Rabat is the capital of Morocco and is one of the countries four most major cities. You will find it on the Atlantic coast, situated at the mouth of the Wadi Bou Regreg.

The old town is found near the coast. It is still surrounded by ramparts. Inside the walls you will find both the old Muslim town and the Jewish quarter. Northwards you will find the 17th century fortress called Casbah des Oudaïa. Also, in this region you will find a religious college housing a museum of Moroccan art and several historical buildings.

Rabat has a population of 1.2 million and therefore has a selection of hotels for tourists to stay in, some of them rivalling hotels in other parts of the world.

There are plenty of interesting things to see and do in the city.

Some things to see

Andalusian Gardens

Here you can also see the Palace Museum which showcases Moroccan art and culture. The gardens were constructed in the 20th century by the French. You will find traditional plants from Andalusia as well as others such as lemon, orange and banana trees.

There is a trail which leads all around the park where you can walk at your leisure and enjoy the gardens.

Kings Palace

The palace here is the official residence of King Hassam II and was originally built on the ruins of an 18th century palace. The palace also houses several government offices and serve as home for the Royal Family.

Visitors are not permitted to enter the main grounds, but you can admire the palace from the central pathway.

Old Medina

This is something that every tourist should see. Here you will be able to buy traditional Moroccan souvenirs and explore the heart of the city. Get ready to haggle for the best prices and then experience the sights and sounds of the old city.

This medina is less chaotic as others such as Marrakesh so you can wander through it in your own time. The streets are also wider, so it is less congested.

Tourism and the location of foreign embassies in the city make this one of the most important places in the country.

Here we look at some hotels in the city

Riad Sakina

This hotel is found in the medina of Rabat. You will find that the hotel is organised around a central fountain.

Just a short walk from the Grand Mosque, this hotel is also within easy reach of Rue des Consuls, the Andalusian garden and the Oudaya Museum.

There are six rooms and a marvellous terrace as, well as cottages for rent. All rooms come with free wi-fi in public areas, and free breakfast.

Because of the location, this hotel is very popular with tourists who plan on visiting the city.

Children are permitted to stay in the hotel, and there is no alcohol served on the premises.

The hotel prides itself on the authenticity of the décor and delivers a relaxed atmosphere in a beautiful setting.

Le Pietri Urban Hotel

You will find this hotel close to the Moroccan Parliament Buildings as well as the Villa des Arts. It is also just a few minutes from the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and the Rabat Archaeological Museum.

The hotel has 35 rooms, all of which are air-conditioned and have a flat-screen tv. Free wi-fi is in every room. The bathrooms have shower and bath combinations and the room hides a safe for valuables to be safely stored.

There is a dry-cleaning service as well as business rooms for meetings, and limited parking available.

The restaurant offers lunch and dinner and there is also a cafeteria where you can get snacks and drinks. The bar or lounge will serve you drinks.

Riad Kalaa

This is an old hotel dating back to 1815 and offers the visitors 11 rooms and suites to choose from.

The hotel is considered to be a ‘jewel of Arab-Andalusian architecture’ and is perfectly equipped with everything you will need for your stay.

Although the buildings are old, the interior is classy and comfortable. Additionally, you will find a 400square metre patio which leads to wooded terraces and a swimming pool. Here you will find the hammam spa and restaurant.

The restaurant serves traditional Moroccan dishes which are freshly made to your order.

Dar Zen

This hotel is situated in a very quiet street in the Medina of Rabat. It has been painstakingly renovated in the traditional way.

The intimate guesthouse has just three rooms and is close to the famous Rue des Consuls as well as the beach and several of the city’s cultural sites.

Every morning you will be welcomed with a delicious breakfast cooked to your choice on request. Freshly cooked meals are available in the evenings with prior bookings.

Cuisine is either traditional or Mediterranean in style and can be eaten either indoors or outside. There are private patios to make use of.

You will find a swimming pool close to the patio as well as a lounge with satellite tv for public use.

All the rooms have en-suite bathrooms and free toiletries and staff are on hand daily to arrange transport around the city.

By request you can bring pets with you, although children are not accommodated at the hotel.

The hotel can arrange transfers to the airport. You should give them notice for this when you arrive at the hotel.

To sum up

Rabat is a bustling city with plenty to see and do. There are many excellent hotels where you can stay a few days while exploring the area.

Be sure to check beforehand that the hotel can accommodate children if you bring them with you, as not all of them do this.

Not all hotels serve alcohol, so be prepared for this.

Food is often traditional as well as Mediterranean, although some of the smaller hotels may just provide traditional cuisine.

Whatever you plan to do on your vacation, with a little planning, the city will deliver exactly what you are looking for.