Reviews of Riad l'Ayel d'Essaouira
28 Rue Malek Ben El Morahhal, Ahl Agadir, 44000 Essaouira, Morocco

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Reviewed: 23 August 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 12 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewI loved the staff!
Hello Sophie, thank you very much for your kind feedback.
Reviewed: 1 August 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 13 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewClean, well appointed and cosy
Hello Camilla, thank you for your feedback regards
Reviewed: 8 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewBeautiful Road in a fantastic location within the medina. Extremely helpful and friendly staff. We couldn’t have felt more welcome
It was quite hot during our visit and our room only had a window opening into the internal courtyard,which was pretty hot during the night. The other rooms have better ventilation, our own fault when booking!
Reviewed: 27 June 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewThe quirkiness and authenticity. The staff were friendly, nothing was too much trouble. All taxis were arranged by the Riad staff. Very tasty breakfasts at our convenience. The two meals we had were excellent quality. Brilliant mattresses resulting in great sleep.
We would have liked tea/coffee making facilities in the rooms. A few trip risks around the place but appreciate this is part of the building structure. Probably not suitable for people unable to manage several flights of stairs to upper terraces.
Hello Angela, we are happy that you spent a nice stay with us, and we take a good note of your comments regards
Reviewed: 18 June 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewBeautiful and quiet Riad in the center. Great breakfast. Super nice staff :-).
Hello Claire, thank you very much for your kind feedback :)
Reviewed: 14 June 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewVery helpful staff. Brilliant location, walkable to all the areas of interest. Lovely roof terrace with breakfast. Room very big as pictured.
No aircon but not a problem for us in June!
Hello Hannah, thank you for your feedback. We're glad you enjoyed your stay at the Riad. And as for the air conditioning, in Essaouira it's very rare, because we have natural air conditioning: the wind! And as the summer season is the windiest, we never get very hot :)
Hello Hannah, thank you for your feedback. We're glad you enjoyed your stay at the Riad. And as for the air conditioning, in Essaouira it's very rare, because we have natural air conditioning: the wind! And as the summer season i… Show more
Reviewed: 12 June 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewBeautiful, peaceful riad in the heart of the medina. Staff were lovely and breakfast great.
The pillow was a little lumpy. Everything else was perfect!
Hello Nicola, thank you for your feedback. We are delighted that you particularly enjoyed the breakfast and our team. And we'll make a note of the pillow :)
Reviewed: 5 June 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 2 June 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewWe’d stayed at Riad L’Ayel years ago and were pleased to return under the new ownership — the charm is still very much there. Our room was clean, comfortable, and, importantly, not damp like some other riads we’ve stayed in around Essaouira. We appreciated the solid shutters that kept out the light, and the rooftop breakfast was a lovely way to start the day. The staff were kind and helpful throughout our stay. I would highly recommend.
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Hello Martin, thank you very much for your feedback. We are glad that you enjoyed your stay at the riad. Thank you to highlight the cleaning, the rooftop breakfast and our team ! Hope to welcome you an other time :)
Reviewed: 13 May 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 24 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 13 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewEverything - great location, super clean, beautifully decorated, delicious breakfast and lovely, friendly staff.There was nothing not to like and we are so glad we booked this riad. Essaouira was also amazing. A definite trip highlight!
Hello Belinda, we are very happy that you loved your stay in Essaouira and at the riad so much ! We hope to welcome you again soon.
Reviewed: 7 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewA wonderful riad in a fantastic location in the heart of the Medina, and only a short stroll from the beach and parking. It was a relaxing oasis with friendly staff and comfortable rooms. The breakfast was good and we also opted to have dinner one night, which was truly fantastic. So far, our best meal in Morocco!
There was nothing not to like.
Hello Rebecca, thank you very much for your kind feedback. We are very happy that you loved your stay with us and in particular the team and the diner ! Hope to see you again soon.
Reviewed: 31 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 28 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewWell located. Slept very well as so quiet.Staff and manager very friendly Would book again.
Hello Laura, thank you very much for your feedback regards
Reviewed: 18 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewMyself and my two friends had a wonderful stay at this beautiful riad! The atmosphere was stunning, and the hospitality was exceptional. The staff were so welcoming and helpful, especially Idris and Camille, who went above and beyond to make our stay comfortable. Our room was always spotless, and the breakfast was absolutely delicious - such a perfect way to start the day! We can't wait to go back!
Hello Gemma, we are very happy that you loved so much your stay with us : riad, team and breakfast :) Maybe see you an other time ! regards
Reviewed: 6 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewIts prime location makes it incredibly convenient for exploring the city. The breakfast each morning was a standout feature, offering a delicious spread. The atmosphere is cosy and inviting with attentive staff who genuinely care about your experience, this riad is a perfect base for your travels. Highly recommended!
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Hello Kirstin, we are so happy and glad that you loved so much your stay with us :) Thank you very much for your kind feedback. regards
Reviewed: 27 February 2025 · Stayed in February 2025
Verified reviewGreat location, very convenient to explore Essaouira! Also pretty terrace to enjoy breakfast in the sun!
Nothing exceptional other than a bed & breakfast experience. Not particularly welcoming, as a matter of fact we even got declined additional portion of Arabic bread on breakfast, kind (primarily French speaking) staff but not the warm welcoming and exceptional service experience we have had in other areas in Morocco (with the Moroccan house keeper lady being the only exception with a big smile and very sweet), rather small room and not particularly comfortable for 3 people, not particularly attentive in interior or small details, and quite cold upon arrival in the evening (we had to take additional blankets and turn on the heating to get to bed).
Hello Danai, Well, we're as surprised as we are sorry to hear from you. We're sorry that your stay didn't live up to your expectations and that you didn't particularly appreciate the atmosphere of the guest house or your room. On the other hand, we are surprised by your comments about the breakfast, as our guests generally find it very copious and it's even one of our strong points. And when you asked for extra, we gave you what we had left. I hope you'll understand that we prepare everything on the spot, day by day and according to the number of guests, so we couldn't give you any more that day. And for the rest, we take good note to improve the next stays of our clients. regards,
Hello Danai, Well, we're as surprised as we are sorry to hear from you. We're sorry that your stay didn't live up to your expectations and that you didn't particularly appreciate the atmosphere of the guest house or your … Show more
Reviewed: 25 February 2025 · Stayed in February 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 24 February 2025 · Stayed in February 2025
Verified reviewBeautiful place, the location also perfect in the city, friendly, helpful staff and the breakfast was delicious. We had a great time there. I will definitely recommend it!
Hello Svetlana, thank you very much for your feeback :)
Reviewed: 22 February 2025 · Stayed in February 2025
Verified reviewEverything....the location was fantastic; the staff were friendly and welcoming; the breakfasts were delicious; the room was clean and comfortable and the sun terrace was the perfect place to relax.
Nothing!
Hello Jon, we are very happy that you loved your stay with us. Maybe see you an other time !
Reviewed: 20 February 2025 · Stayed in February 2025
Verified reviewThe breakfast was very good, lovely fresh fruit and OJ the staff were friendly and helpful
Room felt a bit damp and cold.
Hello Fiona, thank you for your feedback, we are happy that you liked our team and breakfast. For the room, perhaps you haven't seen the heater ? Because it is efficient. But we will check it for sure :) regards
Reviewed: 19 February 2025 · Stayed in February 2025
Verified reviewWe loved our stay at Riad l’Ayel. It is beautifully decorated and well located in the heart of the medina. Staff are extremely friendly and welcoming. Breakfast is excellent and is served on the rooftop terrace in the sunshine. We loved starting the day with sunrise guided meditation on the rooftop.
Rooms could do with a few more amenities such as fridges and waste paper bins.
Hello Arthur, thank you very much for your kind feedback. We are happy that you loved your stay at the riad. And take good note of your comments :) regards