Morocco : Casablanca and Rabat

These two cities are located on the Atlantic coastline and are within a short distance of each other. Rabat is Morocco's capital and one of the four Imperial Cities, a small friendly town with a fascinating history and many striking buildings including the Kasbah des Oudaias with fantastic views of the coast and La Tour Hassan. The town is hassle free, compared to the hectic streets of Marrakech and you can browse through the souks without any pressure. There is one of the world's finest golf course close by; The Royal Dar Es Salam, which has three Robert Trent Jones courses.

Rabat's cosmopolitan neighbour, Casablanca, is a larger sprawling city, its rapid population growth was aided by the port that handles the majority of Morocco sea trade. You will find the Casablancans some of the most relaxed in Morocco and western influence is obvious, many of the women do not wear veils and men and women socialise publicly. Hassan II Mosque (third largest mosque in the world) has to be seen and it's worth joining a guided tour to appreciate its sheer size, architectural brilliance and hand painted detail. If you are interested in surfing, the beaches around Casablanca are some of the best Morocco has to offer.

To the south of Casablanca is the beautiful El Jadida where you can stay at the Sofitel hotel, enjoy the well kept Golf course with great sea views or race along the miles of sandy beaches on horseback.

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Kasbah des Oudaias	views of the coast	La Tour Hassan

Hassan II Mosque	hand painted detail

Quick links:
Le Littoral	Hotel Riad Salam
El Jadidia - Sofitel	La Tour Hassan

Le Littoral
This small hotel is the ideal one night stopover in Casablanca with easy access to the airport and close to the centre of town. There are only 26 rooms and three additional superior suites, each room is air conditioned, en suite and has satellite television. The restaurant and bar have a relaxed atmosphere but should you prefer to eat out there are a number of good restaurants in close proximity to the hotel. Breakfast is served on the sun filled terrace where you can enjoy the morning overlooking the rolling waves of the Atlantic Ocean. There is small swimming pool but no gardens, however it is only a small walk to release some energy on the beach.

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room	swimming pool

Hotel Riad Salam
Hotel Riad Salam is the only five star property in Casablanca close to the beach. The unique design of the hotel is one of its best assets overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and at only two levels high it is unimposing and friendly. The rooms have been painted in the typical Moroccan blue and white (white being the colour of Casablanca) and they all overlook the central water piece, which weaves its way around the gardens before ending at the swimming pool. The hotel has two restaurants and a poolside snack bar, there is also an excellent pizza restaurant just outside the hotel, should you tire of Moroccan cooking.

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room	swimming pool

El Jadidia - Sofitel
The Sofitel makes an excellent place to stay for a few days or indeed an alternative from staying in Casablanca (only 80 kilometres south). The facilities here are endless, the hotel is associated with one of Morocco's best 18-hole championship golf courses, three tennis courts, a swimming pool, archery and riding can easily be arranged along the miles of sandy beach. This is also the place to pamper yourself, there is an excellent Hammam and sauna as well as a hairdressers. There are 117 rooms with four suites and five apartments, all are air conditioned, en-suite, have televisions, mini bars, safes and each room has a balcony or terrace that either overlooks the beach or the central pool area. The staff here are extremely friendly and the central areas of the hotel are clean and well kept.

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pool	suite	pool area

La Tour Hassan
La Tour Hassan has to be a personal favourite; from the moment you step through the doors the service is impeccable. The hotel was converted 14 years ago from an old Pasha's house and many of the original features are still present. The reception and other central areas are decorated with true Moroccan artefacts and detailed mosaics and fountains are through the courtyard. Most of the 139 rooms and suites overlook the refreshing swimming pool and small but well kept gardens. All of the en-suite rooms are very comfortable and lavishly decorated, each one is equipped with air-conditioning, telephone and television.

There are two excellent restaurants in the hotel, one serving International cuisine and the other specialising in Moroccan cooking. Other facilities include two bars, a business centre, babysitting service, health centre, hammam, sauna and hairdresser. The hotel is located on a quiet street with safe parking but is within walking distance to many restaurants in the New Town as well as the Old Medina and is ideally situated for exploring within the walls of Kasbah des Oudaias.

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La Tour Hassan	pool	room

walls of Kasbah des Oudaias