Essaouira

Hotel Orson Welles
rue al akaba n°19 borj 1 Essaouira
400 Drh for double room with breakfast

Good hotel and good price with free parking facing the hotel. The hotel is near to beach 4 minutes walking.

Riad Lunetoile
191, Rue Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah
(212) 661 880 340
from €35, see website or call for special offers
Essaouira Medina

Riad Lunetoile is a 200 year-old family home, well-situated in the centre of the ancient, walled, Medina of Essaouira, with a beautiful terrace giving a breath-taking view of the Atlantic ocean, the bay, Diabet in the distance, as well as a lovely panoramic view of the rooftops, and streets, of the Medina.

Dar Lazuli
7 Moussa ben Noussaire
£60 per night
Essaouira Medina, 2 mins from beach

200 year old riad.

Hotel Smara
26 Rue de la Skala
044-472334

Is one of the cheapest and therefore most popular hotels in town, so you may need to book ahead during peak season. The spartan roof terrace has nice views over the cannons used in the opening sequence of Orson Welles Othello. Singles / doubles with shared bath start from Dh 47 / Dh 96. CAUTION The hotel is very cheap and popular with lovely views from the terrace; but unless you want to experience cold showers and non-flush toilets... I'd consider paying a bit more and staying somewhere else!

Riad Malaika
17 Rue Zayanne
+044.473861

Provides an authentic Riad stay. This former Moroccan home has been beautifully restored and converted and is in the center of town. The staff is extremely hospitable and courteous. It has a beautiful terrace rooftop perfect for private lounging. Rooms are charming and run from 500dh to 1000dh, including breakfast discounts available in the low season and for longer stays.

Dar 91
91 rue Chbanat
Essaouira Medina

Dar 91 is a private and self-contained house with its own roof terraces, in the picturesque, walled old town of Essaouira. Here you can sit back and watch everyday Moroccan life unfold. Located in an area of the medina relatively untouched by tourism, the house is a chilled-out and authentic ‘home from home’, which we let out as a whole, rather than ‘by the room’

Dar Leila
Essaouira Medina
(44) 1962 771476
From £500 per week

Dar Leila is a fully restored, staffed riad sleeping up to 10 in the heart of the medina. It has 5 beds, 3 baths and a fabulous secluded roof terrace. Breakfast included, other meals available. Minimum 2 people

If arriving by bus, local women will surround you as you exit offering discount Riads or accommodation in their homes for as little as 150dnr can be negotiated down to 75, though you will not get a view of the ocean for this. There are many hotel options available so feel free to bypass them. You can always return to the bus station and they will still be there.

Sofitel Thalassa Mogador
47 23 34

Right on the beach, it will be happy to indulge your every whim, for a hefty price. Singles / doubles start at Dh 1400 / Dh 1850 during low season but can rocket up to Dh 1890 / Dh 2430 during the peak new year period. Luxury suites are also available and there's a Sofitel-branded health spa next door for those in urgent need of a hydrotherapy session and facial.

Dar Zahira
Medina Essaouira

Located right in the lively and bustling heart of Essaouira, Dar Zahira is a relaxed retreat hidden in one of the medina's narrow alleys. The small riad is built around a courtyard and sleeps a maximum of 6 persons. The house can be rented as a whole. Breakfast is served every morning. Wi-Fi internet available

Riad de la Mer
7-9 Rue Khalid Ben Oualid, Kasbah
+442087880701
£47.50

Very large 18th century riad, retaining original features and character. Stunning views of the ocean, centrally located just off the main square, 5 minutes from the beach. Sleeps 10. Think Villa Maroc, but smaller and cheaper!

Riad des Deux Rives
Medina of Essaouira
+33664098991
Double: €60, suite: €90

A Riad of the XVIII th century in Essaouira.