25/10/2026
My stay at Riad Layalina in Fes Morocco was an experience of deep welcome from the moment I arrived late my first night--where Asmae and Jerome had waited up to receive me with fresh peaches and grapes and mint tea--until I left in the morning, four days later after a quiet coffee with Asmae before the other guests came down.
The center garden of Riad Layalina splashes with the red, green, gold and blue tiles set in white and gold that are its theme. Soaring arches and columns, luxurious couches for reclining and relaxing, the stunning Moroccan pendant lanterns, and the warm amber walls surround the vivid cerulean blue pool – the focal point of the garden with palms and orange trees and a center fountain.
I work as I travel so I spent some lovely hours at the tiled breakfast tables in the gorgeous courtyard garden working with my clients.
My room had beautiful handpainted antique wardrobe and carved table and headboard on the bed. The artwork throughout the Riad is all original local, featuring the life of the medina. The window directly across the room from my bed opened due east where the sunrise greeted me every morning, with a view out across the medina. The angular tetris array of rooftops extends downward toward what I would learn is the heart of the medina where the artisans make their unique generations-old crafts. My other two windows open directly into the courtyard from the 3rd story.
The beds, pillows and linens at Riad Layalina are very high quality. The sheets are fresh, white and high thread count! I was impressed. And the bed was exceptionally comfortable. Not at all worn as was my bed at my very nice Riad in Marrakech.
The breakfast at Riad Layalina is something to be experienced! Always a simple omelet accompanied by at least three different freshly made Moroccan pastry breads made by Asmae--she is an excellent chef. All served with the strawberry and apricot preserves, honey, butter, and spreadable cheeses. I found that I loved the Moroccan coffee with milk, at Riad Layalina. Fresh mint tea was also excellent and breakfast is complete with fresh pressed orange juice. When I asked, they also brought me fresh cucumbers, tomatoes or fresh fruit.
I ate breakfast on the north garden terrace, a quiet place of wrought iron tables and chairs surrounded by bougainvillea and geraniums, potted birds of paradise, and tall olive and orange trees. The sounds of the Children's school across the way. The hills rising with the ruins of ancient province walls.
This Riad is right on the edge of the medina, so more quiet. Yet a very quick 3-minute walk on tiny streets into one of the two main medina streets where you can easily access everything.
With a reservation in advance, Asmae can make you an exquisite Moroccan dinner--you should plan for this!
I will love to stay here again when I come next year--I came as a guest and left as a friend.
Carmell
Salt Lake City, USA
Crédit photo Hervé Stanciu �
