We were recommened this Riad by our hotel in Marrakech and booked through Octopus. From the pictures it looked very plush and when you first get there you see it as quite swanky but when you look closer it needs an update.
We got the bus from Marrakech and there was no offer of a collection from the bus station by the hotel. The man with his chariot didnt know where this hotel was and we spent 1hr walking around the medina!
Our room was on the 1st floor next to the hotel reception which felt very public as our bedroom window overlooked the shared lounge where breakfast and dinner was held. It was a very dark room with no natural light and dark furnishings. However the room was clean and comfortable. The bath had a hand held shower over it which was a little annoying.
The location of the Riad was perfect. It was down a small alley off 1 of the main paths down to the seafront. Lots of restaurants and shops near by.
The breakfast was average or maybe our breakfast in Marrakech was just excellent! Dinner was included which was abit of a pain. It may have been great but we chose to go out for dinner everynight as we wanted to explore the town and eat at different places rather than in the dingy hotel reception.
We spent alot of time of the roof terrance which was lovely and had sunbeds and a beautiful view over the medina towards the sea.
This hotel was fine but expensive.

We hastily booked Riad Lotus O Marine based on Trip Advisor rating reviews after our original hotel choice was unavailable so, after taking a 3 hour Supratour bus from Marrakesh, arrived with some trepidation. It's easy to locate and never did we feel unsafe despite it being located at the end of a narrow alley in the heart of the Medina. We were greeted by Khalid who was welcoming, very polite, and served us a refreshing mint tea.

My wife loved the Riad but initially I was unsure as the rooms a furnished in dark wood and carpets so didn't seem practical especially after a day on the beach returning full of salt & sand.

The sun terrace is more weathered than it appears on the photos but allows you a fantastic panoramic view over the town. However, during our stay in late August it was either really hot or very windy so not somewhere you're likely to linger too long after breakfast. nb. There is no plunge pool (unless you count the nearby Atlantic) but there is a Spa offering massage & Hammam.

The rooms do not have air conditioning but the evenings in Essaouira are cool so it really is unnecessary.

Normally we sample the local restaurants when travelling but this time we booked half-board. Evening meals were served indoors in the Salon (by the well photographed chandelier) and breakfast on the rooftop sun terrace. Only 3 rooms were occupied so on the first evening ate alone after Sunset. At first this actually felt rather uncomfortable and having booked for 8 nights were concerned that we may have made a mistake as the menu was limited to 4 mains. However, our opinion soon changed as the food was fantastic and all the staff, in particular Rachid, were amazingly helpful and cheerful despite a major language barrier due to our own poor conversational French. In the end, despite all the opulent furnishing, chill-out music, and obje darte, it's the friendly and helpful staff who make this place a real gem.

Essaouira itself is an amazing magical place just to wander, chill & relax but not too touristy. You will not be disappointed.

I was worried when I booked this place about some of the negative reviews, but I decided there were only a few, and so ignored them and booked. I was glad I did. This is a small 5 room riad, just off one of the main streets in the Medina. It is down a scruffy poorly lit alley, but if that worries you then the medina isn't for you, and we never felt unsafe - just locals going about their business.

The decor of the hotel is art deco, not at all traditional moroccan - lots of pictures of Edward & Mrs Simpson in the thirties. It is quite luxurious. There is a lovely roof terrace. We quite liked it as a quirky change from traditional riads. Our stay was quiet, but it seemed like the restaurant was closed for Ramadan. You feel very central, with all the medina hussle around you

Breakfasts were great, decor was luxurious and staff were friendly, though not always that efficient. Beds are large and really comfortable. Beach is probably 10 minutes on foot, and because it's the medina you have to park remotely (the medina is pedestrian only). Has free wi-fi

Lighting in the rooms needed to be better, the hotel is not air conditioned and some of the rooms are small - thought the lounge area is lovely and easy to relax in. If you book it, ask to avoid the room on the same level as the lounge, which could be noisy. It also has those hand-held french showers, which are pretty useless.

Overall, this hotel really was part of a very enjoyable stay in Essaouria, which is a lovely relaxed town. We're glad we stayed in the Medina, but if it worries you, pick a hotel in the "ville nouvelle" down by the beach

My husband and I had such a great time at this riad, and it was all down to the wonderful staff. The amenities are top notch: Bang and Olufson stereos in the room, a selection of DVDs to watch, lovely rooftop terrace... But, really, the quality is all in the service - friendly and personable and we were never lacking for anything. And the food is delicious!