Riad Chbanate

During our 27-day private tour of Morocco we stayed exclusively in high-end riads, and while some were bigger, more expensive, more glamorous, Riad Chbanate in Essaouira became one that stole our hearts. We had the privilege of getting the biggest room, located all by itself on top of the building. But what really made it an unforgettable experience was the people who work there and the atmosphere. I cannot describe it, but the place made us feel at home, not really wanting to leave, an undefinable attraction that induced a sense of belonging there, being at home. Breakfast is excellent, eggs are made to perfection. and the location is excellent. The biggest compliment I can make is that if I ever returned to Essaouira, I would not think of staying anywhere else than at Riad Chbanate.

What an experience, nice venue, rooms outstanding and the restaurant even beyond expectations all with fire place. Wow Service is 5 stars with all the persons very kind in particular at the reception. Prices affordable and quality/price very high. I do not find anything which can sound a complain. This is an example of great management.

We stayed here our first few nights in Morroco, and what a lovely way to be introduced to this beautiful country. We pre-ordered dinner our first night and were served by a warm fire. The staff was really helpful with recommendations and plans.

Quaint property with an authentic feel in an easy access location but close to the action. We had two rooms as a family which allowed us to see and experience a bit more of the property. Our room was spacious and had a long walkway to the bathroom area. Our sons had the bathroom immediately upon walking into the room with no way to section it off. Both rooms had fireplaces which were excellent for ambiance in the room along with the sitting area. Beds were comfortable and ample seating inside the room. There were also plugs for charging devices convenient to bedside and in the seating area. The common areas are nice and well maintained. It was easy to get a drink and enjoy sitting in the open area after a day of touring and walking. The staff were very helpful moving bags up and down the stairs. Our upper floor room had a narrower walkway and a smaller door. The access to the main parking for pickup/dropoff is very convenient, you don't have to walk far down uneven and narrow walkways to get to the entrance. You are also a very short walk to most of the main sights and far enough away from the main foot traffic so it's quiet. Overall a positive experience and highly recommended for the location.

Absolutely loved our stay. The room was spacious, very well furnished and spotless clean. Staff very helpful and professional. Would 100% go back, totally reccommended

Just checked out earlier today and here's my unabashed review. I booked the Hayate Suite ( which is marketed online as the Romantic Suite ). Lovely room in general, it's on the second floor which I'd consider fortunate as lugging a heavy suitcase up to the further two higher floors would entail quite a work-out. Nondescript facade and entrance mask a truly charming interior cum courtyard area. Huge win on early impressions - the two gentlemen whom I encountered upon check-in were the epitome of genuine, warm and unpretentious hospitality ( 'Greggy' and Hisham - thank you gentlemen ). A big reason for me booking this Riad over the many other options in Essaouria was the fireplace feature in each room. On this count - this Riad did not disappoint - lovely crackling fire which Greggy caringly organised for me shortly after I arrived -- resulting in a much relished fireplace experience on a chilly day. Suite is generally well appointed - generous but albeit elongated bathroom layout made for good clever use of a tight space. That said, I didn't like the placement of the full-length mirror that they positioned directly in front of the toilet bowl - felt that was rather odd. Adequate wardrobe space and satisfactory bath towels. Bath and shower at the end of the bathroom was generously sized - with good water pressure. Room is not adequately sound proof and with my unit being literally just a few feet above the alleyway along which the Riad is situated, be prepared to hear the din of all that's happening with your daily Essaourian life below for pretty much most of the day. Hardworking carpenter right across my unit added to the overall noise levels though the consolation here is that most folks would have gone to bed by 10pm so was still able to get in a good night sleep ( comfy bed by the way ). Riad is manned on fairly lean staffing ( fully understand this point ) and on the evening after I arrived, the apparent sole chef was off-duty so was told then restaurant will not be serving any meals and instead, was advised to locate a place outside to secure my dinner - not ideal for me as I was tired and simply wanted to enjoy the tranquility of the place and have a simple meal without too much effort. Power points are adequate but they're not all located in the most logical places so one can't charge one's phone or other devices beside the bed but would need to walk up to the console in front of the bed or use other charging points around the room. Lastly, breakfast in the morning was a little disappointing - they start service at 0800 hr FYI so for those planning to have breakfast earlier - best to save some food the night prior if you're the sort who needs to start the day wth some fuel. Anyway, spread was quite limited, some uncut fruits and dry bread counter in one corner to get you started. The lady staffs in the kitchen were all pleasant enough and one of them came later to ask for my hot beverage order and choice of eggs. Nothing special -

This was a lovely, elegant place to stay during our visit to Essaouira. Just inside the medina walls with easy walking access to the heart of the medina and the oceanside skalas, bastions and beaches. After a day of exploring, how nice to sip on a glass of wine while soaking in the rooftop hot tub! The staff was very helpful when we needed recommendations for a restaurant on the night of our arrival. We loved the city and also enjoyed an excursion out of town to the Marjana argan oil cooperative.

We spent 2 nights at Riad Chbanate, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I corresponded frequently with Hicham beforehand, and he patiently answered all of my questions. The riad itself is beautiful. We enjoyed sitting in the courtyard. (Be sure to say hello to the turtle!) Our family used 3 rooms and all are different, with comfortable beds and unique bathtubs. The location is also great: on the edge of the medina, so that you can get to a car easily, but also easy to walk to the ocean or to shopping via the narrow medina streets. We didn't learn the names of all the staff, but they were all friendly and helpful. Breakfast is good, and the dinner that we had in their restaurant was also very tasty. Don't hesitate to book here. We would highly recommend it!

Room was very nice bathtub exceptional. Bed was comfortable and room spacious Staff excellent and very helpful. Breakfast was good. Close to the action but far enough away not to hear noise Rooftop terrace really wonderful. As I said really rnjoyed bathtub.