Hôtel Emeraude Essaouira
An 18th-century riad wrapped around its original patio
About this stay
Hôtel Emeraude Essaouira is a genuine period property, an 18th-century riad inside the ramparts that has been completely refurbished while keeping its original patio-centred layout. Double rooms surround that courtyard across three floors in a harmoniously balanced arrangement typical of the era's merchant houses, and breakfast is served on one of two large sunny terraces rather than an indoor dining room. The hotel runs an unusually broad activities list for a medina riad, including aerobics, archery, cooking classes, bike and walking tours, horse riding, cycling, hiking, canoeing, windsurfing and fishing, alongside a shared kitchen and street parking nearby, especially once the high season brings more visitors into this stretch of the coast, which is worth factoring into your plans well ahead of the actual travel dates.
- 18th-century architecture
- Two terraces
- Activities on site
- Shared kitchen
Our take
This suits guests who want genuine period architecture inside the ramparts alongside an active, activity-packed stay rather than a purely relaxed riad routine. The two terraces give real flexibility for breakfast depending on the sun and the wind that morning. Guests wanting a pool or spa treatment should look toward the coast-road or spa-focused properties instead, since this riad's strength is its history and activity range rather than wellness facilities.
- Book a cooking class or a walking tour during your stay, since the activity range here is unusually broad for a medina riad.
- Choose whichever of the two terraces faces away from the wind that morning for a more comfortable breakfast outdoors.
- Ask about street parking arrangements in advance if arriving by car, since the medina location limits direct parking options.
Why we love it
- Genuine 18th-century patio architecture
- Two sunny breakfast terraces
- Unusually broad activities list
- Rooms wrapped around the original courtyard
Why guests love itI would recommend Hôtel Emeraude Essaouira to families who want a historic setting. It is an 18th-century riad inside the fortified medina, refurbished with double rooms around a patio on three floors. Two large sunny terraces host breakfast, and cooking classes are among the activities on offer, with horse riding and windsurfing nearby. The rooms are doubles, so I would ask about space for larger groups. An 8.6 rating from over 1,100 reviews supports the choice.
Guest reviews
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