10 Best Boutique Hotels in Essaouira for a Bespoke Stay
Prefer small-scale hotels over big international chains? Discover 10 of the best boutique hotels in Essaouira for your next Mogador escape.
While there are a handful of large hotels in Essaouira from big-name international brands, this whitewashed city on Morocco’s Atlantic coast really is the domain of boutique stays. In my opinion, Essaouira boasts some of the best boutique hotels in Morocco, all in a relaxed coastal setting that I can’t get enough of.
When I visit Essaouira, I love being able to stay right in the heart of the medina. From here, I can easily walk to the port to pick up fresh fish or grab lunch at one of the city’s eclectic cafes. When you stay at a boutique hotel in the Essaouira medina, there’s great shopping right outside your front door and some incredible art galleries to discover.
So in that spirit, I’ve put together a list featuring 10 of the best boutique hotels in Essaouira, most of which are located within the medina. I’ll also share some tips for selecting the most suitable Essaouira boutique hotel for your individual needs.
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BEST BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN ESSAOUIRA
Don’t have time to read the whole article? These are my top recommendations for boutique hotels in Essaouira:
Heure Bleue Palais
Best boutique spa hotel in Essaouira
Le Jardin des Douars
Best boutique hotel near Essaouira
Ryad Watier
Best affordable boutique hotel in Essaouira
Heure Bleue Palais
Best boutique hotel in Essaouira with a spa
Forming part of the esteemed Relais & Châteaux collection, this boutique Essaouira hotel promises an enchanting stay near Bab Marrakech. It features 33 elegantly designed rooms and suites surrounding a beautiful patio. Plus, there’s a stunning rooftop pool that provides breathtaking views across the city.
At Le P’tit Spa, you can indulge in pampering massages or a traditional treatment within the property’s black tadelakt hammam. For those evenings when you prefer to stay in, Le Salon Oriental serves an enticing array of traditional Moroccan dishes. Don’t miss the fresh sardines!
To dive deeper into the local culture, consider participating in one of Heure Bleue Palais’ interactive cooking classes led by Chef Ahmed Handour.
“Wonderful, elegant, had a hard time leaving the hotel for sightseeing.” – Emre (read more reviews here)
Casa.b Mogador
Best boutique hotel in Essaouira for design enthusiasts
Tucked away in a quiet street of the medina, this boutique Essaouira riad offers a uniquely design-oriented experience. As you pass through the grand wooden doors, you are welcomed into thoughtfully curated spaces that never fail to inspire.
Spanning two levels, the six uniquely themed suites highlight Moroccan artistry. There’s hand-carved furniture, detailed tilework and luxurious linens. Casa.b Mogador really does serve as a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the medina, featuring a cacti-filled, whitewashed patio that brings the outdoors in.
Each morning, the aroma of mint tea, coffee and freshly baked bread will beckon you to the sun-drenched terrace. From this elevated setting, you can indulge in one of Essaouira’s best hotel breakfasts.
“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 boutique hotel near Essaouira
Located in the argan-studded hills to the southeast of Essaouira, Le Jardin des Douars is an enchanting boutique hotel set within walled gardens. It occupies an earthen building on the banks of the Oued Ksob and is ideal for those who want to be slightly removed from the city.
Within the grounds, you’ll find two shimmering pools, a padel court and several sunny terraces. Together, they create a retreat-like atmosphere within easy reach of Essaouira’s attractions.
Throughout the interior spaces, French sophistication blends with the spirit of North Africa. The rooms here have a distinctly bohemian feel. In addition to luxurious linens and sunken baths, you’ll find cosy fireplaces and private terraces.
Meals can be enjoyed poolside or in the candelit dining room. Meanwhile the indulgent hammam offers body scrubs and treatments.
“An exceptional setting for a magical stay.” – Eric (read more reviews here)
Ryad Watier
Best affordable boutique hotel in Essaouira
Occupying a former school, this boutique Essaouira hotel beautifully blends traditional architecture with modern comforts. Ryad Watier perfectly reflects the city’s coastal setting, with whitewashed walls and pale blue accents throughout. There’s something about it that, for me, exemplifies Essaouira.
Each of the 10 uniquely decorated rooms is adorned with Moroccan-inspired furnishings, reflecting the incredible skills of local artisans. Most come with king-size beds and inviting sitting areas, with some featuring fireplaces for a romantic ambiance. I particularly love that there are rooms to suit all travellers – solo, couples and families.
When you’re not out exploring the medina, you can unwind in the traditional Moroccan hammam. Here, skilled professionals provide scrubs and massages using all-natural products.
“A perfect home away from home in Essaouira: you won’t want to leave!” – George (read more reviews here)
Riad Dar Maya
Best boutique hotel in Essaouira with a hot tub
This boutique Essaouira hotel artfully combines the elegance of traditional Moroccan aesthetics with the chic appeal of modern European design. Riad Dar Maya offers only five beautifully appointed rooms. Each is adorned with smooth, polished tadelakt -Morocco’s signature lime-plaster.
The romantic setting is enhanced by open fireplaces and Egyptian cotton sheets while the marble bathrooms add a touch of indulgence.
A highlight of Riad Dar Maya is its rooftop hot tub, offering wonderful medina views. Plus, there’s a traditional Moroccan hammam for an authentic spa experience.
The service at this highly-rated Essaouira riad is attentive (the staff anticipate your every need). Meanwhile the location is enviable, just steps from the lively cafes, colourful souks and bustling port that make Essaouira such a special destination.
“A quiet enclave but central to everything. Highly recommended.” – Claire (read more reviews here)
Madada Mogador
Best pet-friendly boutique hotel in Essaouira
Perched atop the ancient ramparts, this boutique Essaouira hotel boasts an incredible setting overlooking the historic port. As you step inside, you’re welcomed into a central salon in soothing sand hues. This leads to five beautifully appointed bedrooms adorned with tadelakt.
Ascend the stairs and you’ll discover two suites where expansive windows frame stunning vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. The generous bathrooms feature deep soaking tubs perfect for languid relaxation, as well as airy terraces where you can soak up the sights, sounds and smells of Essaouira.
Madada Mogador’s spa treatment room faces the ocean, creating an intimate space where you can indulge in a massage or a mani-pedi. And for those traveling with furry companions, the guesthouse welcomes small pets in rooms with a balcony or terrace. This is one of only a few pet-friendly hotels in Essaouira!
“This charming boutique hotel perfectly captures the spirit of the city, offering a unique blend of coastal serenity, refined elegance, and heartfelt hospitality.” – Razy (read more reviews here)
Riad Chbanate
Best boutique riad in Essaouira for couples
Set in the heart of Essaouira’s historic medina, Riad Chbanate is housed in a lovingly restored 18th-century building. It embraces the cultural heritage of Morocco, harmoniously fusing traditional architectural features with contemporary amenities.
Once owned by the local governor or Caïd, this enchanting hotel is conveniently located just a short stroll from Bab Marrakech. That puts it within easy reach (on foot) of all the city’s main attractions.
Each suite at Riad Chbanate has been thoughtfully crafted for couples. There are inviting fireplaces, suspended beds and swinging chair hammocks that enhance the romantic ambiance. Exquisite details can be found throughout, from the tadelakt plaster and cut stone to the walnut parquet floors and cedar wood ceilings.
If your budget allows, splurge on the Chbanate Panoramic Suite, which boasts a private terrace and a large soaking tub.
“This place is a real gem! It’s one of the nicest places we’ve had the opportunity to stay in Morocco.” – Aleksandra (read more reviews here)
Riad Lyon-Mogador
Best boutique riad in Essaouira with a rooftop terrace
Riad Lyon-Mogador is the creation of French owners Camille and Jean-Claude and lies on a quiet street near one of Essaouira’s main thoroughfares.
It exudes a really romantic atmosphere, with enchanting lampshades hanging at different heights and elegantly draped curtains around the courtyard. This really is one of the best boutique hotels in Essaouira for couples.
Riad Lyon-Mogador features 11 uniquely styled rooms, each decorated with natural materials and engaging black-and-white images. In the bathrooms, you’ll discover luxurious products from Le Sens de Marrakech, crafted using natural ingredients.
If you head up to the rooftop terrace, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of Essaouira. Delicious breakfasts are served here each morning, provided it’s not too windy!
“Absolutely stunning riad and we will return.” – Shareen (read more reviews here)
Suite Azur Hotel
Best boutique hotel in Essaouira with a rooftop pool
If you’re visiting in the summer months, this boutique Essaouira hotel is the place to stay, thanks to its rooftop pool.
Ideally situated, Suite Azur Hotel is just a short stroll from the city’s main attractions, including the historic ramparts, bustling fish market and wild beach. It has a distinctly contemporary feel to it, with the stylish lobby reinterpreting the classic riad aesthetic.
The rooms and suites at this boutique Essaouira hotel are designed for comfort. They boast high-end amenities such as flat-screen TVs and spa-like bathrooms equipped with rain showers and clawfoot tubs. Aside from unwinding on the rooftop terrace at the end of the day, you can enjoy a mint tea in the cosy candle-lit lounge.
“Amazing hotel well situated in Essaouira.” – Moal (read more reviews here)
Riad EspritBleu
Best boutique hotel in Essaouira for art enthusiasts
“Pop-art glamour meets industrial chic” is how Riad EspritBleu describes its style. At this adults-only Essaouira hotel, the property’s traditional architectural features provide a unique canvas for contemporary textiles and original art.
At Riad EspritBleu, there are just seven suites. All exemplify understated luxury with bespoke ironwork, concrete beams and traditional louvred windows. The ground floor café and concept shop creates a vibrant space for guests to connect with locals and fellow travellers, all while enjoying a relaxed meal or shopping for handcrafted gifts.
In my opinion, this boutique Essaouira hotel is offering a fresh perspective on the Moroccan riad stay.
“Beautiful riad with exceptional interior design in the middle of the medina.” – Julia (read more reviews here)
Tips for selecting a boutique hotel in Essaouira
When staying at a boutique hotel in Essaouira, it’s important to think about access since the medina is pedestrian-only. You won’t be able to drive directly to the entrance of your hotel or riad to drop off your luggage.
If you’re renting a car and driving yourself, there are large parking lots available at the port (near Bab El Marsa) and at Bab Marrakech (right next to Heure Bleue Palais). You can park your car there overnight for a fee and an attendant will keep an eye on it – it’s much more secure than street parking!
If you’re arriving by taxi from Essaouira Mogador Airport, you can use Google Maps to find out which gate (“bab”) is nearest to your accommodation. Most boutique hotels in Essaouira will reach out to guests after booking to provide information on the best access routes and many offer airport pickups on request.
Top tip:
I highly suggest arranging an airport transfer through your hotel, especially if it’s your first visit to Essaouira. The driver will coordinate with someone from the riad, who will meet you at the parking area (sometimes with a luggage trolley) and escort you to the property. While this may be slightly more expensive than hailing a taxi at the airport, it will save you the trouble of navigating the medina alone once you arrive.
When selecting a boutique hotel in Essaouira, it’s also important to think about noise levels. This may be from local mosques or the few bars within the medina that play music late into the night.
Most of Essaouira’s bars are situated near the harbour around Place Moulay Hassan, with Taros being the most popular spot. If you prefer an early night, it might be wise to steer clear of hotels close to Taros, even though the Gnaoua music they play is fantastic!
As for mosques, there are so many in the Essaouira medina that it can be tricky to avoid their sounds. Whether you wake up to the Fajr adhan (the dawn call to prayer) largely depends on how soundproof your hotel is.
Top tip:
No matter where you stay in the Essaouira medina, I suggest bringing earplugs, especially if you enjoy sleeping in.
Personally, I find the early morning call to prayer soothing and often drift back to sleep, but I know that’s not for everyone. If you’d rather not stay near a mosque, consider Le Jardin des Douars, which is located in the countryside to the southeast of Essaouira.
Finally, keep in mind that all hotels and riads in Essaouira are subject to a government-mandated tourist tax. This tax is paid directly to the property in cash and is not included in your booking rate (although it is usually displayed below booking rates so there are no hidden surprises). It helps support the local community and is typically settled either at check-in or upon departure.
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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.
