Ryad Watier

Morocco , Essaouira
ESSAOUIRA, Rue Ceuta, 16
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50 reviews shown

10/10

Exceptional

16 Nov 2025

Natalie

Warm welcome from the staff and owner and excellent suggestions for activities, food, and shopping. Very accommodating and great location.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

28 Oct 2025

Kristina

Our stay was incredible. The staff were warm and helpful. The riad was clean and comfortable with wonderful amenities - like a fantastic breakfast on a beautiful rooftop patio and a spa on site - and beautiful art and decor. It was a true joy. Please note cars can’t get to the Riad so you need to arrange a cart to take your bags (paid) or walk with your luggage ~ 8 minutes from the drop off at city walls.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

19 Sep 2025

Marisa

What a fabulous find Ryad Watier is! Nothing was too much trouble for the team that runs it - they were so hospitable and helpful. It was like being in someone's home. Breakfast was delicious and tailored to your needs. We ended our visit with a hammam and massage which was perfect after over two weeks in Morocco. Would highly recommend such a fantastic place to stay - absolutely first class

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jun 2025

Siew

A mere review cannot fully describe how lovely our experience at this riad was. Hayat, Fatiha and Nezha truly put so much soul into caring for their guests and go above and beyond for any simple request.
Stay here if you find yourself in Essaouira.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jan 2025

Remus

Many thanks to Fatiha, Jean-Gabriel and the entire team for making our staying so pleasant and memorable!

10/10

Exceptional

19 Nov 2024

Sally

Ryad Watier is wonderful! Welcoming, comfortable, fun, gorgeous! We stayed an extra night. Looking forward to our next visit.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

14 Oct 2024

Lisa

Very caring and great staff.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

05 Apr 2024

Mark

Excellent Riad in the heart of the Medina! The staff is friendly and helpful. Pro tip: they will do laundry at the best price you can imagine.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

22 Feb 2024

Ryan

Thank you!

I stayed here for a solo trip to Essaouira and absolutely fell in love with the city. Fatiha and her team could not have been more friendly and welcoming which played a big part in the trip being so special.

My room was spotless, breakfasts up on the roof were lovely and every member of staff would go over and above to ensure you enjoyed your stay.

This was my first trip to Essaouira and Morocco and I would encourage anyone who is thinking of visiting to do it and to stay here, you won’t be disappointed!

Thank you again to everyone at Ryad Watier!

Self

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jan 2024

Jessica

The rooms are superb and the staff are wonderful and helpful. Excellent location, extremely comfortable and safe. Highly recommend.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

13 Oct 2023

James

The manager was fantastic. She helped us find our way around the Medina for shopping and restaurants. Would definitely return.

10/10

Exceptional

26 May 2023

Ian

Wonderful Road Watier

We loved Road Watier, one of the loveliest and unique places we have ever stayed. Hyat and Fatiya were absolutely lovely hosts and it was fun chatting to them about our and their own travels and experiences, both had a wonderful sense of adventure and humour. all of the staff always had a smile for us. The property is amazing, and our two level family room was stunning. The Road is in a quiet lane in the medina, a minute or so from the sea and the stunning ramparts. We loved the ramparts and views of the sea, the lively harbour area and the cities extensive beach with all the surfers and kite surfing. Biggest regret was only staying for two nights, we should have stayed much longer.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

15 May 2023

Rosemary

From the moment I arrived I was made to feel so welcomed. Hayet was wonderful, as was everyone at the Ryad. Breakfast on the roof terrace with fresh fruit, juice, pancakes and coffee was a pleasure each morning. I loved my stay there

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

06 May 2023

Katie

Fabulous hotel with amazing staff

We loved our stay at this amazing hotel.
With only 10 rooms and a small, friendly team of staff this place really feels like a home from home. The rooms are beautiful and the rooftop space a quiet haven. But best of all, the staff all genuinely care that their guests have the very best experience and nothing is too much trouble. The restaurants and bars recommended by the hotel were the very best we visited. We can’t wait to come back!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Mar 2023

rebecca

Wonderful place to stay. Staff were amazing and gave us excellent recommendations and sorted taxis.it’s a beautiful building with very charming staff, delicious breakfast and the rooftop terrace was divine.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 May 2022

Michelle

Beautiful riad in the heart of the medina

Amazing riad! We booked a two story suite for our girls trip and weren’t disappointed! Absolutely beautiful and quite spacious! Service was incredible. The hotel helped welcomed us and lugged our huge baggage all the way to the third floor with zero complaints. Always welcoming, informative and very kind.

Would stay here in a heartbeat again. Easy walking distance to everything as it’s in the heart of the Medina.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

31 Mar 2022

Rory

Lovely Riad. Such a warm welcome. Thank you.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 Mar 2022

Adam

Fantastic

Wonderful ryad in a good location. Interesting decor, rooms are spacious and clean. Fantastic breakfast also. Hayat is a friendly and welcoming host, has great local knowledge, and speaks English very well. Highly recommended I will return soon.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jan 2020

Peter

This property is a delight. An abandoned school in the center of the Medina has been artfully restored by Jean-Gabriel. The rooms are spacious and comfortable and the entire place is filled with an eclectic art collection and beautiful colors & light. Breakfast at sunrise on the roof terrace is nothing short of spectacular. And most of all Hayat, Fatima and all the staff staff are joy filled and attentive making you feel immediately at home. My adult daughter and I stayed here fourth three nights in early January and will definitely return again.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

07 Dec 2019

Matthew

Best host we can ask for

I was intimidated by the idea of staying in a narrow alley riad, albeit all the great stories i read about it being any travellers' best experiences in Essaouria. I was wrong. While it wasn't exactly easy to get back esp late at nights, people are so helpful and almost everyone knew ryad watier there. Gabrielle was funny and attentive to datailsm a 1000 percent host. Try his family stule dinner. If you don't like it, I should pay for it. Better than eating out and he provides wine, hard to find in medina restaurants. Big rooms and great staff. CAn't wait to get back and visit You are in good hands with him!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jul 2019

Verified traveler

Lovely place. Great stay.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

11 May 2019

Verified traveler

Amazing location, facilities, staff and breakfast. The rooms were so amazing, I wish I lived there! Highly recommend!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 Mar 2019

Kettly

Sublime!

To make a long story shot, I will put it bluntly:
Riad Watier is simply EXCEPTIONAL. Voila!
Please go there if you are ready to appreciate quality in all its aspects.
Enjoy!

10/10

Exceptional

17 Nov 2018

Ross

Gorgeous, quaint courtyard ‘boutique’ hotel; delightfuly decorated rooms, peaceful ambience but only the opening of a couple of doors separates you from the intensity of the Médina. A truly pleasant place to relax with some of the friendliest staff I’ve ever encountered

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Sep 2018

Verified traveler

Ryad Watier is simply perfect in every way. It is located on a safe and quiet street...only a two minute walk from the bustling Medina. Breakfast is delicious and abundant, but more importantly, served on the rooftop terrace with views of the ocean. It is the perfect start to each morning in Essaouira.
The riad itself is stunning. The common areas are filled with thoughtfully chosen furniture and artwork;
representative of the Moroccan culture as well as the owner’s passions. There is a library stuffed with hundreds and hundreds of books...something for everyone to read, or also just enjoyable to peruse through the massive collection.
The rooms continue the theme of the riad with individually selected decor and artwork throughout. The tapestries and rugs have all of the rich colors of Morocco, contrasted with some nautically themed artwork to gently remind you that the Atlantic Ocean is only minutes away... it all comes together beautifully. The rooms are exceptionally spacious, meticulously maintained, and the housekeeping staff keeps them spotless, daily.
The staff at Ryad Watier will make you feel comfortable from the moment you step through the big blue door. Jean-Gabriel and his staff are so welcoming and friendly that you just might end up spending more time lounging around the riad than roaming the Medina. Be sure to enjoy dinner at least one night in... Dunya made the most spectacular tagine, my best meal in Morocco.
Thank you Ryad Watier.

10/10

Exceptional

16 May 2018

ELISABETH

Found the Perfect Place in Essaouira

Ryad Watier is one of the best place I've ever stayed at. Every little details was well thought of. It is the perfect place to stay in Essaouira! Perfect location, the staff is beyond amazing, breakfast is delicious, the rooms are perfect. Nice sun terrasse and area for breakfast on the rooftop. Also great living room and great books in the library, and the rooms. The place is always really clean. Honestly, all is perfect!!

10/10

Exceptional

30 Mar 2018

Alison

Central medina riag

This riad was recommended to me by a friend so I booked it without doing any research - it was a lovely surprise. It's a large building but beautifully restored and remains very homely, there's a library and a log fire burning in the dining room. I regret not taking part in the shared evening meal but lack of time prevented this.
The staff were lovely and Hiyat was particularly helpful and showed us where to shop; I would definately recommend.

10/10

Exceptional

05 Mar 2018

Shawna

Couldn’t be better!

Beautifully decorated, conveniently located and wonderfully staffed. This was a perfect choice for our stay in Essaouira- Hayat was incredibly helpful with directions, recommendations and arranging dinner and a driver back to Marrakesh. She is absolutely lovely and so is this riad. Cozy, comfortable and charming. We loved it!

10/10

Exceptional

18 Feb 2018

Chris

Great stay in this exceptionally friendly riad. Gabriel is such a great host and it felt like home each time we returned from the fascinating streets of Esaouira.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jan 2018

Graham

Beautiful Ryad

Really great place to stay! Such a beautiful Ryad and generous sized rooms. We all enjoyed all the artwork.Great service from all the staff and gorgeous breakfasts.
Everybody was so helpful - we will definitely make a return visit.

Family

8/10

Excellent

24 Dec 2017

Verified traveler

Very spacious comfortable room

Comfortable beds, constant hot water with good shower. Rooms are excellent with lots of lights and candles as well as seating with sofa and chairs. Lots of colourful artwork. The whole riad is very well looked after. Very well situated in the medina. Nice terrace where breakfast is served. Only complaint is we were recommended to another riad which turned out badly. Hayat the manager is very hard working and is also available; she is very helpful but a little controlling

10/10

Exceptional

14 Dec 2017

Sara

Beautiful Ryad in historic house inside the Medina

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Ryad Watier. I had the only single room which is a spacious light room on the top floor, with a large double bed and self contained shower and loo area. Initially I was a little concerned in case it was cold at night but Hayat, the manager, put a cover over the traditional skylight and the heater was perfectly effective at keeping the room cosy. Plenty of hot water though the water pressure is not the highest, but acceptable and to be expected in an older property.
Breakfast on the roof terrace was lovely, local breads / pancakes, pastries and preserves, fruit salad, home made yoghurt, eggs cooked to order and plenty of tea or coffee.
Very lucky with the weather as it was very warm in the day and not windy at all so breakfast was a pleasure as long as you wrapped up warm. This is a very well run guest house, everything is spotlessly clean and the staff are extremely friendly and helpful. I loved the decor which which is (to me) the right side of quirky without being bland and I think that the management have taken feedback and refurbished the Ryad to a very good standard, I think some of the pictures on this site don't necessarily do the place justice. Hayat was so helpful providing a map, directions, recommendations for places to eat and booking a riding excursion for me, arranging pickup/drop off from the airport. There was a delicious, entertaining dinner on the last Friday with some of the other guests and friends - Highly recommended

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jul 2017

Sorcha

This was unique stylish comfortable place to stay

we stayed a week the rooms were the best I have ever stay in large spacious and truly comfortable. This has and has a totally different feel to a western hotel. The staff were really helpful and kind. The riad was spotless. Beds were lovely big very comfortable the towels were changed ever day soft fully and fresh.
The food was terrific a huge and fresh breakfast and no one rushing you. The rooms are superb, we booked two both were different but both were lovely. I loved the toiletries, the showers had fantastic pressure and you could change it. If you want to find out what to do or see or where to eat - bookings are made and advice provided . I really want to come back again we loved it lots of books to read a lovely friendly atmosphere. We loved the artwork in all the rooms and stairs, my husband is an artist and we have never really enjoyed artwork anywhere we stayed. The cats were terrific. The whole character is unique, a very elegant mix of old and new. I would have no doubt about recommend a stay here with the only negative being you have to leave it! we loved it and we will be back. Every one made this a very special holiday. The rooms are so large and spacious.
The location is in the old town not many western tourists are around. The building is in excellent condition many other are not in such good condition t

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jun 2017

David

The perfect Riad.

So glad that we chose to stay here. Gabriel and Hayat couldn't have been more friendly and helpful. They are always on hand to give local advice and recommendations. You feel more like a part of a family than hotel guests. Everything we wanted from a stay in a riad in Essaouira.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jun 2017

David

A gem.

A delightful hideout in the centre of the city. Quiet, spectacularly furnished, wonderful staff. A real find!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jun 2017

Eliot

Highly Recommend

All the best of an authentic riad experience but with nicely renovated, airy rooms. Riad interior is charming, with several places for guests to sit, relax, enjoy the fountains and birds. Roof deck has a sea view, and owner thoughtfully provides comfortable lounge chairs, towels and straw hats for guests. Breakfast was about the best I had in Morocco, with good coffee, and is served upstairs on the covered roof deck. The owner is very knowledgeable about Essaouaria and is very helpful in making recommendations on sites, restaurants, and ongoing arrangements for travelers.

10/10

Exceptional

24 Apr 2017

Jane

Fine art and Helpful Host

The most beautiful building and enormous and well set up room. Breakfast on the roof was delicious and all the staff were helpful and friendly. Gabriel the host was exceptionally kind to take us to the bus station and see us on our way.
Essaoura was the most beautiful small town.

10/10

Exceptional

10 Apr 2017

Verified traveler

Excellent riad in great location

A warm greeting and a large, light and airy room with an excellent bed. All the staff are friendly and my wife says the massage is very good.We stayed three nights and would happily go back.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Feb 2017

Paul

Great choice in Essaouira

Large comfortable room, excellent location, beautifully renovated riad and a wonderfully helpfull host. Would highly recommend

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Dec 2016

Shannon

Sweet, charming and welcoming

The host was sweet and welcoming. The food was delightful but watch out for the seagulls. I immediately fell in love with Essaouira.

10/10

Exceptional

05 Nov 2016

Stephanie

Beautiful Riad

This Riad was probably the nicest one we stayed at for our entire trip, it was a relaxing place and had a really nice layout and room. It was also close enough to everything without being in the middle of it all.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Oct 2016

Derek

A restful and convivial place to stay.

Friendly and helpful. Great rooms. A restful and convivial place to stay. Loved the pictures and art.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Sep 2016

Robert

Well placed in the Medina

I was greeted on arrival by the Ryad's charming owner and his manager, who both went the extra mile to ensure a delightful stay. The roof top terrace was a great location for a filling breakfast. I also enjoyed good quality Moroccan evening meals at the Ryad. The facilities, bedroom/ensuite, Sun terrace, dining room, library/snug and communal areas were clean and inviting, so much so I have booked a return visit in 2017.

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jun 2025

Enrique

Todo perfecto,salvo que no esta en la playa.
Esta en la Medina

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jun 2025

Carmen

Tolles, von Frauen geführtes Riad. Schöne große Zimmer, Dachterrasse mit Blick zum Meer wo auch das (typische) Frühstück serviert wird. Gute zentrale Lage. Sehr empfehlenswert

10/10

Exceptional

31 Dec 2024

MARCO

Ryad impeccabile

Ottima esperienza, servizio e pulizia impeccabili, confortevole anche per soggiorni invernali

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

04 Sep 2023

Chantal

Bellissimo Ryad arredato con originalità e gusto. Camera familiare soppalcata molto spaziosa e pulita. Bella terrazza dove potersi rilassare e dove viene servita un’ottima colazione. Molto simpatici ed efficienti proprietario e gestori. Assolutamente consigliabile.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

31 Oct 2022

Christian

Un Riad où l’on se se sent accueiili comme chez soi; il sera difficile de ne pas revenir. Un grand merci à toute l’équipe, à Hayat en particulier

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 Oct 2021

Per Terje

Fantastic service

This Ryad is located perfect in the Medina of Essaouira. Short walking distance to shopping and nice restaurants. I got the best service I ever had in a hotel. Personal attention from owners and staff. The breakfast was very good as well.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

24 Nov 2019

Verified traveler

エッサウィーラにきたら必ず泊まりたい宿

立派よし、スタッフが皆親切、朝食もとても美味しかった。部屋もきれいだし、屋上の眺めもよく、文句の付け所なし。

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