Novotel Casablanca City Center

We stayed four nights. The check-in was quick and efficient, and the location is central, within walking distance of most points of interest and next to Casa Port train station. Taxis are cheap, though we could walk to everything. The room was basic, a bit tired and not the cleanest, and it needs updating. The bed was large and comfortable, and we slept really well. The shower was powerful, with warm water every evening, but it was cold in the mornings. There was a hairdryer, complimentary toiletries, tissues, and a kettle with tea, coffee and sugar. Breakfast had a good continental selection: bread, cheese, pastries, yoghurt and fruit. You could also ask staff for freshly made omelettes and eggs. The bar served alcohol and food at reasonable prices. There were plenty of staff, and most were professional and efficient. The only rude one was the woman checking room numbers at breakfast in the morning. She was constantly on her phone, and the way she looked at both me and my husband was unacceptable. It’s a central no-frills place for a couple of days, with a decent breakfast, but the rooms need upgrading.

We gave up on the stay after just one night. We were exhausted, but still decided to leave and lose the payment rather than spend another night there. Breakfast didn’t help, and the upgrade the staff offered as we left wouldn’t have changed our experience. The room felt worn and dirty, with a thin, uncomfortable mattress, stained and smelly towels, marks on the sofa, and little bugs by the desk. Reception confirmed the AC wasn’t working. There’s no proper on-site parking either. After dropping our bags briefly, we had to sort out parking ourselves. We travel often for work and holidays, and this was one of the worst places we’ve stayed. It was far below what we expected even for a basic room. From our experience, the higher ratings are hard to understand. At best, it felt like a 2-star stay. We moved to another property and would suggest looking carefully at alternatives before booking.

The food selection was a little limited at both dinner and breakfast, though it wasn’t awful. My room had a nice view, was clean, and the staff were friendly. The decor is modern, too. The location is a real plus, right in central Casablanca and near the old medina. For the price, I thought it was good value, and I was happy with my stay.

The pasta was quite nice, which made the restaurant experience a shame. The smoking-area doors were left wide open to the rest of the dining room, so the whole place smelled like an ashtray. The waiter also tried to charge me too much, saying every pasta dish cost the same. I had to get a menu and show him before he accepted that wasn’t right. We’d already paid by card, so he handed my wife a 10 MAD coin without saying sorry or anything. The difference was small, but the principle mattered. I wouldn’t eat there.