Fez Youth Hostel

Fes Youth Hostel is located in Ville Nouville (the new town). It is about a fifteen-minute walk from either the CTM bus station or train station. When arriving in Fes, you will undoubtedly be approached by many fake guides and "friendly" locals all trying to sell you their services or lead you to a hotel where they will get a commission. It is very useful to name a place where you are staying to make them leave you alone (although you will still be offered food from a restaurant and tours of the medina).

The youth hostel is a good place to start. Although not a long walk, a petit taxi will cost less than 10 dirham and will stop people following you. When you arrive, the staff is very friendly and offer help with tours, guides, and annoying hustlers.

The hostel offers dorm rooms (separate for male and female) and double rooms. The rooms are spacious and clean and the beds comfortable. Clean sheets are provided. The bathroom facilities are very basic. Although they're cleaned daily, there is often water pooled on the floor. In summer, only cold showers are available, as the hot water is turned off. It is not even possible to pay for a hot shower. Unfortunately, the cold shower season extends well past the end of summer when a cold shower may be appreciated.

The cleaners at the hostel will offer to do your washing, but the rates are very high. We paid 50 dirham for two small bags of washing that wouldn't have even been half a load of washing.

The hostel has two nice courtyards with shade tents and tables. It is a nice, relaxed environment for sitting around in the evening and talking to other travelers. The hostel closes for the night at 10 p.m., so there are always people around. There are even some turtles out front. There is supposed to be a lockout during the day, be we were still able to go in and out during these times. There is a kitchen, but it is locked and not for hostel guests. Breakfast is included in the rates, but once again, it is basic. Expect a coffee or tea and two small croissants and don't expect any seconds, as they will be refused.

Overall, Fes Youth Hostel is a clean, nice hostel in a good location, although hot showers would be much appreciated.

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