Leather Shop with rooftop terrace — Local services in Fez

Long story short: two stars because we paid for a product and we got it. However they probably deserve only one. The whole experience was an ordeal, a waste of time for an over priced "custom made" jacket. There are other shops around, other views of the tanneries, and one can even walk directly into the tanneries for a small fee to take great pictures. DO NOT GO TO THIS SHOP.

Long story: do not go. If you find yourself there it is probably because your guide took you there. They get a commission from sales, so it's in their best interest to leave you in the hands of pushy salespeople and conartists. We paid for two jackets (the cost was high but that is not important since we hate to haggle) however one of them was supposed to be fitted and delivered to our Riad in "3 hours". The jacket was delivered much later that night and was not the right fit. They obviously just sent an "off the rack" jacket with a different size. Our guide helped us get in touch with the owner of the shop, and we arranged to pick another jacket the next day. We were lucky because we were spending two days in Fes. Unfortunately, we wasted all morning on this endeavor. The jacket was given to us late, and it was always "five minutes away". Everyone at the shop was aggressive and tried to keep us hidden from the rest of the tourists. I am a big guy and stood my ground, but they were a lot worse with my wife. I had to constantly intervene and ask them to back off (she can hold her own, but when surrounded by 3 grown men things get intimidating). Instead of enjoying our last morning in Fes, we wasted our time in the shop dealing with unfriendly people. As soon as they have your money, the smile fades and they are no longer welcoming. What if we were flying back early the next day? Good question. We would have paid for an overpriced, off the rack jacket, and there would be nothing we could do. This shop probably capitalizes on the fact that most tourists spend one day in Fes when they are part of a paid tour. AVOID THIS PLACE. And if your guide takes you there. Go to the terrace, say NO to shopping, and find a better deal 20 meters from...

What a disappointing experience coupled with yet another aggressive extortion attempt from an “owner family member” who shoved clumps of mint into our hands as he urged us to go see the view. Yeah it’s smelly. Yeah it’s old. Look at my pics. It’s not the brightly colorful scene you find on Instagram. Truly unremarkable and overhyped. Then this guy asked for cash for the privilege of taking a photo of the quite frankly not that impressive view. I offered 20dhms €2 but he followed me into the street demanding 200 €20!!! lol I told him in no uncertain terms where to eff off. Just one more Moroccan ruining the travelers experience. I really wanted to enjoy this but I give up. Fascinating place but totally frustrating scammers again. 10 mins later I was overcharged by a 15 year old girl selling backlava...

The guide recommended this shop where you can take photos for free, but it’s actually a bit far from the center of Chaouwara Tanneries. You might find closer shops for photos. Their bags are also expensive—a shoulder bag costs 1300 MAD, and a leather jacket is 5000 MAD. Even with bargaining, you might only save about 100-200 MAD. I suggest buying in Marrakech instead, where products are similar but priced around 250-350 MAD (before haggling). Be cautious of...