Riad Chbanate is a small four-pearl, French-owned hotel housed in an 18th-century riad -- or traditional Moroccan mansion -- right in the Medina of Essaouira and about a five-minute walk from the beach. The eight individually decorated rooms here feature gorgeous, traditional decor and modern amenities including flat-screen TVs and minibars. Bathrooms are particularly spectacular, with deep marble soaking tubs. Dining options include a free breakfast of crepes, pastries, fruit, and eggs, and lunch and dinner can be cooked to order with prior notice. There's also a massage room on the property, and the riad can help guests arrange for off-site activities such as golfing, camel rides, and hammam visits. Travelers may want to also consider Riad Baoussala, which has its own hammam but doesn't have as central a location.
Riad Chbanate is a small four-pearl, French-owned hotel housed in an 18th-century riad -- or traditional Moroccan mansion -- right in the Medina of Essaouira and about a five-minute walk from the beach. The eight individually decorated rooms here feature gorgeous, traditional decor and modern amenities including flat-screen TVs and minibars. Bathrooms are particularly spectacular, with deep marble soaking tubs. Dining options include a free breakfast of crepes, pastries, fruit, and eggs, and lunch and dinner can be cooked to order with prior notice. There's also a massage room on the property, and the riad can help guests arrange for off-site activities such as golfing, camel rides, and hammam visits. Travelers may want to also consider Riad Baoussala, which has its own hammam but doesn't have as central a location.
This small, intimate hotel is located in the medina and filled with objets d’art. It is in the traditional riad style of a Moroccan home, and the nine individually decorated rooms are grouped on three floors around a courtyard, meaning they can be narrow. But they're filled with a pleasing, eclectic mix of traditional handicrafts, and include free Wi-Fi. Lower-floor rooms are darker, and it's three flights of stairs to the rooftop, which might pose a challenge to those with limited mobility. The riad is a six-minute walk from the city ramparts, which offer great views of the Atlantic, and a 10-minute walk from the beach; the surrounding cobblestone streets are lined with other riads, residences, and museums. The Riad Baladin nearby is a comparable option and has a hot tub.
This small, intimate hotel is located in the medina and filled with objets d’art. It is in the traditional riad style of a Moroccan home, and the nine individually decorated rooms are grouped on three floors around a courtyard, meaning they can be narrow. But they're filled with a pleasing, eclectic mix of traditional handicrafts, and include free Wi-Fi. Lower-floor rooms are darker, and it's three flights of stairs to the rooftop, which might pose a challenge to those with limited mobility. The riad is a six-minute walk from the city ramparts, which offer great views of the Atlantic, and a 10-minute walk from the beach; the surrounding cobblestone streets are lined with other riads, residences, and museums. The Riad Baladin nearby is a comparable option and has a hot tub.
Situated next to Essaouira's atmospheric medina and just two blocks from the ocean, Madada Mogador is an upscale boutique hotel that offers eight rooms in a traditional Moroccan riad (a building with an internal courtyard). Each room is serene, and has an elegant mix of earth tones and handsome wood furniture plus hammered brass sinks and locally crafted tadelakt tubs. Some rooms have fantastic views of the ocean and the adjacent landscaped gardens in Orson Welles Square. An atrium courtyard sits at the heart of this small property, and there is an excellent French-Moroccan restaurant on the ground floor, along with a cooking workshop focused on Moroccan cuisine.
Situated next to Essaouira's atmospheric medina and just two blocks from the ocean, Madada Mogador is an upscale boutique hotel that offers eight rooms in a traditional Moroccan riad (a building with an internal courtyard). Each room is serene, and has an elegant mix of earth tones and handsome wood furniture plus hammered brass sinks and locally crafted tadelakt tubs. Some rooms have fantastic views of the ocean and the adjacent landscaped gardens in Orson Welles Square. An atrium courtyard sits at the heart of this small property, and there is an excellent French-Moroccan restaurant on the ground floor, along with a cooking workshop focused on Moroccan cuisine.
Riad Andalla is a mid-range riad-style guesthouse featuring beautiful traditionally styled interiors. It's in a prime location -- smack in the center of the medina -- with Djemaa el Fna square and the main souks within a two-minute walk. The hotel's lovely rooftop terrace even overlooks this bustling square, and the night view is spectacular. The eight air-conditioned rooms, including two suites, are tastefully decorated, though a bit on the small side. There's no on-site hammam or plunge pool, but Riad Andalla, with its fireplace lounge and ornate courtyard, offers a cozy, traditional-style accommodation at exceptionally low rates.
Riad Andalla is a mid-range riad-style guesthouse featuring beautiful traditionally styled interiors. It's in a prime location -- smack in the center of the medina -- with Djemaa el Fna square and the main souks within a two-minute walk. The hotel's lovely rooftop terrace even overlooks this bustling square, and the night view is spectacular. The eight air-conditioned rooms, including two suites, are tastefully decorated, though a bit on the small side. There's no on-site hammam or plunge pool, but Riad Andalla, with its fireplace lounge and ornate courtyard, offers a cozy, traditional-style accommodation at exceptionally low rates.
Opened in 2012, the trendy Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche offers a central location that's a two-minute walk from Casa Port railway station and a 10-minute walk from the Old Medina. While not quite the five-pearl luxury property it bills itself as, the four-and-a-half pearl Sofitel does feature a full-service spa, indoor splash pool, hammam steam room, hot tub, and two restaurants. The 171 contemporary rooms feature comfy beds, Bose audio systems, and flat-screen TVs. Wi-Fi is free throughout, but expect to pay extra for breakfast and many spa services. The nearby Hyatt Regency Casablanca has comparable facilities for a lower price.
Opened in 2012, the trendy Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche offers a central location that's a two-minute walk from Casa Port railway station and a 10-minute walk from the Old Medina. While not quite the five-pearl luxury property it bills itself as, the four-and-a-half pearl Sofitel does feature a full-service spa, indoor splash pool, hammam steam room, hot tub, and two restaurants. The 171 contemporary rooms feature comfy beds, Bose audio systems, and flat-screen TVs. Wi-Fi is free throughout, but expect to pay extra for breakfast and many spa services. The nearby Hyatt Regency Casablanca has comparable facilities for a lower price.
The three-pearl Riad Les Jardins Mandaline is a boutique, traditional property with eight rooms centered around a charming internal courtyard. As for many area riads, its alleyway location in Marrakech's Medina can be challenging, and further drawbacks include a lack of in-room TVs, fridges, and safes, as well as elevators. Still, Moroccan charm here is authentic, and rich decor is colorful. The courtyard's plunge pool is attractive, and free breakfasts are served by here or on a a rooftop terrace. Dining and spa facilities are additional offerings, and the 24-hour staff are notably welcoming, plus they can arrange excursions. For a property with a few more amenities, consider Les Borjs de la Kasbah, though rates will be higher.
The three-pearl Riad Les Jardins Mandaline is a boutique, traditional property with eight rooms centered around a charming internal courtyard. As for many area riads, its alleyway location in Marrakech's Medina can be challenging, and further drawbacks include a lack of in-room TVs, fridges, and safes, as well as elevators. Still, Moroccan charm here is authentic, and rich decor is colorful. The courtyard's plunge pool is attractive, and free breakfasts are served by here or on a a rooftop terrace. Dining and spa facilities are additional offerings, and the 24-hour staff are notably welcoming, plus they can arrange excursions. For a property with a few more amenities, consider Les Borjs de la Kasbah, though rates will be higher.
This eight-room budget hotel provides basic, tidy rooms and a relaxed atmosphere for travelers seeking a cheap stay. The units themselves are bright and cheery, with striped traditional bedspreads, tile floors, and plenty of light. Situated a seven-minute walk from Tagharte beach, the colorful, artistically decorated property is run by a family who fosters a homey environment, and even offers free cooking classes. Bed bugs have been reported at the property, though infrequently.
This eight-room budget hotel provides basic, tidy rooms and a relaxed atmosphere for travelers seeking a cheap stay. The units themselves are bright and cheery, with striped traditional bedspreads, tile floors, and plenty of light. Situated a seven-minute walk from Tagharte beach, the colorful, artistically decorated property is run by a family who fosters a homey environment, and even offers free cooking classes. Bed bugs have been reported at the property, though infrequently.
The three-and-a-half-pearl Riad Assakina is a six-room boutique hotel in the Medina, just a five-minute drive from Jemaa el-Fna square and the souks. Decor is muted throughout, from the lobby to the rooms, which are arranged around a peaceful courtyard and feature flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. The rooftop terrace is a highlight, with shaded loungers, Medina views and a small plunge pool for cooling off. A hot and cold Moroccan breakfast is served on the terrace each morning and the restaurant offers local dishes and international cuisine for lunch and dinner (reservations needed). You can also score artisanal goods in the hotel's boutique. Prices are reasonable for the Medina, but travelers with similar budgets wanting to be closer to Jemaa el-Fna might try Riad Princesse du Desert instead.
The three-and-a-half-pearl Riad Assakina is a six-room boutique hotel in the Medina, just a five-minute drive from Jemaa el-Fna square and the souks. Decor is muted throughout, from the lobby to the rooms, which are arranged around a peaceful courtyard and feature flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. The rooftop terrace is a highlight, with shaded loungers, Medina views and a small plunge pool for cooling off. A hot and cold Moroccan breakfast is served on the terrace each morning and the restaurant offers local dishes and international cuisine for lunch and dinner (reservations needed). You can also score artisanal goods in the hotel's boutique. Prices are reasonable for the Medina, but travelers with similar budgets wanting to be closer to Jemaa el-Fna might try Riad Princesse du Desert instead.
The romance of the medina is in full display at this former 19th-century riad turned three-and-a-half-pearl hotel. Preserved in its original structure and configuration, it holds only eight individually decorated rooms, all with elegant, traditional Moroccan style. There's a rich resume of on-site features, including a pool, rooftop bar, and restaurant, offering plenty of reasons to budget in some linger time. Perks include a free hot breakfast, which earns high marks from guests, and free Wi-Fi throughout. The hotel's location in the heart of old Marrakesh puts most major sights within about a 20-minute walk, although scarce public transportation makes reaching attractions farther afield a bit of a challenge. For a more modern taste of Marrakech, with more bus service, check out Hotel Le Caspian in the upscale Guéliz district, just west of the old city.
The romance of the medina is in full display at this former 19th-century riad turned three-and-a-half-pearl hotel. Preserved in its original structure and configuration, it holds only eight individually decorated rooms, all with elegant, traditional Moroccan style. There's a rich resume of on-site features, including a pool, rooftop bar, and restaurant, offering plenty of reasons to budget in some linger time. Perks include a free hot breakfast, which earns high marks from guests, and free Wi-Fi throughout. The hotel's location in the heart of old Marrakesh puts most major sights within about a 20-minute walk, although scarce public transportation makes reaching attractions farther afield a bit of a challenge. For a more modern taste of Marrakech, with more bus service, check out Hotel Le Caspian in the upscale Guéliz district, just west of the old city.
Tucked into an alley in the quiet Mouassin Quarter, just a few minutes on foot from Jemaa el Fnaa Square, this three-and-a-half-pearl riad bills itself as a “boutique hotel of timeless beauty and seductive atmosphere” -- and it delivers on both counts. The converted medina mansion, designed by Umberto Maria Branchini in 2010, has seven spacious suites with handcrafted furnishings and luxe fabrics. Sophisticated common areas combine local character with a contemporary sensibility (the most noteworthy is a softly lit dining room specializing in fine Moroccan and Mediterranean dishes). The panoramic roof terrace above and traditional hammam below are equally tempting. Riad Joya’s service (which includes access to personal butlers) is top-notch too; however, if you want a pool, the Riad le Clos des Arts may be a better choice.
Tucked into an alley in the quiet Mouassin Quarter, just a few minutes on foot from Jemaa el Fnaa Square, this three-and-a-half-pearl riad bills itself as a “boutique hotel of timeless beauty and seductive atmosphere” -- and it delivers on both counts. The converted medina mansion, designed by Umberto Maria Branchini in 2010, has seven spacious suites with handcrafted furnishings and luxe fabrics. Sophisticated common areas combine local character with a contemporary sensibility (the most noteworthy is a softly lit dining room specializing in fine Moroccan and Mediterranean dishes). The panoramic roof terrace above and traditional hammam below are equally tempting. Riad Joya’s service (which includes access to personal butlers) is top-notch too; however, if you want a pool, the Riad le Clos des Arts may be a better choice.