Riad Myra

Guide to Gay Friendly Hotels in Fes Morocco (2024 Updated)

Moroccans are generally very tolerant people and tourists of all orientations are respected as long as local laws and customs are seen to be respected in return. Fes is a fantastic city and even if it’s a muslim country, people are tolerating the foreigner gay couples are there a few gay friendly hotels Fes.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Morocco face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Both male and female same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Morocco.

Article 489 of the Penal Code of Morocco criminalises “lewd or unnatural acts with an individual of the same sex”.Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Morocco and can be punished with anything from six months to three years’ imprisonment and a fine of 120 to 1,200 dirhams.The Moroccan government uses the law as a way to police members of the LGBT+ community.

Fes is a northeastern Moroccan city often referred to as the country’s cultural capital. It’s primarily known for its Fes El Bali walled medina, with medieval Marinid architecture, vibrant souks and old-world atmosphere. The medina is home to religious schools such as the 14th-century Bou Inania and Al Attarine, both decorated with elaborate cedar carvings and ornate tile work.

 Top attractions to visit in Fes are:

 

 Best Tours in Fez

See all tours in Fez on GetYourGuide.

 

 

1. Riad Anata 4* – Gay Friendly Riad Fes Morocco

Riad Anata
Riad Anata

Riad Anata is situated in Fes, less than a 10-minute walk from Pleace Batha. It features a contemporary and ethnic design, an interior patio with a plunge pool, a terrace with sun loungers and views of the Medina.

Each air-conditioned room is decorated with African art and has a view of the patio. They are decorated with Fez Zellige tiles and tadelakt walls. The private bathroom is complete with a bath or shower, bathrobes and free toiletries.

You can enjoy a selection of books in the reading area or watch TV in the traditional lounge. Continental breakfast is served daily, and you can enjoy traditional Moroccan meals in the dining area or on the terrace.

RIAD ANATA is an elegant, cozy, contemporary 5 rooms Boutique Hotel in Morocco-Fez, one of the four Morocco imperial cities, totally restored by Audrey Vermeersch – interior designer. Our five rooms are similar and decorated very tastefully in the color of their name. Rooms between 120€-140€ & Full renting in exclusivity between 575€-645€. We love to give a personal touch and go out of our way to make your stay as comfortable and pleasant as possible! Our team: Simohamed, Hassania, Said and Hanane are the ones who truly give Riad Anata that ultimate ‘home away from home’ feel.

Upon arrival, our guests receive a 24 pages TRAVEL BOOKLET with some great tips for excursions to places just outside Fez or our favorite wellness addresses, restaurants, ect… Fez has always been Morocco culinary capital, sign in for a COOKING CLASS and discover the secrets of the best Moroccan cuisine recipes in a genuinely relaxed atmosphere and enjoy a glass of Moroccan wine!

Riad anata feels more like being welcomed into a family than staying at a Riad. The rooms are exquisite, generally classic Moroccan tadelakt wall finishes with smooth natural whorls, filigree bronze lamps, artisan carved woodwork.
Breakfast includes best coffee in fes, homemade marmalade , honey infused with cardamon, fresh fes flatbreads and even chia!

We ate dinner there twice and the food was great- wholesome healthy tagines and couscous.
Siad and Mohammed walked us into the medina the first day and when finding a restaurant. Coffee was brought up to the terrace before dawn, all prompted by Siad.

Riad just outside the medina so you feel you are living with family. They even packed our breakfast in individual bags for our too early departure.

Speak great English,Spanish French and Arabic. Gay welcoming as well!

Riad Amata is a lovely find in Fes, situated on a super quiet and quite exclusive street in the Medina but only a few minutes walk from the hustle and bustle of the Blue Gate entrance to the Old Medina.

I found it to be an ideal size, small and intimate but with wonderful communal spaces on the rooftop terrace and downstairs courtyard; great for a group, wedding, reunion, “girl’s weekend”, etc. However it is well designed so that when I was in my room with the windows closed and blackout curtains drawn the feel is very private. The rooms are very pretty, well appointed and comfortable, equipped with AC and heaters. I am super picky about my bed and here the mattress and pillows were excellent with clean clean clean (can’t emphasize enough) fresh linens and towels. I am an architect and I found the bathrooms thoughtfully laid out with contemporary fixtures; tricky in a small area. The lighting in the rooms is very good with flexibility from low spot lighting to a fully lit room.

I love love love the rooftop terrace, there are amazing views, comfy banquettes and plenty of outlets so I could lounge around while on my laptop. While there I had the fortune of dinner being the “surplus” from the days’ cooking class; tagine of chicken with roasted almonds and apricots, mouton minestrone soup, layered pastry with honey and cinnamon and of course the ubiquitous Moroccan bread. Memorable. Breakfast too was a feast with fresh cheese, orange juice, omelet, pound cake, tea, coffee, homemade yogurt, m’smen.

Overall RiyadAnata is incredible value for under 135 Euros per night, it is not a “luxury” riyad which would charge way more, and for my experience, it delivers on all fronts. Beyond the actual comforts of the Riyad, just as importantly I found the service to be very good, not the over the top “white glove” of a luxury place, but attentive AND friendly, relaxed AND efficient. The staff seem truly happy and so perform effortlessly. Mohammed, the manager has been there a decade, there is low turnover, this is a notable achievement it shows that this Riyad is about more than just business. Valerie, the owner has done a remarkable thing of creating a warm, relaxed and inviting environment that works service-wise while treating staff with dignity. I highly recommend Riyad Amata, you won’t be disappointed.

Gay Friendly Hotels Fes
Gay Friendly Hotels Fes

How much does a room costs at Riad Anata ?

Prices start 140$/night for Azure Superior Double  Room. The Green Superior Double Room is  170$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples.

This air-conditioned room features a seating area and a view of the patio and includes a private bathroom with a bath, bathrobes and free toiletries.

Where to book online – Riad Anata – Gay Friendly Hotels Fes you can find the best hotels deals in Fes during World Sacred Music Festival which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Fes on Booking.com or  Trip.com  or Hotelscombined.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

 

2. Riad Myra 4* – Gay Friendly Hotels Fes Morocco

Riad Myra
Riad Myra

Ideally located in Fes, in the heart of the Medina, close to the French Institute, the guest house welcomes you in a cosy atmosphere.

Built in the early 1900, the Riad Myra has been renovated and restored by the best craftsmen in the town. The splendour is evident in its elegant and beautifully decorated rooms and suites. The original Moorish architecture style, a touch of English antique furniture and modern amenities are perfectly matched. The Riad features a large traditional patio, a terrace, a hammam as well as a restaurant and a Moroccan lounge.

The attentive staff welcomes you in a refined décor mixed with Moorish architecture. All has been designed to offer comfort, well-being and relaxation.

The splendor of Riad Myra is most evident in its elegant and beautifully decorated guest suites and rooms. We carefully ensured that the blend between original Moorish architectural style, a touch of English antique furniture and modern amenities are perfectly matched.
We had no idea what to expect from a guest house in Fes, moreso when we walked down a narrow alley getting to the front door. Don’t be put off — this is a beautiful, elegant, and comfortable hotel whose central atrium reminded us of the Gardner Museum in Boston. The included breakfast is terrific, but the one dinner we enjoyed at the hotel was one of our best meals in Morocco. Order the lamb tagine with prunes and almonds!!
There are several 2-person suites; ours was enormous, well-appointed, and comfortable with as nice a bathroom as we had anywhere we stayed in Morocco (including the Marriott in Marrakesh). Hotel staff speaks English and could not have been more helpful and welcoming. One caveat would be that we did visit in January which is the low season in Morocco; thus there were relatively few guests at the Riad Myra.
From the moment we arrived we were greeted with traditional Moroccan customs, delicious cuisine, and kindness beyond compare in a grand palatial room. The Riad was exquisitely restored and your stay was royal including the beautiful bedroom and modern bathroom. We also enjoyed an amazing Hammam spa experience that was beautiful and unforgettable.
The concierge women were so helpful organizing our daily tours, as well as making sure our every comfort was met with grace.
The location of this Riad is in the heart of the old Fez and surrounded by the Medina and souks allowing you to experience the traditional ancient life of Fessi people. This experience was exceptional and enjoyable beyond compare!
This Riad was magnificent. Just a few steps in any direction takes you to another world. Our room was spotlessly clean. Amazingly comfortable with all amenities one needs when travelling. We were surprised ti find a mini fridge in our room and of course a TV. All of the staff were lovely, courteous and very respectful. We highly recommend this Riad in Fez. You won’t be disappointed.
This is a delightful riad in the heart of the Medina. The rooms are spacious and superbly appointed. The bed was very comfortable and the shower was large with plenty of hot water. The courtyard on the ground floor was a lovely retreat and a very pleasant spot to start the day with breakfast.
The staff were fantastic: friendly, personable and helpful.
Riad Myra is a great place to stay in Fes. The rooms are large and somewhat spaced out, which allows for privacy. The bathrooms are huge with great showers. The heating in the room was a HUGE plus after a couple cold nights in Chefchaouen. Breakfast was excellent each morning and they also switched it up, which was nice for the palate! The dining room/courtyard is a gorgeous place to sit and relax.
Gay Friendly Hotels Fes
Gay Friendly Hotels Fes

How much does a room costs at Riad Myra ?

Prices start 144$/night for Standard Room. The Prestige Suite is  165$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples.

This is the largest suite in the Riad. It features a four-poster, cedar bed, a typical Moroccan living room, and a minibar.

Where to book online – Riad Myra – Gay Friendly Hotels Fes you can find the best hotels deals in Fes during World Sacred Music Festival which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Fes on Booking.com or  Trip.com  or Hotelscombined.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

 

3. Riad Fes – Relais & Châteaux 4* – Gay Friendly Hotels Fes Morocco

Riad Fes - Relais & Châteaux
Riad Fes – Relais & Châteaux

Located in the heart of Fes medina, this Riad is a 15 km drive from Fes International Airport. It offers air-conditioned rooms and suites with oriental furnishings, a pool and a panoramic terrace with views of the Atlas Mountains.

At the guest house every room is fitted with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with bathrobes and slippers. All units will provide guests with a desk and a kettle.

The Fes Riad’s restaurant serves authentic Moroccan and international cuisine. Meals can be served in the hotel’s dining room or on the roof-top terrace. Guests can also enjoy wine-tasting experience at the property.

Guests can relax in the outdoor swimming pool or hammam.

Riad Fes – Relais & Châteaux is renowned for its luxury, impeccable service and fine restaurant. Restored to its original glory, Riad Fès – Relais & Châteaux is located in the heart of the ancient city of Fez. It has succeeded in combining refinement with inspiration and invites you to relax and enjoy your stay in a serene atmosphere with decor reminiscent of Arabian Nights. Riad Fes provides guests with the opportunity to travel back in time and enjoy the splendour and authenticity of the lifestyle of Fassi nobility.

The prestigious history and refined civilization of this Imperial city are reflected in the Spanish Moorish architecture and attention to detail seen in the decor. With spectacular views of the Medina and the Atlas Mountains, Riad Fès – Relais & Châteaux is ideal for those travelling for business or pleasure.In the heart of a medieval city known for its diverse savory eateries, Riad Fès – Relais & Châteaux offers a fine dining restaurant that should not be missed when visiting Fez: l’Ambre. A haven of purity and tranquillity created by the designer Christophe Pillet, our Spa Riad Fès by Cinq Mondes invites you to enjoy a unique experience in luxurious and comfortable surroundings.

With a selection of the best treatments, massages and traditional formulas marked by Quality, Authenticity and Ceremony designed and developed by Cinq Mondes, our Spa will take you on genuine Sensoriel Journeys.Riad Fes – Relais & Chateaux offers tailored golf holidays to golf enthusiasts.

I stayed at the Riad Fes with a group of friends. We were 3 gay couples (6 people in total) and at the beginning we were a bit concerned whether they would give us bad looks or something. They were totally welcoming and they made our stay truly pleasant. The Riad is a stunning building from an old family in the city and the owner is still there running the place and welcoming guests with the old splendour grace of a bygone era.

Once you are in the heart of city, you will not guess where this amazing luxury property is . You have to travel through the narrow lanes to enter this property using a local porter to carry your luggage as Cars do not enter these places .

This majestic palace has a typical Spanish Moorish Architecture , with the bar overlooking the pool in the midst of the hotel . Beautiful hammams , massages fountains & smoking rooms & a trendy lounge bar overlooking the swimming pool in the garden . A world of old charm and convenience combined delightfully.

They have a great dining place and each room is unique , an amazing view of the Atlas Mountains.

This Riad was probably the most beautiful place we stayed in all of Morocco. The rooms were clean and beautiful. The staff was amazing and always willing to help. Prior to arriving to Fes, we made arrangements with the hotel on getting a transport to the hotel. This is highly recommended for all travellers as the Medina is pretty confusing and you would not want to be rolling your luggage through narrow alleyways around trying to find the Riad.

A wonderful, sophisticated and welcoming riad hotel within Fes’ medina walls. The main hall of the hotel is stunning and intricately decorated riad style. Other parts of the hotel are also beautiful, between contemporary and traditional.

The junior suite we had was spacious and very comfortable. Contemporary style and a quiet haven amidst all the hustle and bustle outside. There is a sky bar with lovely panoramic views over Fes. Lovely to watch sunset with a sundowner cocktail!

Dinner at the courtyard is also a highlight, with soft oud guitar music played at the background. Staff are also friendly, welcoming and attentive. Thank you very much for the wonderful stay.

he Riad has a very beautiful ‘ Riad ´ , which is a beautiful hall in the middle of the building with fountains and trees decorated in a breathtaking Moroccan style , the people at the reception were very welcoming , our room was located in the rooftop, when you reach the rooftop you have to take 11 stairs up and then 11 stairs down ( these metal stairs have been added lately to step to another roof) , the room was spacious ( we booked a suite) but is was decorated in black ( curtains , bed , sofas , and carbet ) I thought it could be better if it was not that black but this is a personal preference.

Riad Fes is hands down the most beautiful hotel we’ve ever stayed in and was an incredible way to end our week in Morocco. A car drops you at a stone alleyway and you wind your way through multiple turns to get to the entrance, which adds to the experience when you are buzzed through and enter the magnificent, tiled atrium.

Riad Fes is made up of multiple connected buildings, and we were shown around the property, which is stunning at every turn. The suite was incredible, huge ceilings, tall windows overlooking two different atriums, and not one, but two exquisite bathrooms. There were plenty of spots to hang clothing or set things on shelves.  We ate two dinners and two breakfasts there, and the food was delicious and the staff friendly and courteous. Riad Fes has now set a new bar for us, completely delightful in every way.

Gay Friendly Hotels Fes
Gay Friendly Hotels Fes

How much does a room costs at Riad Fes – Relais & Châteaux ?

Prices start 280$/night for Standard Double Room. The Royal Suite is  2700$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples.

Decorated in traditional, Moroccan style, this suite features a living room and a spacious, tadelakt bathroom. It offers views of the Riad’s garden, pool and fountain.

Where to book online – Riad Fes – Relais & Châteaux – Gay Friendly Hotels Fez you can find the best hotels deals in Fes during World Sacred Music Festival which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Fes on Booking.com  or  Trip.com  or Hotelscombined.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

 

by Sorin

Sorin is a freelance travel writer. He is an experienced travel writer and traveller. Since 2012 he explored more than 60 countries on 4 continents: Asia, Europe, Africa and North America. Currently is based in Romania after spending the last 7 years in Myanmar.