13 Best Hotels in Essaouira

Visiting this amazing city but not sure where to stay in Essaouira? If so then this epic list of the best hotels in Essaouira is for you.

See, I live in Essaouira and have been here since January 2023. Therefore, I currently live in an apartment. But, I still occasionally stay in hotels when I am moving around and am only in the city briefly.

However, when I was first settling down and figuring out the best place to stay in Essaouira (Translation? I was getting together with my partner and moving a lot because I kept extending my stay to be with him) I stayed in A LOT of hotels.

I was making decent money at the time (not now, sadly) and could splurge on mid-range and luxury hotels in Essaouira.

Therefore, I know A LOT about where to stay in Essaouira and where to find the best hotels in the city. Regardless of the hotel you choose, I would try and stay in the Medina.

It’s well-located near the beach and is just a great home base from which to enjoy some awesome Essaouira activities.

You absolutely can stay at luxury hotels in the countryside, but it will probably take you between 15 and 20 minutes to get into the city center by taxi. So, that’s not super practical if you’re planning a short-term stay in the city.

However, if you love this place, think Essaouira is worth visiting over and over again, and just want to enjoy the quiet of the countryside, then by all means stay in a more rural area outside of the medina.

Just know that any time you want to get into the city proper, you will probably have to take a taxi.

I also know that not everyone has tons of money to splurge on a five-star resort. So, I have compiled a list of my favorite places to stay in Essaouira for budget, mid-range, and luxury travelers.

This way, everyone who is reading this will be able to find the perfect place to stay in Essaouira for them.

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# 1 🏆 Pick for the Best Hotel in Essaouira

The best hotel in Essaouira is Ryad Watier. 🏆 The rooms are HUGE, the rooftop is amazing, the breakfast is delicious, and the staff goes above and beyond to make your stay incredible. Such great value and the property is stunning💰.

Luxury Hotels in Essaouira

1. Ryad Watier

⭐️ Rating: 9.7/10.0 (367 Reviews) Price: $63.00 + per night (for a single room) 📍Location: 16 Rue Ceuta, 44000 Essaouira, Morocco Details: Read more on booking.com now!

I love Ryad Watier so much and absolutely cannot recommend it enough. I mean, the staff are INSANELY helpful and go above and beyond to try and make your stay one to remember (They are so kind I kind of want to cry).

This riad in Essaouira is also HUGE. Yes, there are only ten rooms but because this building used to be a madrasa (school) each room is massive and comes with a sitting room and a giant bed.

They even have single rooms for solo travelers from Marrakech who don’t want to pay extra for a double room.

Plus, this riad is just insanely well-located, beautifully decorated, and tucked away on a quiet side street in the Medina. So, need to worry about street noise.

“We had an amazing stay in Ryad Watier. We booked for 2 nights and then we stayed 2 more. The staff at the property were great, Hayat, Raschid, Fatiha were amazing. Raschid brought us to the local fish market, we bought several different fish and then grilled them in a specific place in Essaouira. We had one of our best dinners. We loved every corner of the Ryad, the room was spacious, the bed was comfortable, and the room had an amazing shower. The breakfast on the rooftop was very delicious, and we had a great time watching the sunset from the rooftop. All in all, we had an amazing stay in the Ryad and definitely we will come back!”

Eniko (read more reviews now)

Their breakfast in Essaouira is also EPIC and served to you on an amazing rooftop terrace with plenty of shade and lovely views of the ocean.

Additionally, there is an amazing, enclosed coworking space on the roof. This way you can use their super fast wifi to get work done if need be. Or, sit here and enjoy the views during the winter when Essaouira gets chilly.

There is also an amazing hammam on-site that makes for the perfect place to try a hammam in Essaouira.

I have stayed at A LOT of places in Essaouira and cannot recommend this place enough. The manager also lives on-site and is happy to help with anything you need.

It is also a totally woman-run business. So, your stay here will be supporting and empowering local women. So, if I was gonna pack one place to stay in Essaouira Ryad Watier should be it.

Book your room now and I promise you will have an amazing stay. The one tiny downside is that solo travelers have to knock to enter the building.

But, that is only because they have had issues in the past with people trying to sneak in people from the outside.

PS: These people are so nice that when my friend asked about a room for one day in Essaouira, they recommended ANOTHER riad that they thought might be better for them.

Yup, that is how nice these people are and you should absolutely stay here after traveling from Agadir to Essaouira or going from Casablanca to Essaouira.

2. Villa Quieta

A view of the room in Villa Quieta with a wooden bed and white sheets and wooden furniture at one of the best luxury hotels in Essaouira.

⭐️ Rating: 9.4/10.0 (531 Reviews) Price: $140+ per night 📍Location: rue Moulay Ali Chrif, 44000 Essaouira, Morocco Details: Read more on booking.com now!

If you are looking for a hotel in Essaouira with a small resort feel then Villa Quieta is a great choice. The ONE downside is that is located at the other end of the beach, near Essaouira restaurants like Beach and Friends.

So, it will probably take you 20 minutes to walk to the Medina from here. Or, you can just take a taxi for 8 Dirhams ($0.80).

However, they do have a pool on-site. So, grab a lounge chair and chill out on a nice sunny day. Just know that this outdoor pool is not heated. So, swimming here can get a bit chilly.

But, that’s okay since you’ll stay inside a spacious, white room with free wifi, a private bathroom, a bathrobe, and toiletries.

“Everything was brilliant. Decor inside was outstanding and outside grounds/pool were excellent. Staff couldn’t do more for us. Great breakfast too. Location excellent for beach and about 20 mins nice promenade walk to the Medina. Best of all worlds!

Damien (read more reviews now)

A delicious breakfast is also included with your stay and because of the hotel’s location, this is a perfect spot for anyone who likes golf.

The common area is also spacious and has a charming, old-world Moroccan vibe to it that guests will love. TBH, this place isn’t my jam.

However, it’s quiet, spacious, and has tons of on-site parking. So, if you don’t mind being outside the Medina, then this is a great place to stay in Essaouira.

Plus, you’re just a short walk away from the beach in Essaouira, making this an epic spot for all my beach bums out there.

It’s also well-located near one of the coolest day trips from Essaouira and is a great place to crash after getting to Essaouira.

View of Kelly riding a camel wearing a blue shirt and a red scarf on her head with brown pants. She is in the desert.

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3. Riad Lyon-Mogador

⭐️ Rating: 9.1/10.0 (876 Reviews) Price: $84.00+ per night 📍Location: 39 Rue Ceuta Médina, 44000 Essaouira, Morocco Details: Read more on booking.com now!

Located right across the street from Ryad Watier, Riad Lyon-Mogador is another nice hotel in Essaouira that is tucked away along a quiet side street in the Medina.

It is also a riad (from the 18th century) but it’s not as big as Ryad Watier. So, while the rooms are light and bright and well-decorated, they are smaller, to the point that I had trouble getting into my bed.

Although, they do come with nice sitting areas and modern bathrooms.

“I loved the beautifully understated elegant Riad. The staff were so helpful and calm whilst at the same time not intrusive. They were very genuine and thoughtful. The view from the roof terrace is also amazing. The fresh breakfast was very good as well!”

Caroline (read more reviews now)

But, the showers are super cool and have this traditional vibe since they are made out of clay. Additionally, the rooftop terrace where you are served breakfast is amazing.

In fact, this is one of the tallest buildings in the Medina (5 floors). So, the views are epic and the space is well-outfitted with lounge chairs and many cushioned seats.

The breakfast/Essaouira brunch they offer includes a wide array of delicious local and international products, with options to cater to your specific dietary needs.

Table d’hôte meals are also available upon request with a day’s notice (except on Tuesdays).

I also found the staff to be pleasant but not as next-level awesome as in Ryad Watier. But, I really do love this riad and think you’ll have an amazing stay. Just book rooms well in advance since this place to stay in Essaouira is quite popular.

4. Dar Liouba Hotel

⭐️ Rating: 9.0/10.0 (430 Reviews) Price: $127+ per night 📍Location: 28, Impasse Moulay Ismaîl, 44 000 Essaouira, Morocco Details: Read more on booking.com now!

Once the home of a local Imam, this three-floor riad is now an amazing, 4-star hotel that is home to eight vibrant and uniquely decorated rooms.

Sadly, you won’t get any sea views from the rooftop terrace. However, you can enjoy plush seating and lovely panoramas of the Medina as you relax on a lounge chair.

“Loved our stay here! Our room was lovely, the bed was super comfy. All of the staff here were wonderful and so helpful. The breakfast was incredible, the best orange juice and fresh baked bread I’ve had in years. Will definitely be back!”

Daiden (read more reviews now)

Additionally, this property has a unique, open-air, octagon-shaped atrium that brings ample natural light into a quaint garden and sitting area. It’s a cozy space packed with cushy furniture and a charming fireplace.

Ascend a staircase to a double room or single suite that includes stunning floor tiles, modern furniture, key-hole windows, and private bathrooms with sit-in showers. Rooms are on the small side though so you may want to opt for a suite.

Regardless of the room you choose, staff are on hand to book activities or look over Essaouira maps to help you plan the perfect trip.

A delish breakfast is also available (for an extra 76 Dirhams) and includes crepes, homemade jam, pastries, cold cuts, and epic French coffee. Feel free to enjoy it on the roof or downstairs at a communal dining room.

Just know that some people have a hard time finding the place and that noise can come from the street into the riad.

5. Salut Maroc

View of the colorful interior of Salut Maroc with colorful tile mosaics on the floor and bright accent colors in a hallway and modern light fixtures hanging from the ceiling.

⭐️ Rating: 8.9/10.0 (117 Reviews) Price: $190+ per night 📍Location: Rue Ibn Rochd, Kasbah, 44000 Essaouira, Morocco Details: Read more on booking.com now!

Doubling as one of the best restaurants in Essaouira and one of the most fun bars in Essaouira, Salut Maroc is a wonderfully colorful, super well-decorated luxury hotel that can be found inside the walls of the Medina.

It sits in an old merchant’s home from the 18th century and is filled with exquisite, hand-cut, Moroccan tiles that are known as zellije. I like going to the rooftop and taking in the epic views of the Atlantic.

But, guests will love the 11 uniquely decorated rooms on-site, all of which were hand-painted by artists from France, Chile, and India. They even come with amazing copper tubs.

“Wonderful experience! especially the colors of the hotel and the terrace! Thank you so much for the surprise, :)”

Rachid (read more reviews now)

So, if you love super photogenic surroundings then this is the Essaouira hotel for you. Sadly, though, some of the smaller rooms are VERY small. Therefore, try to upgrade the Safi, Tangier, or Casablanca suites if you can.

The wifi can also be very hit or miss, but the staff are lovely and this is an all-around great place to stay.

My fave part? Breakfast is included with your stay. You can enjoy it on the roof and enjoy things like Berber omelets, traditional pastries, and fresh Moroccan bread. Service can be slow though, so you may need a bit of patience.

This is also one of the hotels that serves alcohol in Essaouira.

A view of me and y boyfriend sitting together in Chefchaouen with the Spanish Mosque behind us. We did this during a fun Fes to Chefchaouen day trip.

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6. Madada Mogador

Exterior with a stone archway and potted plants around the entrance of La Table by Madada in Essaouira.

⭐️ Rating: 8.9/10.0 (325 Reviews) Price: $150+ per night 📍Location: 5, Rue Youssef El Fassi, Ahl Agadir, 44000 Essaouira, Morocco Details: Read more on booking.com now!

This property is home to seven unique rooms and a rooftop terrace with some of the best views of the old port in the city.

It was once the residence of a Jewish merchant and is now a gorgeous hotel with an on-site restaurant and a stylish library.

Whatever you do, do not leave without visiting the rooftop terrace. Grab a seat on a plush wicker sofa and catch some rays while looking out at the ocean.

This is also where you’ll enjoy a decadent breakfast of fruit, yogurt, pancakes, and eggs. Yeah, the breakfast here is a lot better than what you’ll find elsewhere.

If you get a little bored, never fear because Madabab Mogador is home to a shop selling amazing art/furniture (Le Comptoir Oriental) and a treatment room where you can enjoy a massage.

-So, what are you waiting for? Just choose between two standard rooms without a view, three ocean-view rooms, and two suites with fireplaces/terraces/sitting rooms.

“Fantastic place in the heart of Essouria. Beautiful and tasteful decor, with a stunning sun balcony and carefully curated art and book collections. The staff really make this place though, we couldn’t have asked for more. So helpful with recommendations and helping us book tables at restaurants etc. We’d also recommend La Table restaurant downstairs for some lovely food. Amazing stay and cannot recommend it enough, thank you!”

Sophie (read more reviews now)

All rooms feel spacious with large windows, high ceilings, giant beds, golden walls, reddish tile floors, and deep tubs (except for Salma which has a rain shower).

7. Dar Les Sirènes

View of clothes hanging up to dry on the roofo of a blue and white building in essaouira. You can also enjoy sweeping views of the blue and white buildings in essaouira.

⭐️ Rating: 8.9/10.0 (93 Reviews) Price: $90+ per night 📍Location: 59 Ruè Chbanate, 44000 Essaouira, Morocco Details: Read more on booking.com now!

Tucked away in the Mellah (aka Jewish quarter), this hotel was once designed for architect Edoardo Miotti and his partner Silvia.

Today, Dar Les Siirenes has five, stunning rooms, as well as an open-concept lower level where the living room/dining room and kitchen merge to give the space a contemporary loft vibe.

The interior receives ample ambient light through an atrium that sits just above a charming little garden. Honestly, it’s a really lovely space.

“Beautiful place and great location – very easy & quick to get anywhere. Most comfortable bed I’ve had during my trip to Morocco. But the real star here is Amina, who is just fabulous!”

Sylvia (read more reviews now)

While this isn’t a full-scale hotel, the staff are more than happy to organize fun activities that make Essaouira worth visiting.

Rooms are also fairly large with a modern Moroccan feel that is accentuated by sleek, Scandinavian-style design, wicker framed mirrors, and traditional Berber rugs.

Breakfast is also included with your stay and is absolutely amazing since it features yogurt, pancakes, homemade jam, fresh juice, and an omelet. You can grab it from a communal table up until 11:00 am.

The rooftop is also spacious with lots of loungers for you to relax on. There is also a shaded area, even if high fences obstruct the view.

Yes, the surrounding neighborhood can be a bit noisy and some of the decor/chairs need to be updated. However, the caliber of service makes this a pick for the best place to stay in Essaouira.

8. Heure Bleue Palais – Relais & Châteaux

⭐️ Rating: 8.9/10.0 (448 Reviews) Price: $500+ per night 📍Location: 2 Rue Ibn Babouta – Bab M Rrakech, 44000 Essaouira, Morocco Details: Read more on booking.com now!

Looking for a five-star hotel that doubles as an exquisite riad from the 19th century? If so then book a room at Heure Bleue Palais.

It’s a gorgeous property, located near Bab Marrakech, that is built into the walls of the Medina. This place is so nice that the king himself skipped his palace and spent the night here instead.

It is filled with traditional, yet stylish, Colonial-style interiors that include large potted plants, candle-lit lamps, wicker furniture, velvet seats, and a serene fountain in a central courtyard.

“The amazing staff so friendly and welcoming. The hotel manager in his orange scarves. The pool, the amazing staff at the Spa so good I went twice. The breakfast has a wide selection and I have a very good omelette.”

Sharon (read more reviews now)

Then, when you head up to your room you’ll find African, Arab, and Asian-inspired decor that includes dark wooden furniture, vibrant Moroccan tile floors, and marble bathrooms with walk-in showers.

Some premium suites even include a fireplace and breakfast is complimentary. It’s pretty amazing and includes a buffet filled with savory vegetable cakes, omelets, fresh figs, bread, pears with syrup, and more.

But, the real highlight of any stay at one of the best hotels in Essaouira is the rooftop pool to enjoy sweeping views of the Medina. You can also visit the bijou spa before checking out the movie room and pool room at this epic hotel.

Local Tip: This luxury hotel in Essaouira is near the Supratours Station. Therefore, it is a great place to stay after traveling from Marrakech to Essaouira.

You can also visit their rooftop pool (it’s heated to 24°C) with a day pass it costs 450 Dirhams and lunch is included. You just need to make a reservation in advance and figure out what to wear in Essaouira first when at this fancy place.

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Mid-Range Hotels in Essaouira

9. Hôtel Emeraude Essaouira

⭐️ Rating: 8.5/10.0 (746 Reviews) Price: $50+ per night 📍Location: 228 Rue Chbanate, 44000 Essaouira, Morocco Details: Read more on Booking.com now!

I recently stayed at Hotel Emeraude in the Medina and loved my time here. The owner did a great job of restoring a historic riad and transforming it into a modern accommodation that feels like a boutique hotel (in a good way).

The staff is also lovely and a made-to-order breakfast is served daily from 8:30 am to 11:00 am on their spacious rooftop terrace. It includes an omelet, tea/coffee, msemen, bread, yogurt, fruit, jam, honey, and OJ.

As you make your way up the stairs, just let the staff know whether you want coffee or tea with your breakfast. It’s not the best food I have ever had but it was very good for a hotel breakfast.

“Hôtel Essaouira was exactly what I was looking for – clean, sunny, with helpful and kind staff, and an excellent breakfast. Despite having to work during my stay, I found my room comfortable enough, and the rooftop areas provided a pleasant environment to concentrate and get the job done.”

Mariana (read more reviews now)

Rooms are on the small side but they include large beds (I found my mattress to be really hard) as well as bathrooms with plenty of towels and warm water. I found it kind of weird that there was no garbage or TV in my room, but I made do.

However, you do get daily housekeeping service and can enjoy staying inside one of the most charming riads in Essaouira. FYI, the wifi is very hit or miss. So, if you have to do work I would try and do it somewhere else.

The only other negative was that the kids on the street would sometimes be screaming until 1:00 am.

However, I think that was because it was Ramadan since it is kind of a weird time to visit Essaouira. It was only a problem for like a night though.

All in all, I would DEFFO stay here again and think this is a great spot if you’re looking for a hotel with an authentic Moroccan feel to it.

Budget Hotels in Essaouira

Local Tip: Most of the private rooms in hostels are around 400 Dirhams ($40.00) per night. For this price, you are much better off staying in a private room in budget riads like Riad Etoile and Riad Sidi Magdoul.

It’s cheaper and you’ll get a private room as well as towels and breakfast.

10. Chill Art Hostel

A view odf the vibrant art and arched window in the atrium of chill art hostel. You can see blue pillows on a couch as well at one of the best hostesl in Essaouira.

⭐️ Rating: 8.8/10.0 (848 Reviews) Price: $12+ per night 📍Location: Rue Lalla Hasna n18, 44000 Essaouira, Morocco Details: Read more on booking.com now!

An easy pick for one of the best hostels in Essaouira, Chill Art Hostel is one of those unique hostels where you can meet people but still get a decent night’s sleep since it’s NOT a party hostel where quiet hours start at 11:00 pm.

It’s also located inside this awesome riad with a fun, boho-chic vibe that is enhanced by colorful wall art everywhere. It can be a bit hard to find since it’s hidden down a quiet side street in the Medina.

But, follow the signs and you should be able to find it no problem. Additionally, the staff are super nice and happy to help with anything you need during your stay in 4, 6, or 8-person dorms.

TBH, the dorms aren’t the best I have ever seen since they have those rickety metal bunk beds that shake when you climb on them. There are also no reading lights or outlets near your bed, although you do get a privacy curtain.

Breakfast is included though and includes a baguette, chocolate croissant/msemen, hard-boiled egg, butter, jam, olives, and fruit/tomatoes. Add an omelet to your plate for 10 Dirhams ($10.00) and then enjoy the views from the rooftop terrace.

“The authenticity and vibe of the hostel, the decoration, the super staff and the amazing central location! I would blindly recommend!”

Soufiane (read more reviews now)

Plus, if you forget something at home then you can always rent towels, use their laundry service, rental locks, or book an airport transfer and enjoy the safety of Essaouira.

It’s also super easy to enjoy the city since you can book Essaoura cooking classes, henna, kite surfing, surfing, camel riding, horseback riding, quad bikes, and a visit to the hammam through the hostel.

11. Hostel La Smala

⭐️ Rating: 8.7/10.0 (980 Reviews) Price: $20.00+ per night 📍Location: 26 bis, Rue Skala, Kasbah, 44000 Essaouira, Morocco Details: Read more on booking.com now!

Even if you’re not into hostels, you’ll love staying at Hostel La Smala since it feels more like a boutique hotel than a hostel.

Yeah, their four and six-person dorms are well-outfitted with modern, white decor that includes sturdy bunk beds with BIG ladders to the top bunk, lockers beneath your bed, privacy curtains, bed lamps, bedside outlets, en-suite showers, etc.

Plus, if you are a digital nomad then you’ll love working here since the wifi is mega fast and there are tons of work areas (with loads of outlets) for you to enjoy.

Yes, this hostel is a bit pricey, especially since brekkie is NOT included and costs 65 Dirhams ($6.50). It also wasn’t super social when I was here and felt pretty dead. But, I was here during the off-season, so that could be the reason.

“The terrace is amazing… it´s amazing at any moment of the day to relax, to do some work,… you can easily order some food and drinks on the rooftop.”

Stephanie (read more reviews now)

Anyway, this hostel is still well-located, even if the staff aren’t overly friendly. The decor is also amazing and they have lots of cool nooks for you to hang out in.

Local Tip: Even if you don’t stay here, DO head up to the rooftop terrace and enjoy epic views of the Old Skala and the Atlantic Ocean at sunset. Just be aware that it is closed ot non-guests during the summer.

You can order drinks and food here too like sammies, milkshakes, ice cream, crepes, and more.

Best Hotels Near Essaouira

12. Le Jardin des Douars

⭐️ Rating: 9.4/10.0 (91 Reviews) Price: $300.00 per night 📍Location: Douar Sidi Yassine, Ida Oueguerd, BP209, 44000 Ghazoua, Morocco Details: Read more on booking.com now!

Tucked away in the quiet countryside, Le Jardon des Douars is filled with calm, earthen, clay-like buildings that look like the kasbahs of old.

Sure, you are about a 20-minute drive away from the Medina and the best places to shop in Essaouira, which can get kind of annoying.

However, this gorg, 3-star property offers sweeping views from above the Ksob River and features two heated pools in addition to to an on-site spa. So, you really can go for a luxurious swim without freezing to death.

Then, when you get a little hungry, dig into exquisite cuisine from their restaurant, which creates divine fusion cuisine that offers a welcome respite from the usual tajine and couscous. Heck, you can even enjoy a bit of al fresco dining if you like.

Additionally, you are just a 15-minute drive away from Sidi Kaouki and a 5-minute drive from The Mogador Golf Course.

So, book a stunning room or bungalow filled with stunning Moroccan decor. Many accommodations include a private terrace, a fireplace (only in some rooms), free toiletries, a bathrobe, wifi, a delicious breakfast, slippers, heating, and more.

Local Tip: If you don’t have the budget to spend the night here then you can always grab a day pass for 200 Dirhams and hang out by the pool from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.

13. Sofitel Essaouira Mogodor Golf and Spa

⭐️ Rating: 7.3/10.0 (1284 Reviews) Price: $120+ per night 📍Location: Domaine de Mogador, 44000 Essaouira, Morocco Details: Read more on booking.com now!

I’m gonna be real with you, the Sofitel Essaouira is 100% not my vibe and I would not stay here. I think it’s overrated and has a very all-inclusive resort feel that I don’t like.

It’s also NOT anywhere near the Medina and is closer to Diabat. However, the hotel does offer a free shuttle service into Essaouira. So, it should only take you about 10 minutes to get to the city center.

Okay, so if I am not into this hotel in Essaouira, then why did I add it to this list? Because some of my friends LOVE it.

They RAVE about the fact that the property has two giant outdoor pools that are heated! So, you can go swimming in Essaouira without freezing to death.

“The location is great. it’s a 10-minute taxi ride or €5 and it’s just right. I prefer to not be in the hustle and bustle. the facilities are a bit run down. but you the rate is cheap enough. the staff is very nice and aims to please. it’s Morocco so be prepared for a slower pace of life. the beds are very comfortable. the view is beautiful. the beach is not really accessible but you can see the ocean which is nice.”

Lucia (read more reviews now)

There are also two bars and two restaurants on-site, one buffet-style restaurant and another a la carte restaurant. Although, I heard the service is slow, and the food kind of sucks.

There is even a breakfast buffet on offer, but it costs an extra 220 Dirhams ($22.00) per person. I have also heard mixed reviews. So, you may want to give it a pass and have breakfast at one of the best cafes in Essaouira instead.

We went on a Sunday and the Sunday buffet looked really nice. It cost 290 Dirhams ($29.00) and you can sit by the pool and listen to live music. I found it super relaxing.

You can even play a round of golf at the Gary Player Golf Course before retiring to a 5-star villa fully equipped with a terrace, free Wifi, butler service, and modern decor.

So, if you love five-star resorts and don’t really like the idea of staying in a small, private home in the Medina then this may the perfect hotel in Essaouira for you.

You can also stop by as a visitor and enjoy one of the best things to do in Essaouira for free.

# 1 🏆 Pick for the Best Hotel in Essaouira


The best hotel in Essaouira is Ryad Watier. 🏆 The rooms are HUGE, the rooftop is amazing, the breakfast is delicious, and the staff goes above and beyond to make your stay incredible. Such great value and the property is stunning💰.

Tips For Deciding Where to Stay in Essaouira

Rooftop of Ryad Watier with three gray lounge chairs and the Medina and ocean in the background on a sunny day.

Since I have stayed in so many different hotels in Essaouira, I have made A LOT of mistakes. So, use these tips to book the best place to stay possible.

  • Read the Reviews – I love staying in the Medina. But, some riads in Essaouira can get super loud because of kids on the street or bars that blast loud music until 1:00 am. So, read reviews CAREFULLY and make sure no one has noise complaints. I would also avoid staying in the area around Taros since that bar is LOUD.
  • Don’t Stay Near a Mosque – The call to prayer at mosques is at sunrise and can be LOUD. So, if you don’t want to get woken up at like 5:00 am every morning then do not stay anywhere near a mosque.
  • Get Ready for the City Tax – When visiting Essaouira you will have to pay a tourist tax, in cash, that goes to the city. It is not included in the price of your hotel and costs somewhere between 11 Dirhams and 15 Dirhams per day. The exact cost depends on the price of your hotel room. So, don’t be shocked if your hotel needs extra money.
  • You Don’t Need Breakfast Included – Can I be real with you? Most hotel breakfasts are an afterthought and are just not very good. So, I wouldn’t worry too much about having breakfast included. Yeah, there are lots of great places to have breakfast in the Medina and they are not all that expensive either.
  • Most Hotels in the Medina Do NOT Have Elevators – Many of the buildings in the Medina are old riads. As a result, the stairs are super narrow and can be difficult to climb, especially with luggage. If you have mobility issues, you may want to stay at a hotel just outside the Medina instead. FYI, Palais Des Remparts is the exception to this rule and does have an elevator.
  • Book Riads in Advance – Moroccan riads are pretty small and the biggest ones I have seen have 10/12 rooms. Therefore, they book up fast, especially if you’re visiting Essaouira during peak season. So, if there is a riad that you are dying to stay at then book your room well in advance since most riads don’t have many rooms to choose from.

Map of the Best Hotels in Essaouira

Map of the best hotels in Essaouira with 13 blue dots to represent the best hotels.

That wraps up this guide to the best places to stay in Essaouira. I hope you now know where to stay in Essaouira for an amazing trip.

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Essaouira

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