A 19th Century foundouk (merchant’s hotel), Heure Bleue has been exactingly and luxuriously restored, to such a high standard that it’s now a member of the Relais & Chateaux group, so you know service will be of the highest standard. The public areas combine dark woods, marbled floors and leafy palms for a colonial feel, and the theming of the rooms along regional lines (African, Oriental, Arab) contributes to the feeling of being both Moroccan and international. The hotel is big enough to offer a variety of dining experiences (and a couple of bars / salons), but small enough to feel genuinely boutique. Many would say the Heure Bleue Paials is the best hotel in Essaouira and it would be hard to argue with them.