HOTELHOTELHOTELmakeover to keep it in line with the trendy medina guesthouses, although some parts still suffer
bland international decoration. Nonguests should still visit to enjoy a sunset drink on the terrace.
THE FOUNTAINS OF FEZ
It seems like you can barely turn a corner in the Fez medina without coming across a seqqâya (public fountain) – Fassis have
historically had something of an obsession for them. It was largely the Almoravid (1061–1147) and Almohad (1147–1248)
dynasties that were the great water engineers. To supply water to their cities they diverted rivers, created lakes and
constructed vast canal systems. While they did this across the country, fountain construction reached its zenith in imperial
Fez.
There are well over 60 public fountains inside the medina. Along with the hammam, they are usually located near the
neighbourhood mosque. Many were paid for by princes and wealthy merchants. Some of these fountains are simple basins
against a wall. The majority are beautifully decorated structures of coloured tiles, often under a canopy of intricately carved
wood. One of the finest is the Nejjarine fountain. Built in the 18th century, it features zellij (tilework) and stucco that form
patterns as delicate as lacework.
Many fountains are still widely used for water collection and washing by their neighbourhoods. Those you see abandoned
are likely to suffer from a broken mains pipe somewhere beneath the city (others are directly spring-fed). The booking agency
Fez Riads (www.fez-riads.com) puts a percentage of its profits into restoring and maintaining many of the medina’s most
neglected fountains.
And if you think that a love of fountains is restricted to the medina, check out the ultramodern and sparkly fountains recently
installed along Ave Hassan II in the ville nouvelle.VILLE NOUVELLE
In the ville nouvelle, room rates drop considerably compared to the more popular medina, so
much of the time you can get midrange service at budget prices. The ville-nouvelle hotel scene
is currently undergoing a mini-boom, with several new hotels due to open between Place de la
Resistance (Fiat) and the old city, including the five-star Atlas Fes (with a modern shopping
complex attached) and four-star Barceló.
Hôtel Splendid €
Offline map Google map ( 0535 62 21 48; [email protected]; 9 Rue Abdelkarim el-
Khattabi; s/d Dh350/450; ) Although in the budget category, this hotel makes a good claim
for three stars. It’s all modern and tidy, with good bathrooms and comfy beds, plus a pool for
the hot days and a bar for the evenings. There’s a dining room, but breakfast isn’t included in
the price. Excellent value.
Hôtel Central €
Offline map Google map ( 0535 62 23 33; 50 Rue Brahim Roudani; s/d Dh140/180) A bright
and airy budget option just off busy Blvd Mohammed V. All rooms have external toilets, but even
those without a shower have their own sinks. It’s good value and popular so there’s sometimes
not enough rooms to go around.
Hôtel Olympic €
Offline map Google map ( 0535 93 26 82; fax 055 932665; cnr Blvd Mohammed V & Rue 3; s/d