Karawan Riad Morocco
Karawan Riad
21, Derb Ourbia, Quarter Makhfiya, FES MEDINA
www.karawanriad.com
HOTEL INFORMATION
Shareholders
Privately owned
Date of Creation
01/01/2015
Hotel General Manager
Mrs Imane LAHKIM BENNANI, General Manager, 10-years of experience in Moroccan tourism industry.
Hotel Positioning
5* Luxury boutique hotel
Development Strategy
When the owners discovered Fez and found a 17th, majestic but abandoned and ruined building, they decided to adopt a slow way of renovation, trying to integrate History of the building & Fez, traditional construction with local material, use and training of local craftsmen , study of all the cultural specificities to their work.
Controlled development has been the rule to keep the authentic atmosphere of a riad. The hotel is managed in the same spirit.
KARAWAN RIAD
History & Story
During the seventeenth century the place was a complex of palatial riads separated by gardens filled with flowers and fruit trees and cooled by tinkling fountains to create an environment worthy of queens. Karawan Riad was the grandest harem in town.
It was here that the pashas of the time entertained, while their ladies peeked at proceedings from square balconies tucked into each corner of the first floor of the palace. These women were known for their refined culture and beauty, music, poetry and an elegant cuisine, and above all their best ability to advise their men-folk based on what they saw from their secret observatories. Our dream was to recreate the atmosphere of that time, 300-years ago.
During the course of our decade long restoration we’ve sourced exactly the same materials made by local craftsmen – glazed mosaic tiles, delicate wrought iron-work, intricate plaster and filigreed lanterns, silk embroidery and richly painted wood – and added curios and artefacts inspired by the ‘caravanserai’ that moved exquisite handicrafts, fabulous food and travel stories all over Morocco and the whole world.
Date Renewal
22.12.2014. This work has been accomplished by a team of 4 : the owners, designed by Stéphanie Lanskin & Valérie Mayorov
Main Strengths, Special Touch
A riad is a traditional house where life is organized around the central courtyard. All the basement is a common space to let all the guests enjoy their stay with us so that they feel at home.
Literature and writing is an important part of Karawan Riad inspiring environment. Each room has its own library and writing desk
The idea is to create a modern-day caravanserai, though now instead of merchants resting during their travels, it’s an intimate nest for savvy travelers and lovers of luxury, away from a tumultuous world.
Location
Karawan Riad is in a private street in the historical part of the medina, the most ancient one founded by Andalusian from Cordoba in 917.
Key sites/activities in the area
1200 years old medina : an urbanistic architecture with pieces back from the 14th century and its legendary craftsmen, the Middle-Atlas, middle montains with cedar forests and wild monkeys, 4 hours from the most beautiful Mediterranean beaches of Morocco, going through a very beautiful blue village Chefchaouen.
Fun Facts
From the 360° rooftop, the guests may admire the most astonishing view to the old medina and surrounds and its beautiful sunset.
There is an outstanding library in the main lounge to perfect your knowledge about almost everything concerning the Islamic world.
All the place was renovated with authentic Moroccan material in a traditional way. The furniture was designed and hand-made by local craftsmen.
Children’s Corner
Children under 12 on special request (Riad privatization…)
HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
• Number of suites: 7
from 38m² to 70 m²
– Views to the old city or to the courtyard
– Rooms amenities :
Local producer organic products with Moroccan sweet fragrances : rose water for smooth refreshment, non-irritating artisanal soap made with Argan oil, mint and argan shampoo, shower gel scented with aoud perfume.
Local made evening sweet touch made of sesam, almonds and honey
Restaurants & Bars
“Le Karawan” is the Riad’s restaurant. Chef Outhmane is driving the place feasting our guests and external customers with mediterranean fusion food, as well as moroccan food.
On request the chef adapts his cuisine to special diets.
Wellness
Leelah Hammam & Spa
The Hammam is the place similar to the basilica Cistern in Istambul -but in much smaller and cosy volume for your beloved and you- where you get a hot steam bath and treatment with black soap to clean out your skin an feel like a new born baby. Then have a relaxing moment at the upper floor and indulge yourself with an exquisite massage with different types of oil.
Corporate & Celebration Events
We accommodate for special events as anniversary, weddings , corporative incentive, private concerts. Our capacity, depending on the type of event, is up to 180 persons.
Extra Notable Features
– Golf: 2 in Fez (the Royal Golf of Fez, and the Oued Fez Golf Club.) and 2 at less than 1 h drive (Meknes and Ifrane)
– Cooking class in the Riad restaurant or outside.
– Oenology and discovery of moroccan wines
– The brand new Moulay Yacoub thermal baths just retrofitted by Vichy™.
– During the winter, skiing is a real getaway in the near middle mountains in Ifrane (1 hour driving from Fez.
Hotel and restaurant Awards
2016
– Second best notation for hotels in North Morocco area with 97/100 (booking.com)
– Traveller’s choice as best romantique hotels (Tripadvisor)
2017
– Best notation for hotels in North Morocco area with 98/100 (booking.com)
Number of employees
18