Riad Beldy

The location is good, and the rooftop is lovely. The people were nice and the service was okay, but the riad needs renovation and a proper clean. Our room was dark, had no AC and only one power outlet and one main light. It was noisy outside, the paint was peeling, and the floor was dirty. The bathroom was dirty too, with flaking paint and just one tiny bar of soap. The shower kept switching between hot and cold and turning on and off. There was no iron or hair dryer, and breakfast was average. At night, someone tried to come into our room. It may have been a mistake, so we didn’t say anything.

Ayoub deserves a special mention. He was really warm and kind, and made us feel welcome. The rooms are dark, but cozy and clean, and we had warm water and a clean bathroom. The location was perfect for all the places we wanted to see in Essaouira.

We left early after I woke up covered in itchy red bites on my arms and back. I’m pretty sure they were bed bugs. The bites became inflamed, so I saw a doctor twice, which cost another $60, and three days later I was still itchy. Before that, the first room we were given was dark, damp, and had no window. The sheets looked ancient. We complained and were moved to a slightly better room, at least that one had a window. When we asked for a refund after checking out early, the staff brushed us off and seemed not to care. We had to find another hotel at the last minute and pay ourselves. One of the worst travel experiences I’ve had.

The people are what made my stay so good. Eyoub at reception was incredibly friendly and helpful, and Mehdi was hardworking and welcoming. They both went above and beyond. The Riad Beldy is clean and well maintained, right in the heart of the Medina. Thank you both for everything!