Riad 7 Stones is an adults-only guesthouse on Rue al Mourabitine in the Essaouira medina, about seven minutes on foot from Place Moulay Hassan, the clock tower and the beach. Guests must be 18 or over, which makes it one of the quietest places to stay in the old town and a natural choice for couples, honeymooners and friends who want to rest between windy days on the water. The riad has a garden and a rooftop terrace, spa services that can be booked ahead, a small meeting room, lockers and luggage storage, multilingual staff and help with tours and tickets. Rooms have a king bed, a private bathroom, blackout drapes, a fan, a separate sitting area and free wifi. A continental breakfast is served in the morning for a fee, so check when you book whether it is part of your rate.
Rooms and who they suit
The choice is a standard double, a deluxe room, a deluxe suite and a design suite known as the Diamond Suite, all with a king bed and all sleeping two. The deluxe suite and the design suite give more space and a more private feel, which suits a longer stay or a celebration.
Because the riad has no pool and the sea is a short walk away, it works best for guests who plan to spend their days in the medina, on the beach or on the water. A rollaway bed can be added for an extra charge, but guests under eighteen are not accepted.
Location and getting around
The beach and the clock tower are about seven minutes away, the Skala de la Ville about eight and the Skala du Port and its fishing harbour about ten. The Bab Marrakech gate and the Souk Jdid are also within about ten minutes, so shopping for spices, argan oil and thuya woodwork is an easy stroll. The riad has no parking, so arrive by taxi and walk the last stretch. Essaouira-Mogador airport is about twenty-five minutes away by road, and a transfer can be arranged in advance for a fee.
What to check
The front desk is staffed for limited hours, and check-in runs from the afternoon to the early evening. Late arrivals are possible by arrangement for a surcharge, so tell the riad your arrival time in advance, especially if your flight or bus is late. A local city tax is charged per person per night and a deposit may be required, so check the terms when you book.
Pets are not allowed and smoking is limited to designated areas. The riad is a good fit for couples and quiet travellers, and it is less suited to families or groups looking for a lively social scene.
Why stay here
- ✓Adults-only stay (18 and over)
- ✓Garden
- ✓Rooftop terrace
- ✓Spa services by reservation
- ✓Continental breakfast for a fee
- ✓Private bathrooms and sitting areas
- ✓Luggage storage and tour assistance
- ✓Free wifi
Good questions
Is Riad 7 Stones adults only?+
Yes, guests must be 18 or over, so it is not suitable for families with children.
How far is it from the beach and Place Moulay Hassan?+
About seven minutes on foot to both, and around ten minutes to the Skala du Port and the Bab Marrakech gate.
Is breakfast included and is there parking?+
A continental breakfast is served for a fee, so check your rate when you book. There is no parking, so arrive by taxi.
