FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Hyatt Regency Casablanca REVIEW - MASTER THREAD
Old Mar 25, 2012 | 4:15 am
  #17  
RTWSTARALLIANCE
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: West Coast USA
Programs: UA GS/4 MM, AA Exec Plat, Lifetime Hilton D, Hyatt G, Marriott Titanium earned Ambassador
Posts: 7,553
Update

I left CDG on AF. FYI. Security for this gate area does not open until 6 AM.

I arranged for many things in CMN with the Hyatt Regency concierge. Realize not the most cost efficient but everything is working well so far.

Greet and transfer service from CMN was via BMW 730(?). Cost is 600.

Upon arrival which was early room not ready. Waited a few minutes and given room on Club which I knew before leaving US had been upgraded. Hassan II and sea view. Access to Club floor.

Two things do not impress me. The idea of a toilet with a sink not in the same room does not do it for me. Second. The hall is very noisey with doors being slam constantly.

The first impression of the interior is of a Hotel well kept. That goes to the room but carpet could be changed out. The fixtures and furniture are pretty first rate. No issues.

There is a atm in the Hyatt near the from desk. Think it is a SG atm. I used one at CMN.

Internet seems fine. On wired and immediately screen came up comp access.

Finished with my tour. The Hotel provided the same car and the driver acted as a guide also. The tour was a little more than three hours for 800. The highlight without doubt was the Hassan II Mosque. This is the third largest mosque in the world taking six years to complete with workers 24/7. Amazing and beautiful. Tours are allowed when worship is not in progress. This means you need to be very mindful of timing. Make this your first stop. You will go below to obtain a ticket. Two tickets mind you. Get a plastic bag for your shoes and keep those tickets. You are not buying two tickets but will receive two receipts and a sticker badge. I think this is the only place you need to be careful. The cashier had no personality and seemed intent on making life difficult. Like not giving a sticker straight away and not telling you to take a plastic bag for shoes. Join a group for your preferred language. Each tour takes less than one hour. The only thing I wished was the roof of the mosque being open. Apparently according to the guide this never occurs on Sunday. I may try and go back Tuesday because that would be an amazing sight also. The rate was 120 DH and I purchased my ticket at 10:46 AM so 15 minutes before should be ok. Make sure to walk after to the sea wall. The mosque is partially built over the sea put you can not see that portion as the viewable area within the mosque is in the king's niche area.

I know 800 DH is not cheap but for me well worth it. The guide spoke pretty good English and I take much value in being able to speak with a local about many topics other than just the visual sites.

The guide helped me purchase a ticket to Marrakech with return. The first class ticket return is 280. I don't understand the whole ticket but will figure it out at the station. Tomorrow morning the ticket will be from Casa Voyageurs. From the Hyatt will take a cab possibly petit taxi to Casa Vogageurs during rush hour 30 minutes before the time I wish to arrive at Station.

I highly recommend dealing with the Le Meridien in Marrakech. The Hotel will meet me at Marrakech Station for a transfer to the Hotel. Rate is 100 DH. From the Le Meridien will take a half day tour for 200 DH. Bargains in my mind compared to here. See that report later at the SPG forum.

The Club lounge here is a decent size. The door has always been open and the staff very friendly. The people in Morocco seem very kind. After the tour had a late lunch at Rick's Cafe. The interior is interesting made to look like a Moroccan residence. Food was decent and fairly priced.

Also. For some reason at one point led to think the occupancy tax was 30% when it is 30 DH. That makes a huge difference in economics. I have no problem paying a premium for this place. Both the Le Meridien and Sheraton are within walking distance. Life be good.

Other items. Hot tap which whistles when turned on. Conditioner partially used and a shower which does not drain properly. Adaptor borrowed which is broken inside.

Walked around the area at night. Safe except for navigating the road traffic.

Last edited by RTWSTARALLIANCE; Mar 25, 2012 at 3:48 pm
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