Staff all very helpful and welcoming. Greggy, as others have mentioned, is a star and absolutely full of information about the good and not so good places in town.
The room (suite orientale) was really lovely, all tadelakt with a big open fireplace - very cosy in December. Plenty of cupboard/drawer space.
A sumptuous bathroom with a huge bath. There is only a curtain and not a door separating the bathroom from the bedroom. If this is a problem for you, maybe don't book this room.
Nice roof terrace (with hot tub!).
Don't listen to the 3 star reviewers, this place is lovely.

My boyfriend and I stayed at Riad Chbanate for 2 nights and had the most amazing welcome from Greggy who immediately offered us a sit down in front of a beautiful log fire with a complementary drink and highlighted all the best places to visit and recommended the best places to eat (Cafe Caravan was so good we went back twice). He couldn't have made us feel more welcome.

The room, Tyfina, was so lovely we didn't want to leave. Stunning marble bath and bed, room scattered with rose petals and oils/salts etc for the bath, very romantic. In fact the whole place was beautiful.

Breakfast was fresh, tasty and plentiful. Definitely enough to fill you until late afternoon and give you the energy to explore Essaouria.

Essaouria was a lot more laid back than Marrakesh (thank goodness! lol) and the coast was a welcome eye break with lovely sunsets.

One warning, watch out when buying spices from the souks, they are NOT cheap.

Was a perfect break. Thanks very much for your hospitality. Would recommend to anyone.

We stayed at Riad Chbanate for one night and absolutely loved it. The owner and the staff are really kind and went out of their way to make us feel welcome. The place itself is really beautiful and in great location. Just perfect. Would definitely come back and recommend to anyone going to Essaouria.

the guy, i forgot his name, working in the riad was taking such good care of us and made the stay superspecial with his caring emphathetic maners. Very helpful with organizing things too, he knows the best places to go for dinner!
Hotel is in the old town and beautiful, a bit pricy though.
Go to the Taguenza, chez Abdou, 20 min. Ride for lunch or a booked dinner!