Hotel Sahrai

Hotel Sahrai in Fes, Morocco, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently earns high praise for its luxurious ambiance, exceptional service, and stunning design, offering a modern alternative to traditional riads while retaining a strong sense of Moroccan culture.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Hotel Sahrai is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as a five-star experience that blends luxury with tranquility. It holds a "Very Good" rating of 8.5 based on over 600 reviews. The hotel is often referred to as "magic" and "enchanting," providing a serene escape from the bustling medina.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Hotel Sahrai for its:

• Design & Ambiance: The hotel masterfully combines traditional Moorish architecture with sleek contemporary design, creating elegant and tranquil spaces. Reviewers often mention the "impeccable overall design" and "picturesque setting". Features like stone surfaces, mashrabiya latticework, floor-to-ceiling windows, and geometric waterways are frequently highlighted.
• Amenities: The infinity pool overlooking the city and medina is a major draw, described as "stunning" and "breathtaking". The opulent Givenchy Spa, the only one in North Africa, and its traditional hammam and zellige-tiled jade-green Jacuzzi also receive significant attention. Other notable amenities include two restaurants, tennis courts, a fitness center, and a separate children's pool.
• Rooftop Bar & Views: The rooftop bar and terrace are consistently mentioned as highlights, offering panoramic sunset views over the medina and being a perfect spot to relax with cocktails.
• Service: "Above-and-beyond service" and "excellent" front desk and staff are common themes in guest feedback.

3. Room Quality

The 50 rooms and suites at Hotel Sahrai are described as beautiful, spacious, and in "amazing condition". They offer a clean, modern aesthetic with minimalist white and pale brick, yet include subtle Moroccan touches like hand-painted vases and decorative wall partitions.

• Comfort: Guests report "comfy beddings" and "spacious and quiet" rooms.
• Design & Amenities: Rooms feature large flat-screen TVs, workspaces, complimentary Wi-Fi, and airy bathrooms. The bathrooms are particularly noted for their luxury, often featuring tubs and Acqua di Parma products, with some junior suites boasting black marble bathrooms and sweeping medina views. Some suites also include terraces and outdoor entertaining spaces.

4. Dining Experience

Hotel Sahrai offers diverse dining options, with two main restaurants: one serving traditional Moroccan cuisine (Amaraz) and another focusing on international or Parisian-inspired dishes (Relais de Paris).

• Quality: Guests generally find the food to be good, delicious, and "gourmet level". The Moroccan restaurant, Amaraz, is praised for its "gourmet Moroccan cuisine" and authentic dishes.
• Breakfast: The complimentary breakfast is described as a "full service breakfast" or a "palatial spread of Moroccan and European breakfast delights," including savory staples, pastries, fruits, crêpes, yogurts, and fresh juices. One guest highlighted the wholesome, clean mini portions, specifically praising the thick and creamy yogurt with honey.
• Bars: The rooftop Jungle bar is a popular spot for drinks and Moroccan tapas, especially at sunset. There's also an open-air wine lounge, Lyautey lounge, for wine tasting.

5. Service & Staff

The hotel's staff is consistently praised for being "excellent," "hospitable," "professional," "welcoming," and "friendly". Guests appreciate their helpfulness in arranging reservations, tours, and taxis. The service is often described as "above-and-beyond," contributing significantly to the enchanting and relaxing atmosphere.

6. Location & Accessibility

Hotel Sahrai is strategically positioned on a hilltop between the medina and the more modern sector of Fes, offering spectacular views of the medina and surrounding mountains.

• Proximity to Attractions: It's located about a 10-minute drive or a short taxi ride from the old Medina, a UNESCO-recognized medieval walled city. The hotel offers a free shuttle service to the medina, addressing the challenges of navigating the car-free, labyrinthine streets within the old city.
• Environment: While close enough to the city's cultural antiquity, its hilltop location provides a peaceful retreat with ample space and modern comforts, a distinct advantage over hotels directly within the medina. Saïss Airport is approximately 8.1 miles (13 km) away, and an airport shuttle can be arranged.

7. Value & Pricing

Hotel Sahrai is considered a luxury property. While specific pricing can vary, one source indicates an average price of $284 per room, which is highlighted as offering "exceptional value for money" compared to the city's average of $88 for a hotel room. Another source suggests rooms start from around 180 Euros (approximately £159). Guests often feel the experience justifies the cost, considering the high level of service, design, and amenities.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor points of criticism or observations have been noted:

• Restaurant Pricing: Some guests found the restaurants to be "overpriced," a common observation for hotel dining.
• Room Design Preference: One reviewer, accustomed to the highly characterful traditional riad rooms, found the modern rooms at Hotel Sahrai, while lovely and comfortable, to be "decidedly plain in comparison" if not opting for more elaborate suites.
• Iron availability: A guest mentioned needing an iron in the room, although laundry service was offered.

In summary, Hotel Sahrai stands out as a sophisticated and enchanting luxury destination in Fes, providing a tranquil and modern base with superb amenities, attentive service, and breathtaking views, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking both cultural immersion and contemporary comfort.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. mrandmrssmith.com
3. michelin.com
4. michelin.com
5. travelplusstyle.com
6. luxurylifestylemag.co.uk
7. theweek.com
8. travelandlust.com
9. youtube.com
10. slh.com
11. agoda.com
12. expedia.com