Moroccan design meets modern luxury at the Sofitel Fes Palais Jamai. Stained glass accents, Moroccan lanterns, and abundant tile and woodwork fill the halls of this distinguished hotel, which used to be a palace, dating back to 1879. The most impressive parts of the hotel are the public spaces and the suites. Filled with opulent Moroccan design accents and imperial furniture, the most ornate suite, complete with secret passageways, has housed the king of Morocco himself.
Design and Style
Guests are greeted by a red carpet, flanked by fountains and palm trees, that leads though the front doors into a lobby filled with intricate patterns every direction you turn. From the ceramic mosaic tilework (zellij) lining the walls to the beautiful stone carvings showcasing decorative Arabic characters, this hotel is a feast for the eyes. Abundant chandeliers showcase patterned, high ceilings and carved gold accents set among deep, jewelled tones.
Verdict: Excellent
Location, Location, Location!
This former imperial capital is the second largest city in Morocco, comprising of three main districts: Fes-Jdid (home of the Mellah, or Jewish ghetto), the Ville Nouvelle (the new section of the city built by the French), and Fes el Bali (the old walled city, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Sofitel is perched at the edge of Fes el Bali, right along the city gates. The location is a bit isolated, although it affords splendid views.
Verdict: Good
Culinary Prowess
There are three restaurants, the most entertaining being at the Al Fassia, where a bellydancer performs and Moroccan cuisine is served. The other restaurants serve unremarkable international cuisine with an emphasis on French cooking.
Verdict: Average
Amenities
With all the standard comforts of a large hotel chain, Sofitel has all the modern trimmings: Wi-Fi, a spa, fitness center, meeting facilities, restaurants, a jazz bar, 24-hour room service, manicured gardens and the usual features. Best of all the hotel has a large pool, perfect for cooling off after an exhausting day of sightseeing.
Verdict: Excellent
A Room With a View
I doubt there is a hotel in Fes that can beat the views at Sofitel. Rising over the sprawl of the medina (the walled old city), the rooms with medina views face directly over the maze of thousands of tangled alleys and twisting streets that make up the largest medina in the world.
Verdict: Excellent
What We Didn't Like
The hotel is old, and it’s feeling its age. This is most apparent in the guest room toilets (ours had a foul smell, although the separate shower room was quite luxurious with its patterned tile, L’Occitane bath products, and modern fixtures).
Bab Guissa, 30000 Fes, Morocco
Tel: (+212)535/634331
* Media discounts were received for portions of this stay.
Gayle Wheatley - Gayle Wheatley is a professional writer, designer, and artist based in Los Angeles, and the founder of Culture Vixen magazine.
