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Hotel · Essaouira · Marrakesh–Safi

Hotel Riad Gnaoua

A traditional riad in the heart of Essaouira, steps from the medina and market, with rooftop breakfasts and a welcoming atmosphere.

  • Central location in Essaouira
  • Rooftop terrace with breakfast
  • Helpful, friendly staff
8.1 Great 1546 reviews Booking.com 8.1 · 1546 reviews

About

Hotel Riad Gnaoua

Hotel Riad Gnaoua is a traditional Moroccan riad located on Avenue Zerktouni in Essaouira, within a 5-minute walk of the Synagogue Slat Lkahal Mogador. The property reflects local architecture and offers Wi-Fi throughout.

The riad provides a range of room types, from standard singles to quadruples and a suite, many with terraces or balconies. A shared kitchen, sun terrace, and a restaurant with special diet menus are available, plus services like airport shuttle, car hire, and tour assistance.

  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Wi-Fi
  • 24-hour reception
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed

In brief

What works, what to weigh

+

Strengths

4 reasons to book
  • Central location in Essaouira — The riad sits in the heart of the city, within walking distance of the medina, market, shopping avenue, and La Maison de Cinema, with the Ramparts about a 10-15 minute walk away.
  • Rooftop terrace and breakfast — Guests frequently highlight the rooftop terrace as a highlight, with breakfast served there and offering a variety of options, including a boiled egg and orange juice.
  • Helpful and kind staff — Several guests note that the staff were genuinely helpful, offering restaurant suggestions and being flexible, with the owner described as kind and accommodating.
  • Good value for money — The hotel offers budget-friendly rooms, as reflected in the value rating and guest comments about affordability, with spacious rooms including terraces and bathrooms.

Worth weighing

4 to weigh
  • Check-in window is narrow — Check-in is only possible between 14:00 and 14:30, which may be inconvenient for travelers arriving at other times, though the hotel has a 24-hour reception.
  • No pets allowed — The hotel does not permit pets, which could be a limitation for travelers with animals.
  • Some language barriers with staff — A few guests mentioned occasional language struggles when communicating with staff, though this did not detract from the overall positive experience.
  • No parking mentioned — The hotel does not list parking, so guests arriving by car may need to find public parking nearby.

01 — Rooms

Rooms & rates

High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.

Superior Quadruple Room

  • Sleeping arrangements for 4 persons

Deluxe Room

  • 1 King-size bed,2 Single beds

Classic Quadruple Room

  • Sleeping arrangements for 4 persons
  • Shower

Standard Triple Room

  • Sleeping arrangements for 3 persons
  • Shower

Standard Twin Room

  • 2 Single beds,1 King-size bed,1 Double bed
  • Shower

Suite

  • 1 King-size bed

02 — Amenities

Services & amenities

Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.

Food & Drink

  • Restaurant
  • In-room breakfast
  • Special diet menus
  • Coffee shop
  • Shared kitchen

Services

  • 24-hour reception
  • VIP check-in/out
  • Express check-in/out
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Car hire
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Paid airport shuttle
  • Fax/Photocopying
  • Luggage storage

Recreation

  • Live entertainment
  • Leisure/TV room
  • Massage
  • Children's play area
  • Game room
  • Wind surfing
  • Canoeing
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Cycling
  • Fishing

Room Amenities

  • Heating
  • Mini-bar
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Sink

General

  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Wi-Fi
  • Terrace
  • Sun terrace
  • 24-hour security
  • No pets allowed

03 — Reviews

What guests say

Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.

8.1
Great 1546 reviews

Guest-rated 8.1/10 from 1,546 reviews

Booking.com · 8.1 · 1546 reviews
8.1Verified guest

“The location was extremely convenient, right next to La Maison de Cinema, the market, and the medina. Our standard twin room was fantastic with views over the city. Breakfast had a variety of tasty options.”

8.1Verified guest

“We had a really good stay. Breakfast was served on the terrace. The rooms were budget-friendly and spacious, with a terrace and four beds as described. Staff were genuinely helpful and suggested restaurants. The location was convenient, about a 10-15 minute walk from the Essaouira Ramparts. The airport was a 23-minute drive away.”

8.1Verified guest

“Rooms included a bathroom. The location was central to the Medina area.”

8.1Verified guest

“Breakfast was delicious, with a boiled egg and fresh orange juice. The hotel's setting is magnificent, adjacent to the city center, main streets, market, and shopping avenue.”

8.1Verified guest

“The hotel was in the heart of the city.”

8.1Verified guest

“The hotel is beautifully designed and clean. Staff were lovely and kind. The location is marvelous, right by the downtown area, just a 10-minute walk away. The small restaurant was really enjoyable.”

04 — Location

Getting around Essaouira

The property sits in Essaouira.

Medina of Essaouira: The riad is a stone's throw from the medina, with its historic walls and the Ramparts about a 10-15 minute walk away.

Markets and shopping: The market and shopping avenue are adjacent to the hotel, making it easy to explore local shops and produce.

Cultural sites: La Maison de Cinema is right next door, and the Synagogue Slat Lkahal Mogador is within a 5-minute walk.

89, Avenue Zerktouni, Essaouira, Marrakesh–Safi, 44000, Morocco

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05 — Good to know

Policies & conditions

Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.

Check-in
From 14:00-14:30
Check-out
By 12:00
Cancellation
Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
Payment
Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
Pets
Not allowed
Property
8 rooms

06 — Questions

Frequently asked

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 14:00 to 14:30, and check-out is until 12:00.

Does the hotel allow pets?

No, pets are not allowed at Hotel Riad Gnaoua.

Is breakfast served on the terrace?

Yes, guests often mention that breakfast is served on the rooftop terrace, with a variety of options available.

Does the hotel offer airport shuttle service?

Yes, an airport shuttle is available for a fee.

Are there family rooms available?

Yes, the hotel offers quadruple rooms that sleep up to four persons, as well as cots for younger children.

Is Wi-Fi available in the hotel?

Yes, Wi-Fi is offered throughout the property.

The bottom line

A well-located, budget-friendly riad in central Essaouira, praised for its rooftop terrace breakfasts and helpful staff, ideal for travelers wanting to be in the heart of the medina.

8.1Our take

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