Riad Chbanate

The upscale Riad Chbanate is housed an 18th-century, French-owned riad with beautiful, updated interiors. Riads are traditional mansions built around a central courtyard, and Riad Chmanate is no exception; it features beautiful archways and lots of potted plants and patio furniture. The ground floor also features a kitchen, a dining room with stone archways, wooden floors, and a semi-open sitting room. Most guests who stay here are vacationing couples, though the riad also does get some families (usually with older kids).

Riad Chbanate is located in the Medina of Essaouira, a five-minute walk from the beach. The immediate area is primarily home to traditional houses and other riad hotels, and while it's completely pedestrianized, parking is available a five-minute walk away. Borj Bab Marrakech is a 10-minute walk away. It takes about two and a half hours to reach the airport in Marrakesh, and the riad can arrange transfers for a fee.

The Riad Chbanate offers a total of eight suites, each with its own unique decor scheme that mixes traditional Moroccan elements with modern amenities. Rooms generally have neutral base decor, with mottled off-white walls and wooden or tile floors accented by vivid hues of reds and orange in the form of rugs, throws, and -- in some cases -- furniture. Some also feature thatched ceilings that add to the overall rustic-chic ambience found across rooms. Bathrooms vary as well, but are generally chic and romantic, with big marble bathtubs and rainfall showerheads. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs with DVD players, air-conditioning, bathrobes, hairdryers, and toiletries. However, rooms lack phones, so guests on the top floor should be prepared to descend lots of steps if they need to get ahold of the front desk. Some rooms have balconies and views out on the Medina. 

As a smaller property, Riad Chbanate doesn't offer a ton of features, but it does have a rooftop terrace with a whirlpool hot tub and a few sunbeds for guest use. Breakfast is included in room rates and features fresh fruit, crepes, eggs, and baked goods. Lunch and dinner are available on request (although they must be pre-ordered), with a variety of options including traditional tagines and couscous dishes or lighter meals such as salads and grilled fish. Free water and tea are available throughout the day. Wi-Fi is free throughout the riad, and airport transfers, babysitting, and laundry service can be arranged for a fee. Massages are also available on-site in the hotel's small massage room. The hotel is also happy to help guests book off-site activities, including hammam (Turkish bath) visits, golfing, and camel rides.