Casablanca Hotel Guide: Hyatt Regency Casablanca

This hotel, in a central location by the medina, at the end of Av. de L'Armee Royale, prevails as the undisputed leader in Casablanca for business and leisure travelers alike. The massive 11-story yellow and red landmark stands in awkward contrast to the blinding white architecture that predominates in this city.

The chic lobby is artfully layered with glossy black granite and smoky mirrors that reflect fine regional accents and antiques. Seating is sumptuous and modern with warm velvety fabrics and subdued lighting reflecting off the mahogany furnishings.

The Bar Casablanca is a major production built around the silver-screen classic, but the bric-a-brac decor and movie memorabilia give it a silly Hard Rock Cafe kind of feel. Thankfully, a cozy fireplace is the saving grace. A new bar complete with swanky decor and a more low-key atmosphere was being planned at inspection. Snacks are available throughout the day, and a resident jazz band plays nightly except Sunday. More elaborate meals are taken in a tent-style Moroccan restaurant with low tables, lamps and traditional belly dancer entertainment. A buffet restaurant, outdoor barbecue and Continental fusion dining room provide more variety than any other hotel in town.

Guests lounging by the pool need not dress to eat at the poolside bar and grill, but a dress code is in force at the popular disco. Shops are strung along a lobby wing. The pool adjoins the solarium, squash courts draw devotees, and separate hammams serve men and women. The garden holds a gigantic chess game, and Moroccan Michael Jordans play pick-up on the resurfaced indoor half-court.

Many of the city's chicest get-togethers are in these superlative function rooms (capacity 700). The excellent business center is open six days a week, and 24-hour valet parking is a nice perk.

Electronic locks provide access to the city's finest guest quarters, each with generous proportions, fine contemporary hardwood furniture, and sophisticated fabrics in bright shades of salmon and gold. There are few indications of North African influence in the decor unless one peers from the window at the surrounding city and distant mosques. The new bedding, part of Hyatt's overall global upgrade, provides Simmons mattresses with pillow-top covers, deluxe linens and plenty of pillows. Lovely paneled chests disguise minibars, sitting areas have breakfast tables and single armchairs with ottomans, and etched-glass doors slide open to small but well-stocked marble baths with granite vanities, stall showers, oversized tubs, WCs, robes, slippers and deluxe toiletries. Standard are large desks, three phones with data ports, TVs, laptop-sized safes, mirrored closets, and one king or two twin beds.

At inspection, wireless Internet was planned for guest rooms following its recent installation in the lobby and suites. Regency Club guests enjoy upgraded accommodations offering up more space and access to the elegant lounge for breakfast and all-day drinks and snacks.

Room service never stops. The dapper, attentive English-speaking staff is exemplary, but hits a few speed bumps when it comes to executing on even the most basic requests such as late checkout or concierge services. Shoppers appreciate access to the nearby souk for souvenirs, especially when time is at a premium thanks to business meetings. Executives and American tour groups flying into and out of the city are the bulk of the guests.