Single Room
- 1 Single bed
- Shower
- Heating
Riad · Essaouira · Marrakesh–Safi
Riad Darko
A traditional riad in the heart of Essaouira's medina, steps from the old town's restaurants and shops.
- 5-minute walk to Dar Souiri Cultural Center
- Free Wi-Fi in rooms
- Terrace and sun terrace for relaxation
7.2
Very good
521 reviews
Booking.com 7.2 · 521 reviews
About
Riad Darko
Riad Darko sits in the old medina of Essaouira, a short walk from Dar Souiri Cultural Center and the ramparts. The riad is housed in a traditional building with a terrace and sun terrace, where guests can relax after exploring the city.
Rooms range from budget singles to family rooms, with options for private bathrooms, air conditioning, and heating. The property offers free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, and 24-hour security, plus services like car hire, laundry, and tour assistance.
- Non-smoking rooms
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Express check-in/ -out
- Pets allowed
- 24-hour security
- Luggage storage
In brief
What works, what to weigh
+
Strengths
4 reasons to book- Central medina location — Just off the main market street, with restaurants and shops within a short walk, and the ramparts a moderate distance away.
- Clean and comfortable rooms — Private bathrooms, showers, and comfortable beds in several room types, with heating and air conditioning in some.
- Friendly and helpful staff — Guests repeatedly note kind, welcoming staff who offer local insights and arrange taxis.
- Nice terrace and rooftop — A terrace and sun terrace are available, with some rooms offering rooftop access and views.
–
Worth weighing
4 to weigh- Score below area average — With a 7.2 rating against an area average of 8.6, expectations for polish may need tempering.
- Budget rooms are basic — The Budget Single Room has no listed amenities, so expect a simpler stay if you choose it.
- Check-in and check-out windows are wide — Check-in runs from 11:00 to 23:00 and check-out from 08:00 to 11:00, which may require planning for early arrivals or late departures.
- No parking listed — Parking is not mentioned, which may be a challenge for those driving into the medina.
01 — Rooms
Rooms & rates
High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.
Family Room
- 3 Single beds
- Shower
- Heating
Double Room
- 1 Double bed
- Shower
- Heating
- Air conditioning
Budget Single Room
- 1 Single bed
02 — Amenities
Services & amenities
Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.
General
- Non-smoking rooms
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Express check-in/ -out
- Pets allowed
- 24-hour security
- Luggage storage
- Smoke detectors
Services
- Paid airport shuttle
- Car hire
- Laundry
- Dry cleaning
- Tours/Ticket assistance
Wellness & Leisure
- Turkish bath
- Full body massage
- Live entertainment
- Horseback riding
In-Room & Common Areas
- Free Wi-Fi in rooms
- Terrace
- Sun terrace
- Free toiletries
Photos
Gallery
03 — Reviews
What guests say
Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.
Guest-rated 7.2/10 from 521 reviews
Booking.com · 7.2 · 521 reviews
7.2Verified guest“Breakfast had plenty of goodies. The rooms with a private bathroom get lots of light. Good position in a calm area, just off restaurants and cute shops in Essaouira's old town. Walking distance to the Medina.”
7.2Verified guest“Double room with plenty of light and a bathroom with a nice shower.”
7.2Verified guest“I was given a big room with lots of light, a private bathroom, and a comfortable bed. The hotel was central, really close to the old medina, restaurants, and cute shops.”
7.2Verified guest“The rooms are absolutely charming. Each room has a balcony with a lovely view of the city, perfect for a morning tea or an evening glass of wine. I felt like I was living in a fairytale.”
7.2Verified guest“The hotel was beautiful and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The double room was tastefully decorated, with central heating and a lounge area. The bed was big and the bathroom nice. The staff were friendly and welcoming, kept everything clean. Location was close to restaurants, cute shops, and the main market street. Fantastic stay, would recommend.”
7.2Verified guest“I had six lovely nights in Essaouira. The location was great. The ramparts were a moderate distance away, and the riad was close to restaurants and cute shops.”
04 — Location
Getting around Essaouira
The property sits in Essaouira.
Old Medina: The riad is in the heart of the medina, just a 5-minute walk from Dar Souiri Cultural Center and close to the main market street.
Ramparts and Beach: The Essaouira Ramparts are a moderate walk away, and Sidi Kaouki Beach is mentioned as a nearby excursion.
Restaurants and Shops: Numerous restaurants and cute shops are found right outside, within a short stroll.
3 Rue Annasser, Essaouira, Marrakesh–Safi, 44000, Morocco
05 — Good to know
Policies & conditions
Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.
- Check-in
- From 11:00-23:00
- Check-out
- By 08:00-11:00
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
- Payment
- Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
- Pets
- Allowed
- Property
- 7 rooms
06 — Questions
Frequently asked
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 11:00 to 23:00, and check-out is from 08:00 to 11:00.
Is parking available at Riad Darko?
The property does not list parking facilities. As it is located in the medina, parking may be limited.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, pets are allowed at Riad Darko.
Does Riad Darko offer airport shuttle service?
Yes, a paid airport shuttle is available.
What room types are available?
The riad offers Single Rooms, Budget Single Rooms, Double Rooms, and Family Rooms. Double Rooms include air conditioning, while Single and Family Rooms have heating.
Is breakfast included?
Breakfast is not listed as included, but many guests mention it positively and note it is halal.
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The bottom line
A friendly, well-located riad in Essaouira's medina, offering clean rooms and a pleasant terrace at a budget price. While the overall rating sits below the local average, consistent praise for staff and location makes it a solid choice for travelers who want to be in the heart of the old town.
7.2Based on 521 guest reviews and our editorial analysis
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