10 Best Hotels in Essaouira (for every budget)
Looking for the best hotels in Essaouira? Browse this curated collection of villas, riads and hostels offering something for all budgets.
Drenched with sunshine on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, Essaouira is Marrakech’s laid-back sister.
While many people visit as a day trip, it’s definitely worth staying a few days to explore the city’s whitewashed medina, bustling fishing port and surf-friendly beaches.
Since my first visit back in 2014, Essaouira has always been one of my favourite places to stay in Morocco. It has an artsy, bohemian vibe, incredible places to eat and such welcoming people.
Each time I go, I love discovering new hotels and riads in different corners of the medina (and beyond). From design-focused digs to luxury riads and backpacker-friendly hostels, there really is something for everyone.
Read on to discover 10 of the best hotels in Essaouira, some in the heart of the medina and others in the tranquil countryside near Sidi Kaouki.
Want to learn more about things to see and do in Essaouira? Check out my Essential Travel Guide to Essaouira. Or start planning your Morocco escape with this two-week itinerary from Essaouira, including a camel trek in the Sahara Desert.
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BEST HOTELS IN ESSAOUIRA
Don’t have time to read the whole article? These are my top Essaouira hotel recommendations:
Le Jardin des Douars
Best luxury villa in the Essaouira countryside
Riad Dar Maya
Best hotel in Essaouira with hot tub and hammam
Noqta Space Coworking Coliving Space
Best budget hotel in Essaouira for digital nomads
Best luxury hotels in Essaouira
Heure Bleue Palais
Best luxury spa hotel in Essaouira
This opulent Essaouira hotel, which is part of the Relais & Châteaux collection, guarantees a magical stay close to one of the medina’s main gates. In addition to its 33 tastefully decorated rooms and suites, there is a rooftop pool that offers stunning views over the whitewashed city.
On those nights when you prefer not to dine out, Le Salon Oriental presents a tempting selection of dishes, ranging from fresh sardines to lobster. At Le P’tit Spa, you’ll find a wellness sanctuary offering a variety of body treatments, plus a black tadelakt hammam.
“Wonderful, elegant, had a hard time leaving the hotel for sightseeing.” – Emre (read more reviews here)
Casa.b Mogador
Best luxury hotel in Essaouira for design enthusiasts
Hidden within the medina, this luxurious Essaouira riad offers a design-focused stay, with eclectic details throughout the property. It features six individually designed rooms and suites set across three floors, plus several terraces and reading nooks.
Aside from its high-end accommodations, Casa.b Mogador boasts a plant-filled patio and a sundrenched terrace, all within a stone’s throw of the beach and fish market.
“This hotel is absolutely unique… design is exquisite with unbelievable attention to details, every corner is a pleasure for the eyes.” – Yana (read more reviews here)
Le Jardin des Douars
Best luxury boutique hotel near Essaouira
Tucked away in the argan-studded hills southeast of Essaouira, Le Jardin des Douars is a charming boutique hotel enveloped by walled gardens. Its earthy structure lies along the banks of the Oued Ksob, and it comes complete with two shimmering pools, a padel court and multiple sun-soaked terraces.
Additionally, there’s a traditional hammam that provides a variety of body scrubs and treatments. Inside, the decor elegantly combines French sophistication with North African allure, creating a distinctive look for the rooms.
“An exceptional setting for a magical stay.” – Eric (read more reviews here)
Riad EspritBleu
Best luxury hotel in Essaouira for art enthusiasts
This beautiful riad perfectly captures Essaouira’s coastal vibes, with plenty of vibrant pops of colour amidst the predominantly earthy decor. Its set across four floors around a central courtyard that ensures plenty of light filters in.
Riad EspritBleu’s modern design contrasts to the traditional decor often seen in Moroccan riads. In fact, there are several notable works of contemporary art scattered throughout. On the ground floor you’ll find a cafe and concept store where you can browse unique local creations.
“Beautiful Riad with exceptional interior design in the middle of the medina.” – Julia (read more reviews here)
Best mid-range hotels in Essaouira
Riad Dar Maya
Best hotel in Essaouira with hot tub and hammam
With its soft, pastel decor and beautiful illuminations, Riad Dar Maya is the perfect Essaouira riad for a peaceful stay. Despite being within the bustling medina, it radiates tranquility the moment you walk in the door.
Add in the fact it boasts a hot tub and hammam, and it’s easy to see why this is one of the best hotels in Essaouira. A delicious breakfast is served daily on the rooftop terrace.
“The property is stunning with beautiful rooftop views.” – Eirin (read more reviews here)
Riad Emotion
Best hotel in Essaouira with rooftop terrace
Beautifully decorated with local handicrafts and design pieces, Riad Emotion ticks all the right boxes when it comes to the best Essaouira hotels. It occupies an 18th-century mansion that has been lovingly restored, with five suites and numerous communal spaces.
The traditional design is subtly executed while incorporating contemporary furnishings, as well as some gorgeous tiling. A daybed on the rooftop terrace is the icing on the cake!
“One of the most stunning places I’ve ever set eyes on! Every single detail is carefully thought out!” – Indra (read more reviews here)
Riad Chbanate
Best hotel in Essaouira with bathtub and fireplace
Perched right on the city walls, this stunning Essaouira riad occupies a former residence of the Caïd. It’s located on Chbanate Street, just a stone’s throw from Marrakech.
Each of the bedrooms is uniquely designed, many with daybeds. Riad Chbanate gets extra points for having fireplaces (which are lit for you each night) in its rooms. The indulgent bathtubs add to the appeal, as does the rooftop terrace and plant-filled patio, again with a convivial fireplace.
“Traditional yet elegant and beautifully tranquil.” – Mark (read more reviews here)
Best budget hotels in Essaouira
Riad Lyon-Mogador
Best affordable Essaouira riad for couples
Riad Lyon-Mogador is a labor of love for its French owners, Camille and Jean-Claude, who have crafted a peaceful retreat in the medina. During my recent trip to Essaouira, I had the pleasure of staying here, and it truly is a wonderful place.
Each of the 11 uniquely styled rooms boasts its own charm. They all open directly onto the central courtyard, which is notable for its hanging lanterns. If you head up to the rooftop terrace, you’ll be rewarded with a 360-degree view of Essaouira. It’s the perfect setting for enjoying breakfast in the morning.
“Absolutely stunning riad and we will return.” – Shareen (read more reviews here)
Surf House Maroc
Best budget hotel in Essaouira for surfers
Ideal for those who are here to surf, this budget-friendly Essaouira hotel lies at the northern end of Sidi Kaouki. It’s one of the area’s most popular wave-riding beaches and located around 30 minutes’ drive south of the medina.
The rooms at Surf House Maroc are simple but inviting and there are several communal areas for meeting other travellers. Additionally, there’s a kitchen, making this one of the best places to stay near Essaouira for self-caterers.
“The terrace overlooks the surf so you can keep an eye out for the swell and is perfect for a spot of yoga or just chilling watching the sunrise and sunset…highly recommend.” – Janicke (read more reviews here)
Noqta Space Coworking Coliving Space
Best budget hotel in Essaouira for digital nomads
Digital nomads will love this highly-rated Essaouira hostel, which is located just a stone’s throw from the entrance to the medina. It boasts clean rooms and your choice of shared or private bathrooms.
Additionally, there’s a sunny terrace, as well as a dedicated working space where you can get things done. Fast Wi-Fi and social events are a big plus too, making Noqta one of the best budget hotels in Essaouira for digital nomads.
“Wonderful place to work. I came to Essaouira as a digital nomad and Noqta was perfect.” – Josh (read more reviews here)
Tips for finding the best hotels in Essaouira
As Essaouira increases in popularity as a tourist destination, more and more hotels are popping up across the city. You’ll find everything from design-focused stays to villas with private pools and budget-friendly hostels for digital nomads and solo travellers.
When searching for the perfect hotel in Essaouira, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, consider your budget and the type of experience you’re seeking. Luxury travellers should consider design-forward properties like Casa.b Mogador or art-filled havens such as Riad EspritBleu. Meanwhile, those desiring a country escape should look to Villa Des Arganiers.
In the mid-range category, Riad Dar Maya boasts a traditional hammam while Riad Emotion features a stunning rooftop terrace with sweeping city views. Riad Chbanate offers in-room bathtubs and cosy fireplaces, making this highly rated Essaouira hotel perfect for a winter stay.
Budget-conscious travellers have enticing options as well. Surfers will feel right at home at the laid-back Surf House Maroc while larger groups can enjoy the communal vibes of Maison Des Arts. If you’re a digital nomad, you can stay connected at the laptop-friendly Noqta Space Coworking Coliving Space.
I hope this list of the best hotels in Essaouira helps to inspire your next stay in this gorgeous whitewashed city. No matter your preferences or price point, Mogador’s diverse (and growing) array of hotels has something for everyone.
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About Me
I’m Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I’ve developed an intense love for Morocco, its incredible landscapes, storied cities and the exceptionally generous hospitality of its people.
Malika in Morocco is a place to share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. As a resource for travellers visiting Morocco, I want to encourage others to experience this captivating destination the way they desire, whether that’s independently or under the expert guidance of local tour operators.
I believe strongly in supporting responsible and sustainable tourism initiatives while inspiring travel experiences that are life-impacting and mutually beneficial for both travellers and locals.
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