We arrived from Doha into a cool, foggy Casablanca. Being a port city on eastern shore of the Atlantic Ocean, a thick marine layer had moved in overnight. A representative from the Hyatt was waiting to drive us to the hotel.
It was only 8am, but perhaps one advantage to hiring a $65 car service from the airport to the hotel was hassle-free early check-in. We also avoided the taxi touts!
Ben and I both hold top-tier Hyatt Globalist status (then called Diamond status). Even though our stay preceded Hyatt’s introduction of complimentary suite upgrades, we were both upgraded to “junior suites” (officially called Regency Suites but referred to as junior suites by the hotel staff) without asking. The check-in staff was extremely gracious and welcomed us warmly.
I was assigned a room on the 8th floor directly across from the lounge. Ben’s junior suite was identical and two floors down.
Hyatt Regency Casablanca Regency Suite
Honestly, though, my room felt much larger than a junior suite. The “junior” designation is a technicality — there was not a separate bedroom — but the room had a separate water closet, huge sitting area with couches and chairs, and a desk/work area. I loved the room and its layout. Everything was clean (except the bedding…see below) and the internet functioned perfectly.
The room also offered great views of the Hassan II Mosque.
The bathroom was spacious and included the usual Pharmacopia amenities.
But there was no toilet in the “bathroom”. The half-bath at the room entrance served as the only toilet in the room while the main bathroom had only a shower, sink, and bathtub.
One complaint–my sheets were stained and ripped. I called downstairs and the bed was quickly changed. I know this will be the ultimate turn-off to any germaphobic readers, but I’ve made the conscious decision to stop worrying about stuff like that. For the record, no compensation was requested (or offered).
Still a huge step up from my last visit to Morocco, when I stayed at a $7/night dive hotel in the Medina of Marakesch!
> Read More: My “Five Star” Hotel Room in Marrakech
Hyatt Regency Casablanca Regency Club
Being only 8am, I walked across the hall to the Regency Club for a cup of coffee.
I want to take a moment to praise Abdeliah in the Regency Club. He served as the lounge attendant and barista both days we were there and exuded warm hospitalty, great service, and superb coffee-making skills.
The breakfast spread was great and included–
- bread + rolls
- cereal
- cheese
- cold cuts
- croissants
- fresh fruit
- hard-boiled eggs
- muesli
- muffins
- pastries
- salmon
- smoothies
- yogurt
Cooked-to-order eggs were also available.
BTW, we were told that we had to breakfast in the lounge (versus the choice of eating in the restaurant or lounge as a Globalist benefit). Breakfast in the lounge is available from 6:30a to 11a.
We returned in the afternoon after our walk around the city and found a spread of cakes and rolls along with coffee and fresh juice.
The evening spread, only from 6p to 8p, included–
- cakes
- canapés
- cheese
- fruit
- nuts
- olives
- prosciutto
This was not enough to “make a meal” out of. Not feeling like going out again in the heat (though Rick’s Cafe was tempting), we ate dinner at the hotel.
Hyatt Regency Casablanca Dining
We ate dinner at Dar Beida, the hotel’s Moroccan restaurant. The food was wonderful (we ordered a table d’hôte). Delicious Moroccan appetizers and my stewed lamb with apricot main course was exceptional. Ben had a seafood stew.
Perhaps less exceptional but very amusing was the entertainment…
> Read More: Don’t Tell My Wife What Happened at the Hyatt Regency Casablanca!
Exploring Casablanca
We took a nap upon arrival, but spent the afternoon walking around the Medina and Hassan II Mosque. I felt 100% safe and fulfilled my tradition of a getting a haircut and shave. Furthermore, I also stocked up on some sunglasses (I don’t buy real sunglasses anytime, since I lose about 4-6 pairs per year…).
I will say that we stood out. We saw practically no other guests at the hotel, certainly no other western guests, and did not come across any other tourists during our extended walk around town. Casablanca is more nitty-gritty than other parts of the country, but I found it to be a charming city.
Hyatt Regency Casablanca Fitness Center + Pool
There was notice in the room that the fitness center had been relocated to a temporary location during remodel. Indeed, the fitness center was set up in a guest room but still featured relatively new equipment.
An outdoor pool is also available–
CONCLUSION
I loved this hotel. I figured it would be an aging property — and indeed it was — but the room was spacious and modern, lounge wonderful, and location ideal. Unless you are a germaphobe, I highly recommend this hotel.
Read Ben’s review here.
It looks great. Thanks Matthew.
What was the rate for your room before the upgrade, and what were the general prices in the restaurant? So much food. Was it all included? I love Morocco and this might be a good hangout for two or three days.the next time I visit.
Hi Donald,
Room rate was $150/night and the upgrade + lounge access was free due to my Globalist status. Had I not had status, the Regency Suite would have been about $400/night.
Fantastic value with the upgrade.
Great review, looks like a good hotel choice in Casablanca. How was the location of the hotel in reference to the major attractions in Casablanca? Also do you remember the temperature when you were there? I am thinking about going to Casablanca and Rabat next year and wonder how hot it is in the summer.
Location was excellent for walking to key attractions–Medina directly across the street. Temperature about 32°C.
Really awesome, lovely no words to describe, love to stay here – price doesn’t matter what matters the complete relaxation which i think I discover here the way things are arranged.