In my time reviewing hotels I've often come across 'years of painstaking renovation', 'wonderful craftsmanship' and the 'unique design details' deployed in the creation of a 'vibrant work of art' by a 'visionary owner'. And then I stayed at Salut Maroc!.
British designer Helen Howat, passionate about Arabian design and Moroccan architecture (she worked in the Middle East for years), acquired an 18th-century riad - formerly a Jewish merchant house then a consulate - and spent 5 years on its ambitious transformation. Her contemporary reinvention of traditional crafts meant incorporating Islamic patterns, stunning vintage pieces, clashing yet sumptuous upholstery and dazzlingly intricate tilework. The ground floor has a bespoke 54-panel wall-hanging beside mid-century modern furniture and a sunken library in shades of flame. Ascend the staircase - each riser painted differently - to 2 blue floors housing a hammam and 10 fabulous rooms inspired by Moroccan cities. At the top is the romantic rooftop dining terrace with magnificent ocean views. Artwork ranges from note-perfect kitsch paintings to Berber wall art. And, this isn't just a design showcase, it all actually works! Rooms are supremely comfortable and calming, there's plentiful hot water for the signature copper bathtubs, the food is delicious, and the ambiance is delightful.
Highs
- Great location in Essaouira's Unesco-listed medina overlooking the Skala du Port (bastion) and the Atlantic
- Breathtaking and unique restoration, everything fashioned to a very high standard; interior design buffs will be in heaven
- Lovely helpful staff
- Extraordinarily beautiful bedrooms and bathrooms, each individually decorated; good value for the high quality
- Wonderful rooftop restaurant and bar with live music and fabulous ocean views
- A vibrant and fun hangout for cool couples, but very welcoming to families, too
Lows
- Most rooms are fairly compact; don't expect much by way of wardrobes or floor space for luggage
- Bathrooms don't have showers, only big copper bathtubs with handheld shower heads
- Steep winding stairs up to the roof terrace; there's no lift (to be expected in an old riad)
- Fairly loud music is played throughout the hotel well into the evening, so bring earplugs if you intend to retire early
Best time to go
Essaouira is an all-year destination. Winter sees a magical light and winter sunshine, although it can rain, of course. Spring and autumn are popular. Summers can be very windy and hot.
Our top tips
Do make sure to have drinks on the roof terrace for that magical light over the ocean as the sun goes down.
Location
Salut Maroc! is in heart of Essaouira's medina on Morocco's Atlantic coast.
By Air:
Fly into Essaouira (25 minutes' taxi) or Marrakech (185km / 2hr45m hours' drive), or Agadir Agadir (200km/3hr30m drive).
From the Airport
Salut Maroc! can organise a transfer from all airports. We don't think it necessary but if you want to hire a car here are our rental recommendations.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape. 
More on getting to Morocco and getting around
Airports:
- Essaouira 17.0 km ESU
- Marrakech 185.0 km RAK
Other:
- Beach 0.2 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 4 independent reviews from i-escape guests
We enjoyed our two days in this unique, special place. The rooms and courtyards were stunningly beautiful - like stepping into a fabulously exquisite jewellery box. Visitors coming for a drink/ meal were leaning over the privacy ropes which separated the public from private areas and instagramming like crazy! The restaurant is lively and buzzy and service was really friendly, if slightly haphazard - after waiting slightly too long for dinner, main courses arrived before starters! Breakfasts were excellent and the roof terraces are fantastic.
We were welcomed like old friends and felt very well looked after during our stay. The manageress was beyond sweet and organised the (fantastic) band playing one night to sing Happy Birthday for my husband, as well as buying him flowers! The sea views from the room were incredible. Being able to lie in the bath and watch/listen to the crashing waves was pretty special. It’s pricey by Moroccan standards but we felt it was worth it for the experience of staying in such a beautiful place!
We had a great stay everyone was kind and welcoming. The hotel was fun and we adored our room. The rooftop is a must!
We had such a great time here. The hotel has such an amazing vibe - not only are the interiors quirky yet beautiful, the staff go out of their way on everything including fab recommendations. We would definitely stay here again.
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape