This 18th-century riad was the residence of the family that runs it before they opted to receive guests in 2002. The appealing interior courtyard has a black-and-white tile floor, luxurious quantities of plants spilling out of suspended planters, and a good number of wicker chairs and tables. A rooftop hosts shaded and cushioned seats for taking in views of the old city, and a local painter’s art decorates the hallways. Throughout the hotel, colorful tile work and vibrantly painted walls combine with dark-wood traditional furniture for an inviting local feel. The lounges and salon areas are filled with brightly colored cushioned benches and have low wood ceilings, offering cozy spots for travelers -- typically tourist couples and some families -- to curl up with a cup of tea and a book, or to watch something on the guest flat-screen TV. 

The hotel sits on a quiet cobblestone street within the walls of the old city, about a seven-minute walk from the Plage Tagharte, Essaouira’s main city beach. The property is inaccessible by car, though there is a nearby parking about eight minutes away on foot. The streets surrounding the hotel are winding and filled with souvenir shops and small eateries. Essaouira Mogador Airport is about 25 minutes by car and the hotel can arrange for airport transfers. 

Picking up on the aesthetic of the rest of the hotel, these rooms are outfitted in carved wood dressers, traditional deep-red carpets, and brightly colored touches like robins-egg blue window frames and mint shower curtains. The overall effect, with the numerous windows, is of a bright, airy, simple space. Mattresses are on the small side (mostly twins, a few fulls). All rooms have small bathrooms with walk-in showers and brightly colored tile floors and paint. Wear, such as stained tile floors, is evident, and bed bugs have occasionally been reported. 

Rooms accommodating more than two people may have lofted second beds that are not significantly separated from the living spaces. The four-person suites each have a living area with flat wood benches. Some rooms have views onto the terrace or direct terrace access. 

The hotel does not sell alcoholic drinks, though guests can buy outside the hotel and bring it in. Breakfast and dinner are served, though not lunch, and guests must give advance notice for evening meals. Baby cots and laundry services are available upon request. There is a pleasant rooftop patio and lounge filled with potted plants and furnished with some shaded seating. Included breakfast is served in the indoor courtyard. There are a TV and computer for guest use. Free cooking classes are offered daily, and the family is known for giving great local tips for travelers.