Riad Laaroussa is a stunning 17th-century palace nestled in the heart of the Fez Medina. Once the residence of the Minister of War, Mehdi Mnebhi, this historic property later served as a Koranic school before falling into disrepair. In 2005, it was rescued by the Sola family, who spent 18 months meticulously restoring the building with the help of local artisans to preserve its regal character.
The Riad is rich with authentic Moroccan details. Guests can admire original zellij mosaic floors, intricate hand-carved plasterwork, and majestic cedarwood ceilings. A peaceful central courtyard, shaded by orange trees and centered around a traditional fountain, offers a serene escape from the bustling city streets.
Unique design touches blend Moroccan heritage with eclectic global influences, featuring silk textiles, brass accents, and hand-crafted furniture from Asia. The property also boasts a relaxing hammam, a courtyard pool, and a rooftop terrace that provides sweeping, panoramic views of the ancient Medina skyline.
Staying here puts you steps away from iconic landmarks. You are within walking distance of the historic Medersa Bou-Inania, the famous Blue Gate (Bab Boujloud), and the University of Al Quaraouiyine, the oldest continuously operating university in the world.
The name “Laaroussa,” meaning “bride,” honors an ancestor of the owner who was affectionately known as “Mama Laaroussa.” Today, the Riad remains a family-run gem, offering personalized hospitality that makes visitors feel less like guests and more like part of the household.
Expert reviews
“Built around a lush courtyard garden—a tranquil oasis from the medina’s mayhem right on the doorstep—this 17th-century palace had fallen into disrepair before being rescued and rebuilt by its French-American owners, utilizing the skills of the city’s finest craftsmen.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Fez.
“The warm hospitality of the French-American owners creates a pleasantly relaxed atmosphere at Riad Laaroussa, which they created from a ramshackle 17th-century palace in the medina. The palace’s painstakingly restored mosaics, woodwork and archways are the backdrop of the magnificent interiors here. Several rooms have working fireplaces.”
Shortlisted in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Fez, Morocco.
“The ultimate riad fantasy, hidden away in the heart of the Fez medina. A family home where children and dogs roam a courtyard filled with orange trees and days can be spent lolling by a turquoise pool, or on a roof terrace with views that make your heart skip a beat.”
What guests liked
- Pool area
- Friendly staff
- Perfect location
- Beautiful place
- Excellent Wifi
- Comfortable beds
Location
Recent guest reviews
4 February 2026
Excellent stay in Fes, staff and room were great
Great selection and options
Staff were great as well
Pool was closed
3 January 2026
We are very happy about the stay at this beautiful property. It well exceeded our expectations and we will definitely st
Friendly staff, beautiful property, great services
Nothing
8 December 2025
Terrific property and staff
It was a wonderful property made perfect by the wonderful staff. The manager, Othmane was absolutely terrific and he ensured our stay was memorable . I would highly recommend this Riad.
nil
1 November 2025
Goregous Riad. Amazing location. Stunning rooftop terrace.
Beautiful Riad with an amazing garden. The room was on the main level. It was spacious with a soaring ceiling and an amazing bathroom.
The green room specifically is located under the stairs everyone takes to access the upstairs rooms and rooftop terrace. The noise of people on the stairs echoes loudly through the room.
28 October 2025
The most gorgeous Riad in Fez
This was possibly the most beautiful Riad that we stayed in across our three weeks in Morocco. The central courtyard was stunning - including the resident turtles - and our room was equally impressive. Although I would admit we stayed in probably the most expensive suite in the hotel (the Terrace Suite). The restaurant on the roof was also very beautiful.
The only fly in the ointment, and I suspect it was a error by Booking.com rather than the Riad, but for one night one of our rooms (we were two couples) was double booked. But the hotel was very swift in correcting the problem and making up for it. so yes there was a 'blip' but they recovered extremely well.
11 October 2025
Beautifully designed Riad with great staff and a lovely pool.
Loved the decor of the hotel, the unique rooms, the pool and terraces. The riad is actually several riads stitched together beautifully with a lovely central courtyard. They helped arranged a tour and made it extremely easy to park and have our luggage taken to the riad when we arrived and departed. The terrace room we had was absolutely amazing.
Dinner was just ok.
21 September 2025
Good location! Staff is friendly and helpful. Highly recommend!
Staff are nice and super helpful. Decor of the hotel is very beautiful! Room was clean and comfortable.
Nothing
14 September 2025
We had a wonderful time at Laaroussa!
The owner has done a remarkable job restoring the Riad to its original charm. The décor, especially the red room, was stunning, and every common space had its own unique character. From the reception area to the salon, we truly appreciated the artistic details. Surrounded by trees and water features, the atmosphere was serene and peaceful. The food was excellent as well. My wife and I regret not leaving a tip before we rushed off to catch our flight, but we look forward to returning—and this time, we’ll be sure to thank the staff properly.
At times, the staff would gather together, and the conversations could get a little loud. However, they remained very professional and attentive when serving guests.
10 September 2025
Totally Exceeds Expectations!
The riad is beautiful and stylishly decorated. The swimming pool is delightful and the staff was super attentive. They were able to arrange car services for us. The in-house restaurant was great.
24 August 2025
Accommodation and staff made me feel like I was at home.
Staff is wonderful
Food is yummy
Location is perfect
Architecture/decor is the perfect blend of tradition and modernity.
There is nothing I did not like
4 August 2025
A beautiful Riad in a convenient location with wonderful staff and a great pool.
The staff were wonderful, the rooms were very spacious and the large pool was so nice to come home to after a day out exploring. The food at Bistro Laaroussa was delicious and the fact that they provided a guide to walk with us if we were eating out somewhere new, was so appreciated and such a great service. I would definitely stay here again and highly recommend it.
27 June 2025
I have traveled all over the world and this was absolutely one of the most beautiful experiences of my life, the staff w
All
17 June 2025
Great riad, beautifully decorated, nice staff and good location
Great riad, beautifully decorated, nice staff and good location
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16 June 2025
It has it all
It has it all
Special thanx to the front disc girls fatema hajer and gayta they made our stay even better
Location / comfort / food / swiming pool all are great
The kids loved it and donot forget to take pic in every
Corner ❤️ it was magical
14 June 2025
A wonderful place in Fes
Esperienza autentica di charme e confort
14 June 2025
Perfection amidst the chaos
The design and decorations are very stylish. The facilities are superb. The manager will get out of his way to make every client happy and served. We slept in and missed out on the breakfast but as soon as he found out we missed our breakfast, in less than 5 mins, he was knocking on our door offering breakfast. I would return only for that exceptional care and service.
The entire hotel was perfect but the medina and the location of the riad was challenging to find.
10 June 2025
A gem in Fez' Medina
Riad Larousse is magnificent, renovated with taste, a gem of a place within Fez' Medina (location is exceptional btw). Rooms are spacious and beds super comfortable, the garden is an invitation to chill and relax, and the pool the best place to spend your afternoon on hot day! You could just spend days and days in there, relaxing by the pool, being pampered at the Spa or reading one of all those books available in the Riad. Special mention for the outstanding service: staff is helpful, nice and always ready to help.
2 June 2025
A stunning Riad with exceptional service
A beautifully restored ryad in a great location. The staff, particularly Othmane, made it exceptional. Nothing was too much trouble and he went out of his way to be helpful and kind to us and our kids. Could not recommend more highly.
28 May 2025
A Gem in Fes!!
Everything was wonderful. The staff, the room, the food. Every detail was considered and it shows. The best place I have stayed in Morocco. Ottoman (sp?) is a wonderful manager and cares about the quality of his work and takes time to check in with guests to make sure they are comfortable. He is the epitome of hospitality and every single staff member I interacted with was warm, caring, and genuine. Can’t say enough wonderful things about this place and I will recommend to everyone I know. Thank you so, so much!
I wish I stayed longer.
2 May 2025
Must stay in Fez Medina!
What a lovely experience! We would definitely recommend Riad Laaroussa.. one of the most beautiful hotels we’ve been to with lovely staff, lovely breakfast, wonderful rooftop,… Bonus: the full staff was extremely kind for our 1yo babygirl. We hope to come back in the future
2 May 2025
Are studying and beautiful Hotel that has been thoughtfully furnished with every traveler need care for. Don’t miss out
Rooms and restaurant were both amazing
Nothing
30 April 2025
If I return to Fez, this will be my home.
Everything but the shower.
The water pressure in the shower was too low, and the fluctuating water temperature made showers quite uncomfortable. However, this wasn't a problem in other parts of the bathroom, such as the sink or bathtub.
28 April 2025
Perfect stay in Fes.
Magical riad - beautifully decorated with huge rooms - in a great location in the Medina. Wonderful staff. Lovely rooftop restaurant, gorgeous pool. Couldn't recommend more!
Nothing!
7 April 2025
A magnificently appointed Riad run by lovely staff
The breakfast setting on the rooftop!
29 March 2025
A bit of paradise in Fes!
Laaroussa is the most gorgeous riad with wonderful staff, excellent food and stunning rooms and public areas. The pretty courtyard and exotic gardens around the pool were lovely places to spend time in. We loved it!
Nothing
24 March 2025
A beautiful and peaceful riad
Fantastic room, like nothing we’ve ever stayed in… really gorgeous and huge (green suite). We had the fire lit most nights, which added to the ambience. The pool was lovely, and the staff were exceptional. Special thanks to Rita and osman for looking after us so well.
Nothing
4 March 2025
Excellent stay in Fez.
Excellent Riad located in the heart of the medina. Upon arriving by car, a porter was sent to pick us up and to help transport our luggage through the alleyways, which was extremely helpful. Once entering Riad Laaroussa, you will become overwhelmed with a sense of calmness and tranquility…the staff exceeded all our expectations with their friendliness and attention to detail. The Blue Room was so very beautiful and clean. Breakfast on the rooftop is not to be missed. Cannot recommend Riad Laaroussa enough!
Water pressure in the shower could be stronger but is a minor issue.
1 January 2025
We loved it all
It was bueatiful and the staff were gracious and helpful
Nothing
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Special diet menus (on request)
- - Wine/champagne
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Family rooms
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Packed lunches
- - Car hire
- - Heating
- - Air conditioning
- - Shuttle service (additional charge)
- - Airport shuttle (additional charge)
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Concierge service
- - Invoice provided
Activities
- - Golf course (within 3 km) (additional charge)
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Hammam (additional charge)
- - Spa facilities
- - Walking tours (additional charge)
- - Tour or class about local culture (additional charge)
- - Cooking class
- - Live music/performance
Outdoors
- - Garden
- - Terrace
- - Outdoor pool
- - Sun terrace
- - Outdoor pool (all year)
- - Outdoor furniture
Entertainment & family services
- - Babysitting/child services
- - Board games/puzzles
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Ironing service
- - Daily housekeeping
Business facilities
- - Fax/photocopying
Pool and wellness
- - Heated pool
- - Pool cover
- - Sun loungers or beach chairs
- - Sun umbrellas
- - Swimming pool
Transport
- - Airport pick up (additional charge)
- - Airport drop off (additional charge)
Miscellaneous
- - Smoke alarms
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Access to health care professionals

More photos

11 February 2026
This was the best accommodations through our travels in Morocco. The staff went above and beyond in every way possible.