HOTELHOTELHOTELHOTELIn May 2003, 13 suicide bombers blew themselves up at public places in Casablanca, killing themselves and 32 other people.
They belonged to Salafia Jihadia, a radical Islamic group whose founding members trained in Afghanistan. The bombers were
all young Moroccan men living in Casablanca’s worst slums, less than half an hour from the city centre.
In 2007, 24 Islamists were arrested for plotting another wave of bombings after their leader blew himself up at an internet
cafe. Many came from the same slums.
Most Casablancais openly condemn the killings, and claim their city is the most tolerant in the country. But a quarter –
perhaps even a third – of the city’s population lives in shanty towns, where living conditions are harsh: makeshift houses are
made of cardboard and plastic, there is no running water, sewage system or electricity, no schools, no work and no hope.
Many youngsters feel they have nothing to lose.
After the bombings, many charities were set up to improve the conditions, and the government has become more aware of
the problems. The Housing Ministry has a plan to abolish all slums in Casablanca by 2012 and several slums have already
been destroyed, with residents moved to new housing. Tens of thousands of houses are under construction, but slum
residents complain that the new housing is too expensive and too small for extended families. There has been a serious
improvement, but many feel it’s not enough, and unless the government addresses the underlying problems there will be no
improvement in conditions. It is hoped this will happen before anger and frustration boil over into support for violent alternatives.Hotel de Foucauld €
Offline map Google map ( 0522 22 26 66; 52 Rue el-Oraïbi Jilali; s/d Dh100/150, s/d/tr withbathroom Dh150/180/220) Rooms in this simple hotel in the centre of town don’t live up to the
plasterwork decoration in reception, but they’re much bigger than average and have a certain
faded charm. Some rooms have en-suite bathrooms. Streetside rooms can be noisy.
Hôtel Mon Rêve €
Offline map Google map ( 0522 41 14 39; 7 Rue Chaouia; s/d/tr Dh90/130/170, s/d/tr with
bathroom Dh150/200/250) This charming old-style hotel has been a favourite with budget
travellers for years. It is conveniently located near the Central Market but can be quite noisy,
and the rooms painted in blue are spartan but clean. Choose a higher room to avoid the noise.
Note that Rue Chaouia is sometimes referred to by its old name, Rue Colbert.
Hôtel Transatlantique €€
Offline map Google map ( 0522 29 45 51; www.transatcasa.com; 79 Rue Chaouia; s/d/trDh770/925/1025; ) Set in one of Casa’s architectural gems, the decor at this 1922 hotel is
all a bit over the top. Popular with tour groups, it has a snack bar, a shady outdoor seating area
and comfortable, but fairly plain, bedrooms. Avoid the 1st floor, as it gets the brunt of noise
from the popular and very rowdy piano bar and nightclub. There are several newly decorated
suites. Staff are keen to tell you that Edith Piaf was a resident and Telly Savalas of Kojak fame
sucked his lollipop here.
Hôtel Riad Salam €€€
( 0522 39 13 13; fax 0522 39 13 45; Blvd de la Corniche, Aïn Diab; d incl breakfast
Dh2700; ) Riad Salam is the top spot along the waterfront. The nonsmoking rooms
with low couches, woven rugs and decorative tiling are centred on the hotel’s three swimming
pools and landscaped terrace. It has a thalassotherapy centre, a health club and tennis courts,
and substantial discounts in the off-season. It’s located on the Corniche 3km south of central
Casablanca.