Sofitel Essaouira Medina and Spa

Set on the coast, close to the medina, this charming luxury beach hotel is furnished with thuja and lemon wood cabinets and provides direct access to a luxury Thalasso therapy centre. The façade of the hotel is painted in the traditional red of Mogador. A total of 117 guest rooms are available, along with a range of shared amenities including air conditioning, an entrance hall with a 24-hour reception and check-out service, a hotel safe, currency exchange facility, cloakroom, lift access, an on-site hairdresser, a bar and a restaurant. Conference facilities are also provided, as well as parking for those arriving by car. For an additional fee guests can make use of the hotel's room and laundry services, Internet access, kids' club and cycle hire.

The superior rooms offer a bathtub, separate WC, hairdryer, flat-screen TV, minibar, safe, heating, air conditioning and a balcony. A roll-away bed is also available. The rooms feature a view of either the medina or the pool. A direct dial telephone, Internet access and a double or king-size bed come as standard.

Breakfast is served in the form of a buffet. The hotel offers creative gastronomy with a range of low-fat dishes based on local produce. Guests can enjoy meat, fish grills and fresh seafood. A snack bar provides simple light meals for guests at the poolside.

The hotel's private beach is perfectly equipped for lazing the day away in restful comfort. There is also an outdoor swimming pool on the hotel grounds, a saltwater pool (charges apply), a children's paddling section, a poolside snack bar and sun loungers and parasols laid out for use. For an additional fee guests can treat themselves to a massage. Guests looking to keep in shape during their stay can work out in the gym, take an aerobics class or go surfing or riding (charges apply). A programme of entertainment is provided for guests of all ages.