Essaouira Riads On A Budget: 9 Best Places To Stay
If you’re planning a trip to Morocco, staying in a traditional riad is a must, and Essaouira offers some of the best options for those on a budget. Nestled along the stunning Atlantic Ocean, Essaouira is a charming coastal city with a rich history and vibrant culture. Its medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a labyrinth of narrow streets lined with shops, cafes, and beautifully preserved architecture. It’s a slow vibe town with the beach vibe you’ll love. When visiting Essaouira, choosing to stay in an Essaouira riad provides an authentic Moroccan experience, combining comfort with cultural immersion.
Riads and guest houses in Essaouira offer a unique blend of traditional design and modern amenities, making them the perfect place to unwind after exploring the lively Essaouira Medina. Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat or a base to discover the city, you’ll find a variety of affordable options that don’t compromise on charm or hospitality.
In this guide, I’ve compiled a list of 13 of the best places to stay in Essaouira, each offering something special for budget-conscious travelers. From rooftop terraces with ocean views to cozy courtyards filled with fragrant plants, these riads will make your stay in Essaouira unforgettable.
Happy travels to Morocco!
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Table of Contents
What is a Moroccan Riad?
Commonly found in the old towns, or medinas, of Morocco, riads are traditional Moroccan homes that exemplify the country’s architectural and cultural heritage. These homes are built around a central courtyard, which serves as the heart of the riad, often adorned with lush gardens, vibrant mosaic tiles, and even tranquil fountains. Some riads also feature a rooftop terrace, offering sweeping views of the surrounding medina, where guests can unwind and soak in the atmosphere.
Historically, riads were private residences that housed multiple generations of a single family under one roof. The design of these homes focused on privacy and seclusion, with rooms facing inward towards the courtyard, shielding the inhabitants from the bustling streets outside.
In recent years, many of these historic homes have been transformed into boutique hotels or bed and breakfasts. Each room, once part of a larger family dwelling, is now a comfortable and uniquely designed hotel room, complete with modern amenities such as hot water and cozy beds. Despite these modern touches, riads retain their traditional charm, staying true to the authentic Moroccan aesthetic with their intricate tilework, carved wooden doors, and decorative plasterwork.
What truly sets riads apart is their intimate, home-like atmosphere. Whether family-owned or staffed by a small, dedicated team, these establishments offer a level of personalized service that larger hotels often can’t match. From the moment you check in, you’re greeted by name, your requests are met with grace, and you’re treated like part of the family. This warmth and hospitality, combined with the unique architectural beauty of the riad, create a high-end experience at a more affordable price compared to nearby hotels.
What You Should Know Before Staying in a Riad
If you’ve never stayed in a riad before you’re in for a treat. With unique, traditional architecture and a homey vibe you’ll love it and never want to leave. But there are some things you should know before you stay in a riad. Read my 7 tips below to help you get better acquainted with the riad experience.
They Offer a Tranquil Environment
Riads are designed with inward-facing rooms around a central courtyard, creating a serene and quiet atmosphere. This makes them a peaceful retreat from the busy medina streets. I personally love the sound of the fountain as you walk to your room – it feels like a spa!
Personalized Service
One of the most unique aspects of staying in a riad is the personalized service. The staff, often the owners themselves, will likely know your name, accommodate special requests, and provide personalized recommendations for your stay.
Traditional Moroccan Breakfast
Breakfast is often included and served in the courtyard or on the rooftop terrace. Oftentimes the staff will ask you what time you want to be served daily. Expect a traditional Moroccan breakfast, which usually includes fresh bread, pastries, local jams, olives, eggs, and mint tea or coffee.
Room Size and Layout Will Be Unique
Rooms in riads can vary significantly in size and layout, often with unique decor reflecting Moroccan style. Unlike standard hotels, no two rooms are exactly the same.
Limited Accessibility
Riads are usually located within the medina, where streets are narrow and often pedestrian-only. Be prepared to walk from your drop-off point to the riad. Additionally, many riads don’t have elevators, so be ready to navigate stairs, especially if your room is on an upper floor.
Cultural Immersion is a Part of the Experience
Staying in a riad offers a deeper cultural experience. The decor, architecture, and hospitality are steeped in Moroccan tradition, providing an authentic glimpse into the local way of life.
Security and Privacy
While riads offer a high level of privacy, they are generally smaller than hotels, which may mean less anonymity. And oftentimes riad owners will only have one key to your room, which means leaving it with the hotel before leaving to explore.
Best Riads in Essaouira
Essaouira is renowned for its picturesque medina, where winding alleyways lead to some of the most enchanting riads in Morocco. Staying in an Essaouira riad is not just about having a place to sleep; it’s about immersing yourself in the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. These traditional Moroccan homes, often transformed into boutique guest houses, offer a unique blend of old-world charm and modern comfort.
From intricately designed courtyards to rooftop terraces with views of the Atlantic Ocean, Essaouira riads provide an authentic and memorable experience for travelers. Whether you’re seeking luxury on a budget or looking to splurge on a more upscale stay, there’s a riad in Essaouira that suits every style and price point.
How Much Does a Riad in Essaouira Cost?
The cost of staying in a riad in Essaouira can vary widely depending on factors such as location, amenities, and season.
On average, budget-friendly riads start around $30 to $50 per night, offering basic comforts with a touch of Moroccan charm.
Mid-range options typically range from $60 to $100 per night. These options provide more spacious rooms, enhanced decor, and additional amenities like breakfast or a rooftop terrace.
For those seeking luxury, high-end riads can cost upwards of $150 per night. For the price they have exceptional service, beautiful rooms, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean or the Essaouira Medina.
Riads under $50 a Night
Riad Beldy (My Choice under $50!)
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Why I like it: For the price you can’t beat the design and quality Riad Beldy offers. It’s a place to be cozy and feel like you’re in Morocco.
Design, design, design! If you’re looking for a riad that screams traditional Moroccan architecture on a budget- this is it. Each room is colorful with perfect details. The riad is near multiple coffee shops and has a great rooftop terrace, too.
Dar Loulema
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Why I like it: I love how friendly the staff is here and the price is excellent for the level of design and accommodating service offered.
For the price the Dar Loulema has a lot of design. The small double room is priced at the best value (under $40) but a standard room is still under $50. Staff here are super friendly and well liked with very clean rooms and great ambiance.
Riad Haizea Mogador
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Why I like it: This riad is super inexpensive with all the basic amenities you need. It’s perfect for those on a true budget to visit Essaouira.
The most cost-effective riad on the list, Riad Haizea Mogador is a great option for those on a budget in Essaouira. And for the price every room includes a small terrace, which is highly unusual in the Essaouira Medina. Rooms are simple, which isn’t unusual for the price, but they are clean and have all the amenities you need for a good stay.
Riad Jade Mogador
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Why I like it: With some of the highest rated reviews of any riad under $50 on this live, the Jade Mogador has a lot of ambiance and a good breakfast, too.
This riad is located in the heart of the medina with a truly authentic old riad feel. The rooftop terrace has panoramic views with perfect ones of the ocean. Staff is super friendly and the breakfast is great, too.
Riads Under $80 a Night
Riad Villa Garance (Where I Stayed!)
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Why I like it: This charming riad is in a great location in the old medina but I especially love the design. The staff was friendly and the breakfast was excellent, so what more could you ask for?
The Riad Villa Garance was a place I certainly would stay again. The staff was wonderful and took care of everything we needed during our stay and the rooms were immaculately clean, too. I loved the shower, breakfast, and quality of the finishes throughout. It was the softest bed and bedding I had during my time in Morocco.
Riad Al Zahia
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Why I like it: Known for its quiet location, good design, and comfy beds the Riad Al Zahia has a lot to offer for the price point.
The terrace breakfast, quality beds, and friendly staff are all important points to highlight for this riad. If traveling with a family you can find beautiful rooms for less than $100 that can easily accommodate a family of 4, too.
Riad Maison Du Sud
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Why I like it: With an on-site spa and yoga available this riad has more services than some other options on the list at a good price.
Authentic riad experience in the heart of Essaouira, Riad Maison Du Sud has an on-site spa that makes it appealing to many travelers. The rooftop terrance has a lot of great design and the rooms are very comfortable, too.
Riads $100+ a Night
Riad Dar Maya (My top luxury choice!)
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Why I like it: For the room size and high-end finishes the price point is solid and perfect for those seeking luxury in Morocco.
Not going to lie… I’m kind of obsessed with this riad. With the high-end finishes and beautiful room design this is perfect if you’re looking to really splurge on your Essaouira experience. The luxury finishes are really what set this riad apart from those under $80.
Riad EspritBleu – Adult Only
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Why I like it: If you’re looking to splurge this high-end adult-only riad has more modern Moroccan finishes with large rooms.
This is probably the nicest hotel in all of Essaouira and perfect for those with a bigger travel budget. You can find quality hotels for less but what I think makes EspritBleu unique are the modern touches and design on a traditional Moroccan riad.
Essaouira Hotels with Pools
It’s challenging to find riads with swimming pools in Essaouira, especially in the old Medina. Instead, most hotels with pools are located outside the main downtown area of Essaouira and are more like boutique villas than what we consider traditional riads.
In Essaouira swimming pools fall into a this or that category. Meaning you’re either close to Essaouira Medina or you are further from town in a villa with a pool.
Personally, I think the weather in Essaouira is nice enough (thanks to the ocean breeze) that you don’t really need a pool. Instead, taking advantage of the beach is just as good when you want to cool off.
Villa Beldi (My Top Choice!)
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Why I like it: With huge, well designed rooms and a great pool Villa Beldi is the best place to stay when you want that pool retreat in Morocco.
Keep in mind Villa Beldi is located 1.9 miles from the main town of Essaouira. This means a taxi or bike required to get in and out of town. But if you’re looking for an escape from the Medina life of Morocco this is a perfect higher-end hotel to do so.
Riad Zahra
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Why I like it: At less than $70 a night and closer to town this can be a great choice for those looking to really see Essaouira but want a pool at their hotel.
Rooms are decorated in very traditional riad attire with a great restaurant on-site. The riad is cheaper than others with pools, which means less amenities and design, but a great price point for most travelers.
More Morocco Tips + Inspiration
I hope you found my Essaouira riad guide helpful to plan your stay in Morocco! I’ve loved writing about all things Morocco. I’ve written many articles to help you on your trip, too. Be sure to check out some of them below!
- Traveling to Essaouira from Marrakech? Don’t miss my travel guide to getting there
- My packing guide to Morocco gives you all the essentials and tips to make packing easier, too
- Visiting the Sahara? Be sure to check out my complete guide for all the best tips
- Marrakech is one of my favorite cities in Morocco – be sure to see my souvenir guide
