Movenpick Hotel Casablanca

Moevenpick Hotel Casablanca is housed in a 16-story tower overlooking a busy thoroughfare. Long, oval glass sections take up much of the white angular facade, lending the skinny building a futuristic look. The lobby is spacious and bright, with gleaming white floors, black walls, and red and gray seating clusters. The dark and crimson hues make the space sexy and contemporary, and a striking backlit wall with black-and-white geometric patterns adds style. Several huge cylindrical lamps hang from the ceiling above the front desk, and a photo of King Mohammed VI presides over the reception area. Floor-to-ceiling windows covered with sheer curtains let in lots of natural light, and high ceilings make the space feel airy. The black, white, and red palette continues throughout the rest of the property, including in the bars, the restaurant, and the rooms. 

The hotel is located on the corner of N1/Boulevard Mohamed Zerktouni and Hassan II Avenue, two of Casablanca’s main thoroughfares. This location is particularly convenient for business travelers, as there is a high concentration of corporate offices and restaurants around, and the N1 is the easiest and fastest way to take the A7 to the airport from central Casablanca, which is about a 35- to 40-minute drive. Historic Arab League Park, the Sacred Heart Cathedral, and the Abderrahman Slaoui Museum can be reached on foot in about 15 minutes. Although there aren’t any other major attractions nearby, the Avenue Hassan II tram stop is right outside the hotel entrance, which allows for easy access to the Old Medina, the Central Market, the Voyageurs train station, and Mohammed V Square. Hassan II Mosque is a 10-minute drive away.

The hotel has 184 rooms starting at 290 square feet and equipped with either a king- or queen-size bed, or two twins. Decor is contemporary, if a little cookie-cutter, with clean lines and a black-and-white color scheme throughout. Red lounge chairs and desk chairs are stylish touches. Some rooms have tan couches, gray and brown-striped carpets, and beige bed runners with embroidered brown flower designs. 

All rooms have flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, electric kettles, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi, but some guests have complained of spotty service. All but Classic Rooms (the standard category here) come with free bottled water, but it is not replenished after the first day. Bathrooms are sexy and clean, with black or tan tiles, big shower/tub combos, and toiletries. Light sleepers may want to request a room on a higher level, as lower-floor units can get street noise. 

The rooftop deck houses all of the hotel’s top features: the pool, fitness center, spa, and the sushi bar. The pool is small but cute, with a wooden deck, several cushioned loungers, and a lounge area with expansive city views. The fitness center is also small, but large floor-to-ceiling windows add visual space. Modern equipment includes cardio and strength-training machines as well as free weights. The spa has a serene vibe, with wood paneling, wooden floors, and soothing warm lighting, and offers an array of Moroccan scrubs and massages. The wellness area features a hammam, a sauna, and a relaxation room. Located directly adjacent to the pool and offering outdoor seating, 16eme Bar is a popular spot for sushi and drinks with a view. There are several other dining and drinking options on-site, including a stylish restaurant with sleek black-and-white decor and an international menu that includes Moroccan specialties, as well as a cozy bar for cocktails and a lounge with live music. Other amenities include five meeting rooms, a ballroom for up to 150 guests, on-site parking for a fee, and free (but sometimes spotty) Wi-Fi.