Riad Malaïka

When we arrived in Essaouira, we were dropped off in a large parking lot at the entrance to the medina. A porter with a cart then took our luggage to our hotel. Other tourists had arrived at the same time, and when we finally reached the riad together, which was small, the owner was somewhat panicked and forgot to greet us properly. It was like her first day (even though she'd been there for eight years already). The riad itself is very nicely decorated and quite authentic. However, it's not a riad but a dar, since there's no garden (riad = garden). We chose the suite at the very top, next to the terrace. Here too, the decor is authentically Moroccan. Admittedly, it's not very comfortable, and the housekeeping isn't great (a rug that hasn't been vacuumed—you can imagine). The bathroom is small and, more importantly, finished in black tadelakt—not very bright, that's for sure! On a rainy day, the hotel was completely soaked; the rain was pouring under our window. We had to go get a towel to mop it up. The chambermaids were frantic, and there was shouting throughout the entire hotel. Was this the first rain since it opened?!? In addition to the owners, there are three other people (who take turns) in charge of running the establishment. Unfortunately, even though they are friendly, they are sorely lacking in smiles (in Morocco!!!) and warmth. Our room has a coffee machine (normally with complimentary pods), but there was no coffee when we arrived. One of the guys told me they had forgotten, but during our stay (5 nights), not a single pod appeared in the room. I had to go downstairs to ask every day, and in the end, they charged us for them!!! Since it gets cold in December when the sun goes down, we chose this suite because it had a fireplace. But no firewood... When I asked for some, the person replied, "We don't use it often." Every day I had to go and beg for logs; they were never spontaneously delivered to our room during our stay. It's a shame because this kind of service costs the hotel nothing and adds so much, like a smile, for example. In front of the main entrance of the guesthouse, it's dirty, as if it weren't important in front of the hotel. In the patio, there's a bird dying of despair in a small cage; heartbreaking. The cooks are great, kind, smiling, and know their job. We cannot recommend this place. It was the worst part of our vacation. It's a shame because it's a place with so much potential, but you can feel a lack of motivation from the staff, except in the kitchen...

We spent one night at Ryad Malaika. The welcome was impeccable, as was the breakfast. We didn't have dinner there, but the feedback seemed positive. It's a very pleasant little riad with a typical atrium. Our room was comfortable and practical. Special mention goes to the very friendly staff for their advice and information.

We've been staying at this superb riad for many years. Halim, Sylvie, Abdellah, Hakim, Amina, and everyone else will give you a very warm welcome in true Moroccan tradition. Amina, the head chef, prepares one of the best couscous dishes in Essaouira.

This was my first time staying in Essaouira, and it was a wonderful experience, made possible only by the hospitality and service at the Riyad Malaika! I highly recommend it; its authenticity and professionalism are admirable! Just a quick note: thank you so much!!!

A hidden gem for fine dining in a sophisticated atmosphere, reservations required!

I came to the riad for dinner in their restaurant where everything is made from scratch and you have to order your dishes a day in advance. I wish more people knew about this hidden gem as i only chanced upon them on a TripAdvisor comment. The entire team was so kind and hospitable, I immediately felt at home :) would love to stay here next time I visit! Price was on the higher side but well worth the great service and quality!

Wonderful atmosphere, truly a hinden gem. The chef and her team does an amazing job with breakfast and dinner, the smells from the kitchen are very welcome! The team they have are all friendly and very helpful, including the cat who im sure believes he owns the place. Would deffiently recommend the hotel and could easily see myself and my partner returning

A real gem in the heart of the Medina.