9 stunning places to stay in Essaouira for solo travellers
Essaouira is one Moroccan city that I think is perfect for solo travellers and is somewhere I’ve visited independently numerous times. The artsy, bohemian atmosphere creates a laid-back spirit, there are incredible cafes that encourage socialisation and it just has an overall feeling of being safe. It should come as no surprise then that you’ll see a LOT of other solo travellers when exploring the medina.
Essaouira’s accommodation choices reflect that, with everything from hostels to high-end stays catering well to solo guests. You can find budget-friendly bunk beds in convivial hostels (complete with co-working spaces) and rooms designed specifically for singles in mid-range riads, plus your choice of spacious suites in palatial-like digs. I’ve stayed in a variety of accommodation while travelling solo in Essaouira and have always felt welcome.
In this article, I’ll share some of the best places to stay in Essaouira for solo travellers, whether you’re travelling on a budget or looking to splurge. All are located within Essaouira’s whitewashed medina, putting you within walking distance of its cultural attractions, art galleries and restaurants.
If you’re visiting Essaouira from Marrakech, discover some of the most inspiring places to stay for solo travellers in the “Red City”.
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Luxury places to stay in Essaouira for solo travellers
Heure Bleue Palais
Best high-end luxury hotel in Essaouira for solo travellers
Boasting a commanding presence adjacent to Bab Marrakech, this luxurious Essaouira hotel forms part of the renowned Relais & Châteaux brand. Its spacious rooms and suites are decorated with a colonial touch and surround a plant-filled patio where breakfast is served. Fireplaces in the rooms add to the charm, as do the bathtubs, and there’s so much space – this is definitely one of the best places to stay in Essaouira for solo travellers craving luxury!
If you don’t want to dine out in the evening, you can feast at Le Salon Oriental, which serves everything from fresh sardines to lobster, accompanied by Moroccan wines. Heure Bleue Palais also hosts cooking classes hosted by Chef Ahmed Handour for a hands-on cultural experience.
At Le P’tit Spa, you can indulge in pampering massage treatments – the striking black tadelakt hammam is a real stand-out! There’s also a spectacular rooftop pool fringed by sun loungers that boasts stunning views across the whitewashed medina – this is the place to relax on hot, summer days.
Suite Azur Hotel
Best affordable luxury hotel in Essaouira for solo travellers
Located just off one of Essaouira’s main thoroughfares, Avenue Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, Suite Azur Hotel is a good choice for solo travellers who don’t want to be walking down unlit streets at night. It beautifully blends traditional Moroccan hospitality with modern design – it’s definitely one of the more contemporary-style riads on this list.
Every room and suite in this upscale Essaouira hotel is equipped with luxurious bedding, a flat-screen TV and a spa-like bathroom complete with indulgent rain showers and deep soaking tubs. The floor-to-ceiling windows allow natural light to flood in, plus they offer wonderful views across the city.
When you’re not out sightseeing, you can unwind on the rooftop terrace, enjoy a cup of mint tea in the candle-lit lounge or take a refreshing dip in the inviting plunge pool. Previous guests rave about the included breakfast, which includes flaky msemen, cheeses and fruit salad, as well as freshly made orange juice.
Mama Lova
Best boutique hotel in Essaouira for solo travellers
Located smack-bang in the middle of the medina, Mama Lova offers a boutique experience adjacent to the Ben Youssef Mosque. Despite the high-end services it provides, the ambiance here is immediately warm and welcoming, thanks to the terracotta-coloured walls and friendliness of the staff. Mama Love boasts a co-working cafe, making it ideal for digital nomads wanting to stay at the higher end, plus there’s a restaurant drawing on locally sourced ingredients.
While the lofts and duplexes at this luxury Essaouira hotel can accommodate families with kids, I think they’re equally wonderful for solo travellers wanting LOTS of space. All are fitted out with luxury bedding (200-count sheets) and central heating/air-conditioning, plus gorgeous bathrooms with zellige tiles and brushed copper fixtures. The multi-tiered rooftop terrace is the ideal spot for sundowners at the end of the day.
Mid-range places to stay in Essaouira for solo travellers
Riad Lyon-Mogador
Best riad with single rooms in Essaouira for solo travellers
Riad Lyon-Mogador is on a quiet laneway a few steps from Avenue Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, putting you in the heart of all the action. It’s also one of the few riads in Essaouira that offers single rooms (perfect for solo travellers looking to save) although you could splurge on a double if you want more space.
Each of the 11 uniquely styled rooms at this mid-range Essaouira riad opens onto the central courtyard, which is complete with hanging lamps and flowing curtains. In the bathrooms, you’ll discover products from Le Sens de Marrakech, made with natural ingredients inspired by Moroccan traditions.
When it’s not too windy, breakfasts are served on the rooftop terrace, accompanied by 360-degree views of Essaouira. The staff at Riad Lyon-Mogador are incredibly attentive and helpful, ready to assist with everything from restaurant reservations to booking local activities.
Riad Chbanate
Best riad with a jacuzzi in Essaouira for solo travellers
Occupying an 18th-century building, Riad Chbanate is located on the eastern edge of the medina, not far from the taxi stand at Bab Marrakech. It has been beautifully renovated to accentuate its traditional Moroccan architecture – tadelakt plasterwork, walnut parquet floors and cedar wood ceilings – and receives rave reviews from guests.
Most of the rooms come with fireplaces that are set during the winter months, together with baths where you can soak at the end of a long day sightseeing. If you really want to splurge, treat yourself to the Chbanate Panoramic Suite, which boasts incredible views of the medina. Additionally, there’s a jacuzzi on the terrace, surrounded by sun loungers where you can relax with a book in the sunshine.
Riad Baladin
Best riad near Esssaouira’s ramparts for solo travellers
Another highly-rated Essaouira riad offering single rooms is Riad Baladin, which blends Moroccan and African decor in its boho-chic design. It’s located really close to the ramparts – perfect for sunset strolls – and is within walking distance of all the medina’s attractions.
Inside the beautifully decorated rooms, you’ll find four-poster beds (even in the single rooms) and private ensuites, some with corner tubs. If your room doesn’t have a bath, there’s a communal hot tub where you can enjoy a soak – this is definitely one of the best riads in Essaouira with a jacuzzi!
The on-site restaurant, Pasta Baladin, offers Italian dishes in a warm and friendly setting – it’s a great option if you don’t feel like heading out in the evening. Just a heads up, Riad Baladin tends to fill up quickly, so it’s wise to book your stay early!
Budget places to stay in Essaouira for solo travellers
The Chill Art Hostel
Best hostel in Essaouira for solo travellers
Tucked away on a quiet street in the north of the medina, this highly rated Essaouira hotel is a great choice for budget-conscious solo travellers. It occupies a traditional building that has been transformed into an affordable riad hostel, set around a blue-and-white tiled courtyard. It’s within walking distance of all Essaouira’s attractions and is easy to reach if you’re out alone at night.
In addition to 4, 6 and 8-bed dormitories, there are several private rooms with access to the shared bathroom facilities. I love that there are lots of spots where you can chill out with a book or mingle with other guests – the complimentary tea in the afternoon brings everyone together. If you want to prepare your own meals, there’s a shared kitchen available. Breakfast is included in the rates.
Hostel Riad Maqam
Best budget-friendly hotel in Essaouira for solo travellers
Located in Essaouira’s Mellah quarter, this budget-friendly Essaouira riad is beautifully decorated and boasts an inviting rooftop terrace with amazing views. All of the rooms are clean and comfortable, with four-bed dorms and private doubles, which (although small) are great if you’re seeking an affordable stay.
Breakfast is included in the rates and while there isn’t a kitchen, you’re within walking distance of plenty of cafes and restaurants. There is, however, a cosy fireplace and a collection of games – together they create a really social atmosphere for meeting other travellers. The staff are always friendly, the Wi-Fi works reliably – what more could you want?
Noqta Space Coworking
Best hotel for digital nomads in Essaouira
Noqta Space is the perfect choice for digital nomads seeking a productive environment to focus on their online endeavours while visiting Essaouira. It’s conveniently located just a stone’s throw from Bab Marrakech at the southern edge of the medina and comes highly rated for its reliable Wi-Fi, cleanliness and overall vibe. The staff are super friendly and there’s a small vintage shop downstairs to browse if you need a distraction from work.
The cheapest rooms at Noqta Space have access to shared bathroom facilities but you can spend a little more for an ensuite. All are decorated in a Moroccan-inspired minimalist style and come complete with working desks. Downstairs is a cafe where you can grab a fresh juice or coffee while upstairs is a rooftop terrace with medina views. Guests rave about how incredible the staff are and the delicious breakfast that’s included in the rates.
