Famous for:
AtmosphereLively
StyleContemporary Classic

Hotel description

If Marrakech is a city that never sleeps — chaotic, colorful, romantic, and cramped — then Essaouira is a seaside town that would rather take a leisurely siesta in a hand-woven hammock. The old-fashioned port city has long drawn surfers to its stunning Atlantic beaches and the occasional guidebook-toting tourist to its ancient medina; these days, a wave of style-conscious travelers have started showing up to revel in the laid-back atmosphere at a handful of new boutique hotels.

L’Heure Bleue is housed in a traditional riad, and it feels out of another era entirely, complete with a flowering central courtyard, a billiards room, glowing glass lamps, and a colonial-style bar — but with a few notable exceptions. First there’s the cool rooftop terrace and pool, overlooking the old medina, and then there’s the cinema room and a small but lovely spa. The guest rooms themselves mix classy colonial with up-to-the-minute amenities. Four styles of suites — African, Portuguese, English, and Oriental — follow slightly different design schemes, but all have king-sized beds, wireless internet access, and oversized bathtubs.

A Moroccan-style breakfast of dark coffee, fresh fruits, and pastries is served in the open-air courtyard. Later in the day you’re faced with a choice between the obvious merits of the chef at L’Heure Bleue and an evening spent wandering the shadowy streets of the medina in pursuit of a local joint. The freshly caught seafood and laid-back natives make the charming Essaouira even more appealing — though no one will blame you for planning on a nightcap back at the hotel’s deliciously atmospheric bar.

Contact & location

2, rue Ibn Batouta - Bab Marrakech, Essaouira

00 212 24 78 34 34

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L' Heure Bleue

This travel guide also includes text from Wikitravel articles, all available at WikitravelView full credits

This travel guide also includes text from Wikipedia articles, all available at WikipediaView full credits

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