Palais Amani
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Hotel Details
Location
Fes
Morocco, Africa
Brand
Aman
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Expert Review: Palais Amani
Palais Amani in Fes, Morocco, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently earns high praise for its opulent charm, exceptional service, and tranquil atmosphere amidst the bustling medina. Guests frequently describe it as a luxurious oasis, blending traditional Moroccan design with contemporary comforts.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The overall sentiment for Palais Amani is overwhelmingly positive, often described as an "oasis of tranquillity" and an "exceptional" place to stay. It holds a strong reputation, ranking highly among hotels in Fes, reflecting its commitment to providing a luxurious and authentic Moroccan experience. While some minor critiques exist, the general consensus points to a memorable and highly recommended stay.
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently laud Palais Amani for several standout features:
- Service & Hospitality: The staff are frequently highlighted for their attentive, friendly, and welcoming nature, often going "above and beyond" to ensure guest satisfaction.
- Location: The hotel boasts an ideal location on the periphery of the Fes medina, making it easily accessible by car while still providing immediate access to the heart of the ancient city.
- Design & Ambiance: The riad's "pure, unadulterated Moroccan opulence" is a significant draw, with stunning architecture, intricate tilework, jewel-hued stained glass, and a beautiful central courtyard garden filled with citrus trees and the soothing sound of a fountain. The rooftop terrace also offers panoramic city views, especially at sunset.
- Amenities: Notable amenities include a luxurious hammam and spa, a popular rooftop Fez Cooking School, a delightful restaurant, and comfortable common areas like a library.
3. Room Quality
The rooms and suites at Palais Amani are consistently described as "lovely," "stunning," and "opulent." Each of the 21 rooms and suites is unique, traditionally furnished with decorative floor tiles, antique rugs, and often featuring impressive ceiling heights and stained-glass windows. Modern comforts are seamlessly integrated, including central air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, mini-bars, safes, and high-quality bath products. The Grand Suites are particularly expansive, offering significant floor space, separate dressing rooms, and breathtaking views over the gardens or city.
4. Dining Experience
Palais Amani offers a distinct dining experience:
- Breakfast: The daily Moroccan breakfast is a "fabulous" and "elaborate" affair, often cited as a "must-do." Served in the tranquil courtyard garden or on the terrace, it's a multi-course meal featuring an assortment of flatbreads, pastries, local cheeses, jams, honey, olives, fresh fruit, yogurt, and a rotating hot option like rice pudding or chicken stew.
- Restaurant (EDEN): The on-site restaurant, EDEN, serves Moroccan and French cuisine with an "à la carte" menu, a tasting menu, and a light menu, utilizing fresh ingredients from the local market. While the service is praised, some guests have noted that the ambiance might not consistently feel "gastronomic" or "fine-dining," and the fixed menu options (especially for vegetarians) could be limited on consecutive nights. Dining can be enjoyed al fresco in the garden or on the rooftop terrace.
- Fez Cooking School: Located on the rooftop, the cooking school offers an engaging experience, allowing guests to delve deeper into Moroccan culinary traditions.
5. Service & Staff
The service at Palais Amani is a consistent highlight, with staff receiving exceptionally high ratings. Guests frequently commend the team for being "friendly and welcoming," "attentive," and for "going above and beyond" to cater to their needs. From meeting guests at the carpark to assist with luggage and guiding them through the medina to arranging tours and offering personalized recommendations, the staff are praised for their genuine hospitality and unobtrusive yet helpful presence.
6. Location & Accessibility
Palais Amani is strategically located "within the walls of Fez's ancient medina," positioned on the northeastern corner, near the "Golden Triangle." This location is lauded for its balance: it's on the periphery of the medina, allowing for relatively easy access by car to a nearby charged carpark (approximately 50 meters away), thus avoiding the deeper, more confusing labyrinthine streets. Yet, it remains just a short walk from the medina's vibrant heart and its many attractions. The hotel offers airport and train station shuttle services for convenience, though these incur an extra charge.
7. Value & Pricing
As a Michelin Key Selected property, Palais Amani is positioned as a luxury accommodation, with pricing reflecting its high-end service, design, and amenities. While specific price ranges vary, guests generally perceive it as an "ultra-luxe base" for exploring Fes. The rates typically include a traditional Moroccan breakfast. However, some guest reviews have expressed minor disappointment with the perceived value for money, particularly concerning standard room sizes or dining options, but this is not a widespread complaint.
8. Common Complaints
While overwhelmingly positive, a few recurring criticisms or points for improvement have been noted:
- Dining Experience Nuances: Some guests felt that the "gastronomic" and "fine-dining" descriptors for the restaurant's ambiance weren't always fully met, despite good service. Additionally, the fixed nature of the menu, especially for multiple consecutive nights, and limited vegetarian options were occasionally mentioned.
- Breakfast Portions: The lavish traditional breakfast, while delicious, was sometimes deemed excessively large, leading to concerns about food waste.
- General Upkeep (Minor): One review suggested that certain areas, specifically the courtyard and rooftop, could benefit from more "visionary attention" to elevate them to the truly "exceptional standard" the building deserves, indicating a slight feeling of being "unloved" in minor aspects.
- Value for Money (Specific Cases): A small number of guests cited disappointment with the overall value for money, particularly in relation to the size of some standard rooms or the dining choices.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •While overwhelmingly positive, a few recurring criticisms or points for improvement have been noted:
- •Breakfast Portions:** The lavish traditional breakfast, while delicious, was sometimes deemed excessively large, leading to concerns about food waste.
