Hotel Continental

Built as a residence in the late 19th century before becoming a hotel in 1975, this historic property’s traditional Moroccan design and architecture is beautiful, but creaky from age. Much of it is a beautiful example of Hispano-Moorish style, with white walls, geometric windows, and a large terrace with panoramas of the Mediterranean. Grand chandeliers, intricate carved detailing on the interior arches, and rich tapestries are echoes of the property’s heyday, but fading upholstery and frayed rugs in the Moroccan-style lounges, and stained mosaic tiles in the inner courtyard reflect the need for updates. Photos of famous previous guests (John Malkovich and Francis Ford Coppola) adorn the reception area. Guests should note, the three-story building has no elevators. However, many comment that there’s no lack of character here, in terms of aesthetics, staff, or guests. The property works well for tourists who don’t mind trading in some modern comforts for eclectic, Old World charm and low rates. 

Travelers who want to explore the old city will appreciate the hotel’s location on a narrow street at the edge of the medina, four minutes on foot from the Bab Haha gate. The ferry port is a convenient 10-minute walk away, and the proximity to the water means excellent views from the property. Many of the old city’s attractions are also within 10 minutes away on foot, including the Kasbah Museum, the American Legation Museum, St. Andrew’s Church, and the Grand Socco market and square connecting to the newer part of town. Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport is a 25-minute drive away. The hotel does not provide transfers.

Standard Rooms, though impressive in size and clean, seem purely functional and stand in stark contrast to the richly decorated common areas. Drab, dated drapes, sofas, and bedspreads are in dire need of updating, and mostly bare walls make the spaces feel stark. Suites are much more in keeping with the rest of the hotel’s style, with four-poster beds, marble fireplaces, and antique cabinets. 

Amenities are largely basic and vary from room to room. Many Standard Rooms have flat-screen TVs, but some still contain the old tube-style varieties. Some rooms don’t have air-conditioning. Rooms also lack safes, tea-and coffee-making facilities, work desks, and Wi-Fi. Some do have mini-fridges.  

White-tiled bathrooms are decently-sized but not fancy, with small sink areas that look old. All have walk-in showers with handheld showerheads or bathtubs. Hot water is only available during certain hours of the day. Basic toiletries are provided, but hairdryers are not. Balconies -- in rooms that have them -- overlook either the medina or the parking lot, harbor, and distant sea.  

The highlight here (apart from location) is the breakfast buffet included with rates, and served in the Restaurant Andalou, which has gorgeous mosaic tiling throughout its interiors and plenty of outdoor terrace space. The spread features lots of local fare including flatbreads, goat cheeses, pastries, olives, and baked vegetables, along with cereals, coffee, and juice. The restaurant’s Moroccan and international lunch and dinner menu can also be enjoyed as room service.  

There are no wellness or business amenities on-site. A large, ramshackle bazaar connected to the property sells an impressive collection of carpets, antiques, and trinkets. Wi-Fi in public areas is free, and there is free on-site parking. Laundry service is also available.