Background
Barceló Hotels & Resorts is a Spanish family-run hospitality company with 230 hotels in 21 countries. There are five properties in Morocco (with two more opening in Casablanca and Rabat). The five-star Barceló Anfa Casablanca (not to be confused with the four-star Barceló Casablanca) opened in summer 2018.
Where is it?
Conveniently located in the city centre’s upmarket Anfa district. It’s a ten-minute cab from Casa Port train station, with airport transfers every hour to Mohammed V International airport (a taxi direct takes around 40 minutes). The city’s main Casa Voyageur station (with high-speed train services to Tangier) is a 5km/20-minute car journey. Attractions nearby include the Hassan II Mosque, Sacred Heart Cathedral and Old Medina.
What’s it like?
A fresh, sea-inspired colour scheme is a perfect contrast to the busy city centre, with a modern take on Art Deco that incorporates geometric shapes and rich jewel tones. The stylish lobby encompasses a bar and restaurant, with plants, marble columns and huge windows and skylights creating a fluid, social space. A zesty signature scent fills corridors and public spaces.
Rooms
There are 206 rooms, which are broadly split into pool or street views (29-34 sqm). Street views come with a terrace. Premium categories have both views and additional amenities such as Nespresso machines. For top execs, the 90 sqm Presidential Suite has a jacuzzi terrace, spacious living room and bathtub.
I loved the design of my Deluxe Pool View room. Bright, interesting and practical, with beautiful details like the hanging bedside lights and a gorgeous swatch of colours. I also liked the unusual layout where the bathroom and bedroom almost merged into one. A large walk-in shower, with frosted glass for privacy, opens onto a freestanding basin and vanity stand, with a huge floating mirror that doubles as an attractive room-divider.
There are plenty of plug sockets (though you will need an adaptor for UK plugs) and USB sockets by the bed, and the light switch controls are well-located and easy to use. There are also mirrors everywhere, which adds light and style to an already upbeat design while being very practical too. The enormous bed was firm yet comfortable, with large soft pillows and a large wall-mounted TV directly opposite.
Room facilities included a safe, iron and ironing board, and a minibar (although it was empty). There is a solid desk area with sockets under the TV for working, which can easily double as a dressing table. I had a good wifi connection throughout my stay.
Food and drink
All-day dining is available at the ACAJOU restaurant in the lobby, with buffet and a la carte menus showcasing French, Mediterranean and Moroccan influences. The breakfast buffet (6.30am-10.30am/11am at weekend) was impressive and well-attended, with a wide spread of options from cereals and cold cuts to scrambled eggs and pastries. I particularly liked the station with specific Moroccan delicacies such as msemen (flatbreads) and bagherir (pancakes). There is also an all-day snack bar in the lounge and by the pool.
Meetings
The first floor is dedicated to events, with eight meeting rooms (plus breakout spaces, catering facilities and an outdoor terrace), and a banquet room with capacity for up to 350 people.
Leisure
There’s a 24/7 fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool (6am-7pm) and spa – though beware of unexpected treatments. A colleague decided to investigate the complimentary hammam steam facilities. They were surprised when staff appeared and began to scrub them down, and mildly outraged when presented with a bill for an exfoliating treatment.
Verdict
Good facilities, its central location and a great breakfast make this a solid option for business travellers in Casablanca. Thoughtful design and layout contributed to a very enjoyable stay.
FACT BOX
- Best for A breath of fresh air in the city centre
- Don’t miss Colleagues getting hammam-bushed in the spa
- Price Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in April start from £144 for a Deluxe Pool View Room
- Contact 44 Boulevard d’Anfa, Casablanca 20000, Morocco; +212 520 009000; barcelo.com
