Drenched with sunshine on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, Essaouira is Marrakech’s laid-back sister. While many people visit as a day trip, it’s definitely worth staying a few days to explore the city’s whitewashed medina, bustling fishing port and surf-friendly beaches.
Since my first visit back in 2014, Essaouira has always been one of my favourite places to stay, with an artsy, bohemian vibe, incredible places to eat and such welcoming people. Each time I go, I love discovering new hotels and riads in different corners of the medina (and beyond). From design-focused digs to luxury riads and backpacker-friendly hostels, there really is something for everyone.
Read on to discover 9 of the best hotels in Essaouira, some in the heart of the medina and others in the tranquil countryside near Sidi Kaouki.
Want to learn more about things to see and do in Essaouira? Check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Essaouira. Or start planning your Morocco escape with this two-week itinerary from Essaouira, including a camel trek in the Sahara Desert.
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BEST HOTELS IN ESSAOUIRA
Don't have time to read the whole article? These are my top Essaouira hotel recommendations:
Best luxury beach hotel in Essaouira
Best hotel in Essaouira with hot tub and hammam
Best budget hotel in Essaouira for digital nomads
Luxury hotels in Essaouira
Casa.b Mogador $$$
Best luxury hotel in Essaouira for design enthusiasts
Hidden within the medina, this luxurious Essaouira riad offers a design-focused stay, with eclectic details throughout the property. Aside from its high-end rooms and suites, it boasts a plant-filled patio and a sundrenched terrace, all within a stone’s throw of the beach and fish market.
“This hotel is absolutely unique… design is exquisite with unbelievable attention to details, every corner is a pleasure for the eyes.” - Yana (read more reviews here)
Riad EspritBleu $$$
Best luxury hotel in Essaouira for art enthusiasts
This light and airy riad perfectly captures the coastal vibes of Essaouira, with plenty of vibrant pops of colour amidst the predominantly earthy decor. Its modern design contrasts to the traditional decor often seen in Moroccan riads, with several notable works of contemporary art scattered throughout.
“Beautiful Riad with exceptional interior design in the middle of the medina.” - Julia (read more reviews here)
Best luxury beach hotel in Essaouira
Surrounded by tranquil countryside, this retreat-like Essaouira hotel lies to the south of the city near the gorgeous sands of Sidi Kaouki. A highlight of the property is its sparkling swimming pool and abundance of spots to escape with a good book. Essaouira Mogador Airport is also just a stone’s throw away.
“What an experience, we were immediately immersed in the Moroccan atmosphere: beautifully decorated suite in a green oasis and an incredible swimming pool.” - Dave (read more reviews here)
Best mid-range hotels in Essaouira
A rooftop terrace at Riad Emotion in Essaouira (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Mid-range hotels in Essaouira
Best hotel in Essaouira with hot tub and hammam
With its soft, pastel decor and beautiful illuminations, Riad Dar Maya is the perfect Essaouira riad for a peaceful stay. Despite being within the bustling medina, it radiates tranquility the moment you walk in the door. A delicious breakfast is served daily on the rooftop terrace.
“The property is stunning with beautiful rooftop views.” - Eirin (read more reviews here)
Riad Emotion $$
Best hotel in Essaouira with rooftop terrace
Beautifully decorated with local handicrafts and design pieces, Riad Emotion ticks all the right boxes when it comes to the best Essaouira hotels. The traditional design is subtly executed while incorporating contemporary furnishings, as well as some gorgeous tiling. A daybed on the rooftop terrace is the icing on the cake!
“One of the most stunning places I’ve ever set eyes on! Every single detail is carefully thought out!” - Indra (read more reviews here)
Best hotel in Essaouira with bathtub and fireplace
Perched right on the city walls, this stunning Essaouira riad gets extra points for having fireplaces (which are lit for you each night) in its rooms. The indulgent bathtubs add to the appeal, as does the rooftop terrace and plant-filled patio, again with a convivial fireplace. Each of the bedrooms is uniquely designed, many with daybeds.
“Traditional yet elegant and beautifully tranquil.” - Mark (read more reviews here)
Best budget hotels in Essaouira
Looking down on the leafy courtyard of Riad Chbanate in Essaouira (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Budget hotels in Essaouira
Best budget hotel in Essaouira for surfers
Ideal for those who are here to surf, this budget-friendly Essaouira hotel lies at the northern end of Sidi Kaouki, one of the area’s most popular wave-riding beaches. The rooms are simple but inviting and there are several communal areas for meeting other travellers, as well as a kitchen for self-caterers.
“The terrace overlooks the surf so you can keep an eye out for the swell and is perfect for a spot of yoga or just chilling watching the sunrise and sunset…highly recommend.” - Janicke (read more reviews here)
Best budget hotel in Essaouira for groups
If you’ve got your own car and want to be partway between the surf at Sidi Kaoki and Essaouira’s medina, then Maison Des Arts is ideal. It's popular with groups (it can sleep 7), with spacious communal areas and a rooftop terrace overlooking the surrounding countryside. It’s quite possibly the best budget hotel near Essaouira Airport.
“At the very affordable price I thought I was booking a bedroom but instead we basically booked an all-inclusive resort.” - Gladys (read more reviews here)
Best budget hotel in Essaouira for digital nomads
Digital nomads will love this highly-rated Essaouira hostel, with clean rooms and your choice of shared or private bathrooms. It’s located just a stone’s throw from the entrance to the medina and boasts a sunny terrace, as well as a dedicated working space where you can get things done. Fast Wi-Fi and social events are a big plus too!
“Wonderful place to work. I came to Essaouira as a digital nomad and Noqta was perfect.” - Josh (read more reviews here)
As Essaouira increases in popularity as a tourist destination, more and more hotels are popping up across the city. You'll find everything from design-focused stays to villas with private pools and budget-friendly hostels for digital nomads. I hope this list of the best hotels in Essaouira helps to inspire your next stay in this gorgeous whitewashed city.
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About the author
I'm Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I've developed an intense love for Morocco, its majestic landscapes, storied cities and the incredibly warm hospitality of its people. As the owner and content creator of Malika in Morocco, I share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. I am passionate about helping others plan their Moroccan travel adventures to ensure they get the most out of their North African experience.