We would more than recommend this place - we really loved it! The lovely interior of the rooms, the excellent breakfast on the formidable roof top terrasse, the very forthcoming and attentive personal, the fact that the place seems to be run all female, sea view from some of the rooms (see photo below) - really perfect!!

Stayed in April 2024

Two-story room with great kitchen, two spacious bathroom and incredible view to the ocean! The awesome breakfast was included.

Stayed in March 2024

At the price, nothing.

Comfortable room for the price, good location. Nice breakfast.

Stayed in March 2024

Nothing

Great room with a view, awesome rooftop views and so many good restaurants near by as well as close to the souks. The people working there were all so friendly as well. Very quiet and cozy place to stay for a couple nights. Thank you!

Stayed in March 2024

stunning view over the ocean, breakfast is possible on the ground floor with an open fireplace or on the roof top, nice place, exceptional staff :-)

Stayed in February 2024

Hardly a criticism really, but if climbing stairs is a problem for you, the lack of a lift could be an issue I suppose.

Breakfast was considerably better than the much bigger abd fancier hotel next door, which we also stayed at for a couple of days. The hotel was a family run business, with all the rooms having individual names and themes/atmosphere. Altogether a great experience and with a wonderful ocean view from the rooftop terrace and certain rooms.

Stayed in February 2024

Stairs

View from the room. Helpful staff

Stayed in January 2024

Very little to fault here. It was a shame the beach is littered but this is no fault of the property. For those that have not visited Essaouria, it is so picturesque and quaint but it essentially smells a bit like cat pee everywhere you go.

Staff were very friendly, especially Amin. The room was amazing, we had the family apartment which constituted 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a living area and kitchenette. The direct view to the sea and sound of the waves was stunning. Good breakfast on the roof terrace and a cosy fireplace area downstairs. Easily accessible to the medina and beach.

Stayed in January 2024

The bed was not comfortable, in the middle it was farther down so you would roll together in the middle.

The ocean views were beautiful and the staff was very friendly. The Terrasse and the house are clean and pretty.

Stayed in January 2024

Cold in the room

staff lovely people

Stayed in January 2024

Everything was perfect!

An absolutely beautiful riad that remains cozy and peaceful while being located at the heart of the bustling Medina. Every morning you’ll walk down the stairs to a great breakfast served next to the crackling fireplace in the common-room, and get to meet the other travelers staying at the riad. 10/10 I’ve never had my expectations exceeded further.

Stayed in December 2023

The hotel is perfectly situated in the medina of essouira you can reach everything within less than 10 minutes of walking and sea the Atlantic Ocean from the terrace. Very clean rooom. Good breakfast and great hosts.

Stayed in January 2024

All was nice just some lighting difficulty. Need to change bulbs in bathroom which don’t work. But otherwise lovely

Location is beautiful and roof top terrace overlooking the ocean and crashing waves was wonderful.

Stayed in January 2024

There's very little I can say that was a downside, but I'd like to point something out, so not only others can be aware, but also owners might want to hear it, and think about mitigating it a little (where possible). Cash only - you can only pay with cash. While this might not be a problem for some, it might be inconvenience for others. On top of Booking.com fee, there are local taxes that can elevate certain accommodation cost significantly (difference between 60 vs 85 euro per night for example). Not sure how this can be mitigated, but certainly taxes can be calculated at the time of booking, or information can be included with approximate additional cost, so people can be prepared for the extra cost. ATM (cash machine) is not far away, about 500m towards the port, so not a big deal, but again some inconvenience for people preferring to pay cashless. This is Dar (as the name suggests), so if you don't know the difference between Riad and Dar (I didn't), you might be for surprise like I was, especially if you come from sleeping in Riads. Dar is similar to Riad, but without garden, fountain, or any space in the middle, that is characteristic to Riads. When we arrived at first, with expectation of Riad-like accommodation, first thing that is immediately visible is that these houses are more constrained in space, and might feel initially less comfortable, but they are not. So don't let your initial feel, destroy your stay - Dar Al Bahar is a very good accommodation, with its perks that I mentioned already in positives. Other than that it makes not much difference, but I thought I'd mention it :)

First of all, the staff. I don't remember all of the names (apologies for that), but since I dealt mostly with Amin I'd like to praise him for openness, availability, and empathy he shown when it was very much needed, as we were quite stressed with things going on outside of the visit in Essaouira. From the very start till the end, he ensured that we had space, amenities and whatever was necessary. Nothing was a problem, and Amin's English language is also on a very good level, so a huge bonus. It wasn't a common thing in Morocco as it might be, in other countries. The best part I think is the breakfast that you can get at the rooftop - amazing experience, especially when the weather is good. We took rooftop breakfast every single morning. While I praise Amin, I'd like to stress out that despite much less interaction with the lady there and the night shift gentleman, whenever we needed something, they were helpful and kind, and delivered even very early breakfast, when we had to depart in the morning. Rooms are clean, and good standard. Views are depending on the room you choose, so if you want the direct view at the ocean, make sure to pick those ones. We spent our time in "Layla", which was on second floor, and still had partial view at the ocean through the small windows.

Stayed in November 2023

View from the window was spectacular, breakfest - delicious. Everything was perfect

Stayed in November 2023

Loved everything.

Loved the location looking directly onto the ocean from the rooftop terrace.

Stayed in November 2023

Brilliant location with a fabulous view of the sea.

Stayed in November 2023

We liked everything

Very clean, cozy room. Very nice decoration. Very good breakfast

Stayed in November 2023

Beautiful building and location

Stayed in October 2023

I have no complaints

Really peaceful spot in the medina but still close to everything. Overlooking the ocean!!! You hear the waves at night. Amazing terrace views. Really nice room, beautiful tiles, comfortable bed. Nice breakfast and staff. Would definitely stay again! Hidden gem

Stayed in October 2023

The mattress on our daughter's bed was too hard for her. They asked if everything was ok for us and we mentioned that and the next thing we knew they had swapped the mattress for a softer one.

We stayed here 17 years ago so were hoping it would live up to our high memories. It did. It is still the same lovely place but now with great internet (recently installed I think). The best bits are views straight out onto the Atlantic ocean and the most delicious breakfasts with fresh orange juice, coffee, pancakes, omelettes, local bread, sometimes pastries, on the roof or wherever you want it. Everyone is extremely welcoming, friendly and helpful. We stayed in the family suite for 12 days and really appreciated the space, with a private sitting room as well as a bathroom for each of the two bedrooms. Comfy beds, good showers, quiet apart from the sound of waves (which never disturbed sleep), no noise of call to prayer, a perfect length of walk from the hustle and bustle of the centre. Owned by the same lovely couple as last time we went. We also stayed at Villa Maroc for two nights while in Essaouira (2.5 times the price; it was meant to be a treat to ourselves) and liked Dar Al Bahar MUCH more.

Stayed in August 2023

The location is amazing. The views from the rooms are fantastic.

Stayed in July 2023

The staff could be more careful and attentive.

Great breakfast on the terrace. Room was a bit tiny but had a great view on the cliffs. The location has authentic atmosphere.

Stayed in July 2023

The "Mounia" room is absolutely stunning. Beautifully decorated and you can see and hear the sea. One of the nicest rooms I've ever stayed in.

Stayed in August 2023