Essaouira · Morocco
The Chill Art
Bed bug reports
-
Guest report Hostelworld
The hostel and its staff were quite amazing. It’s a great place to socialize and watch the sunsets from the roof. The only problem was that there were bedbugs in my bed .
-
Guest report Booking.com
Nothing I have no idea how this place passes the booking.com property standard. This place is dark, dingy, muggy and extremely humid inside. I was supposed to stay 3 nights in Essaouaira in this hostels but unfortunately due to the gross experience in this place, i checked out and left the city the next day. My bed felt so humid and muggy as soon as I laid down to sleep and then i had the biggest itching of my life all night .. no surprise, this place has BED BUGS! The next morning, i didnt want to create a scene so i quietly told the reception lady but she semmed indifferent to it! This place ruined my trip in the city unfortunately. The hostel is in a very dark extremely smelly alley in a very dark tunnel .. i had the jump scare of my life with men standing in corners in the dark trying to talk to you in arabic. I didnt stay out late just because i was scared to go back to the hostel through the dark stinky tunnel
Vibe Analysis
The 6pm tea is the social engine here: a daily table-and-rooftop ritual that makes it easy to meet people, start dinner plans, or just watch Essaouira slide into evening. Breakfast also leans communal, with low shared tables and plenty of morning chatter, so this is a strong fit for solo travelers who want the hostel to do a bit of the social physics for them. The Chill Art has a colorful riad feel in the medina, with art, guitars, couches, cats, a music corner, and a rooftop that can be the best part of the building. The common areas are made for hanging out rather than hiding away, and the staff culture is a big part of the appeal, especially names like Aniss, Mehdi, and Hamza. Location is central for Essaouira, close to the medina action, restaurants, cafes, the port, and the sea. Dorms can be simple but clean, lockers may be available, and breakfast is often a real plus, though not always elaborate. Private rooms and rooftop apartments are more uneven: a few sound lovely, while others can be damp, cold, musty, or in need of maintenance.
Signals to check
- The access route is through a dark, smelly alley or tunnel, and it can feel uncomfortable after sunset.
- Dampness, mold smell, sewer smells, and bathroom odor can be an issue, especially in certain private rooms or rooftop apartment spaces.
- Noise can travel through the riad-style building, with music, common-area sound, or rooftop partying sometimes making sleep difficult.
- Beds, pillows, outlets, shelves, shower privacy, and apartment maintenance can be hit-or-miss.