More photosIn the ancient medina of Fez, Riad Jardin des Biehn occupies what was once the summer palace of Pasha Si Tayeb El Mokri, a powerful statesman who transformed the property around 1906. After decades of decline, the estate was carefully restored by French antique dealer Michel Biehn and his wife Catherine, who spent years bringing the historic buildings and gardens back to life.
One of the riad’s most distinctive features is its lush Andalusian garden, a rare green sanctuary in the heart of the medina. Fragrant with orange blossom, jasmine and roses, the garden wraps around the palace buildings and creates a peaceful contrast to the lively streets outside. A small pool, hidden courtyards and the restored hammam add to the sense of retreat.
Michel Biehn’s background as an antique dealer shaped the hotel’s character. Rooms and suites are filled with carefully collected antiques, textiles and artworks gathered during his travels, giving each space a different personality rather than a standard luxury-hotel look.
History enthusiasts may enjoy knowing that Pasha El Mokri was famed for his love of music and technology. He reportedly installed an elaborate hydraulic sound system in his palace and was among the first people in Morocco to own a grand piano.
The riad is also well placed for exploring Fez. The famous Bab Bou Jeloud, the labyrinthine medina and landmarks such as Al-Attarine Madrasa and Chouara Tannery are all within easy reach.
Expert reviews
“Attracting a global clientele, this maison d’hôtes with a French flavor is a serene experience from the moment you step through the ocher-color passageway into the luxuriant garden filled with sweet-scented jasmine and roses, as well as olive and citrus trees.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Fez.
“A secret garden in the heart of the medina; this tranquil riad is a lush, green oasis far from the fray. This characterful property was once a retreat for the pasha of Casablanca. Facilities include a mini art gallery, and colourful suites feature Uzbek textiles and Indian quilts.”
What guests liked
- Top location
- Friendly staff
- Garden
- Swimming pool
Location
Recent guest reviews
3 May 2026
Exceptional
31 December 2025
Exceptional
26 November 2025
Exceptional
5 August 2025
Very good
3 April 2025
Exceptional
19 February 2025
Very good
8 January 2025
Very good
23 October 2024
Exceptional
14 May 2024
Exceptional
3 May 2024
I enjoyed my stay, but I would look for another hotel if I came back to Fes
The staff at the property were all very friendly and good at their jobs
It is showing its age needs a bit of love
30 April 2024
Enjoyed our two nights in quiet garden Riad paying high price.
Clean, bright room. Good location within the Fez Medina, lovely garden. Very average breakfast which must be superior for the hotel charge. This was most expensive Riad on our trip for two weeks.
Far too expensive room rate per night. Very marginal breakfast and coffee. Need more food choices and fruit at breakfast for Americans.
22 February 2024
We will come back !
The staff, the garden the Saturday dinner/show
Smell in the room
30 December 2023
Made by the excellent staff
Location and facilities
29 September 2023
A French-Moroccan Oasis in the Fez Medina
Excellent staff and Paul the family owner was delightful and helpful. A lovely blend of french design and moroccan style. The tropical garden is a special plus.
17 August 2023
Exceptional
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Special diet menus (on request)
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Fruits
- - Coffee house on site
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Safety deposit box
- - Packed lunches
- - Heating
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Designated smoking area
- - Shuttle service (additional charge)
- - Airport shuttle (additional charge)
- - Shared lounge/TV area
- - Adults only
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Fax/photocopying
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Tour desk
- - Concierge service
- - Private check-in/check-out
- - Invoice provided
Activities
- - Golf course (within 3 km) (additional charge)
- - Games room
- - Spa and wellness centre (additional charge)
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Billiards
- - Table tennis
- - Hammam (additional charge)
- - Beauty services
- - Facial treatments
- - Waxing services
- - Manicure
- - Pedicure
- - Body treatments
- - Body scrub
- - Spa facilities
- - Steam room
- - Spa lounge/relaxation area
- - Foot bath
- - Spa/wellness packages
- - Back massage
- - Neck massage
- - Foot massage
- - Head massage
- - Hand massage
- - Full body massage
- - Personal trainer
- - Temporary art galleries
- - Movie nights
- - Cooking class (additional charge)
- - Live sport events (broadcast)
Outdoors
- - Garden
- - Terrace
- - Outdoor pool
- - Sun terrace
- - Outdoor pool (all year)
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Trouser press (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Pool and wellness
- - Infinity pool
- - Heated pool
- - Sun loungers or beach chairs
- - Sun umbrellas
- - Swimming pool
- - Swimming pool
Transport
- - Airport pick up (additional charge)
- - Airport drop off (additional charge)
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key access
- - Security alarm
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Face masks for guests available
Other Fez hotels
Hotel Sahrai, Fez
Hotel Sahrai, whose name is derived from the Moroccan word for magic, is a stunning boutique retreat perched on a hillside in Fez. The property stands on the historic site of Marshal Lyautey’s former summer palace, and its design cleverly honors this past by revisiting the grand archways that once adorned the original structure.
Lonely Planet“On a hill near the Ville Nouvelle, this smart hotel is a world of its own, a retreat with style, space, a spa and restaurants – though you can dip into the medina on the hotel shuttle. Breezy modern architecture is trimmed with beautiful traditional Fassi decorations; understated rooms feature sunken tubs.”
Dar Roumana, Fez
Dar Roumana is one of those places in Fez that feels more like a beautifully preserved home than a hotel. Built in the late 19th century by the Arfaoui family, who were prominent olive oil merchants, the house remained a family residence for generations before being transformed into a boutique riad. Its name means “House of the Pomegranate,” a nod to the pomegranate trees that once gave the surrounding Zkak Roumane neighborhood its character.
Fodors + 1 more“The House of the Pomegranate is a sumptuously restored residence, with four stunning suites that showcase the work of Fez’s famous artisans in their carved cedarwood doors and lofty ceilings, mosaic tile floors, and intricate plasterwork.”
Algilà Riad, Fez
Algilà Fès is a stunning boutique riad located in the heart of the ancient Fes el-Bali medina. It is composed of three beautifully restored 18th-century residences, which have been thoughtfully connected to create a peaceful sanctuary. By blending traditional Moroccan architecture with modern comforts, the hotel preserves the historic integrity of the original structures while offering a refined guest experience.
Lonely Planet“An air of peace pervades the three linked houses that make up this riad. The 12 rooms (four around each courtyard) are like little jewel boxes, with traditional mosaics and antique cloisonné furniture. Meals can be taken on the roof terrace, though views are limited.”
Riad Idrissy, Fez
Riad Idrissy is one of those places in Fez that feels less like a hotel and more like a beautifully preserved chapter of the city’s history. Housed in a restored 400-year-old mansion in the heart of the ancient medina, the riad opened to guests in 2012 after a painstaking six-year restoration that brought its traditional Fassi architecture back to life. Its soaring courtyard, intricate zellij tilework, carved cedarwood and delicate stucco details showcase the craftsmanship for which Fez is famous.
Fodors + 1 more“Meticulously restored, this delightful riad’s triple-height courtyard and five rooms are resplendent with dazzling zellij tiles and ornate stuccowork. It’s been beautifully furnished with antiques from all over the country, but the comforts are contemporary, with rain showers in the en suite bathrooms and free Wi-Fi throughout.”
31 May 2026
Fabulous