Hôtel Central

Location is perfect! - next to the old Medina, short drive to the Mohammed II mosque, 5 mins walk from Casa Porte railway hub with direct trains to & from airport. Historic 103-yr-old hotel (first one in Casablanca) with classic wooden folding shutters. Room a bit run down due to age but comfortable and private. Only half the 3rd floor rooms have the fabulous sea view but the terrace above them is free for everyone. Good breakfast, cool old dining room/cafe on ground floor

Location is very good if you like to experience vibrant local life. Sorrounded by local cafe and restaurants, walking distance to old town center. Perfect if you like shopping, plenty of money changer around. A bit too far from the beach, you need to jump in taxi for 10mins ride, cost about 25 to 30dirhams which is about £2. Catch the red taxi, its cheaper than the big white ones. Dont be alarmed when driver picks up another passenger while ur in the taxi, this is normal. Most taxi drivers are honest, but we came accross one that is a scumbag.

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.

Perfect location, near the harbour - a few blocks away and you are in the Old Medina (more of a "fake goods" medina though). The hotel has a great feeling to it, even though a little deprecated. It is like traveling back in time.

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.