Riad Casa Blanca

The sunny rooftop terrace was lovely for spending an afternoon with a book. Riad Casa Blanca is a peaceful place in an excellent spot in the heart of the Medina. The hosts were always available, and the room was cleaned regularly, with fresh towels and sheets. It has everything we needed: a good mattress, heater, washing machine and dryer, and medium water pressure. The location is quiet, and there are two flights of stairs. Breakfast is available for 35 dirhams. I definitely recommend staying here. Nearby dining options with great service and food include The Three Little Birds, Restaurant D'Jazy, Umia & La Coupole.

We’ve traveled as a couple around Morocco and stayed in other riads, but Riad Casa Blanca was the most welcoming of them all. It may not be the fanciest, yet it felt much more like home than anywhere else. We had the comfort and independence we wanted, plus all the basics for a peaceful stay. Everything was very clean, and the staff were wonderful. It’s right in the heart of the Medina, and even the streets on the way there are beautiful. Without a doubt, this was our best choice in Essaouira. If you’re deciding, it’s a great option.

A few hours before we arrived, Michael, the owner, told us we’d be moved to a different room because the guest in ours wanted to stay an extra day. He didn’t ask whether we agreed, just rudely said we had to be flexible and that it would only be for one night. He claimed the replacement was the best room in the riad. Instead, we found an old, dark, damp, very cold room with no privacy and no glass in the window. We felt treated like fools. He later tried to put things right, and after a lot of arguing we reached an agreement, but the whole experience was awful. The facilities are old and outdated, the lamps don’t work, the Wi-Fi is poor, and our room was never cleaned during the several days we stayed. Very poor service and value for money. It was far too expensive for what it was, when for €40 you can find something a thousand times better.

An owner-run little riad with very friendly staff. It’s charming and right in the heart of Essaouira’s medina. The rooms are fairly priced and the standard is adequate, and breakfast is excellent. Highly recommended.