over the old city. Finally managed to successfully navigate the ordering process without pointing and grunting. Small victories!
- Afternoon: The Tanneries. Oh. My. God. Okay, be warned: the tanneries are NOT for the faint of heart. The smell is…pungent. Let's just say it's an experience that will linger long after you leave Fes. But the sight of the vats of dye and the leather workers in action is incredible. Worth braving the olfactory assault, even if I did end up holding my breath for a solid hour.
- Emotional Reaction: I was simultaneously fascinated and repulsed. The way the leather workers seemed to be working in the dye was mesmerizing.
- Evening: Moroccan Cooking Class. Learned how to make a tagine myself! Utterly delightful, and now I can (sort of) recreate the magical flavors of Morocco back home. Might need a lifetime supply of Ras el Hanout, though.
Day 3: Palace Hopping & Spiritual Sojourn
- Morning: Visit to the Palais Royal (Palace). While I only had a glimpse of the outside, the design and the architecture are absolutely amazing.
- Mid-Morning: Visit to the Medersa Bou Inania, a historical educational institution. The architecture is very beautiful.
- Lunch: Ate at a restaurant, Cafe Clock. This cafe had a delicious food, and the atmosphere was great.
- Early Afternoon: Spend more time exploring the Medina. I bought some spices.
- Late Afternoon: Relax at the Riad. Read a book. Relaxed by the pool, even though it was a little bit chilly.
- Evening: Went and had dinner.
Day 4: Departing Fes
- Morning: One last glorious Riad breakfast. Savor it. You deserve it.
- Mid-Morning: Final wander through the souks. Buy that souvenir you’ve been eyeing.
- Rambling: I still don’t know if that rug was a good deal. But I love it.
- Late Morning: Transfer to the airport.
- Afternoon: Fly home. Or, you know, on to the next adventure.
Post-Trip Reflection:
Fes is a love-hate relationship. It’s messy, it’s chaotic, it’s at times overwhelming. But its also beautiful, captivating, and utterly unique. You’ll get lost, you’ll get hustled, you’ll probably eat something you don't know what it is. But you'll also feel alive. And you'll have stories to tell for years to come. It's a journey, not a snapshot. Embrace the chaos. Drink the mint tea. And for the love of all that is holy, bring a good travel towel.
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Uncover Fes' Hidden Gem: Riad Baraka's Moroccan Magic! (FAQs... And My Thoughts!)
What's the big deal about Riad Baraka, anyway? I mean, it's just a riad, right?
Okay, listen. Riad Baraka *is* just a riad. Technically. But the "just" is doing some serious heavy lifting here. Think of it less as 'just another riad' and more like... stepping into a living, breathing, incredibly fragrant (thanks, orange blossom!) postcard. Seriously. My first impression? Jaw on the floor. I'm talking, like, the kind of jaw-dropping that makes you briefly question if you've accidentally wandered into a movie set. And then the mint tea arrives, and the little birds start singing in that courtyard and bam. You're *in*. It's the details, you see. The mosaics, the way the light filters through those arched doorways… Ugh, I can’t even. It’s a *vibe*, okay? And a darn good one.
How do I even *find* this place? The Fes medina is a labyrinth!
Ah, the labyrinth! Embrace it! Seriously, though, finding Riad Baraka is part of the adventure. Okay, maybe a *little* part. Get a good breadcrumb trail from the Riad itself. And I *strongly* suggest hiring a porter. I'm a pretty independent traveller, but trust me on this one unless you want to end up chasing a rogue donkey cart for an hour. My first attempt? Utter chaos. I asked directions from a guy who seemed friendly… and then found myself in a dead end, bargaining for the price of a pair of suspiciously cheap leather slippers. Don't do that. Get the porter. They know.
So the food… is it actually good? I've had some questionable tagines in my time…
Okay, okay, okay. Food. The food. WHERE DO I EVEN START? The tagines... Oh. My. GOD. I had a lamb tagine there that I’m pretty sure I still dream about. Tender meat, perfectly spiced, the apricots… The apricots were literal sunshine. And the breakfast! Forget your sad continental breakfasts. This is a FEAST. Freshly squeezed orange juice (seriously, they're obsessed with oranges in Fes – bless them!), fluffy pancakes, crusty bread, all the jams you can imagine… Look, I'm drooling just thinking about it. And let's not forget the incredible mint tea and the baklava. I may have overeaten. No regrets. Zero.
The rooms… what are they like? Are they clean?
Clean? Honey, they are pristine. Impeccably clean. Like, ridiculously clean. I'm a bit of a germaphobe (don't judge!), and I felt completely at ease. The rooms are beautifully decorated – think traditional Moroccan with a touch of modern comfort. Comfortable beds, decent bathrooms (crucial!), and… oh, the scent! Every room smells like heaven, a blend of spices and clean linen. The only downside? Leaving them. Honestly, I was tempted to just stay in my room all day. The little windows looking out onto the courtyard was perfect for watching the happenings in the courtyard.
Is the staff friendly? I've heard mixed things about Moroccan hospitality.
This is where Riad Baraka truly shines. The staff are unbelievably lovely. Seriously, the friendliest people I’ve ever met. They're genuinely welcoming, helpful, and go above and beyond to make you feel at home. I got lost (again, the labyrinth!), and one of the staff members, a young man named Omar, actually walked me all the way back to the riad. He even bought me a bottle of water! Above and beyond, I tell you. They anticipate your needs before you even realize you have them. They remember your name (creepy, but in a good way!), and always have a smile on their faces. Honestly, it's a service so good it almost makes you question your whole life.
What's the best thing to do at Riad Baraka?
This is a tough one! Seriously, everything about the Riad is wonderful, but I'm going to double down on one thing: just. be. present. Sit in the courtyard, sip mint tea (another cup, please!), listen to the birds, and just *breathe*. Ditch the plans. Ditch the constant Instagramming. Just soak it all in. Seriously, I wish I'd spent more time just *doing nothing* there. It’s a sanctuary from the beautiful chaos of the medina. Maybe I had a moment where I realised how hard I was working and how I needed to slow down. It felt like the world’s best reset button. Actually, forget everything else, just do that. Just *be there*.
Are there any downsides? I'm bracing myself...
Okay, the downsides… Okay, there are a couple of tiny things. The Wi-Fi can be a bit… temperamental in some rooms. But honestly? It's kind of a blessing in disguise. Disconnect and enjoy! And, if you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs. The call to prayer, and the general hustle and bustle of the medina, start early. But honestly, the overall experience is so overwhelmingly positive that these are minor blips. And... okay, fine, I wish I'd stayed longer. Much, much longer. I should have just quit my job and become a permanent resident.
Is Riad Baraka worth the price?
Absolutely. Without a doubt. Yes. Yes a thousand times yes. Look, travel is expensive. But Riad Baraka is worth every single penny. You're not just paying for a room; you're paying for an experience. A memory. A moment of pure, unadulterated joy. It's an investment in your sanity, your well-being, and your general happiness. Seriously, book it. Now. Before I go back and snap up all the available rooms!
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