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, it 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 and easily walk to the port to pick up fresh fish or visit one of the inspiring cafes. Plus, there’s great shopping right outside your front door in the city's souks 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, including luxury riads in the middle of the medina and spacious properties in the countryside.
Views across the medina from a panoramic suite at Riad Chbanate - one of the best boutique hotels in Essaouira (photo courtesy of Expedia)
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Best boutique spa hotel in Essaouira
Forming part of the esteemed Relais & Châteaux collection, this boutique Essaouira hotel promises an enchanting stay in the heart of the medina. It features 33 elegantly designed rooms and suites surrounding a lush patio, as well as 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)
Best boutique hotels in Essaouira
The sophisticated lobby of Heure Bleue Palais in Essaouira (photo courtesy of Expedia)
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 a realm of thoughtfully curated spaces that never fail to inspire. Spanning two levels, the six uniquely themed suites highlight Moroccan artistry with hand-carved furniture, detailed tilework and luxurious linens.
Beyond the accommodations, Casa.b Mogador serves 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 beckons guests to the sun-drenched terrace, where 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)
Best boutique hotels in Essaouira
An alfresco bar at Le Jardin des Douars - a luxury boutique hotel near Essaouira (photo courtesy of Expedia)
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, creating 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. Dining is available at multiple venues, both inside and out, while the indulgent hammam offers body scrubs and treatments.
"An exceptional setting for a magical stay.” - Eric (read more reviews here)
Best boutique hotels in Essaouira
One of the spacious suites at Le Jardin des Douars near Essaouira (photo courtesy of Expedia)
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. I also love that there are rooms to suit all travellers - solo, couples and families.
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. When you're not out exploring the medina, you can unwind in the traditional Moroccan hammam, where 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)
Best boutique riads in Essaouira
The pale blue balconies of Ryad Watier - one of the best boutique hotels in Essaouira (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best boutique hotel in Essaouira with a hot tub
This boutique Essaouira hotel artfully combines the subtle elegance of traditional Moroccan aesthetics with the chic appeal of modern European design. Riad Dar Maya offers only five beautifully appointed rooms, each 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 is highly attentive (the staff anticipate your every need) while 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)
Best boutique hotels in Essaouira
One of the stylish bathrooms at Madada Mogador - a pet-friendly boutique hotel in Essaouira (photo courtesy of Expedia)
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, a central salon in soothing sand hues welcomes you, leading to five beautifully appointed bedrooms adorned with tadelakt. Ascend the stairs and 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 free of charge in rooms with a balcony or terrace, ensuring a memorable stay for all.
"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)
Best boutique hotels in Essaouira
An elevated view of the interior courtyard at Riad Chbanate (photo courtesy of Expedia)
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 boutique hotel is conveniently located just a short stroll from Bab Marrakech and within easy reach (on foot) of all the city’s main attractions.
Each suite at Riad Chbanate has been thoughtfully crafted for couples, featuring inviting fireplaces, suspended beds and swinging chair hammocks that enhance the romantic ambiance. There are exquisite details 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 an indulgent bathtub.
"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)
Best boutique riads in Essaouira
One of the uniquely styled rooms at Riad Lyon-Mogador in Essaouira (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best boutique riad in Essaouira with a rooftop terrace
Riad Lyon-Mogador is the creation of French owners Camille and Jean-Claude, who have transformed it into an oasis within the bustling medina. The enchanting lampshades hanging at different heights and the elegantly draped curtains around the courtyard add to its romance - 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 with natural ingredients. If you head up to the rooftop terrace, you'll be rewarded with 360-degree views of Essaouira - it’s the perfect spot to enjoy breakfast each morning.
"Absolutely stunning riad and we will return.” - Shareen (read more reviews here)
Best boutique hotels in Essaouira
The rooftop pool and sun loungers at Suite Azur Hotel in Essaouira (photo courtesy of Expedia)
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 refreshing 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, boasting high-end amenities such as plush bedding, 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)
Best boutique hotels in Essaouira
One of the contemporary suites at Suite Azur Hotel in Essaouira (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best boutique hotel in Essaouira for art enthusiasts
“Pop-art glamour meets industrial chic” is how Riad EspritBleu describes its style, with traditional architectural features providing a canvas for contemporary textiles and original art. Upon entering through the doors of this adults-only Essaouira hotel, you are welcomed into a bright central courtyard that harmoniously fuses traditional design with modern aesthetics.
At Riad EspritBleu, there are just seven suites, all of which 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 while enjoying a relaxed meal or shopping for handcrafted gifts. This boutique Essaouira hotel really is offering a fresh perspective on Moroccan hospitality!
“Beautiful riad with exceptional interior design in the middle of the medina.” - Julia (read more reviews here)
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About the author
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 majestic landscapes, storied cities and the incredibly warm hospitality of its people. As the owner and content creator of Malika in Morocco, I share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. I am passionate about helping others plan their Moroccan travel adventures to ensure they get the most out of their North African experience.