Riad Lotus O Marine

A superbly comfortable, retro-chic riad with lashings of designer attitude, at the heart of Essaouira’s lively medina

Lotus has given the ‘Small is Beautiful’ philosophy a novel twist. All of their riads have just 5 rooms and place their decorative accent on flamboyant detail. Riad Lotus O Marine, at the heart of Essaouira’s walled medina, takes its name from the sea and its inspiration from the 1930s.

Stepping in from a dusty alleyway to emerge in the central living room-cum-library, it feels as if you’ve been transported back to the Gatsby era - oils of Indian maharajahs, gents in top hats and tails, black and white photos of polo players, and a portrait of Wallace Simpson and King Edward above the fireplace. Leopard-skin carpets, striped walls, faux bois pillars and studded black velvet doors create a mood of boudoir opulence. This is revved up by an extraordinary glass-bead chandelier, lit from below in changing colours, which drops down through the central patio for 3 floors. The 5 rooms are in the same theatrical, glitzy vein, and the roof terrace, looking out across the medina to the port and the sea, is simply as good as it gets.

Highs

• The decoration of the hotel is whimsical, tongue-in-cheek and fun
• The position, at the heart of Essaouira’s unforgettable medina, couldn’t be better
• Bedrooms have state-of-the art TVs and B&O sound systems: the decorative style may be retro-Baroque but the equipment is top-end Noughties
• Lotus O Marine is exceptionally quiet and has a real feel of sanctum after the heat and dust of the medina
• The young management are relaxed and helpful. They take the edge off the rather formal feel of the hotel
• A rooftop bar offering fabulous views

Lows

• Chill music is played throughout the day in communal areas. We found it was a bit samey and, at times, invasive
• Breakfast should be better considering O Marine’s high price tag