Riad Sidi Magdoul is a guesthouse on Rue Sidi Abdesmih in the Essaouira medina, three minutes on foot from Place Moulay Hassan and the Skala de la Ville and about seven minutes from the beach. It is aimed at travellers who care more about location and price than polish, and it is one of the more affordable ways to sleep inside the walls. Guests score it 8.0 out of 10 from a large number of reviews, with the best marks for location and staff. The riad has a rooftop terrace, a cafe, coffee and tea in the lobby, free wifi, laundry and dry cleaning, a concierge, a front-desk safe and luggage storage. Rooms have showers, hair dryers, wardrobes and soundproofed walls, and several have names such as Indigo, Anis and Azur that reflect the colours of the building.
Rooms and who they suit
The riad lists ten room types, from standard doubles that can sleep three to a twin room, a quadruple room and a family room for up to five with a city view. That range makes it useful for families, small groups and friends sharing, and for solo travellers who want a simple double.
Rooms are simple rather than luxurious, so read the description of the room you choose and compare sizes, because they vary. Breakfast with local dishes is available for a surcharge rather than included, and the cafe and the restaurants a minute or two away make it easy to eat well on a small budget.
Location and getting around
Place Moulay Hassan and the Skala de la Ville are about three minutes away, the clock tower about five, and the beach and the Skala du Port with its fishing harbour about seven. Several restaurants and fish grills are within a few minutes on foot, which suits anyone who wants to eat out every night. The riad has no parking, so arrive by taxi and walk in. Essaouira-Mogador airport is about twenty-five minutes away by road.
What to check
Check-in runs from the afternoon to the late evening and there is no check-in after hours, so tell the riad if you will arrive late. Check-out is before noon, and a late check-out may be possible for a small fee, subject to availability. Pets are not allowed. The lanes of the medina can be lively in the evening, so ask for a quieter room if you are a light sleeper.
The riad is a good choice for budget travellers, backpackers and families who want to stay inside the old town and put their money into kitesurfing lessons, camel rides and fish dinners rather than the room.
Why stay here
- ✓Rooftop terrace
- ✓Cafe and lobby coffee and tea
- ✓Family room for five
- ✓Breakfast with local dishes for a fee
- ✓Soundproofed rooms
- ✓Laundry and dry cleaning
- ✓Concierge and luggage storage
- ✓Free wifi
Good questions
How close is Riad Sidi Magdoul to Place Moulay Hassan?+
About three minutes on foot. The beach and the Skala du Port are around seven minutes away.
Is breakfast included?+
Breakfast with local dishes is available for a surcharge rather than included in the standard rate, so check when you book.
Can a family stay here?+
Yes, there are quadruple and family rooms, and the largest sleeps up to five. Confirm the bed layout when you book.
