We stayed for three nights at the Riad l'Ayel and couldn't have wished for better. The manager Lahcen and staff saw to our every need, were thoroughly professional yet friendly, and served excellent breakfasts on the roof terrace. The riad is perfectly located just off the main street, but is peaceful. The only intusion from the outside world was the occasional smell of baking bread from across the way. We stayed in the Berber suite which was tastefully furnished in Berber style and very clean. In reference to a previous complaint, we stayed in five riads on our Moroccan trip and they are all dark; that is the architectural style: small windows, facing inwards to the courtyard. The riad also represents incredible value for money, being by far the cheapest we stayed in all trip.

The ladies made us extremely welcome. The room was large and spacious and the windows opened into a small passage where the local bakery was located. The Riad was positioned just off the centre of the medina, and was a great base from which to explore Essaouira. Food was fantastic, including chocolate cake for Breakfast. Ask them to arrange for you to visit the public hammam. An experience not to be missed. Both camels and "special" cakes available on the beach!

Our family, 6 adults and 4 children, stayed at the Riad l'Ayel for 10 days. We could not be happier with our stay. We occupied the whole riad. The rooms are nicely decorated, Moroccan style, without unneccessary froufrous. Nice bathrooms, lovely tile work and ceramics. One bathtub is positively luxurious. There is a lovely terrace on the top floor.

The location of the riad is ideal, on a quiet alley on the edge of the medina, from which you can easily reach the port or the beach. There is a little bakery just across the alley, and the smell of baking bread is a treat.

The staff could not have been nicer. Lahcem, the manager, greeted us at the taxi at the door of the medina. He was always there to help, making arrangements for excursions and answering questions. We learned a lot from him. One day he took us to his favorite spice shop near the fish market, and showed us around. (Lahcem is a new manager this year, not to be confused with a previous Lahcem -- same name, different person).
Nisrine, warm and friendly, with Ferdaous' help, produced wonderful meals for us. We chose to have dinner "at home" almost every night, choosing from a varied menu, and never disappointed. Nisrine was a gem in helping with our 3-year old grandson, charming him into eating his meals.

The owner, a friendly Parisian, answered all our questions before the trip and was in touch by phone, making sure everything went smoothly.

We recommend this riad highly.

we stayed in this lovely riad for just one night. but it was just perfect! very central and after booking the hotel we receive an sms stating that they had sent us directions to find the riad via mail. and i thought this was very professional. infact in helped us a lot and it. the riad is clean and beautifully decorated, reflecting the essaouira colours. staff was very helpful, breakfast was very good too. highly recommended.