Disclosure: we paid for half of our nights here, and the other half was a collaboration with the riad. Opinions are our own.
We stayed at Riad Borj Dhab in June 2017 with Damian (4) and Marc (1). It now trades as Riad-Boutique Borj Dhab Fez, at 10 Derb Borj Dhab in the R’cif area of the medina. If you’re searching for “Riad Dar Borj”, this is very likely the one. It’s the place that convinced me a riad can work with very small kids, as long as you know about the stairs.
Quick verdict
- Best for: families who want the real medina experience with staff who’ll help with everything.
- The standout: the service. Mint tea on arrival, an early breakfast when we asked, milk for the boys late at night.
- Know before you book: our family suite was on two levels, which means stairs inside the room with a crawling baby.
- Would we stay again? Yes.
Riad-Boutique Borj Dhab Fez – medina riad, family suite with a cot, 50 m from a taxi stop.
Getting there: airport transfer and the walk in
The riad arranged our transfer from Fès–Saïss airport for €15, about 25–30 minutes. Cars can’t enter the medina, so the driver stops at the nearest point and a member of staff walks you to the door. They do this for every guest, and with a stroller, two kids and bags it’s not optional. The riad is about 50 m from a taxi stop and 30 m from a food market.
First impressions
From the alley you see a door. Inside there’s a tiled courtyard with a fountain, carved wood, and three floors around the open centre. The noise of the medina disappears the moment the door closes. We were welcomed with Moroccan mint tea and sweets, which were gone in about a minute.
The family suite
Our family suite had a king bed, a single bed and a cot, split over two levels with high ceilings. The beds and linen were excellent and housekeeping was spotless. The bathroom worked well for four of us. The one thing to know with a baby: the split level means stairs inside the room. We managed, but if your child has just started climbing, ask for a single-level room.
Feeling like an Arabian princess.
Breakfast
Breakfast is included, served from 8:00 to 11:00 in a small private room that feels like a family living room. Our body clocks were an hour off, so we asked for it earlier, and it was ready.
The staff (the reason to book)
The manager, Saladin, handled everything before we arrived. One evening we came back late and hungry and the kitchen had closed, so Nour brought milk and sweets for the boys. Another night we asked for soup, and it was waiting when we got back. Hanane went with my husband to the market to help him choose fruit. And my henna, which lasted three weeks, was done by the staff while we waited for the airport transfer.
Liked and didn’t like
Liked: the service, the location close to a taxi stop, the courtyard calm, the beds, the early breakfast.
Didn’t like: stairs everywhere, inside the room and up to the terrace, which is the nature of a riad but tiring with a stroller and a toddler.
Who should book it?
Families with kids old enough to manage stairs, or parents with a baby carrier, who want a real riad rather than a hotel. If you need a pool for hot afternoons, look at a bigger medina riad. Our other picks are in our Fez with kids guide.
Planning the rest: Morocco with toddlers · Volubilis day trip from Fez
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Riad Borj Dhab Fez: FAQ
Is Riad Borj Dhab the same as Riad-Boutique Borj Dhab Fez?
Yes. The riad we stayed at in 2017 now trades as Riad-Boutique Borj Dhab Fez, at 10 Derb Borj Dhab in the Fez medina.
Is Riad Borj Dhab good for families with kids?
Yes. We stayed with a 4-year-old and a 1-year-old in a family suite with a cot. The only drawback with a baby is the stairs.
Does Riad Borj Dhab offer an airport transfer?
Yes. In 2017 the transfer from Fès–Saïss airport cost €15 and took about 25–30 minutes.
Is breakfast included at Riad Borj Dhab?
Yes, breakfast was included, served from 8:00 to 11:00, and staff served it earlier when we asked.
