Essaouira will seduce you with its range of hotels: riads nestled in the heart of the medina, spa establishments facing the ramparts, resorts on the Atlantic coast or large villas in the hinterland. We’ve been won over by this city’s ability to marry Moroccan authenticity with contemporary comfort.
In this article, you’ll find: our advice on the best areas to stay in Essaouira, our list of the 12 best hotels in the city and a few bonuses.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
The best hotels in Essaouira: our 3 favorites
Before discovering our detailed opinions on each of the establishments we have selected, take a look at our 3 favorite addresses.
Best hotel for relaxation, luxury and nature: Hôtel Jardin des Douars
A vast, verdant estate nestled in the hills around Essaouira, Jardin des Douars offers a peaceful atmosphere, superb decor and an exceptional natural setting. With architecture inspired by traditional ksars, two swimming pools, a spa with hammam and bistronomic cuisine, it’s sure to delight! This is our favorite address in Essaouira.
See prices, pictures and availability
Best boutique hotel in the medina: Hotel Salut Morocco! Luxury Boutique Hotel
In the heart of the historic medina, this 18th-century riad revisits Moroccan craftsmanship with a bold, colorful decor. Rooftop overlooking the ocean, top-quality restaurant and a particularly attentive welcome: Salut Morocco! is our favorite for an original stay full of character in Essaouira’s medina.
See prices, pictures and availability
Best spa hotel with view: Hôtel Palais des Remparts & Spa
Housed in an 18th-century building on the ramparts of Essaouira, the Palais des Remparts offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic from its panoramic terrace. Enjoy authentic Moroccan decor, a spa with hammam and quick access to the souks. In our opinion, this is an address with character for a chic stay in the heart of the medina.
See prices, pictures and availability
Essaouira’s best places to stay: map
Here’s our map to help you get your bearings, with the main areas to stay in Essaouira:
Sleeping in the medina
Essaouira’s medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the city’s liveliest and most typical district. Its cobbled streets lined with white and blue facades are home to riads, artisan boutiques and rooftop restaurants. Staying in the medina means getting up close to the seaside atmosphere of this charming Moroccan city, just a few minutes’ walk from the port, ramparts, souk and beach.
Benefits:
- Immersion in Moroccan architecture
- Access on foot to the ramparts, souk, port and beach
- A wide variety of accommodation: intimate riads, boutique-hotels, guest houses
- Numerous restaurants and cafés in the immediate vicinity, including rooftops
Disadvantages:
- Alleys inaccessible by car: luggage must be carried on foot
- Little or no swimming pool in small riads
- Evening noise possible on main roads
Our favorite hotel: Hotel Salut Morocco! Luxury Boutique Hotel
Sleeping on the waterfront and the coast
The coastal zone, along Essaouira’s corniche and Atlantic beach, features more contemporary hotels with swimming pools and, in some cases, direct access to the seafront. This is the ideal area for travelers who want to enjoy the beach while staying close to the medina, which is just a few minutes away on foot or by cab.
Benefits:
- Atlantic Ocean views from rooms or terraces
- Quick access to the beach and corniche
- Larger, more modern hotels, often with swimming pools and spas
- Easier parking than in the medina
Disadvantages:
- Frequent strong winds on the coast, especially at the end of the day
- Less authentic atmosphere than in the medina
Our favorite hotel: Hotel Atlas Essaouira Riad Resort
Sleeping in the hinterland
A 10 to 15-minute drive from Essaouira, the hinterland offers a completely different face. In this countryside of Morocco, you’ll find argan trees amid the ochre and red colors typical of this part of the country. We saw large villas and verdant estates, havens of peace and quiet. These establishments, often more spacious and with lush gardens, are perfect for travelers in search of tranquility and nature. Hotels usually offer a shuttle service to the city.
Benefits:
- Peace and greenery, far from the hustle and bustle of the medina
- Large estates with pools, gardens and spas
- Ideal for families, couples and travellers looking to recharge their batteries
- On-site parking always available
Disadvantages:
- Car or shuttle essential to reach the medina and the beach
- Less suitable if you want to be in the center
Our favorite hotel: Hotel Jardin des Douars
Other useful tips to keep in mind
Essaouira hosts the annual Gnaoua and World Music Festival, usually in June. During this period, the town is very busy and accommodation is booked several weeks in advance. Apart from the festival, the destination can be visited all year round, with a slack period in winter when the medina is quieter. The wind, omnipresent on the Atlantic coast, is also something to be taken into account. Ideal for surfing and kite-surfing!
Find all the ideas for activities in Essaouira here.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Maroc
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Adapt your choice of vehicle to your itinerary!
- For more choice, book early.
Read our tips (coming soon)
The best quiet hotels in Essaouira’s hinterland
We have tested
1. Hotel Jardin des Douars
Why stay there?
Le Jardin des Douars is a veritable oasis nestled in the hills around Essaouira, just ten minutes from the medina. We loved relaxing there. The architecture is inspired by traditional Moroccan ksars: elegant, authentic decor, large courtyards and private terraces for rooms, suites and villas. We were seduced by its vast green grounds, lush gardens and peaceful atmosphere. Dining is another of the hotel’s strong points, with a restaurant offering tasty bistronomic Moroccan and international cuisine. You can also take advantage of the hotel’s spa and two superb swimming pools. We recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a natural getaway, whether as a couple or a family, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Swimming pool and beach
- 2 swimming pools on the estate
- 1 family pool
- 1 adults-only pool
- Spa and wellness center
- Traditional Hammam
- Massages and treatments available
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Ghazoua, in the hills 10-15min from Essaouira
- Price range: 4 star equivalent
- Restaurant: yes (Moroccan and international cuisine)
- Family rooms: yes (suites and villas, babysitting available)
- Facilities: swimming pools, spa, free WiFi, bar, garden, terraces, airport shuttle
- Parking: yes, free on site
- Elevator: no (multi-level architecture)
See prices, photos and availability – and book now!
Our selection of the best hotels in the hinterland
2. Hotel Villa Beldi
Elegant guesthouse just minutes from Essaouira, seducing guests with its vast, lush garden, heated pool and peaceful atmosphere. See prices, pictures and availability
3. Hotel Domaine de l’Arganeraie
A large, quiet estate just a few minutes from Essaouira, offering spacious accommodation, a beautiful swimming pool and a natural setting conducive to relaxation. See prices, pictures and availability
A LITTLE MORE PATIENCE
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay at Maroc a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
Coming soon!
The best riads and hotels in Essaouira’s medina
We have tested
4. Hotel Salut Morocco! Luxury Boutique Hotel
Why stay there?
Housed in a historic 18th-century riad in the heart of the medina, the Salut Morocco! Luxury Boutique Hotel revisits Moroccan craftsmanship with a bold, colorful decor, where every detail bears witness to meticulous attention to detail. Rooms and suites are elegant and comfortable, with some offering a view of the ocean or the ramparts. The rooftop is one of the establishment’s major assets: ideal for admiring the sunset over the Atlantic, it makes a welcome stopover at the end of the day. We were won over by the hotel’s artistic yet friendly ambience, as well as by its particularly attentive welcome. You’ll be staying just 300m from the beach, in one of the liveliest parts of the medina, the Kasbah district, a stone’s throw from the ramparts. We highly recommend this address for those wishing to immerse themselves in the life of the medina without sacrificing comfort.
Swimming pool and beach
- No swimming pool on site
- Traditional Hammam available
- Massages and treatments extra
- Beach within walking distance (300m)
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Kasbah, in the heart of the medina, close to the ramparts and the beach (300m)
- Price range: 5-star equivalent (boutique-hotel)
- Restaurant: yes (Moroccan and international cuisine)
- Family rooms: yes
- Facilities: free WiFi, restaurant, bar, rooftop/terrace, room service, airport shuttle, bike rental
- Parking: not specified
- Elevator: no (floors accessible by stairs)
See prices, photos and availability – and book now!
Our curation
5. Riad Dar Dayana Essaouira
A charming, intimate riad in the heart of the medina, appreciated for its peaceful atmosphere, meticulous decor and attentive welcome. See prices, pictures and availability
6. Hotel Le Palazzo
Elegant hotel at the entrance to the medina, seducing guests with its refined decor, rooftop view and top-quality catering. See prices, pictures and availability
7. Suite Azur Hotel
Elegant hotel in the heart of Essaouira’s medina, with spacious rooms and rooftop pool. See prices, pictures and availability
The best spa hotels in Essaouira
We have tested
8. Hotel Palais des Remparts & Spa
Why stay there?
The Palais des Remparts is immediately captivating thanks to its exceptional location: set in an 18th-century building directly on the ramparts of Essaouira, it offers a breathtaking view of the Atlantic from its panoramic terrace. The traditional Moroccan decor creates a warm and exotic setting, where ancient stone and zellige blend harmoniously. We loved the authentic ambience of this establishment, whose spacious, comfortable rooms let you take full advantage of the historic setting. You’ll be ideally positioned for exploring the city: the beach and souks are just a few minutes’ walk away. What’s more, the spa with its traditional hammam and treatments offered at extra cost make it a popular place to relax after a day exploring the medina. We recommend the Palais des Remparts for a stay that combines authenticity, well-being and a privileged location.
Swimming pool and beach
- On-site spa and wellness center
- Traditional Hammam
- Additional treatments and massages
- No swimming pool on site
- Beach within walking distance of the hotel
Practical information
- Neighborhood: medina, on the ramparts, close to the center and the beach
- Price range: 4 star equivalent
- Restaurant: yes (Moroccan cuisine)
- Family rooms: yes
- Facilities: free WiFi, spa, panoramic terrace, room service, airport shuttle
- Parking: not specified
- PMR rooms: yes (accessible)
- Elevator: yes
See prices, photos and availability – and book now!
DISCOVER Essaouira
- Things to do in Essaouira
- Best hotels (coming soon)
- Best restaurants
- Itinerary: 1 day
- How to get there
Our curation
9. Dar Etto Riad & Spa Hotel
Inland riad-dar-style hotel offering a full spa and rooms with kitchenettes, 10 minutes from Essaouira by car. See prices, pictures and availability
10. Hotel La Medina Thalassa Sea & Spa
Contemporary-style beachfront hotel with direct beach access, large pool and spa for a comfortable stay just a stone’s throw from the medina. See prices, pictures and availability
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The best hotels on the Essaouira coast
Our curation
11. Hotel Atlas Essaouira Riad Resort
Large beachfront hotel with ocean-view rooms and spa for a comfortable stay close to the medina. See prices, pictures and availability
12. Ocean Côte Mogador Hotel
A 4-star hotel on the seafront, seductively facing the beach, with spacious rooms and a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean, just a stone’s throw from Essaouira’s medina. See prices, pictures and availability
Other options and cheap hotels in Essaouira
In this section, you’ll find some hotels we’d also like to mention, for budget stays or charming addresses at affordable prices.
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
- Riad Dar Abi – Charming riad in the heart of Essaouira’s medina, appreciated for its warm welcome, meticulous decoration and peaceful atmosphere. See prices, photos and availability
- Riad Gloria – A warm, well-located riad in the medina, appreciated for its calm, attentive welcome and excellent value for money. See prices, photos and availability
- Riad Hôtel Emeraude Essaouira – Charming riad in the heart of the medina, appreciated for its pleasant rooftop, cosy atmosphere and warm welcome. See prices, photos and availability
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Morocco
- Best of
The most beautiful landscapes in Morocco
What to do in Morocco (coming soon)
The most beautiful riads
The most beautiful cities
The most beautiful medinas
The most beautiful gardens (coming soon)
The best museums (coming soon)
The most beautiful beaches in Morocco (coming soon)
- Practical advice
When to go? (coming soon)
How to rent a car in Morocco (coming soon)
Driving tips (coming soon)
Itineraries (coming soon)
Where to stay in Morocco (coming soon)
- The must-dos
Marrakech
Casablanca
Fès
Meknès
Chefchaouen
Sahara Desert (coming soon)
