Hôtel Astrid

Fourteen rooms occupy this two-star townhouse on rue 6 Novembre, in the grid of streets just south of Casablanca's Marché Central, a five-minute walk from United Nations Square and the CTM bus terminal. Rooms are simple and tiled in Moroccan zellige patterns around the stairwell rather than the guestrooms themselves.

The rooftop terrace catches breeze off the Atlantic two kilometres west and doubles as breakfast space when weather allows. Front desk staff speak French and Arabic; English is limited.

The address suits budget travellers and short business stays needing walkable access to the medina and downtown offices rather than beach proximity.