Casablanca is a spread-out city, and the area you choose changes your trip. The tourist sights are scattered between the old medina, the Art Deco centre and the Atlantic coast, so decide whether you want character, convenience or the seaside. Here is how the main areas compare.
The Corniche and Ain Diab: seaside luxury
The western seafront has beach clubs, restaurants and the city's smartest hotel, the Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca at Anfa Place. It is oceanfront, with a year-round pool and a large spa, and it is the best choice for couples, families and anyone who wants a resort feel. The trade-off is distance from the old centre; you will use taxis for sightseeing, though the Hassan II Mosque is close.
The Art Deco centre: character
The White City around Boulevard Mohammed V holds the city's 1930s buildings and its best walking. Hotel Le Doge, a sixteen-room Relais and Chateaux in a 1930s mansion, is the stay for architecture lovers and couples who want intimacy. It is quiet, stylish and central, with Moroccan dining and a small spa, though it has no pool listed. Book early, because rooms are few.
The historic centre and old medina: convenience
For a first visit, this is the most practical area. The Hyatt Regency Casablanca sits near Place des Nations Unies with the old medina about a quarter of a mile away, so you can walk to the Central Market, the Art Deco boulevard and the port, and the Hassan II Mosque is a short drive. It has a pool, a spa and a French brasserie. For a smaller budget, the ibis Casablanca City Center on Rue Sidi Belyout is beside Casa Port station, close to the medina, and about two minutes from a tram stop, which suits rail travellers heading to Rabat.
The Twin Center and Maarif: modern downtown
The Kenzi Tower Hotel occupies the Twin Center on Boulevard Zerktouni, a lively commercial district with shops and cafes. It has 237 rooms, a spa with an indoor pool and good city and sea views from higher floors, and it suits business travellers, shoppers and mid-range visitors. You are a taxi ride from the old sights, but the area is energetic and convenient for restaurants.
Choosing by budget
At the top end, the Four Seasons is the splurge. Le Doge offers boutique character at a still-premium price. The Hyatt Regency and the Kenzi Tower sit in the middle, while the ibis is the budget pick. Rates vary with season and events, so compare before you commit.
Choosing by trip type
First-timers on two or three days should favour the Hyatt or the ibis for location. Couples might choose Le Doge or the Four Seasons. Families who want a pool and space should look at the Four Seasons or the Kenzi Tower. If a Rabat day trip is part of your plan, a base near Casa Port station makes the train easy.
A practical note
Traffic in Casablanca can be heavy at rush hour, so a hotel close to your main sights saves time. Ask your hotel about airport transfers, quiet rooms and breakfast, and book the mosque visit first before you finalise the rest of your plans.
