Le Medina Essaouira Hotel Thalassa Sea & Spa – MGallery by Sofitel-

The hotel offers a private beach, which, despite being across the street, infuses the property with a low-key elegance. The two-story red and beige stone building is fronted by neatly kept lawns and shrubs. Guests are offered mint tea and hot towels on arrival in the lobby, which is bright with white marble floors, Moroccan pottery, and a silver tea set beside a plush red sofa. A small atrium lets sunlight stream into the lobby through balconies with vine-covered railings. The beach has blue-cushioned beds with white curtains for privacy, while the large wood pool deck is lined with simple lounge chairs and a few cabanas. Guests are a mix of couples and families, all ready to relax at the beach and take occasional forays into the old city. While the setting is easygoing, service at the breakfast restaurant is often disappointing. 

The hotel is across the street from a private beach in the windy city of Essaouira, within walking distance of restaurants. The Place Moulay el Hassan castle near the waterfront, as well as the old city are each about a 10-minute walk away as is the port and the Mohammed Ben Abdallah Museum. The Essaouira Mogador Airport is a 20-minute drive, and the hotel can arrange a shuttle service for a fee. 

Guest rooms are airy and simple, with wood furnishings made by Souiris craftsmen, including some bathrooms decorated in colorful Moroccan mosaics. Decor consists of white bedding with red-striped pillows, along with sheer white and thick red brocade curtains. Each room is air-conditioned and has a flat-screen TV, minibar, safe, and balcony -- sea-view balcony rooms can be noisy, while some balconies overlook the medina. Bathrooms have gray tile shower/tub combos and pretty beige walls with carved cutouts, as well as modern basin-style sinks. Suites with separate dressing rooms, espresso machines, and two bathrooms are available. Spotty Wi-Fi is available for a fee. 

The beach is the prime feature; it's a peaceful and private setting with canopy beds on the sand. An outdoor pool is spacious and offers lots of lounge chairs on the wood deck. There's a fitness center with wood floors, and a luxurious spa with hammam, hot tub, and massage treatments. There are three restaurants, including Arganier for a Mediterranean-style breakfast, seafood at Cote Plage for lunch and dinner, and regional cuisine at Dar Dada for dinner. The resort also has two bars: La Scala serves Moroccan and French pastries with tea in a small library setting overlooking the lobby, while Mogador's Club offers Moroccan whiskey and wines with live music. Room service is available. Babysitting is available on request, and business services, such as copying and faxing, can be arranged for a fee. Wi-Fi is free in common areas but requires a fee for in-room use.