Madada Mogador

In the early 20th century, this house -- a traditional Moroccan riad -- was the residence of a wealthy Jewish merchant family, and the current owner has filled the common areas with handicrafts, oil paintings in muted tones, carved wooden chests, and unusual planters and light fixtures. A light-filled enclosed courtyard sits at the heart of this property. The space includes a collection of modern leather chairs and tables on terra cotta tiles, Bauhaus-inspired glass hanging lamps, and a library of loaner books and DVDs. The casual rooftop terrace is an equally relaxing place to unwind, with stylish wicker seating and incredible vistas of Essaouira and the Atlantic Ocean. The property is particularly popular with couples, especially those seeking a real taste of Moroccan culture -- the cooking workshop, held in an old former almond warehouse, and the adjacent medina allow for deep immersion in the local culture. The hotel also caters to families, though, with babysitting and kids' menus available. 

The property sits on a quiet, tidy street just outside the walls of the atmospheric medina, about two blocks from the Tagharte Beach and overlooking the Orson Welles Square near the city’s port. The beach is lovely for strolls and camel rides (there are plenty of touts selling rides along the way), but not ideal for swimming or sunbathing. Small shops, a few restaurants, and Essaouira’s local history museum (Musee Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdallah) are all within five minutes on foot. A small pedestrian mall is a few blocks away, and the Supratours bus station, which provides access to Marrakech, is a seven-minute walk from the hotel. The city's airport is a 20-minute drive from the hotel. 

These elegant rooms and offer and simple and tranquil blend of local art forms and modern style. Tadelakt -- a local artisanal process that glazes lime to create polished, rustic looking walls and surfaces -- is used throughout, and sandy earth tones are predominant. Wicker baskets, heavy dark wood furniture and accents, plus framed brightly colored photographs or vintage posters give the rooms a low-profile aesthetic. All rooms feature air-conditioning and free bottled water, but do not have TVs or reliable Wi-Fi. Each room also has an en-suite bathroom, which retains a luxurious, yet simple, atmosphere. Hammered brass sinks sit on spacious vanities and there are tadelakt soaking tubs, while some rooms have only showers. Guests should know that in certain cases, only the water closet is separate from the main guest room, and the tub and sink are part of the main room (though artfully hidden). Larger rooms, like the Madada Room that we visited, have separate bedrooms and feel extra-chic, and several rooms here overlook the ocean, plus some have outdoor terraces. Fireplaces are also featured in some rooms, giving them an extra romantic touch.

La Table, a well-reputed restaurant on the main floor, serves inventive French and Moroccan-inspired fare with an emphasis on seafood that draws rave reviews from guests. A full American breakfast is included in room rates and traditional Moroccan cooking classes are also available. While this is a romantic boutique property ideal for couples, the hotel can provide babysitting services and kids' menus are available in the restaurant. All guests have access to the rooftop patio, which is also accessible from the ocean view guest rooms, and the hotel has a lending library. There is an ocean-facing treatment room for massages, and manicures and pedicures are available. Free snacks are available all day, and there's a free wine and cocktail happy hour. Free daily newspapers are provided and Wi-Fi is free in the hotel's lobby. Airport shuttles can be arranged as can laundry services, and the hotel's front desk is staffed 24 hours a day.