Casablanca Ibis Abdelmoumen: Your Dream Moroccan Escape Awaits!
Casablanca Ibis Abdelmoumen: Your Dream Moroccan Escape… Maybe? (A Brutally Honest Review)
Okay, folks, let's talk about the Ibis Abdelmoumen in Casablanca. "Your Dream Moroccan Escape Awaits!" the tagline shouts. Dream Moroccan Escape… that's a bold statement. Let's see if it lives up to the hype, shall we? Buckle up, because this review is gonna be less travel brochure and more your brutally honest travel buddy.
Accessibility: Navigating the Labyrinth (or Not)
Right off the bat, I have to say, accessibility is a mixed bag. The elevator is there, thank goodness, because hauling luggage up stairs in the Moroccan heat? No thanks. They do have facilities for disabled guests, which earns them points. I didn't personally need them, but seeing the effort is appreciated. Check-in/out [express] is a godsend after a long flight, especially since I'm usually running on airport-induced caffeine jitters.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Hmmm, that I'm not entirely sure about. I focused on the food, and it was a whirlwind (more on that later), so I didn't specifically check for accessibility signage.
Internet: The Digital Lifeline (Mostly)
Let's be real, Wi-Fi is survival these days. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! And Wi-Fi in public areas too. However, the speed? Okay, it was good enough to check emails and upload a few Instagram stories (crucial!), but streaming a movie? Might be a test of your patience. I loved the Internet access – wireless in the room as it was super helpful for work. The Internet [LAN] is cool, but who's using LAN anymore?
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Pool View - YES! Body Scrub - Maybe…
Okay, the pool! The swimming pool [outdoor] is a MUST! The Pool with view is exactly what the doctor ordered after a dusty day in the Medina. The Sauna and Spa are also there, offering Body wrap, Body scrub, Massage – potential zen moments brewing. But what I'd really love is a Steamroom… sadly, that's missing.
The Fitness center is a thing. I'm not a gym rat, but it's there if you feel the need to work off all the delicious tagine and mint tea. Speaking of which, I'm just going to say this – my stress levels were incredibly lowered by the fact that the hotel had options and a doctor/nurse on call (great security in case of any issues).
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized, Sterilized, and…Slightly Overkill?
This is where the Ibis Abdelmoumen really shines. In the age of… well, everything… the Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, Professional-grade sanitizing services, and Sterilizing equipment are seriously reassuring. They have a Hygiene certification on display, and you can tell they take it seriously. They're even doing the Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. My only thought? It felt REALLY… organized… about the disinfection. I wouldn’t say the whole thing was very “relaxed.” I was also extremely grateful for the Hand sanitizer because I'm a germaphobe in the first place.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Rollercoaster
This is where things get… interesting. The restaurants offer a Breakfast [buffet], but the Asian breakfast option? My brain short circuited for a moment. Breakfast in room? Nice for a lazy morning. The Coffee shop is a solid choice.
The A la carte in restaurant has some solid offerings. However the experience was so-so. I grabbed a salad and a soup, but my expectations were a little higher.
The Bar and Poolside bar are good if you're into that! The Snack bar is also there offering the Coffee/tea in restaurant and some quick eats. The Happy hour is apparently a thing, but I missed it. The Western cuisine in restaurant and the International cuisine in restaurant are fine. The same goes for the Lunch [buffet], and the Vegetarian restaurant is available… if you can find it. I got a bottle of Free bottled water, which was lovely, because, hot.
Services and Conveniences: The Things That Make Life Easier (Mostly)
They've got it all, from Air conditioning in public area to concierge. Cash withdrawal is available, and the Currency exchange is a lifesaver. The Daily housekeeping is efficient. However, the Dry cleaning and Laundry service are a bit… steep. The Elevator is perfect. I love the gift/souvenir shop. The Ironing service is a bonus. The Luggage storage is essential. Safety deposit boxes are a must. The Terrace is great for a night cap. Taxi service is readily available. They also have Facilities for disabled guests in their room. All in all, a pretty comprehensive package.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly, or Family-Tolerant?
Family/child friendly is in their DNA. While I don't have kids, I saw families having a grand time. Babysitting service is available. Kids meal is a nice touch. (They even have a Shrine for the kids!)
Available in All Rooms: The Nitty-Gritty
Alright, let's talk about the rooms. Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Desk, Hair dryer, and Internet access – wireless are all present. My room had a Refrigerator, so you know I kept my own snacks in there. A Seating area is lovely for chilling. Shower, Slippers, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, and Towels are all there. The Wake-up service is efficient.
The Mirror is great for selfies. The Non-smoking room is essential. The Reading light is very convenient. The Satellite/cable channels give you options. The Shower (see above) worked, as expected.
Getting Around: Parking, Airport Transfer, and the Moroccan Grind
Airport transfer is a winner; thank goodness! Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site] are both available which is convenient. Valet parking is an option if you're feeling fancy. Bicycle parking is also available.
Anecdote Time (The Food, the Food, the Food!)
Okay, I'm going to confess. I had a moment with the food. One afternoon, I ordered room service. I was tired, jet-lagged, and just wanted something easy. The menu offered a chicken tagine. I was picturing fragrant spices, tender chicken, and a rich sauce. What arrived was… okay. Edible, but not the culinary revelation I had been craving. It wasn't bad, but it didn't set my world on fire. I felt a flash of disappointment – the "dream" wasn't quite as vivid as the brochure promised.
But! The next morning, the breakfast buffet was a different story. Freshly baked bread, a dizzying array of pastries, and mountains of fruit. The sheer abundance helped make up for the slightly lackluster tagine. I felt my spirits lift!
The Verdict?
The Ibis Abdelmoumen is a perfectly good hotel. It's clean, safe, and efficient. The staff are friendly and helpful. It's a solid choice for a comfortable stay in Casablanca. It's not necessarily a "dream" escape in the romantic sense. (Unless your dream is a reliably clean room and a good breakfast buffet. Then, yes, dream away.)
My Final Opinion: It's a solid choice, but temper your expectations.
Casablanca Ibis Abdelmoumen: Your Moroccan Adventure Starts Here! (But with a Few Perks)
Escape the ordinary and experience the vibrant heart of Casablanca! The Ibis Abdelmoumen offers a comfortable and convenient base for your Moroccan adventure.
Here's Why You Should Book NOW:
- Unbeatable Value: Experience top-notch comfort and convenience without breaking the bank. Enjoy Free Wi-Fi in all rooms and stay connected with our lightning-fast internet!
- Relax and Rejuvenate: Unwind after a day of exploring with our Swimming pool [outdoor] and enjoy the sunshine. Or pamper yourself with a revitalizing massage at our spa.
- Culinary Delights: Start your day with a delicious Breakfast [buffet] and explore our fantastic restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, from local specialties to international favorites.
- Safety and Peace of Mind: Rest assured – we prioritize your safety! Benefit from **Professional-grade
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're diving headfirst into a Casablanca kerfuffle! Forget smooth itineraries, this is more like a travel-themed rollercoaster fuelled by strong mint tea and questionable decisions. This is my Ibis Casablanca Abdelmoumen adventure, warts and all.
Day 1: Arrival and Oh Dear God, The Heat!
- 14:00 – Arrive at Mohammed V International Airport (CMN). Oh. My. Sweet. Allah. The second I stepped off that plane, it hit me. A WALL of heat. Like, someone opened the oven door and said, "Welcome!" My meticulously planned outfit (linen! breathable! stylish!) immediately transformed into a sweaty, crumpled mess. I swear, my luggage was judging me.
- 15:00 – Taxi to Ibis Casablanca Abdelmoumen. Okay, taxi drivers. I've heard stories. I’ve lived stories. This guy, though? He was a legend. He navigated the Casablanca chaos like a seasoned gazelle, weaving through scooters, donkeys (yes, really), and what appeared to be a chicken coop on wheels. The meter? Well, let's just say I think he added an extra zero at the end. But hey, at least he got me there alive, right? And the Ibis…well, it's an Ibis. Clean, efficient, and blessedly air-conditioned.
- 16:00 – Check-in and room discovery. I was praying for a room on an upper floor. Nope. Ground floor. Directly facing the street. Great. Well, at least I didn't have to carry my suitcase up the stairs. My thoughts at this point: At least the air conditioning works. Maybe I’ll survive. Maybe I’ll buy a fan.
- 17:00 – First foray into the neighborhood. My stomach was rumbling. I was hungry. I needed food. So I ventured out, armed with my trusty (and quickly sweat-stained) map and a vague sense of direction. Okay, so maybe "vague" is an understatement. I got lost. Multiple times. After what seemed like hours, I stumbled across a tiny cafe, smelling of sunshine and mint. Jackpot! I got a tagine, even if I didn't know what kind.
- 18:00 – Dinner and the Tagine Tango. Okay, so the tagine was…interesting. The lamb was tender, the flavours were rich, but there was something… different. I think I accidentally ordered the one that had a spice I'm not used to. But hey, you know what? It was good. I'd probably order it again. And the mint tea after? Oh. My. God. That was the best thing in the world right now in that heat.
- 19:00 – Evening Walk and a Near-Disaster. Recharged, I decided to brave another walk. I'm clumsy and I never learn. And I had two left feet when the sidewalk had no barriers, no fences, and the street was right there. I almost tripped into traffic no less than three times, narrowly avoiding becoming a Casablanca roadkill statistic. At one stage, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in a shop window. I looked like a disheveled tomato. Delightful.
- 20:00 – Early Night, Thank God. Bed. Air conditioning. Sweet, blessed sleep. I was exhausted, overwhelmed, and already starting to fall in love with this crazy city.
Day 2: The Medina, Misunderstandings and the Most Beautiful Mosque (Ever!)
- 9:00 – Breakfast at the Ibis. The breakfast was the usual Ibis fare. I will not complain. At least there was coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.
- 10:00 – Exploring the Old Medina. Oh, the Medina! A sensory overload in the best possible way. The smells - spices, leather, exhaust fumes, and something indescribably Moroccan, like the soul of Casablanca itself. The sounds – the calls to prayer, the bartering, the scooters zipping past you millimeters away. The sights – colorful textiles, intricate woodwork, and just a general vibe of organised chaos. I think this is where I had my first "I'm definitely not in Kansas anymore" moment.
- 11:00 – Souk (Market) Shenanigans. This is where things got…interesting. I haggled (badly). Tried to buy a scarf (failed). And may or may not have accidentally insulted a rug seller when trying to say "beautiful". The language barrier, my friends, it's a beast. I ended up buying a cheap trinket just to escape, and, I think, the vendor was relieved to see me go.
- 12:00 – Lunch Fail. I tried a little place I thought looked ok, but I think I might have wandered into a family's kitchen. I'm pretty sure I saw the owner, looked terrified, start frantically pointing at the door when she saw me, and I don't blame her.
- 13:00 – The Hassan II Mosque. HOLY MOTHER OF GOD. Seriously. I've seen cathedrals. I've seen temples. I've seen beautiful buildings. But this… this mosque is on a whole other level. It's breathtaking. The sheer scale, the intricate details, the way it seems to float on the Atlantic… I was speechless. I wandered around for hours, soaking it all in. I took a million photos (that were mostly bad, but still). This was the moment it really hit me that I was falling in love with Morocco.
- 16:00 – Back to the Ibis and a much-needed nap. Exhausted, I went back to the hotel to nap.
- 18:00 – Exploring the Waterfront. In the late afternoon, I went to the waterfront. It brought tears to my eyes, the ocean was so beautiful, and I was looking so sad.
- 19:00 – Dinner and Reflection. I found a little place, again, to eat, and had a glass of wine. Thinking about everything.
- 20:00 – Bed. Sleep. I'm not built for this heat.
Day 3: Art Deco, Departures, and a Promise to Return
- 9:00 – Last Breakfast. Again. Goodbye, coffee. I will miss you.
- 10:00 – Exploring the Art Deco buildings. Casablanca has a truly unique architectural style. I spent the morning wandering around, staring upwards, and trying to capture the beauty of these old buildings with my phone.
- 11:00 – Souvenir Shopping. I found a shop with some beautiful, actually good, things.
- 12:00 – Final Tagine. One last tagine. I savored every bite. Who knows when I’ll be back?
- 13:00 – Last Minute Panic. Where are my keys? Oh, thank god.
- 14:00 – Check Out. Ah. Goodbye, Ibis. You were a warm, air conditioned, place to sleep.
- 15:00 – Taxi to CMN. I found an actual nice driver, who told me a bit about the city.
- 16:00 – Flight Departure. At the airport, I had a final cup of mint tea. And as I looked out the window at Casablanca disappearing into the distance, I knew. I knew I'd be back. This city, with all its chaos and beauty and delicious tagines, had stolen a piece of my heart. I had made a friend, even.
This trip wasn't perfect. I sweated. I got lost. I made a fool of myself more times than I can count. But it was real. It was messy. It was mine. And I can't wait to do it all again. Maybe with a better map next time. And maybe a better understanding of what a "tagine" actually is.
Indonesian Paradise Found: Stunning Seaview Studio in Green Bay!
Casablanca Ibis Abdelmoumen: Your Dream Moroccan Escape... Maybe? Let's See!
Okay, spill it – Is this the REAL deal for a Casablanca stay? Like, Instagram-worthy or more…practical?
Alright, buckle up, because honesty is the only policy here. "Dream Moroccan Escape"? Let's pump the brakes a bit. The Ibis Abdelmoumen? Practical, yes. Instagrammable… depends on your aesthetic, I guess. It's not a riad dripping with luxury, okay? Think… a very clean and functional hotel that knows its target audience: business travelers, budget-conscious explorers, and people who NEED Wi-Fi that actually works (crucial, trust me). Don’t expect a pool filled with shimmering, turquoise water and poolside cocktails. Expect a comfortable bed and maybe, MAYBE, a view of… a busy street? But hey, it's Casablanca. Real life, baby!
The rooms – what's the skinny? Are they shoeboxes or somewhat spacious havens? (Asking for a friend… who secretly wants space for their luggage.)
Okay, the rooms. Let's get real. They are… relatively small. Look, this isn't the Four Seasons. Think minimalist. Efficient. You’ve got your bed (comfortable enough, honestly), a desk, a TV (with at least SOME English channels, which is a small miracle), and a bathroom that functions. The all-important luggage space? Well, let's just say you'll get intimately acquainted with your suitcase. Pro-tip: unpack immediately and hide everything under the bed. Seriously. This isn't where you're going to be lounging all day, anyway. You're in Casablanca! EXPLORE!
Breakfast, is it worth the extra Dirhams? (Or should I just hit up a local bakery and risk the questionable stomach situation?)
Breakfast. Ah, the eternal travel dilemma. Okay, here’s the tea: the Ibis breakfast is…fine. It's that buffet-style thing. You'll find the usual suspects: croissants (some better than others, honestly), some fruit (mostly the same kind of fruit you see EVERYWHERE), yogurt, eggs (scrambled, mostly), coffee (not amazing, but it’ll do), and a few local pastries. Is it worth the price? That's the million-dollar question. Listen, if you're a "gotta have a hearty breakfast to face the day" kinda person, then yes. It's convenient. But if you're feeling adventurous and have a strong stomach, DO head out to a local bakery! The bread, the pastries… pure magic. Just… maybe bring some Imodium just in case. Just sayin’.
My Experience: Once, I attempted to be "adventurous" and grabbed a pastry from a street vendor. Disaster! My stomach spent the rest of the day staging an all-out revolt. Lesson learned: stick to the hotel breakfast on the first day, scope things out, then be brave. Maybe.
Location, location, location! Is it well-placed for exploring, or am I going to spend half my trip stuck in traffic?
Okay, this is where the Ibis Abdelmoumen actually *does* shine. The location is pretty darn good. You're in the heart of the business district, which means it's safe and well-connected by taxis. It’s *relatively* easy to get to the old medina and the Hassan II Mosque… if you're prepared for Casablanca traffic, which is a beast. Be prepared to factor an extra 20-30 minutes on top of what you think the journey should be. Seriously. Also, you're close to restaurants and shops. You can actually *walk* to some stuff! A HUGE win. Just be aware of the constant, insistent car horns. They're a part of Casablanca's charm… or your personal hell, depending on your personality. I found it amusing, initially, then grew into a constant state of mild anxiety. But hey, it's Casablanca – you can't escape the chaos!
Staff – Friendly and helpful, or the grumpy type who'd rather be *anywhere* else?
The staff? Generally, they are… perfectly fine. You’ll find the usual mix. Some are genuinely friendly and helpful, eager to offer advice and assist with your broken French (and your even more broken Arabic). Others… well, they're just doing their job. They’re not going to be your best friend, but they’ll get the job done. I had one particularly lovely receptionist, though, who patiently helped me figure out how to use the local phone card I'd completely messed up. She was an angel. So, it's a mixed bag, like pretty much any hotel, but generally positive. And hey, sometimes you just need someone to point you where to get a taxi without having to smile and make small talk!
What about the Wi-Fi? Does it work? Because, you know, the internet is kind of important these days.
The Wi-Fi! OH, THE WI-FI! This is a *critical* question. And the answer… is it works…ish. It’s often functional, but don’t expect lightning-fast speeds. Uploading photos to Instagram? Might take a while. Streaming Netflix? Good luck with that. Expect, at times, moments of pure, unadulterated frustration. I spent a solid hour frantically refreshing a webpage once, trying to book a flight. It was a test of my patience. I wanted to throw my laptop out the window. So, plan accordingly. Download everything you need ahead of time. Embrace the possibility of digital detox (it's not always a bad thing, actually). And, if you *really* need reliable internet, there are cafes nearby with better connections.
My Wi-Fi Nightmare: Once, I was trying to video call my family. The Wi-Fi decided to take a complete vacation. The call dropped every two seconds. They could only see me as a pixelated mess, and I could only hear snippets of their voices. After 30 minutes, I just closed my laptop, stared at the ceiling, and considered going on a hunger strike, or at least getting extremely cranky. It wasn't ideal.
Any hidden gems or nearby must-sees that I can easily access from Ibis Abdelmoumen?
Alright, here's where you start thinking outside the box of "hotel convenience." The Hassan II Mosque is a MUST-SEE. It's simply breathtaking. You can get a taxi there pretty easily. The Old Medina is an experience – get lost, embrace the chaos, and haggle for souvenirs (don’t be shy!). There's also the area around the Corniche, with its restaurants and ocean views. Just be aware of the touts. They are persistent, but mostly harmless. Oh, and grab a pastilla (pigeon pie) somewhere. It's a real taste of Morocco! Also, I highly recommend the Rick'Hotel Hide Aways
