-	All photographs of Riads

The riad is without a doubt one of the best otpions as far as accomodations go in Morocco. Staying in one of the many Essaouira riads of Morocco is the best way to discover and live in the spirit of the Medina in Essouira as well as that of it's residents.

If you are looking for Bed and Breakfasts in Essaouira, Morocco, then you should stay in a Riad. Riads are only found in Morocco, especially in imperial cities like Marrakech, Essaouira, Fez etc. The riads have been the habitual residence during the centuries for those who live in the Medida. Generally large families that shared everything. In the last 30 years years due to the evolution of these cities, as well as the lower numbers of family members , these riads have been abandoned and then bought and restored mainly for european tourists.

From the main door of the Riad there is usually a long hallway built that way on purpose in order to maintain the families privacy. At the end of this hallway you'll find an indoor patio usually with a fountain in the center and very meticulously decorated with flowers and plants.

Around this patio are the bedrooms of the Riad. The windows are mainly made of carved wood or iron.

The architecture of the riads respects the moroccan tradition since they utilize artisan elements such as carved woods, wrought iron and Mosaics.

On the ground floor you'll find the rooms that are most commonly used such as the living room for guests and the kitchen. On the first floor the rooms are usually all bedrooms. The terrace is a space reserved for the women of the house. There they spent many hours hanging clothes to dry, and chatting to one another. Today the terraces of the riads have been converted to beautiful solariums for the guests.

In cities like Essouira and Marrakech, the hotels/riads have created a serious competetions for hotels, as they offer a comfortable accomodation, as well as enchanting for the hundreds of guests who are looking to experience the culture of the arabian nights.