The food at this hotel was delicious and prepared with care and the decor was beautiful and homey. There was a beautiful letter written by the owner and we were excited for such a warm welcome. But unfortunately that’s where the good experience ended for us…very surprised to see this hotel was awarded anything with the AWFUL service we received.
Simple details of this hotel were just not considered from a guest experience. The pillows were extremely thick and firm leaving our bodies aching the next day as stomach and side sleepers. The curtains in the bathroom were so sheer that anyone showering could see completly into the lower courtyard. We were told something would be done about it and nothing was. There was also no handle built inside the shower door which meant all the water spilled onto the floor and the bathroom became flooded every single time we showered. The riad only comes with 100ml of hot water so not even enough to fill up a single bath tub - truly no point of a tub even being in the bathroom.
As far as the pillows they were replaced when asked which I do want to note (although this was so unprofessionally used against us when we brought up another issue - see below).
One of the things that shocked us was charging of the waters at dinner. To charge for water when a 3 course meal is included in your room rate is one thing but to charge an overpriced £4 per bottle for flat water is another. Suffice to say we were SHOCKED when we saw the bill at the end of our stay so do keep this in mind as they don’t make you aware of the drink prices prior (or during) your meal which truly left a bad taste in our mouths.
We had our laundry done and had several issues with the services and lack of communication. When we asked for a reimbursement (after one of our name brand jackets was returned to us visibly RUINED) the owner emailed us with accusation after accusation saying they went above and beyond with changing our pillows, and washing our sandy clothes - and more or less explained we weren’t entitled to have any concerns or negative feedback about our stay and that we ourselves ruined our jacket by ironing it. Comical response considering it’s a sport jacket made of nylon that has never seen or been touched by an iron. Zero accountability was taken but only blame and she begrudgingly reimbursed us for the laundry cost (that didn’t even cover the price of the jacket).
The service is an area that needs some SERIOUS improvement. Hesham who served was very rude and stand off-ish. He told us we couldn’t have a breakfast of choice but just a standard breakfast and didn’t give us any reason. (Could this be because of the “free” upgrade they so graciously gave us to our rooms only then to be used against us as leverage when we complained about the service? Hmm.) He was rude when my husband asked questions about the eggs and only addressed my husband when we entered into a room. I’m not sure if this is just apart of a religious culture but it’s pretty rude, regressive and degrading to westerners who just so happen to be a large percentage of tourists in Morocco.
This is by far the most expensive riad we’ve stayed in and also came with the most negatives unfortunately. I’m curious to know how the manager/owner will respond to this review as all future guests will also be reading it. I know I was completely dismayed by her private response to us over email!! We personally won’t be returning and share this to warn...
Read moreOur recent stay at Riad Mayfez was nothing short of exceptional. Nestled within the winding alleys of the Old Medina in Fez, this property offers an experience that feels both luxuriously boutique and deeply rooted in Moroccan heritage. But more than the beautiful setting or well-appointed rooms, what truly defines Riad Mayfez is the incredible service and hospitality.||A heartfelt thank you to the entire team, especially Mohammed who really came through for us and whose warmth and professionalism were ever-present, and a special shout-out to the gracious owner Dominique Laraqui, who ensures that every guest feels personally welcomed and cared for. ||The riad itself is stunning—a beautifully restored historic building with less than ten unique rooms, each blending the cultural richness of a traditional Moroccan riad with the thoughtful design and comfort of a European boutique hotel. Our suite was especially memorable, featuring a deck overlooking the heated pool, a cozy sitting area, desk, sleeping loft, and a spacious bathroom with a jacuzzi-style triangular tub and a luxurious shower—charmingly compact but with excellent water pressure.||Throughout the riad, there are charming salons perfect for quiet tea, cocktails, or reading, and rooftop terraces with sweeping views of the ancient medina. The property is filled with elegant touches and details that make it feel more like a private retreat than an impersonal place to sleep.||Dining at Riad Mayfez is another highlight. Gourmet meals, prepared exclusively for guests, are a true delight. You place your order in advance, allowing the kitchen to shop locally and cook fresh. The intimate dining space encourages you to schedule breakfast and dinner times, but even when we forgot, the staff accommodated us with grace and generosity. We highly recommend both the dinners and the breakfasts. However, should you choose to dine elsewhere, the staff is more than happy to not only recommend choices inside the Medina but went out of their way to make the arrangements and arrange the evening.||While the riad is not a large tourist hotel—and that’s a good thing—it does come with a few items to note. Be prepared to walk from your transportation drop off into the Medina but you if you notify the Riad, they will send someone to escort you the short ditance and take care of your luggage. (But know that there is virtually no way for a car to get inside the Medina regardless of where you are staying). Additionally, all rooms and suites are different and ours required that you walk up a staircases. Despite these elements, it is important that you remember that the experience is personal, not mass-produced. Everything from the pool (kept at a lovely temperature) to the potential spa experience (which we didn’t try, but trust would be meticulously curated) speaks to the care and thought that has gone into every detail.||Riad Mayfez offers a tremendously personal, peaceful, and pampered experience, unlike anywhere else we stayed on our Morocco vacation. It’s the kind of place that lingers in your memory long after you’ve left—intimate, refined, and...
Read moreMy husband and I spent four fabulous nights at the exquisite Riad Mayfez. A welcoming home from home tucked away in a quieter but central part of the medina. It offers peace and tranquility from the cacophony of the Medina. |Wonderfully restored, with the interiors furnished and decorated with an eclectic eye for detail. |The 7 suites surround and overlook a delightful and richly planted patio garden and pool.|The water was warm and soothing especially after a guided tour of the city.|Our suite Harar with a balcony overlooking the patio and Medina & beyond, had all the space and comfort we required.|Breakfasts got us off to a good start with a selection of freshly baked home made breads and conserves and freshly squeezed juices. Followed by eggs and more, to your liking. |Mayfez offers cookery lessons and I went for it. So a trip into the Medina food and spice shopping with the lovely talented chef, who then taught me how to cook a traditional three course Moroccan dinner. My husband said the lamb tagine and poached pear were delicious. I so enjoyed the cookery lesson.|The Riad organized our airport transfers, dinner reservations ( enjoyed Cafe Fez and the Ruined Garden which are on the doorstep, whilst the excellent Dar Roumana kindly sent a porter to escort us).|We did the Medina guided tour and our trip to Ifrane where I rode in the National park @ Atlas Crown Riding school. A big shout out to my instructor Youness who was great. My husband golfed at the nearby Michiflen Resort and he was equally impressed.|Finally I have to say the 'real piece de resistance' of Mayfez are the people that work there. Mohammed and Ms Houda and her cadre of ever smiling and ever willing staff who just can't do enough for you. |May you long continue to offer your guests the warm and exceptional service we received.|We cannot recommend this...
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