Madada Mogador
Contemporary Orientalist meets understated French chic. Sand-coloured walls, deep tadelakt baths, and minimalist furniture — the design is calm rather than maximalist. Think clean lines with Moroccan craft, not a bazaar of colour and pattern. The in-house cat Sultan (a leather-banquette regular) sets the mood perfectly.
The Mogador Suite and Cherifa Junior Suite are the hotel's most popular rooms — book well ahead if you want the best ocean and rampart views
Why It Matters
One of the best-positioned small hotels in Essaouira, sitting on the historic ramparts with direct Atlantic views and walking distance from the port, medina, and beach. The onsite Atelier Madada cooking school in a former almond warehouse has its own dedicated following. Featured in the Michelin Guide, Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet Hotels, and Lonely Planet. Part of the Spirit of Madada collection.
A 9-room boutique sitting right on the ramparts in UNESCO-listed Essaouira, Madada Mogador is the passion project of French owner Christine Dadda. The 1800s building — once home to Jewish merchants trading under the old Mogador name — was restored between 2000 and 2004 with tadelakt plaster, aged brass fixtures, and an eye for clean detail that feels more Parisian apartment than typical riad. Rooms range from standard doubles with ivory soaking tubs to upper suites with sweeping Atlantic views. And downstairs, La Table Madada occupies a converted stone carob warehouse. Look up and the rooftop terrace is arguably the finest perch in the whole city.
Where You'll Stay
9 room types available
Assala Standard Room
From MAD1,410 / nightA standard double with a wall-sized bedhead and a large ivory tadelakt bathtub. Individually decorated in neutral tones with minimalist-style furniture. Good value for the location.
Cabana Ocean View Room
From MAD1,985 / nightThe top-floor panoramic room. Guests report a 250-degree view taking in the beach, the Atlantic, the offshore islands, and the fishing port — with the sound of the sea and seagulls as your permanent backdrop. Premium bedding, in-room safe, blackout drapes, and soundproofing.
Cherifa Junior Suite
From MAD1,985 / nightOcean-facing junior suite with a large private terrace — arguably the best outdoor space in the hotel for lingering over breakfast or sundowners. The hotel team lists it among the two most popular rooms. Soaking tub and quality linens as standard.
Loft Suite
From MAD2,400 / nightThe hotel's biggest accommodation and best pick for families or small groups. A two-bedroom loft with a mezzanine and large French doors facing the ramparts and sea. Has a kitchenette — the hotel kitchen will supply extra utensils and pans on request.
Madada Superior Room
From MAD1,880 / nightThe room that shares the hotel's name is one of the most requested. Upstairs in the building, with a notably large bathroom finished in tadelakt and aged brass. Recommended by reviewers staying as couples.
Mogador Suite
From MAD1,985 / nightNamed after the city's original Portuguese name and positioned on the ramparts side. One of the hotel's two most popular room types according to the team themselves. Lofty ceilings, luxurious bedding with a downy topper, and a deep indulgent tadelakt bath.
Pacha Ocean View Room
From MAD1,725 / nightA sea-facing room with ocean views. Individually decorated with minimalist furniture in neutral tones. Step up from the standard inland rooms with its Atlantic-facing outlook.
Sabra Standard Room
From MAD1,410 / nightWarm-red room with a freestanding bath in the room and a pair of classic club armchairs. Has its own distinct personality — the reddish palette makes it feel cosier than some of the other standard rooms.
Salma Ocean View Room
From MAD1,725 / nightAnother ocean-facing room with views across Essaouira Bay. Soothing muted colours and sandstone tones, with the signature deep soaking tub.
The Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Beach and countryside rides available through Equi Evasion in the nearby village of Diabat. The concierge can assist with arrangements.
Quad bike tours along the Atlantic shore and dunes available through Palma Quad. A popular local activity easily arranged via the concierge.
Mogador Golf Club is approximately 3km from the hotel, making it an easy option for golfers staying at Madada.
Essaouira is one of Morocco's premier kitesurfing and windsurfing spots. The consistent Atlantic wind makes this a destination in its own right for wind sports. Operators are a short walk from the hotel along the beach.
Daily two-hour hands-on cooking classes held in L'Atelier Madada — a former almond warehouse on the ground floor of the property. Taught in French or English in small groups by one of La Table's chefs. Sessions cover traditional tajines and Moroccan staples and culminate in a two-course meal shared with fellow participants. A separate oriental pastry workshop is also available.
A shorter, focused pastry workshop at L'Atelier Madada covering the techniques behind Moroccan sweets and patisseries. On reservation.
Wide panoramic rooftop with oversized padded wicker seats overlooking the fishing port, Essaouira Bay, and the Atlantic beyond. Open all day for breakfast, mint tea, drinks, or just staring at the ocean.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
A cot is available for under-twos (free). Extra beds for children over two cost approximately €30 per night.
Informal drinks service in the lobby salon and on the rooftop terrace. Local Moroccan rosé (syrah-muscat blend) and house-made fruit cocktails are highlights.
First-class breakfast with fresh orange juice, coffee, homemade Moroccan pancakes (msemen), seasonal fruit, and eggs to order. Served in-room or on the rooftop terrace.
The hotel's signature feature — wide, open terrace with sweeping views of the Atlantic, Essaouira Bay, and the fishing port. Padded wicker seating, open for breakfast through sunset drinks.
The hotel does not have a swimming pool. Guests with this as a priority should note this before booking.
Staff can arrange airport transfers from Marrakech (~MAD 1,000, 2 hours) and Essaouira, as well as local activity bookings and restaurant recommendations.
A small boutique integrated with the reception/bookshelf area, offering curated goods.
Public parking at the harbour (2-minute walk from the hotel). Cars are not allowed into the walled medina. Costs approximately €3 per day.
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