Casa El Haouta — Authentic Riad in the Heart of the Blue City
💙 Casa El Haouta
Address: Quartier Tijani N° 23, Quartier El Haouta, 91000 Chefchaouen, Morocco
Booking Page: Casa El Haouta on Booking.com
Nestled within Chefchaouen’s medina, Casa El Haouta is a small, picturesque riad that earns high marks from guests for its location, atmosphere, and personalized service. With a location rating of 9.4 / 10 and many positive reviews, it’s a compelling choice for travelers wanting an authentic, cozy stay.
🌆 Chefchaouen: City Guide & Highlights
Why Visit Chefchaouen?
Called the “Blue Pearl” of Morocco, Chefchaouen is prized for its calming blue alleys, Rif Mountain setting, artisanal crafts, and slower pace. It’s ideal for travelers who want to experience Morocco in a more relaxed, intimate way compared to the hustle of big cities.
What to See & Do
- Uta el-Hammam (Main Square): Center of medina life, cafes, local people watching
- Kasbah & Kasbah Museum: Historic fortress with gardens and medina views
- Ras El Ma Spring: Mountain water flowing into the medina
- Spanish Mosque viewpoint: A short hike for panoramic views of Chefchaouen
- Akchour & God’s Bridge: Outside the city, nature trails and waterfalls
- Artisan alleys & local workshops: Leather goods, textiles, pottery
- Hidden blue alleys: For photography and wandering
Best Time & Duration
- Best seasons: Spring (March–May) or autumn (Sept–November) — comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds
- Recommended stay: 2 to 3 nights — enough to explore the medina, relax, and take some nature escapes
FAQs Visitors Often Search
- What is the best time to visit Chefchaouen? → Spring or autumn
- How many days do you need? → 2 to 3 days
- What attractions are close to Casa El Haouta? → Kasbah, Uta el-Hammam, Ras El Ma, medina alleys
- Is Chefchaouen safe? → Generally yes; standard travel caution in narrow medina alleys at night
🏠 Casa El Haouta — Property Overview & Amenities
⭐ Guest Ratings & Positioning
- On Booking.com, Casa El Haouta is praised for excellent location (9.4/10) and strong scores in comfort, staff, value.
- Guests particularly note the rooftop, the friendly reception, and the medina charm.
🛏 Rooms & Ambience
From the property listing and guest reviews:
- Rooms are air-conditioned, with private bathrooms, and decorated in traditional Moroccan style.
- Many guest photos show brightly painted doors, tiled floors, decorative woodwork, and cozy, welcoming interiors.
- Some rooms offer views of the medina rooftops or nearby alleys.
- The riad is relatively small, giving an intimate feel — fewer rooms, more personalized service.
🍃 Facilities & Services
Casa El Haouta provides:
- Free WiFi in rooms and public spaces
- Rooftop terrace with seating and views over Chefchaouen
- Breakfast service (guests often mention good rooftop breakfast)
- Shuttle / airport transfers (paid)
- Paid public parking nearby
- 24-hour reception / assistance
- Non-smoking rooms
- Multilingual staff (Arabic, English, French)
👥 Guest Impressions: Strengths & Weaknesses
Highlights from Reviews
- Stellar location — close walking distance to medina highlights
- Friendly, helpful staff who assist with directions, local tips
- Charming interiors — decor, small scale, detail touches
- Rooftop and views praised repeatedly
- Warm, welcoming atmosphere and comfort for the price
Possible Drawbacks / Caveats
- Many stairs / narrow medina access — common in old city riads
- Rooms vary in size / views — some rooms are more modest
- Noise / foot traffic in medina alleys may affect lowest floors
- Parking is not on-site — guests may need to walk from nearby parking
🚶 Travel Tips, How to Reach & Suggested Itinerary
Getting to Casa El Haouta
- From Sania Ramel / Tétouan Airport, take a taxi or shuttle to Chefchaouen, then navigate medina alleys on foot or with local help
- From the Chefchaouen bus station, use a local taxi to the medina then on foot
- Because the riad is in medina alleys, require directions / maps, possibly meet-ups at certain gates
Safety & Local Advice
- Medina alleys can be dim in late evening — travel with light or in groups
- Locals are friendly — ask for directions rather than walking aimlessly
- Dress modestly in traditional areas
- Use bottled water
- Be mindful when walking with luggage — small paths, uneven ground
Sample 2-Day Itinerary (Based from Casa El Haouta)
Day 1 – Medinas & Blue Alleys
- Walk from the riad to Uta el-Hammam
- Explore artisan shops, hidden lanes
- Visit the Kasbah / Kasbah Museum
- Relax on the rooftop of Casa El Haouta, enjoy sunset views
Day 2 – Panorama & Nature
- Early walk to Spanish Mosque viewpoint
- Visit Ras El Ma Spring
- Wander quieter alleys, stop at cafés or local tea spots
- Optional half-day trip to Akchour waterfalls
- Return for rooftop dinner or night views
Even a single night stay gives a snapshot; with two nights you can slow down and absorb the ambiance.
