Everything! Fatiha was so warm and welcoming. My kids fell in love with her. The room is gorgeous! Super spacious. Family suite has a second story loft, living room, main bedroom, toilet room, and sink/shower room. The owner is a jolly sailor who seems so happy to have you as a guest. So many common spaces and each beautiful and unique. The art alone! Many many books to read. Can’t say enough abt this place! We even took an Arabic calligraphy class with a local artist at the riad. The number of windows in the suite was wonderful and allowed for great airflow. Laundry service was fast and quality.

I did not like that we had to walk down a dark (short) alley to get to the riad. One night there was a creepy/unwell man in the alley who scared all of us and lunged at my kid.

Absolutely everything. Superfluous in every way. There can be no better Ryad in Essaouira trust me! Amazing accommodation even down to electric bed warming although not needed during our visit of one week. Incredible hospitality from Hyat, Fatiha and all staff. Immaculately clean and quiet. Great breakfast on the roof patio. Superb restaurants nearby. Wholeheartedly recommended. Friendly safe area in the centre of the medina. All reviews are excellent and speak for themselves. Book and enjoy.

We were good with everything - but note that there is no parking inside the medina. May not be suitable for clients with walking disability. If you are allergic to cats, Morocco is not recommended. We just loved it all.

Fantastic location deep inside the Medina but surprisingly quiet. The riad is lovely, very traditional furnishings, but also very comfortable. Our family rooms spacious and spotlessly clean. Lovely breakfast on the top terrace, outside when it is warm enough, looking over the Medina. There are also sunbeds on the terrace which were lovely to relax into after a lot of walking. Excellent hammam. Fatiha (who seems to be there at all hours of the day and night) could not have been more helpful or informative.

Staying at this Riad was more than just accommodation—it was an unforgettable experience. By far, it is one of the best places we've ever stayed. From the moment you arrive, you're welcomed by the warm and exceptional staff, who go out of their way to make you feel completely at home. Their thoughtful recommendations for local restaurants and hidden gems to explore truly elevated our stay. The Riad itself is brimming with character and charm. While it has hosted some of Hollywood’s most famous stars, what makes it truly special are the people who run it. They pour their heart into every detail, creating an atmosphere that feels more like being part of a family than a guest. And then there’s the Hammam and Spa—simply the best we experienced in Morocco. It’s the perfect retreat after a day of exploring Essaouira’s vibrant streets. If you're looking for a place that offers not only luxury but also a deep sense of warmth and belonging, this Riad is an absolute must. If we ever come back to Morocco, it will be because of our exceptional experience at Essaouira and at Riad Watier.

We should have stayed longer.

We can’t see enough good things about our hostesses, Hayat and Fatia (forgive me if I spelled that incorrectly) well, located in secretive in that way, we had a gorgeous large room with comfortable beds and a couch. We also had a little terrace to catch sun, although we were there when it was cool.. breakfast was ample and their special mixed nut butter toooo tasty. It enriched our journey being able to have such intimate conversations with these fine examples of modern Moroccan women. PS they serve beer. And have very wonderful recommendations for restaurants. I wish we could’ve stayed longer.

It was a little cold while we were there with no option to heat the room. And although all of the lighting was beautiful, the bathroom could’ve used more light for my old eyes.. so

This is a beautiful riad in a great location in the medina but a little back from the bustle and noise of the main streets. It’s very well maintained and very clean and the breakfast on the rooftop is delicious. These are all excellent plus points, but the biggest plus point was the staff. The manager Hayad and her small team put their heart and soul into running the riad and into making their guests feel welcome in both their riad and Essaouira in general. They were so friendly and helpful and lovely to chat too. Totally first class.

Nothing, we had a fabulous stay.

Excellent, characterful riad, ideally situated in the medina, run by exceptional women. We stayed in one of the family suites which was very good value for money. It had a separate double bedroom, twin beds plus a sofa on the mezzanine and another sofa/living room. Beautiful, Moroccan-style bathroom with excellent shower. Breakfast was served in the enclosed roof-top room one morning and outside roof terrace on our second morning as better weather. There’s a lovely communal lounge where they lit a fire for us and served tea after we came in from dinner one evening. There’s a library and another outside patio on the ground floor. The women who run the riad are so friendly and helpful. Beautiful artwork throughout. Exceptionally clean and well-run. Very highly recommended.

Nothing

The Watier Riad is a beautifully decorated place with spacious, charming rooms. The staff made our stay truly enjoyable, and I'd like to especially mention Fatiha, who warmly welcomed us, explained everything we needed to know to ensure our experience was perfect, and provided great recommendations for exploring the town and dining. Other staff members, such as Gabriel and the young lady who was there in the evening, were also incredibly friendly, professional, and pleasant. We are used to staying in high-end accommodations, and I’m pleased to say that this Riad did not disappoint. The breakfast was good, though not particularly unique. Like many places in Morocco, it offered the same items, which can feel repetitive after a few days. I hope the Riad takes the initiative to introduce some fresh, creative options with more accent on savoury items. That said, the quality was still good. I also appreciated the premium shower products, which smelled lovely. Overall, the experience was wonderful, and I would highly recommend this Riad to anyone visiting.

My only minor issue was the lack of a shower curtain in the cabin, which would have been a helpful addition.

I would give this Riad 1000 points if I could, mainly because of the amazing female staff, and particularly Hayat. You all made my stay wonderful with your kindness and hospitability. I felt so pampered and taken care of. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of you! The Riad itself is beautiful, peaceful and spacious. My room was gigantic, and I really liked the design of it. Breakfast is excellent and you cannot get a better location within the centre. I will definitely be back, and next time for a bit longer. If you have the opportunity to stay here, don´t hesitate to book it.

Beautiful and spacious, centrally located and a fantastic staff. We had a family room in this multi-story Riad turned hotel. We loved the upper deck and enclosed breakfast room for breakfast on chilly mornings. Hyatt and Fatiha were charming and helpful with all things. Impeccably clean and well managed, it was in the heart of the Medina.

There was absolutely nothing to dislike. It was perfect for a week’s stay.