In Morocco, riads have a reputation for being small and cozy guest houses akin to bed-and-breakfast properties, but with 23 guest rooms, Riad Zahra Mogador is bigger than many. It's also newer, but the building still has plenty of charming elements. The simple, mustard-colored facade resembles a western motel, but inside the lobby's centerpiece is a dramatic staircase lined with clay and blue tile, and framed by a swirling wrought-iron and wood bannister. Archways add to the ambiance, though they lack the keyhole peaks often seen in Moroccan architecture. The lobby furniture and decor take influence from modern art, Spain, and other African countries, while the restaurant decor is a little more reverent to Moroccan tradition with a handcrafted fireplace and window details forged from sculpted iron. Outside, the pool area is modern enough to be almost anywhere in the world, yet the hammered-steel lighting fixtures and archways built from lattice woodwork remind guests what country they're in. While there is meeting space on the property, the style speaks mostly to tourists who want to be close to the beach.

The Riad Zahra Mogador, is located in Essaouira, famed for coastal winds that are so strong that even sitting on the beach can be tough at certain times of year. Still, those strong winds attract windsurfers from all of world. The closest beach, Plage Tagharte, is about a five-minute walk away. Essaouira's medina has shops and a lot of buildings that date to the 18th century, and is about a six-minute drive away. The Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah Museum, which has historic local artifacts, is a five-minute drive away. Even though Essaouira is in the same district as Marrakech, driving to the larger city will take almost three hours. Guests arriving at the Essaouira Mogador Airport should expect the drive to take about 19 minutes to the hotel. Public transportation isn't common in the city, and tourists should anticipate getting around by car or taxi.

While the decor and amenities at Riad Zahra Mogador are high-end, the simple rooms are closer to what one might expect of a mid-range hotel. While the decor is handcrafted and colorful, with traditional print linens on the bed, the style still feels basic. The Standard Rooms come with tube TVs and have space to maneuver around the beds, but not much more room for lounging. Superior Rooms have flat-screen TVs, small sofas, daybeds, terraces, and desks. The Mini Suites are more spacious and have two sofas, better quality furniture, and bigger flat-screen TVs. Bathrooms range in size but tend to be small overall, with walk-in showers but no tubs. 

The Riad Zahra Mogador has many more amenities than the typical Moroccan guest house. Three on-site restaurants serve well-received Asian, international, and Moroccan dishes. Breakfast is included in room rates and features local specialties that are popular with guests. Room service is also available around the clock. Other amenities include an outdoor pool long enough to do laps and a poolside bar for drinks on the deck. There's not a ton for kids, but babysitting is available for a fee. There's also a large meeting room for rent and free on-site parking. Free Wi-Fi is available in rooms and some common areas.