Hotels in Casablanca

Casablanca: Morocco's Atlantic Commercial Capital

Casablanca sits on Morocco's Atlantic coast, roughly 90 km southwest of Rabat. Founded as a Portuguese trading post in the 15th century and rebuilt by French planners after 1907, the city grew into North Africa's largest port and financial hub. The Hassan II Mosque, completed in 1993, stands directly on the Atlantic shoreline and holds 25,000 worshippers inside — its 210-metre minaret is the tallest in the world. Downtown, the Art Deco district around Boulevard Mohammed V preserves 1930s French Protectorate architecture largely intact.

Where to Stay

Most hotels cluster in three zones. The Maarif and Gauthier neighbourhoods offer mid-range and business hotels within walking distance of restaurants and the Central Market. The Corniche d'Aïn Diab strip, 5 km west of the port, concentrates beach hotels and seafood restaurants. The Centre-Ville around Place des Nations Unies suits travellers who prefer walkable access to the medina and Habous quarter.

Practical Tips

• Getting around: Casablanca's Tramway T1 runs from Sidi Moumen to Ibn Ghazi; taxis are metered and inexpensive by European standards.
• Airport access: Mohammed V International Airport lies 30 km southeast; the Al Bidaoui train connects to Casa Voyageurs station in roughly 35 minutes.
• Currency: Moroccan dirham (MAD); card acceptance is common in Maarif hotels but carry cash for the medina.
• Weather: Atlantic winds keep summer temperatures near 26 °C — cooler than inland Moroccan cities.