Hôtel Excelsior

Hôtel Excelsior is a three-star budget hotel on Place des Nations Unies, formerly Place de France, in the centre-ville of Casablanca, Morocco. The square is the historic heart of the colonial-era city, surrounded by early twentieth-century buildings, and the hotel dates from the 1920s. It stands within walking distance of the Old Medina, the Rue Sidi Belyout area and the central market, and the tram and Casa Port railway station are close by. The Hassan II Mosque is roughly 10 to 15 minutes away by taxi, and Mohammed V International Airport is around 40 kilometres to the south-east. The building offers a period atmosphere, an appealing feature for visitors interested in Casablanca's architecture and history, although the interiors are simple and functional rather than luxurious. Rooms are limited to single rooms and double or twin rooms, with air conditioning and Wi-Fi, and an on-site restaurant provides breakfast and meals. There is no pool, spa or fitness centre, so the stay focuses on sleeping and exploring the downtown core on foot. Nearby dining is varied, with small Moroccan restaurants, seafood grills, cafes and French-style bakeries within a few minutes, and the Old Medina offers traditional food stalls. The service character is straightforward and local, with front-desk staff generally speaking Arabic and French and some English. Rates of roughly MAD 450 to 850 per night make it good value for the central location. It suits budget-minded travellers, history enthusiasts and short city stays. Visitors should check room condition and noise levels before settling in, since an older building in a busy square can be noisy, and rooms facing inner sides are often quieter. Standard city precautions with valuables apply when walking in the evening around the square and the Old Medina.