Villa de l'O

Villa de l'O, Essaouira: A Comprehensive Review of this Michelin Key Selected Property

Nestled within the ancient medina walls of Essaouira, just a stone's throw from the beach, Villa de l'O stands as a Michelin Key Selected property, frequently praised for its enchanting blend of colonial-chic design, impeccable service, and breathtaking views. This 18th-century riad, transformed into an ornate contemporary-luxe boutique hotel, offers an intimate and tranquil escape.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Villa de l'O is overwhelmingly positive, with guests consistently highlighting its charm, excellent location, and exceptional staff. On various platforms, the hotel receives high scores for its location, service, and overall experience, often rated as "Very Good" to "Excellent." Many describe their stay as a "luxurious treat" and a "wonderful holiday in an incredibly beautiful atmosphere."

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Villa de l'O:

• Location: Its prime spot at the edge of the medina, within the old city walls and just yards from the beach, is a major draw. This offers easy access to the bustling souks, main square, and the serene coastline.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel is celebrated for its "pure fantasy" aesthetic, blending colonial and Arabian styles with modern and classic elements. The interiors feature custom finishes, meticulously collected antique furnishings, high-end designer linens, and unique objects from around the world. The "atmospheric, beautifully renovated riad" exudes an "opulent" yet "quiet" charm.
• Rooftop Terrace: The "lovely" and "stunning" rooftop terrace is a recurring favorite, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Essaouira's medina, and the ancient ramparts. It's a popular spot for breakfast, sundowners, and enjoying the twinkling lights of the old town at night.
• Service & Staff: The "impeccable" and "lovely warm service" provided by a "smiley staff" is frequently mentioned. Guests appreciate the genuine care and helpfulness of individuals like Mohammed and Nourdin.

3. Room Quality

Villa de l'O features 12 rooms, including nine suites, each described as "intimate" and a "work of art" with its own unique story. The design incorporates an earth-toned color palette, luxurious king-size beds, and remarkable attention to detail. Rooms are generally considered "cosy" and "quiet." Some suites boast private terraces and sea views, with the Avelmor suite being particularly spacious. While generally comfortable, some recent reviews have noted that bedding is "just ok" and pillows may not be comfortable in all suites.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers a restaurant where guests can enjoy traditional tagines. Breakfast, often served on the delightful rooftop terrace, is consistently praised as "fresh, abundant, and perfectly Moroccan." It typically includes warm bread, local honey, fresh fruits, and Moroccan mint tea. Guests can also enjoy drinks on the rooftop terrace, especially before dinner, which can be a pleasant experience in Essaouira.

5. Service & Staff

The hospitality at Villa de l'O is a significant highlight. Guests describe the staff as "very courteous," "accommodating," "amicable and friendly," and "very helpful" with requests and recommendations. The team, including individuals like Nourdin and Fatima, contribute to an atmosphere where guests can completely relax, with daily housekeeping maintaining the villa's pristine condition.

6. Location & Accessibility

Villa de l'O's location is arguably one of its strongest assets. Situated at 3, rue Mohamed Ben Messouad, it's "excellently located" for exploring Essaouira. It lies "just within the medina, yet across the street from the beach," and offers "easy access to the bustling medina and those breathtaking views over the beach and ancient ramparts." Key attractions like Skala du Port and Place Moulay el Hassan are just a short walk away. While there is no parking available directly at the hotel, WiFi is free in all areas. The hotel can arrange airport shuttle service for an additional charge.

7. Value & Pricing

While specific price ranges vary, reviews indicate that Villa de l'O generally falls into a luxury price bracket. Some guests consider it "expensive, but worth it," praising the "great value for money" given the overall experience. Room rates can range from approximately $142 to $326, with further savings potentially available. The hotel's inclusion in the Michelin Guide and its high guest satisfaction scores suggest that many find the cost justified by the quality of the stay.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, some recent feedback points to areas where the hotel could improve:

• Need for Renovation/Maintenance: A few guests in late 2025 and early 2026 mentioned that the hotel, while charming, "needs refreshing and maintenance" and could use a "major upgrade." Some specific issues included rotten wood on the roof terrace and a general sense that the establishment "is long overdue a renovation."
• Cleanliness Issues: Despite generally good cleanliness scores, a few recent reviews cited concerns, with one guest noting that common spaces and rooms did "not score high on 'cleanliness'" and another mentioning a desk covered in dust and mold.
• Room Amenities & Comfort: Some guests noted a lack of in-room tea and coffee making facilities and a mini-bar (only a fridge that goes to a decent temperature). There were also mentions of shower hoses not staying in position, curtains not on their hooks separating the bathroom from the bedroom, and a lack of blackout blinds in some rooms.
• Odor and Animal Welfare Concerns: One highly critical review mentioned an "unforgettable odor" in common areas, attributed to an oversized bird cage, and expressed concern for the birds' stress due to wandering cats.

Sources

1. tablethotels.com
2. michelin.com
3. steppestravel.com
4. booking.com
5. hoteles.com
6. riads.co.uk
7. trivago.com
8. thehotelguru.com
9. riadsmorocco.com
10. bewilderedinmorocco.com
11. booking.com