Riad Layla and staff were an absolute oasis in the midst of a less than stellar birthday weekend. We flew there specifically from Barcelona to celebrate my 50th birthday. I never had a better meal outside the riad, such were the skills of Layla's cook..
All of this has nothing to do with the riad itself, and so much more to do with the social interactions that we have as travelers. The staffing of Riad Layla is far beyond my means to praise enough. I just hope that the owner knows what an exemplary staff that he has in Raja, Fouad, and Zhor. Beyond our ability to verbally communicate at times, each one communicated to me and my girlfriend, that as guests in their riad, and country, that we were cared for as honored guests, even family. Fouad was kind,and quietly efficient tending to our needs, with bags or dinner. Zhor was just lovely, a beautiful woman, and gifted cook. And Raja, Raja was the epitome of kindness, caring, and exhibited an above average interest in the experience of her guests, far beyond merely sheltering them. If you find yourself weighing your options for accomodation in Fez, THIS is the place I would choose again, and again.
Raja, thank you all. And thank you most for saving the birthday experience in Fez, with the cake, and all of you.