Best Hotels in Essaouira

Essaouira's finest hotel — a Relais & Châteaux property in a restored 18th-century palace. The rooftop pool overlooks the ocean and medina rooftops. Inside: a cinema room, spa, and restaurant serving refined Moroccan-French cuisine. The blue-and-white decor echoes Essaouira's palette.

Best for: Best overall luxury

The hotel that put Essaouira on the tourism map — Villa Maroc was the first riad-hotel in the medina (1990) and retains its pioneering spirit. Multiple connected riads, winding staircases, rooftop terraces, and rooms filled with antiques and textiles. It has the most character of any hotel in town.

Best for: Authentic Essaouira character

A British-Moroccan owned riad that perfectly balances traditional Essaouira architecture with contemporary comfort. The rooftop terrace has Atlantic views, the rooms are crisp and stylish, and the breakfast (with homemade jams and Moroccan pastries) is one of the best in town.

Best for: Warm hospitality and design

Part riad, part art gallery — Riad Chbanate integrates a rotating exhibition space with guest rooms. The courtyard is intimate, the port is a 2-minute walk, and the owners are deeply connected to Essaouira's art scene. If you appreciate African and Moroccan contemporary art, this is the one.

Best for: Art lovers

Built into the rampart walls with suites that have direct ocean views — waves crash below your window. The Italian-Moroccan owners have created an intimate, design-forward property that feels like staying in a friend's impossibly chic Essaouira home. Only 7 rooms.

Best for: Sea views from the medina

The only full resort-style property near Essaouira, set on a golf course south of the medina with pool, spa, and beach access. It is removed from the medina buzz (10-minute drive) but offers the space and amenities that the compact medina hotels cannot.

Best for: Resort amenities and golf

A beach-shack-turned-guesthouse right on Essaouira's beach. The vibe is surf-culture casual, the restaurant serves excellent fish, and the location puts you steps from the waves. Rooms are simple but the beach-bar-to-bed commute is about 30 seconds.

Best for: Surfers and beach lovers

A beautifully tiled riad with a central courtyard fountain and a rooftop terrace. The rooms are decorated in traditional Essaouira style — white walls, coloured accents, argan wood furniture. Central location, warm service, and very good value for the quality.

Best for: Classic riad experience

A budget riad that delivers the medina courtyard experience without the mid-range price tag. The rooms are simple but clean, the courtyard is genuine, and the location near the souks is convenient. It proves you don't need to spend much to stay beautifully in Essaouira.

Best for: Budget with atmosphere

A contemporary hotel overlooking Place Moulay Hassan — the beating heart of Essaouira. The rooms are modern and stylish, and the ground-floor restaurant (La Table by Madada) is one of the best in town. You step out of the front door onto the main square.

Best for: Location and dining