13 Best places to stay in Essaouira | Bucketlist riads + Best budget options

Written by: Sini Hietaharju, Master of Tourism Research & Slow Traveller

Best places to stay in Essaouira

The best is not the same for everyone, right?

That's why on this list you find first the best bucketlist riads in Essaoira, then the best, cheap accommodation option in this Western Moroccan town and last but not least, the luxurious hidden gems you should try once in a lifetime.

After this article you will know where to stay in Essaouira and which are the best hotels in Essaouira, Morocco.

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The 6 Best Bucketlist Riads in Essaouira

Best hotels in Essaouira, Morocco are often called Riads. These are super cool Moroccan accommodations that I recommend staying at.

1. Riad D’AR GANne by Carole

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Rated: 8.3 Based on: 152 Reviews

This Riad with stylish decor combined with Moroccan vibes is a great place to stay in Essaouira.

The location is near the centre/old medina of Essaouira and beach is within walking distance as well.

Lovely riad that was clean and a great location. Very nice staff who were happy to help with any questions and provided good recommendations.

Review by Lachlan from Australia

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2. Riad Dar Maya

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Rated: 8.3 Based on: 152 Reviews

This luxury boutique riad is one of my favorite places to stay in Morocco.

The modern, minimalistic style combined with Moroccan interior design is just exactly the vibe I love.

The rooftop terrace offers panoramic sea views with sunset, and the riad has also a spa.

Definitely a must-visit Riad in Essaouira.

Top Location; very helpful staff; nice roof top terasse

Review by Michael from Austria

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3. Les Jardins de Villa Maroc

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Rated: 8.3 Based on: 152 Reviews

This riad is located a bit further from Essaouira centre, and feels more like a secret garden retreat.

The greenery and laid-back charm, Les Jardins de Villa Maroc gives you the best of both worlds: the riad experience with a touch of resort-style space and tranquility.

If you don't have time for a yoga retreat in Essaouira, make it your own with a stay in this downtime nature hidden gem.

What a wonderful place!!! Beautiful rooms/cabanas, super pool, friendly staff, close to Essaouira (20 min by taxi)

Review by Marco from Switzerland

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4. Chems Bleu

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Rated: 8.3 Based on: 152 Reviews

Chems Bleu has that welcoming, easygoing vibe that makes you want to relax a little longer.

The instagrammable decor, spacious common areas, and lovely views of the ocean, it’s a budget-friendly option with style.

The terrace is the perfect spot for your morning coffee.

The riad is also a solid choice for solo travelers and friends on a budget.

We enjoyed every moment and memory spent and made at Chems Bleu. The staff was incredibly kind, courteous, professional, helpful.

especially enjoyed breakfast with great food and good conversation about life and the world, thanks to Sophian. Lived our balcony, where we relaxed solo and with friends, and which offered a lively view of walkway below and vast, lovely view overlooking Medina and ocean beyond.

Review by Jennifer from United States

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5. Villa Serinie

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Rated: 10 Based on: 30 Reviews

This awesome Villa with a private and exclusive stay feels like an own Moroccan mansion.

The unique, private experience with stylish decor gives a relaxing oasis retreat.

Ideal for couples or anyone seeking for inner peace in lovely surroundings.

We enjoyed every moment and memory spent and made at Chems Bleu. The staff was incredibly kind, courteous, professional, helpful.

especially enjoyed breakfast with great food and good conversation about life and the world, thanks to Sophian. Lived our balcony, where we relaxed solo and with friends, and which offered a lively view of walkway below and vast, lovely view overlooking Medina and ocean beyond.

Review by Jennifer from United States

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6. Salut Maroc

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Rated: 9.1 Based on: 422 Reviews

This is probably the most known, instagrammable riad of Morocco, or at least of Essaouira.

The colorful interior design and unique rooms is a an awesome vibe.

Salut Maroc is located in the artistic area of old Media of Essaouira, so in the middle of all you need.

Seeview from the rooms available.

The place has also its own rooftop terrace facing the sea.

Amazing stay! One of our favourites, we only stayed one night and wished we could have stayed longer. Delightful architecture and views. A bedroom window view i will remember forever.



Review by Joshua from United Kingdom

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The 3 Most Awesome Luxury Stays in Essaouira

The best places to stay in Essoauira are these 4 luxurious places.

These are the kinds of bucketlist stays that you think back with fond memories.

1. Heure Bleue Palais

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Rated: 9.2 Based on: 592 Reviews

This luxury hotel embodies classical charm with a touch of modern sophistication.

Heure Bleue Palais is set in a historic building that has been beautifully restored, offering guests a mix of classic Moroccan and colonial-style decor.

The courtyard pool is an oasis of calm and relaxation.

With top-notch service and a rooftop terrace with breathtaking views, this hotel is perfect for travelers who appreciate a blend of luxury and history.

Amazing hotel, yummy and varied breakfast, spacious and gorgeous rooms, great location. Highly recommend!

Review by Paloma from the United States

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2. Suite Azur Hotel

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Rated: 9.1 Based on: 981 Reviews

Suite Azur Hotel is an awesome mix of modern style and Moroccan tradition, creating a comfortable stay.

The suites are spacious and filled with natural light, making them feel both luxurious and inviting.

The big outdoor pool combined with spa and rooftop make the place so nice you almost don't want to step out to the streets of Essaouira.

It’s perfect for those who seek the luxurious experience but with a touch of laid-back vibes that Essaouira is known for.

Great, very fresh, breakfast and they served it also to the roof terrace.

Very nice service. Very clean place and the room was big enough, very good shover.

The soundproof was quite good but or course you are living in the very inside of medina althought the door of the hotel is in the quiet side alley. Overall very good place, nice and helpfull reception people.

Review by Eero from Finland

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3. Hotel Le Médina Essaouira

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Rated: 8.2 Based on: 1303 Reviews

Le Médina is a bit more traditional hotel choice, as it is a hotel right outside the medina, instead of a riad.

It combines the beachfront luxury experience, combining resort-style amenities with Moroccan charm.

The spacious rooms with sea views, and a beautiful outdoor pool area is perfect for lazy afternoons after discovering the medina.

Guests can enjoy direct access to the beach and a wellness center that includes spa services to unwind after a day of exploring.

It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want the comforts of a large hotel with easy access to Essaouira’s main beach.

I liked the location close to the Medina and with the sea just in front. I liked the reserved beds in front of the sea for hotel guests, as the hotel is not situated directly on the beach.

Review by Ramona from Switzerland

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The 4 Best Budget Accommodation options in Essaouira

If you are on a budget, but still want to experience the lovely riads of Morocco, these are the best 4 options.

1. Welkam Co-working & Co-living

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Rated: 9.6 Based on: 769 Reviews

If you're a digital nomad with a laptop in one hand and a surfboard in the other, this is the place to be.

Welkam Home blends laid-back hostel vibes with the practicality of coworking space.

It is located about 1,5kms from Essaouira's old medina in Moroccan area with idyllic vibes.

The beach is nearby and the price is amazing, combined with meeting cool people at the place.

It’s ideal for solo travelers or remote workers looking to stay connected both socially and professionally.

I loved everything about Welkam Home & Coworking .

Respectful and Professional Service. We found a living room to relax ,space to work & rooftop for sun bathing .

The place is always clean . Perfect location in the local neighborhood near all activities. Medina ( 20 mins walking distance , nice walking along the Corniche ) Small and friendly Home , perfect to found peace . Quality service at the best price Highly recommended !!!

Review by Maria from United Kingdom

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2. Hostel La Smala

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Rated: 8.7 Based on: 1668 Reviews

This charming little hostel is a backpacker’s dream.

Hostel La Smala has a homey atmosphere with a mix of dorms and private rooms.

The shared spaces with a great outdoor area are great.

The friendly staff who know how to make guests feel at home, it’s perfect for budget travelers looking for a relaxed base with a community feel.

Everything. From rooms to friendly helpful staff and rooftop view, ambiance, and food.

Review by Malaviya from United Kingdom

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3. Dar 44

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Rated: 8.0 Based on: 265 Reviews

DAR44 is a budget-friendly riad option with a nice, Moroccan style.

With its minimalist decor and warm, earthy tones, it’s an inviting and peaceful place to unwind after a day in the medina.


The place is not big, but it has comfortable rooms, a lovely rooftop for chilling, and a welcoming vibe that feels more like staying at a friend’s house than a hotel.

The place is super calm the lady there is the best so kind and helpful we like her better put sign for location in the alley plz

Review by Ouail from Morocco

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4. White And Blue

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Rated: 8.1 Based on: 702 Reviews

White And Blue offers simple, clean accommodations that have a touch of Moroccan charm.

It’s an affordable choice where you can expect friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere.

The rooftop terrace is a great place to soak up the Essaouira sunset and get to know other travellers. The location makes it easy to explore the medina on foot.

It was a very good stay! Very nice and helpful receptionists.

I loved the common space and the rooftop terrace, as well as the location, amidst the labyrinth of the Medina.

Review by Dina from Germany

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Nothing to your taste?

I always book my stays via Booking.com

You can browse, read reviews and compare prices directly from their site.

WRITTEN BY

Hey there, I'm the Author

I'm Sini, an enthusiast in slow traveling, yoga retreats, travel as self growth journey and rubbing dogs.

This is your go-to slow travel corner of the internet.

I'm here to share my best travel tips, digital nomad thoughts and photographs from the journeys.

I happen to be kind of a professional in this as well, as I have my Master's degree within Tourism Research and both my master's and bachelor's thesis are about yoga travel.

I want to share the best knowledge of hidden gem retreat and mindful destinations, as well as some deeper, honest thoughts what digital nomad lifestyle actually is.

You can read more about me here.

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