Tizwa means 'bee' in Arabic: it takes its name from brothers Daniel and Richard Bee who loved the Fes medina so much, they were inspired to open a hotel here. So they found a grand old family house of elegant proportions, and after an inspired restoration project it has become an ode to the decorative arts of Morocco: chiselled stucco, polished tadelakt, geometric woodwork, zellig and beijmat tiling, and ornate ironmongery.
Given the wealth of detail present in the fabric of the building, when it came to furnishing the riad the Bees kept things spare: a few low tables, easy chairs and potted plants in the soaring central patio; simple bench seats in the salon; Berber rugs in a rich hue of garnet, and uncluttered bedrooms. But despite the beauty of this décor, it's not the main draw. There are other, even more appealing elements. The views of the medina from Tizwa's terrace could not be bettered, the welcome is warm and genuine, breakfasts (served any time you want) are fabulous, and the 6 guest rooms come with a price tag which is way below similar ones in the medina.
Highs
- A great location just yards from Place Batha and the souks, with covered parking close by
- The riad is very quiet and has super-comfy beds so you'll sleep deeply
- Great for romantics: the central courtyard looks stunning at night when scented candles are lit
- Tizwa's crowning glory is its roof terrace, which takes in an amazing panoramic sweep of the medina and the Atlas mountains beyond
Lows
- The guest sitting room felt a little dark and uninviting, although with the seating in the courtyard there's no real need to use it
- No in-room safes
- Despite recent renovations, the rooms look a little tired, and some are quite dark
- Simple compared to some of Fes's more elaborate riads, but this is reflected in the price
Best time to go
Fes is a narcotic and life-changing place to visit at any time of the year. Tizwa's sliding roof and excellent heating system means you'd be comfortable here even if you coincided with colder weather. Most folk would find the heat of mid summer to be an ordeal so try to avoid coming in July or August.
Our top tips
Pack a guide with a map of the medina (though you should still expect to get lost), a comfortable pair of shoes, sunglasses and sunblock, an Arab phrase book with a decent section on food, an iPod if you plan to make use of your dock and maybe some photos or postcards of your home town: passing these around can be a great way of getting beyond the normal shopping talk.
- Boutique Riad
- 6 rooms
- Breakfast (+ dinners on request)
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
Rooms
Tizwa's 6 bedrooms are spread over 3 levels. They vary in size and configuration, but have lots of common features: ornate zellig tiles, coloured tadelakt (polished stucco) in bathrooms, garnet-coloured Berber rugs.
The size of the rooms, along with subtle lighting and an absence of clutter, creates a mood that invites relaxation. Light slants in from courtyard-facing windows past the arabesques of wrought-iron grilles and half moons of stained glass, creating pools of coloured light.
Opposite the sitting room, Room 5 is a large, high-ceilinged double, plenty big enough to slot in easy chairs and a table. Next door to this, Room 6 is the newest addition, and benefits from having a bath and a shower in its lovely bathroom. The first-floor rooms (2 and 3) also have high cedar ceilings plus zellig tiles on walls and floor, mostly of cobalt blue. Room 1 is the largest, spread across 2 floors with the bedroom on the lower level and a small dressing room and bathroom above this. On the top floor, Room 4 was our favourite. It has a really private feel with a big bathtub and double sinks set into a long sweep of marble. This and Room 1 are alone in having fireplaces: book one of these rooms should you visit in winter.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- WiFi
Eating
You come to expect delicious breakfasts in Morocco, and Tizwa's didn't let us down. With the sun bathing our table (there are umbrellas and a tent for shade in the hotter months) and the medina's roofscape stretching out before us, we were in no mood to rush. A potful of coffee was accompanied by freshly squeezed orange juice, creamy homemade yoghurt served with muesli and chopped fruit, fresh Moroccan bread, along with several different jams and pancakes drizzled in honey.
And we were glad that we chose to have dinner at Tizwa: if you plan to do the same, let Merieme know at breakfast. We emerged from our room to find dozens of candles twinkling round the courtyard and our table dressed in white linen and strewn with rose petals. The meal began with a selection of salads: scrumptious briouattes, ricotta cheese wrapped in mille-feuilles pastry, slices of lightly spiced fried aubergine and courgette, olives and scrummy fresh bread. This was followed by a beef, prune and almond tagine, and a dessert of sliced oranges sprinkled with rose water and crushed pecan nuts.
Just ask if you would prefer to dine on the roof terrace or in your own room. Tea and pastries are available any time, and there are plenty of restaurants within walking distance should you want a change of scene - The Ruined Garden and Cafe Fes are recommended.
Features include:
- Children's meals
- Restaurants nearby
Activities
- Try to find your way to the Place an-Nejjarine to visit the Museum of Arts and Crafts, and one of the city's most ancient funduqs. Tizwa has some trusted guides if you'd prefer company
- Cut through the medina to Bab Bou Jeloud or the Place As Seffarine and people-watch over mint tea from one of their many cafés
- Visit the tanneries to remind yourself that in some ways Fes has changed little in hundreds of years
- Take a day trip to Meknes and Volubilis, home to some of the world's best preserved Roman mosaics
- Shop 'til you drop: with patience and a sense of humour you're in a win-win situation when bargaining for handicrafts in the souks
- Experience the delights of a hammam: it's also a great way of meeting locals
- Jump in a petit taxi and head for the Fes El-Jdid neighbourhood. Don't miss the Jewish Cemetery and the Habarim synagogue
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Shopping / markets
Kids
Children are welcome and extra beds can be added to most rooms, but there are no baby cots.
Best for:
Children (4-12 years)
Family friendly accommodation:
Extra Beds Available
Babysitting:
By arrangement
Children's meals:
Menus can be adapted to suit children
Kids Activities nearby:
Exploring the souks would be an amazing experience for any kid although it might feel a wee bit intimidating at first.
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Riad Tizwa is the best area of Fes' medina - Batha. Fes is in the north of Morocco.
By Air
Fly into Fes Sais, which is served by several airlines. Alternatively, fly into Marrakech and take a 1-hour hopper flight.
From the Airport
Transfers can be arranged through the hotel, or you can jump in a taxi.
By Train
There are regular trains to Fes from Casablanca (4hrs), Tangiers (5hrs) and Marrakech (7hrs).
By Car
If you want to hire a car to explore other parts of Morocco see our car rental recommendations.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Fes, Sais 12.0 km FEZ
Other:
- Beach 130.0 km
- Shops 0.2 km
- Restaurant 0.2 km