It is arguable that Christine, the glamorous French owner of this sleek maison d’hotes, has acquired one of the best hotel locations in Essaouira. A stone's throw from the shore, Madada Mogador gazes out over the sparkling Atlantic waves. And the medina is just steps away, so when you've haggled your way to a new bag and a bevvy of spices, you can retreat to the hotel’s sheltered terrace for a cooling complimentary glass of lemonade overlooking the beach.
Once the haven of Jewish merchants, this historic building traces back to the 1800s. Today it houses 9 rooms and suites that blend the best of past and present, and elegantly salute its rich heritage. It's a welcoming place to kick back and relax; the interiors are spacious and stylishly renovated in shades of cream and taupe. The fantastic restaurant is a destination in itself, serving delicious Moroccan cuisine, which you can learn to replicate in the hotel's cookery school - a translator will even help you gather spices from the souk. On chilly nights, sip cocktails in the bar, and come bedtime you’ll find a hot water bottle warming the sheets. Christine has even more projects in the pipeline, including a concept store, but her focus remains on making your stay the best it can be.
Highs
- A hard-to-beat location on Essaouira’s ramparts, right by the beach and the medina
- A fantastic roof terrace with panoramic beach and harbour views
- Excellent staff provide warm and efficient service
- A superb ground-floor restaurant/bar, plus a well-regarded cookery school for honing your skills
- Families are welcome although it is a quiet, relaxing sort of space
Lows
- Some rooms look out onto the shared terrace but the one-way glass means no one can see in
- Those visiting for the first time might be put off by the slightly European vibe, which is different from the typical Moroccan style
- The nearest parking is in the public harbour lots, which are about a 2-minute walk away
Best time to go
Avoid August when the town gets swamped by large numbers of visitors from home and abroad. Spring is much quieter, and from March onwards you're almost bound to have good weather. There is an excellent music festival in June, with Gnaoua and other tribal performers.
Our top tips
Moroccan cookery classes are available in the hotel's funky Atelier Madada cookery school. Each budding chef has their own work surface and utensils, with dishes ranging from traditional tagine to the more complex pastilla. Afterwards, enjoy your creations over a glass of wine in the tranquil Oriental lounge - what better way to immerse yourself in the local culinary culture?
- Boutique Hotel
- 9 rooms
- Restaurant and bar
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
Rooms
The beige and sandstone shades of the bedrooms give a soothing uniformity to Madada Mogador. These were once the upper floors of a rich Souiri merchant’s house so all are blessed with high ceilings and an airiness enhanced by the pleasing tang of sea air. Every room comes with warm honey-colored tadelakt walls, soft pink terracotta floors, rattan furniture, Chinese-style box lanterns and large, comfortable beds dressed in sumptuous bed linen.
The Loft Suite is the largest with two bedrooms and a palatial living area. The spacious Suite Cherifa has a wonderful private sea-view terrace overlooking the city ramparts, harbour front and beach. We were quite taken with simple Pacha and Salma rooms, whose entrances lead onto the spacious communal roof terrace. Perfect for lounging on its array of low-slung wicker chairs.
For 180-degree views and a little more privacy, go for the newest addition, the Panoramic Cabana room. This cosy and secluded white wooden cabin sits on the second terrace, where you can enjoy breakfast for two on a tall table while watching the world go by.
Every ensuite bathroom has ivory tadelakt showers or roomy bathtubs, plus beautiful aged brass hand-basins from Fes. All rooms come with WiFi, air-conditioning and heaters.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Central heating
- Cots available
- WiFi
Eating
The generous breakfast is a beautiful array of pastries, yogurt, fresh fruit and juice, eggs and pancakes. It can be served in your room or on the terrace… also the perfect setting for afternoon lemonade and cake. Of course, many also gather here for the requisite sunset aperitif.
As night sets in it’s time to meander down to La Table by Madada, the elegant and buzzy restaurant, for one of the best dining experiences in Essaouira. Food is French and classic Moroccan, with an emphasis on fresh fish (lemon-grilled mullets, monkfish tagines, salt-crusted cod) and indulgent desserts. You’ll be welcomed with a cocktail list and jazzy music. We sat by the fireplace and settled in for a cosy evening of superb food and delightful service. Be sure to book a table in advance - this restaurant is popular with both hotel guests and locals from the area and beyond.
Features include:
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
Activities
- Sip cocktails and enjoy a sunset view on the spacious terrace with fabulous coast views
- Go shopping at the souks (markets): friendlier, cheaper and often better quality than in Marrakech, especially for wooden furniture and carvings
- Explore the sea ramparts of this ancient Portuguese (and formerly) Roman town
- Unwind with a traditional hammam or thalassotherapy spa in town; both can be organsied by the staff at Madada Mogador
- Windsurfing and kitesurfing from the sandy beach are popular sports (equipment can be hired)
- Go quad biking or take camel rides in the sand dunes; horse riding on the beach can be arranged from a nearby stable
- Explore wild beaches, waterfalls and forests on a 4x4 excursion
- A Pool and Lunch Day can be organised by the hotel in either Les Jardins de la Villa Maroc, a restaurant which sits within a garden of argan and olive trees, or at Le Jardin Des Douars for a heated pool within a botanical garden
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Cooking classes
- Horse riding
- Nightlife
- Shopping / markets
- Swimming
- Windsurfing
Kids
Although children are catered for there aren't any specific activities for them, so it's not ideal for active noisy kids. That said, the staff will do their best to make families welcome and can assist you in arranging local activities, such as camel trekking, horse riding and quad biking.
Best for:
Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
The Loft Suite has a mezzanine double bedroom and a twin room, plus two bathrooms and lots of living space. Most rooms can hold a baby cot.
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
Babysitting:
Babysitting available by arrangement.
Baby equipment:
Baby cots available on request.
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Madada Mogador is in the medina (old city) of Essaouira, on the west coast of Morocco. It's just inside the ramparts opposite Orson Welles Garden.
By Air
Fly in to Essaouira (20km / 30 minutes' drive) or Marrakech (175km / 2 hours away) if you're visiting as part of a wider trip around Morocco. From the airports, you can either take a taxi, drive or take a bus.
By Car
You won't need a vehicle to get around Essaouira itself but you may want to hire a car to drive there from Marrakech or generally explore the wider area.
By Bus or 'Grand Taxi' from Marrakech
There are regular buses as well as a constant stream of 'grand taxis' ploughing the route between Marrakech and Essaouira.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Essaouira 20.0 km ESU
- Marrakech Menara 175.0 km RAK
Other:
- Beach 0.5 km
- Shops 0.5 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 2 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape