Where to Stay in Casablanca for First-Timers (Best 3 Neighborhoods + Hotels)
Casablanca is often travelers’ first stop in Morocco, and choosing the right place to stay matters more here than in most cities. This isn’t a destination where “anywhere central” works, and booking in advance makes a real difference.
I spent weeks researching where to stay in Casablanca, then ignored my own instincts and booked where a tour group recommended instead. Once I arrived, and spent 24 hours in Casablanca it was obvious I’d made the wrong call.
That experience shaped how I think about Casablanca. Neighborhoods here vary dramatically in vibe, walkability, and comfort level, especially for first-time visitors and solo female travelers. Some areas feel polished and intuitive, while others can feel overwhelming if you’re not prepared.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Casablanca for your first visit, this guide keeps it simple and experience-driven.
This Post Pairs Well With:
- How to Get Around Casablanca: My top Tips and Tricks for navigating the City
- 24 Hours in Casablanca Solo: A Realistic Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
- How to Visit the Hassan II Mosque: Tips, History & Practical Info for Travelers
In a Rush? Here are my Top picks for Hotels in Casablanca
Best overall: ONOMO Hotel Casablanca City Center
Best Luxury: Royal Mansor in Casablanca
Best budget: Hotel Central
Don’t Forget to Book Early
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Best Areas to Stay in Casablanca (Neighborhood Overview)
Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city, and it’s far more spread out than cities like Marrakech or Fez. Choosing the right neighborhood in Casablanca will shape your entire experience, and it will shape how you get around Casablanca
For first-time visitors, the best areas to stay in Casablanca tend to offer:
- Easy transportation and reliable taxis
- Walkable streets or clear landmarks
- Reputable hotels with good security
- Access to restaurants and major sights
WHAT TO READ NEXT: How To Get Around Casablanca: My top transportation tips
Here’s a quick snapshot of the 3 best neighborhoods to stay in Casablanca:
- Sidi Belyout – Central, practical, best for first-timers
- Ain Diab – Coastal, modern, resort-style hotels
- Habbous – Traditional, quieter, culturally immersive
While there are more neighborhoods, I don’t want to overwhelm you with choices, so in this guide, I’ll only be mentioning three neighborhoods and popular hotels in those neighborhoods.
1. Sidi Belyout – Best Area to Stay in Casablanca for First-Timers
Sidi Belyout is widely considered the best neighborhood to stay in Casablanca for first-time visitors, and for good reason. This central district puts you close to the city’s most important landmarks, reliable hotels, and the easiest transportation connections.
If Casablanca is your introduction to Morocco, this is the area that offers the smoothest, least stressful experience.
What Is Sidi Belyout Like?
Sidi Belyout is Casablanca’s downtown and business core, but it’s not all offices and traffic. The neighborhood is layered with historic Art Deco buildings, local cafés, small shops, and a steady mix of locals, business travelers, and tourists.
This area feels:
- Busy but organized
- Urban and practical
- More international than traditional
You won’t find winding medina alleys here, but you will find predictable streets, clear landmarks, and hotels that cater to travelers who want comfort and reliability.
Why Sidi Belyout Is Ideal for First-Timers
For travelers visiting Casablanca for the first time, Sidi Belyout checks the boxes that matter most:
- Central location with easy taxi access
- Close to Hassan II Mosque and Casa Port
- Good lighting and busy streets, even at night
- A wide selection of reputable hotels
If you’re short on time, arriving late, or feeling unsure about navigating a big North African city, staying here reduces friction dramatically.
This is the neighborhood I recommend when someone asks, “Where should I stay in Casablanca if I’ve never been before?”
This is also the neighborhood I stayed in. If you are curious where I stayed in Casablanca, I stayed at the Kyriad Residence in Casablanca. This is where most group tours leave from, and you have the option to stay at this hotel when you book your pre-tour hotel with Gadventures
Pros of staying in the Old City of Casablanca
- Central location
- Easy transportation
- Wide range of hotels
Cons of staying in the Old City of Casablanca
- Busy during weekdays
- Less charming than older districts
Budget Hotel in the Old City
- Rating: 8.0
- Affordable, well-located, and popular with budget travelers who want to stay near Casa Port.
- Wifi and Priority Airport Pickup
Mid-Range Hotel the Old City
- Rating: 8.5
- Modern and reliable. A strong choice for travelers who want comfort without luxury pricing.
Luxury Hotel in The Old City
The Royal Mansor is a top-of-the-line luxury hotel. A Couple on my 12-day guided tour of Morocco stayed here and raved about it!
- Top-rated for staff and service
- Beautiful Art Deco hotel
- One of the best luxury hotels in Casablanca, offering spacious rooms, excellent security, and a walkable location.
2. Ain Diab – Best Area to Stay in Casablanca for Beachfront Hotels
Why Stay in Ain Diab?
Ain Diab is the best area to stay in Casablanca for beachfront hotels. Located along the Corniche, this neighborhood offers ocean views, sea breezes, and a more relaxed pace.
It’s ideal if you prefer modern hotels and don’t mind using taxis to reach the city center. By the way, I have a great guide on how to get around Casablanca, it’ll definitely help you out!
Pros of Staying in Ain Diab
- Ocean views
- Modern, upscale hotels
- Quieter evenings
Cons of Staying in Ain Diab
- Further from the main attractions
- Not walkable for sightseeing
Ocean Park Hotel, Premium Suites & Wellness
Ocean Park Hotel, Premium Suites & Wellness is right on the ocean side. Does it count that I saw these from the road!? I was feeling a bit jealous!
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Airport shuttle
- Spa and wellness center
- Has AIR CONDITIONING
Luxury Four Seasons Hotel
The Epitome of Luxury, the Four Seasons is where you want to stay on the Corniche
Can you pack me in your suitcase?
- Rating: 9.4
- On beach
- Outdoor pool
- 2 hot tubs on site
- Buffet breakfast available
- Valet parking available
- 24-hour airport shuttle available
3. Habbous – Best Neighborhood in Casablanca for Culture and Calm
Habbous, also known as the Habous Quarter or New Medina, is one of the most distinctive areas in Casablanca and a frequent point of curiosity for travelers researching where to stay.
Built in the 1930s during the French Protectorate, Habbous was designed as a more orderly, planned alternative to Morocco’s traditional medinas. The result is a neighborhood that blends traditional Moroccan architecture with wider streets, arcades, and a calmer atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a place that feels culturally rich without the sensory overload of older medinas, Habbous can be an appealing option.
I know some regulars to Casablanca will roll their eyes when I mention Habbous, but honestly, it’s much less chaotic than other districts in the city.
What Makes Habbous Different From Other Areas in Casablanca
Unlike the historic medinas in cities like Fez or Marrakech, Habbous is:
- Easier to navigate
- Less chaotic
- Cleaner and more residential
The neighborhood is known for:
- Artisan shops selling ceramics, leather goods, and books
- Traditional bakeries and pastry shops
- Quiet streets that feel noticeably slower-paced than downtown
For travelers easing into Morocco or those who prefer a quieter base, this area often feels more approachable.
Is Habbous a Good Place to Stay in Casablanca?
Habbous can be a good place to stay in Casablanca for solo female travelers and first-time visitors, but it’s not ideal for everyone.
This neighborhood works best if:
- You value cultural atmosphere over convenience
- You prefer calm evenings and early mornings
- You’re comfortable using taxis to get around
It’s less suited for travelers who want nightlife, café hopping, or walkable access to major tourist sights.
Pros of Staying in Habbous
- Traditional Moroccan architecture and ambiance
- Quieter, more residential feel
- Less traffic and noise
- Feels culturally immersive without being overwhelming
Cons of Staying in Habbous
- Limited hotel selection
- Fewer restaurants and cafés catering to travelers
- Not walkable to major Casablanca attractions
- Requires taxis for most sightseeing
Where to Stay Near Habbous, Casablanca
Because hotel options directly inside Habbous are limited, most travelers stay near the neighborhood rather than within it.
Mid-Range Boutique Hotel Near Habbous
Gray Boutique Hotel Casablanca
This is a solid option if you want to visit Habbous frequently without sacrificing hotel comfort or connectivity.
- Rating: 8.8
- A stylish, well-reviewed boutique hotel offering spacious rooms and easy taxi access to Habbous, downtown Casablanca, and the Hassan II Mosque.
- Smoke free
- High ratings
- Has a Washer and Dryer
The Bottom Line: Where to Stay in Casablanca
Casablanca is a city where your hotel location matters. More than in many Moroccan destinations, choosing the right neighborhood can shape how easy, comfortable, and enjoyable your visit feels.
For first-time visitors, Sidi Belyout is the most practical choice. It’s central, well-connected, and home to some of the most reliable hotels in the city, making it ideal if Casablanca is your introduction to Morocco.
Other neighborhoods can be interesting to explore, but for most first-timers, these three areas strike the best balance between location, ease, and atmosphere. Choose one of them, book ahead, and Casablanca becomes far easier to navigate.
FAQs: Where to Stay in Casablanca
Most travelers spend one to two nights in Casablanca, which is enough time to see the Hassan II Mosque and get a feel for the city before moving on.
Yes. Casablanca is generally safe for solo female travelers, especially when staying in neighborhoods like Sidi Belyout or Gauthier and choosing well-reviewed hotels.
Yes. Gauthier is one of the best neighborhoods in Casablanca for travelers who want a calmer, café-focused atmosphere and a more residential feel. I just didn’t want to mention it as I feel these three areas are calmer and offer a variety
You don’t need to stay directly next to the mosque. Staying centrally in Sidi Belyout gives you easier access to multiple attractions and better transportation options.
Ain Diab works best for travelers looking for a resort-style stay. For most first-time visitors, staying centrally is more convenient.
