Hôtel Central

Three of us stayed two nights in late Nov 2024. Weather was mild-chilly. The corner classic colonial building (and surrounding area) was very 'lived in' and atmospheric. I was apprehensive about being between the medina and Port and was concerned about general safety in the area. But it turned out better than expected. Not a lot of tourists at the time. Most were locals -- men and women of all ages -- going about their lives. The location was ideal for transport (rail from Airport, tram terminus, buses to Hassan II Mosque, walkable sightseeing). The immediate vicinity of a small square surrounded by a bank and exchange, convenience shops, eateries was a huge bonus. Brightly lit by nearby main thoroughfare and lanes feeding into the square and above establishments. There's an open rooftop which afforded lovely views and a discrete place to have a cigarette (as women smoking in public is frowned upon, mainly by the older generation). The day and night managers were friendly and helpful as were the cleaning ladies. The ambience of the hotel was that which had seen better days but still managing to capture some of its past glory in snatches of architectural details and its service. It has no elevator but the elegant spiral staircase, comfortably wide and airy, takes you to the spacious landings of each of the four floors above. Our double rooms on the first and second floors had french doors and slatted shutters opening out onto a small balcony with cafe table and chairs. It faced onto the small square but we don't remember being disturbed by noises and would keep the curtains drawn and french doors ajar when we slept. There's a built-in wooden cupboard and two small side tables to our double bed, also a small round table with two chairs and electric kettle with tea sachets. The bathroom was functional with adequate facilities, hot water pressure.

The hotel location was good, you can walk to the mall, to Rick's cafe, even to Hassan II. It's close to train station Gare Casa Port. If you come from the train station, gare Casa Voyageurs you should pay the taxi to the hotel 10dh (1euro) if they put the taxi meter, but if you arrive at night they tried to charge us 10euro, but finally found one with 5euro. (at night they don't put the machine, so you need to bargain). The room was basic, 2 beds and bathroom, but it was very good. The breakfast was good.

The staff (woman on duty at front desk during the day and man on duty early the next morning) were fabulous, very courteous and reliable. They gave me good advice and ensured that my taxi to the airport was ready at 5:30am the next morning. The location was very convenient being a short and direct walk to the train station. The room and hotel had a lot of old world charm and the neighborhood was interesting.

The location was great. Very close to the Casa Port train station which is easy access to or from the airport. It was a quick walk to Rick's Cafe and a nice walk to the mosque. Our room (101) was spacious and had two cute balconies with space for two that overlooks an active square. Lots of hot water for the shower.

Everything was good, except the bathroom was too small and we could not avoid the water from the shower to fall out of the bathroom. Very good breakfast and the two persons working at the reception was very nice. The owner of the hotel, Mr Rachid was very collaborative as he contacted me on WhatsApp to arrange for our trip from the airport to the hotel on our arrival in Casablanca at night.