Heure Bleue

Essaouira's largest and only 5 star hotel in the Medina is situated conveniently close to the main entrance gate Bab Marrakech. A storehouse in the 19th century, this large building became an orphanage in the 1960s before being abandoned for thirty years. Rescued from ruin by the local Azoulay family, since 2004 it has become one of the most well known hotels in the area. Dark interiors of varnished cedar wood, Art Deco-style tiled floors, marble bathrooms and jewel coloured materials make for a sedate French colonial feel. Old school service is proffered by staff in brown linen uniforms wearing Fez caps. Everything you might need is on site, from the rooftop pool with panoramic terrace and downstairs hamman to the in-house cinema and restaurant. Guests are treated to an extensive buffet breakfast laid out at tables placed around the large leafy inner courtyard.