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?
Our guests' ratings...
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