For the BEST riad stays to book in Essaouira … start here! I visited, photographed and reviewed each one to help you choose the best!
These are without a doubt some of the most stunning boutique riads in Essaouira AND in the best locations. Depending on your budget we have a little something for all type of traveller. SO read on for the top 8 most beautiful riad stays in Essaouira.
Starting with google reviews and booking.com reviews I made a shortlist of the best riads in Essaouira within the Medina walls. Then over the period of a few weeks, I visited each of the riads listed here below (and a few others, that I haven’t added).
Dropping in helped me get a sense of which riads were stand-out, friendly and accommodating. In other words, which riads impressed me and therefore that I know will also impress you too. My thoughts and first impressions all there in my mini reviews.
I’m a visual person, so I’ve flooded this post with photos. All photos used here are my own and taken and shared with permission of the riad owners or managers. Hopefully these pictures along with my review, will help you decide which might just be the most beautiful boutique riad for your Essaouira stay.
* This post may contain affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks for your support!
Table of Contents
Ryad Watier
🍽 Breakfast included
💰 Mid to High-range
🛏 10 rooms
👨👩👧👦 Family suites and single rooms available
Ryad Watier is first on our list, as this is the riad we stayed at while in Essaouira. After doing much research it ticked all the boxes for me and my family…
This is one of the bigger riads in Essaouira, so if you like room to spread out, or you are travelling as a larger family then this is the one for you. The location is fantastic, the riad is bright, colourful and it’s an art lovers design heaven. Ryad Watier even has its very own library!
There is a warm and welcoming atmosphere from the moment you arrive, and this feeling remains long after you’ve left.
Lyon Mogador
🍽 Breakfast included
💰 Mid-range
🛏 11 rooms
👨👩👧👦 Family suite and single room available
French owners Camille and Jean-Claude have recently acquired this beautiful riad and you’ll love the homely environment they have created. And it is quickly evident that they have poured their heart and soul into the Lyon Mogador. Camille is your first point of contact and the positive energy she brings to Lyon Mogador is noticeable from the moment you arrive.
The bedrooms are uniquely decorated which gives each room its own special touch. The rooms lead directly to the four edges of the cosy centre riad courtyard, which creates a very comfortable space and feel.
The view from the rooftop terrace provides an incredible 3600 view over Essaouira and also into the riad courtyard below. This is a great place to have breakfast or a mint tea, a place to admire the medina from above in comfort and quiet.
There is a family room available with two interconnecting rooms and a total of 11 guest rooms throughout the riad in total.
You’ll love the boutique touches such as the myriad of twinkling lamp shades hanging from the centre which dangle through the riad levels. Also, the draping curtains which frame the courtyard interior. The Lyon Mogador is the perfect example of a luxury boutique riad. Trust me when I say, book here and you’ll have a Moroccan getaway to remember.
Riad Perle D’Eau
🍽 Breakfast included
💰 Mid to High-range
🛏 8 rooms
👨👩👧👦 Families are welcome when two rooms are booked
Sitting right on the walls of the medina overlooking the beach… the views from the Confort Suite room don’t get any better! Riad Perle D’Eau is perched directly on the grand medina walls and it seems fitting for this proud and equally grand riad.
I was blown away as I walked into the room and was presented with a spectacular view across the beach on the windy and wild day of my visit. So, here’s my advice, if it’s a sea view you’re after, then Perle d’eau is the riad for your Essaouira stay!
This Swiss/Australian owned riad has a feeling of luxury and sophistication. The leather arm chairs in the bedrooms, the dressing gowns hanging in the bathroom speak of a refined taste. The Perle d’eau embroidered bedding, the dramatic views… everything comes together nicely to create an elegant experience for the guests.
This is 4-star riad with eight rooms. The potted palms planted in the centre of the courtyard bring a true Moroccan-esque feel to the riad. The staff are super friendly, Yassine particularly will go out of his way to show you the sights and sounds of Essaouira.
Les Terrasses d’Essaouira
🍽 Breakfast included
💰 Mid-range
🛏 15 rooms
👨👩👧👦 Triple rooms available or families are welcome when two rooms are booked
This is one of the first riads I stepped foot in when arriving to Essaouira. I was walking by the large wrought irons gates and the water fountain caught my attention. And it seemed my nosy eye caught the attention of Sana, the manager of the riad. Before I knew it, I had been invited in for a tour.
This riad is full of history! Le Terrasse du Essaouira used to be an old Jewish trading riad and home, in the heart of the Essaouira medina. Carts used to come in through the main gates into the courtyard of the riad and the goods would be unloaded and ready for trading.
And in renovating the riad, you can see Valerie the owner has aimed to keep the integrity of the building. She has paid tribute to this beautiful building by leaving original beams in place, and as a result they serve as unique features and reminders of days gone by.
There are three floors within the riad, each with five rooms. All types of travelers are welcome, including families. Breakfast is served on the beautiful terrace, which makes sense given the name of the riad. You’ll love the views from up here and the beautiful little spaces to sit and read a book or catch some sun or a soak in the jacuzzi.
Riad Dar Maya
🍽 Breakfast included
💰 Mid-range
🛏 5 rooms
👨👩👧 Better suited to couples or family with young infant
Dar Maya is boutique to the core. A total of five rooms look over the tiny courtyard and there is a real charm to it.
The interior is simple, neutral, uncluttered, sleek you might even say. The warm caramels and browns of the rooms were definitely to my taste. And I could feel myself taking mental notes of some of the design aspects for my future home. You know, the one you often build in your head.
The bedrooms were large given the size of the riad and the beds were feet facing towards the courtyard which gave the room a very spacious feel. With the curtains and doors open the room felt like a very special kind of place to vacation in. The kind that you might not want to leave the front doors for. Hidden away in the quiet street, Dar Maya feels worlds away from the medina.
And on the terrace is a spa, and some quiet corners to tuck into, for a sundowner or two. Wrapped in a blanket in the cooler months this rooftop would feel warm and cosy all year round.
Riad Inna
🍽 Breakfast included
💰 Budget
🛏 10 rooms
👨👩👧👦 Families suites are available
Not only is Riad Inna a very cute riad, but it’s also a watersport hub. If you like your watersports and fancy some kite surfing or long board lessons while you’re in town. Then Riad Inna is the right place for you.
If you want to know more about surfing in Essaouira, read our review here.
Riad Inna used to be a tailor shop on the main shopping street in the heart of the Essaouira in medina. A few years years before Covid it was turned into a guest house. Naturally they took a big hit during Covid and getting the riad back up and running is a priority.
In fact, this is one of the only locally owned riads I visited in Essaouira which made it special. It is a family business in the true sense of the word. Anas one of the owner’s sons was working at the front desk when I arrived. He works at the riad during his summer holidays. He was super friendly, very interesting to talk to and eager to show us around.
There are 10 rooms in total, they are bright, yet mildly rustic in the cool sense of the meaning and are beautifully decorated with local art and posters. A definite beachy feel comes through in this riad and the location couldn’t be better given that the beach is a 5-10 minute walk from the riad. You’ll love the roof top terrace for breakfast and people watching as you look down directly over the medina.
Chill Art Hostel
🍽 Breakfast included
💰 Budget
🛏 Shared dorm and private rooms
👨👩👧👦 Family apartment is available
This riad might seem a bit left field here in this post, but I wanted to put something in for the budget traveller too. I love luxury accommodation, but I also understand budget travel. I’ve come to expect cool, funky places as we travel full-time on a budget. And I love that in Morocco you CAN find beautiful riads even if you need to watch your pennies.
Chill Art Hostel had me at the front door. The street art that lures you down the quiet alleyway screams fun people come this way please! The riad is full of art and tales of great people that go with it. You’ll instantly find someone interesting to talk and exchange travel stories with.
You have options of shared dorm rooms, private rooms and even a small apartment type room for families. So yes, children are welcome and if you are worried about staying in hostel accommodation with children then read our dedicated post on hostel stays with children (post coming soon).
The owners of the hostel are from France and they travel back and forward. If they are not there you will be in the capable hands of Nadia the Manager.
Once again, stellar views over the medina, and cool vibes all round! If you want budget and a good time, without comprising on the traditional Moroccan riad experience. Then Chill Art Hostel should be on your booking list!
Baladin Riad
🍽 Breakfast included
💰 Mid-range
🛏 10 rooms
👨👩👧 Family and single room available
Baladin Riad was a little more difficult to get a real sense of, as they were very busy during my visit. It seems they are fully booked much of the time so if these photos catch your eye then it’s a good idea to book well in advance.
Khadija kindly showed me to a room that was awaiting a guest. And as I walked in I instantly felt like I had been transported to Bali. The bohemian type frame over the four poster bed, the draped fabrics and exposed rafters… portray an island style type of decoration. The room was on the small side and the bath for this particular room was in the corner of the room. But it seemed to work well in the space.
As you continue up the stairs towards the terrace you pass a massage room which looks out onto one of the courtyard’s riads. Then on the roof-top you find multiple layers of roof to make yourself at home.
In total they can accommodate guests in up to 10 rooms and families are welcome.
And there we have it, 8 mini reviews on 8 boutique and beautiful riad options for your Essaouira stay. Click through to each of the riads here on this map to view their location.
Then don’t forget to bookmark or pin this post to return to later.
If you are planning a visit to Essaouira then be sure to check out our Essential A-Z Guide of Essaouira, or this post on 16 Things to Do in Essaouira or our Complete Foodies Guide to Essaouira.
* This post may contain affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks for your support!
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