Escape to Paradise: Fes's Palais Riad Reda & Spa Awaits!
Escape to Paradise? More Like a Whirlwind in Fes: Riad Reda – My Honest Take
Okay, folks, let's be real. Vacation planning is a minefield. You scroll, you dream, you click… and then you pray. I just got back from Fes, Morocco, and stayed at the Palais Riad Reda & Spa. "Palais"? Sounds fancy, right? Let's dissect this experience because honestly, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Think less "One Thousand and One Nights" and more "One Thousand and One Tiny Annoyances" at times. But hey, that's travel, right?
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Okay, enough corporate babble. Let's dive in!
Accessibility: The Big Question
I'm going to be brutally honest upfront: if you're strictly looking for a fully accessible experience, this isn't it. The website hints at facilities for disabled guests, but… ugh, a mixed bag. The description mentions Facilities for disabled guests. And it mentions a Elevator. The elevator? Well, it's there, technically. But it's older and a tight squeeze. Getting my suitcase, let alone a wheelchair, in and out was an Olympic sport. And don’t even think about navigating the uneven cobblestone courtyards with ease. My poor friend (a wheelchair user) spent a lot of time getting "assistance" from friendly staff. Bless their hearts, but it slowed everything down. It's okay, I guess, if you're flexible and have good company. If you're expecting perfection, lower your expectations.
Rooms: Comfort, with a Side of Quirks
The rooms themselves? Okay, much better. My room had Air conditioning, Complimentary tea, a Coffee/tea maker (essential in my book!), and even a Laptop workspace. And, oh happy day, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (The website boasts about Internet access – wireless, so I was happy it was as advertised!) The extra long bed? Yes, please. The Bathrobes were a nice touch. But… the soundproofing wasn't quite up to snuff. I could sometimes hear conversations from the hallway. And the blackout curtains weren’t completely blackout. I like the Additional toilet. The Slippers and Towels were good quality and fresh. The Bathroom phone? I think that's a bit old fashioned. I'd rather use my own cell phone. They could also up their toiletry game—the Toiletries provided were…basic. My main gripe was the hair dryer. It was like something from the Stone Age.
Dining & Drinking: A Feast for the Eyes, Sometimes a Letdown for the Tummy:
The Restaurants were undeniably beautiful. Seriously, jaw-dropping architecture. The Breakfast [buffet] had a Western breakfast option but also Asian breakfast and Asian cuisine in restaurant. Salad in restaurant offerings were excellent. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was decent. But what about the Soup in restaurant? I didn't try it, so I can't say. The Happy hour was a welcome touch. The Poolside bar was fantastic, sipping a mint tea. BUT… the a la carte in restaurant choices felt a tad limited after a few days. And sometimes, the service felt a bit…slow. Okay, very slow. One night, I swear, I aged a decade waiting for my dessert. The Bottle of water was always appreciated. I wish they'd let me know the price of the Room service [24-hour] food before it came, as it was quite expensive. I'm not sure what happened about the Cashless payment service. I just used my credit card and paid on my bill.
Spa & Relaxation: The Saving Grace, Mostly
Okay, THIS is where Riad Reda shines. The Spa? Pure bliss. I'm still dreaming of the Massage – it was divine, probably the best part of my stay. I indulged in a Body scrub and Body wrap combination. The Pool with view was breathtaking, especially at sunset. The Sauna, Steamroom, and Foot bath were all lovely additions, although I skipped on Gym/fitness. I saw the Swimming pool was open and I'm glad I got to use it. It made me relax. The Spa/sauna area was clean and well-maintained. It was a great way to unwind after a day of exploring the souks. The Couple's room looked tempting, but I went solo. Maybe next time.
Cleanliness, Safety & the Pandemic Shuffle:
They Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, Staff trained in safety protocol, and Rooms sanitized between stays. I felt reasonably safe, despite the general chaos of Fes. The Safe dining setup was appreciated. And the staff wore Hygiene certification. I was okay with the Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, I have no complaints. The Rooms sanitized between stays was a bonus, although I don't really care about the Room sanitization opt-out available, I couldn't opt out. There was also Individually-wrapped food options.
Things to Do & Get Around:
They didn't fail me on the basic front: Daily housekeeping, 24-hour Front desk, Concierge, and Luggage storage. They had Car park [free of charge]. I used their Airport transfer service, which was reliable, if a little expensive. They offer Taxi service, as well. The Car park [on-site] and Valet parking are available. The Car power charging station wasn't something I used. The Cash withdrawal on site was cool. They had Gift/souvenir shop. The Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service were all available. The Elevator (again, not the most accessible, but present) was a plus. They also offer Babysitting service and are Family/child friendly, as well.
The Tiny Annoyances (Because No Place is Perfect):
The Internet access – LAN (wired internet) wasn't usable. The Doorman was friendly, but sometimes slow to respond. The Air conditioning in public area did not always work well. The Elevator was, again, a bit of a hassle for people with mobility issues. I was promised a Wake-up service that never happened. The On-demand movies…well, let's just say the selection wasn’t exactly blockbuster material. The Safe dining setup was a good idea. I'm not sure I liked the Alternative meal arrangement I got.
The Verdict: Worth It? Maybe. With Caveats.
Look, Palais Riad Reda & Spa is beautiful. The spa is a heavenly escape. The staff, for the most part, are lovely. But the accessibility issues were a major downer. The dining, while visually stunning, was hit or miss. If you're looking for a flawless, pampered experience, I’d say temper expectations. If you're willing to embrace the imperfections, the charm, and accept some minor inconveniences. The quirks that come with a truly authentic Moroccan experience, then Palais Riad Reda & Spa could offer a memorable adventure. Just pack your patience – and maybe a good book for those inevitable wait times.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars (deducting points for accessibility, slow service, and minor glitches). Would I return? Maybe. But I'd definitely call ahead and ask about those Amenities… or lack thereof.
Important Note: This review is based on my personal experience and may not reflect every guest's experience.
Escape to Paradise: Thailand's Hidden Lake Gem in Suphan Buri!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average perfectly curated travel blog. This is… me, in Fes, Morocco, and it's going to get real. And possibly a little sideways. But hopefully, delightful. My schedule for Palais Riad Reda & Spa? Forget "schedule," we're going for "chaotic charm."
Operation: Fes-tivities (and Facial Fumbles) - A Hot Mess Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Anticipation (Mostly Anxiety)
- 10:00 AM (ish): Land in Fes. The airport is surprisingly breezy and well-organized, unlike my brain currently. Jet lag is already sinking in. I swear, I'm more tired before the trip than after.
- 11:30 AM: Taxi to Palais Riad Reda. Oh. My. God. The Riad. It's even more stunning than the pictures. The courtyard, with its mosaic tiles and the scent of orange blossoms…I can almost breathe. Okay, maybe I can breathe. For now.
- 12:30 PM: Check-in. Smooth as silk. The staff are incredibly gracious, which immediately makes me feel like an uncultured barbarian in my travel-worn jeans. They offer us mint tea and dates. I nearly choke on the date because…dates. I need a pep talk.
- 1:30 PM: Explore the Riad. Wander around the courtyard with a ridiculous grin plastered on my face. Discover the rooftop terrace with a view that makes me want to spontaneously burst into a rendition of "Hakuna Matata" (restraint is key, people).
- 2:30 PM: Lunch at the Riad. Delicious tagine. I’m attempting, and failing, to use the bread to sop up the sauce without looking like a complete slob. I look around, and everyone else seems to have mastered this skill. Sigh.
- 4:00 PM: Spa Appointment: Hammam & Massage. Ah, Bliss. This is it! I need this. The hammam is… intense. I’m scrubbed raw. I feel like a peeled potato. The massage, however, is glorious. Possibly the best massage I’ve ever had. I’m practically drooling at the end. It’s that good.
- 6:00 PM: Back to the room to rest. The tranquility is overwhelming. So overwhelming that I feel compelled to take a nap, but my mind is buzzing with excitement and the desire to explore. What do I do?!
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at the Riad. Candlelit dinner with local music. The food is incredible…again! This is going to be dangerous for my waistline. I want to learn a few Arabic phrases, but I'm pretty sure I'm only capable of saying "more mint tea, please."
Day 2: Lost in the Medina (and My Own Thoughts)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the Riad. Another morning, another feast of delicious local foods. I'm starting to think this whole trip is just an elaborate plot to fatten me up!
- 10:00 AM: Guided Tour of the Medina. Okay, here we go. The Medina is a sensory overload. The smells (spices, leather, donkeys…), the sights (colorful silks, intricate carvings, tiny alleyways), the sounds (hustle, bustle, bargaining)—it’s a beautiful, chaotic mess.
- 10:30 AM: I get separated from the group. Classic. Panic briefly flares. Then I remember I have a map and an extremely over-inflated sense of self-confidence.
- 10:45 AM: I am completely and utterly lost. I wander down endless, winding alleys, occasionally bumping into a donkey. Every turn looks the same. It's mesmerizing, but also terrifying.
- 11:30 AM: I find a spice shop. The aroma of saffron and cumin is intoxicating. I buy a ridiculous amount of spices, convinced I'll become a culinary god back home. (I won't.)
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant. I order something that looks completely foreign, and it’s… amazing! I love the food here.
- 2:30 PM: I ask for help. It's the humbling experience of having to admit I'm lost. The shopkeeper laughs good-naturedly and points me in the general direction of my Riad.
- 3:00 PM: The Tannery. The smell hits you before you see it. It’s powerful, let’s put it that way. But the colors of the vats are spectacular. I watch the leather workers, and I'm deeply impressed by their skill and dedication.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the Riad. Shower off the day's dust and chaos. Reflect on the day. I’m exhausted, but in the best possible way.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant outside the Riad. The restaurant makes some great dishes. I could get used to this.
Day 3: Craftsmanship and Culinary Adventures
- 9:00 AM: Cooking class. This is what I'm most excited about. I always wanted to try some local Moroccan dishes, and what better way to do it than make it myself?!
- 9:30 AM: Head to the kitchen to begin learning the dishes. The instructor is incredibly patient (I'm a hopeless cook!), and the recipes are clear.
- 11:00 AM: Start cooking! We learn the basics of tagine, couscous, and harira soup. I'm surprisingly good at chopping vegetables. The tagine is a masterpiece. I'm bursting with pride.
- 1:00 PM: Eat the lunch that we cooked. My tagine is… delicious! I cannot stop eating! The cook compliments my cooking, which is the highlight of the trip.
- 3:00 PM: Visit to a ceramic workshop. I'm fascinated by the skill and precision involved. It's incredible to see how each piece is made by hand!
- 4:30 PM: Wandering through shops with the souvenirs. Buy a beautiful ceramic tajine pot. I have to purchase it.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at the Riad. I'm craving Moroccan food! It doesn't get any better.
Day 4: Farewell Fes (and Another Hammam?)
- 9:00 AM: Final breakfast at the Riad. Seriously considering moving in. The food… the service… the ambiance… it's all pure magic.
- 10:00 AM: Final, lingering moments in the Riad. Walk around the riad one last time.
- 12:00 PM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. My suitcase is already overflowing, but I can’t resist a few more "essential" purchases.
- 1:00 PM: Last lunch. I get a simple salad. I realize I’ve eaten tagine for three straight days. I also have the best mint tea I've ever tasted.
- 2:00 PM: Head to the airport.
- 3:00 PM: Board plane for home, filled with mixed emotions. A sense of sadness for the end of the trip. I’m also relieved to be going home.
- 4:00 PM: Travel home. I am going to tell everyone about it.
Observations, Ramblings, and General Musings:
- The Mint Tea: I'm addicted. Seriously. I'm going to need a serious intervention when I get home.
- The People: The Moroccans are incredibly warm, welcoming, and patient. Even when you're hopelessly lost and stumbling through a sentence of broken Arabic.
- The Medina: It's a living, breathing organism. It’s overwhelming, but also incredibly beautiful, and I loved every minute.
- The Palais Riad Reda: Pure luxury and bliss.
- Would I go back? In a heartbeat. In fact, I'm already planning my return. This place has stolen a piece of my heart, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
This, my friends, is travel. Imperfect, messy, and utterly unforgettable. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go find some more mint tea.
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Escape to Paradise: Riad Reda – The Real Deal? You Betcha! (FAQs – My Brain Dump Edition)
Okay, so… Riad Reda. Is it actually *that* good? Like, Instagram-good? Or just…mediocre with good lighting?
The spa, though… spill the tea. Is the spa at Riad Reda worth it?
What's the deal with the food? I'm a picky (read: fussy) eater. Will I starve?
Is the location good? Is it easy to get around Fes from Riad Reda?
What’s the vibe? Is it romantic? Family-friendly? Good if you're solo?
Give me a realistic rundown: What are the potential downsides or annoyances at Riad Reda?
Okay, okay, you sold me! But the price? Is it budget-friendly?
Let's talk about the pool. I like pools. Is it a good pool?
