Dar Bouanania in Fes

On air bnb we wrote a clear and positive review. Travelling further through Morocco we found out this place isn't always trustworthy. The Dar (no riad as said on air bnb) can become a true palace. Yet, the place was not clean, nor the cups, cutlery or shower which was not functioning. The hospitality was great as they suppress you to write a good review. Simultaneously they offer you tours and trips which we found out were far above regular prices. The city tour guide Isham, a big man with a big smile, took us on a tour for a day while we only asked for half a day (max 3 hours we said), he did not change the route to limit the time and pushed us to buy tapestry, foods and leather goods for ridiculous prices. At the end of a 5-6 hour walk he charged us 400 MAD, which is way too much for this experience. Also we know by now that he played on our sympathy to buy from the recommended stores. A game he played on us and all this was adviced by Youssef from our hostel Dar Bouanania. After 3 weeks travelling further in Morocco we feel ripped off and we would not recommend this anymore.

Triple room was all that was available upon check-in after making reservations two months prior. Plaster falling onto beds and pillows. No place to hang clothes not even a hook. Only light switch near door stumble from bed to turn on. Towels smelled. Noisy until midnight all rooms face central courtyard where owner sits and takes calls. Shared bathroom grimy. No soap at shared sink. Towel there smelly too never changed during three night stay. Lady who serves breakfast kind but often wait until 9:30 to start serving. Found this riad in Lonely Planet book but conditions must have changed in the year since published.

The riad is nice but the roof terrace is crummy and the tour operator that works out of the house is a crook, Yousef. His brother works here also, do not do Sahara yours with them, we met others during our trip all warning us that he was not a good man, tourists and the workers during the tour