Escape to Paradise: City Hotel by Waves, Kenitra, Morocco
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because reviewing this place… well, it's gonna be a journey. Forget the sterile, robotic hotel reviews, we're diving deep into the messy, beautiful, and sometimes slightly bonkers reality of it all. This is my honest, unfiltered take on what [Hotel Name] has to offer, the good, the bad, and the slightly bizarre.
First, let's get the important stuff out of the way:
Accessibility. Oh, Accessibility.
- Wheelchair Accessible: They say it's wheelchair accessible. Okay, cool. Hopefully, it's not one of those places where "accessible" means "we put a ramp on the side, hope you don't mind the slight incline and the three doors you have to navigate to get anywhere." I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's remember to come back and talk about the reality of accessible travel, because let's be real, it's a minefield.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: More promises. I'm cautiously optimistic, but I need to see it to believe it. This section is vital, and I’m hoping they actually thought about things like grab bars and easy-to-reach switches.
- Elevator: Thank GOODNESS. Stairs are the enemy of everyone, regardless of ability.
Internet & Connectivity - Because We All Need to Be Online (Even on Vacation)
- Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms!: Okay, finally a win. Can we all just agree that free Wi-Fi should be a basic human right at this point? I need to look up restaurants, check emails, and, let's be honest, scroll through TikTok. If it's a slow connection, though… cue the internal screaming.
- Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet Services, Wi-Fi in Public Areas: It sounds like they've got all the bases covered. Now, how reliable is it? That's the real question. A flaky Wi-Fi connection can ruin a vacation faster than a mosquito.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa, Pool, and Pretending to be Sophisticated
- Spa/Sauna, Steamroom: Yes, yes, and YES! I am a sucker for a good spa day. The thought of sweating away the stresses of life in a sauna is pure bliss.
- Pool with View, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Poolside lounging is a must. But give me a view! Give me that Instagrammable moment!
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Ugh. Healthy people things. I should probably use it… but let's be honest, I'll probably just admire it from across the room while I eat a croissant.
- Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap: Deep tissue, please! Get those knots out! I’m already picturing myself sinking into a massage table.
- Foot bath: This is where I get really interested. A foot bath? Sounds divine. Are we talking aromatherapy? Bubbles? Now you're talking my language.
Cleanliness and Safety: The New Normal (and Hopefully Not a Disaster)
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol: They're taking it seriously, which is a HUGE relief. This is non-negotiable nowadays. I want to feel safe and comfortable, not like I'm living in a biohazard zone.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Good. Can't skimp on the cleanliness of the linens.
- Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit: Peace of mind, always appreciated.
- CCTV, Fire Extinguisher, Smoke Alarms: Important stuff!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Most Important Part (Maybe)
- Restaurants, Bar, Coffee shop: Okay, diversity is key. I want options! I need options!
- Room service [24-hour]: This is the dream. Late-night cravings? Sorted. Hungover Sunday? Sorted. Room service is a vacation staple.
- Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, A la carte in restaurant: I love a good buffet, but only if it's a good buffet. Nothing worse than a sad, lukewarm breakfast. I'm looking for variety.
- Poolside bar, Happy hour: Priorities, people. Sun, cocktails, and good vibes. That's what I'm after.
- Snack bar, Desserts in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Bottle of water: Hydration and quick bites are essential.
- Vegetarian restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement: Gotta cater to everyone! Flexibility is key.
- Bottle of water: Always a plus, especially when you're parched after travelling.
Services and Conveniences: Beyond the Basics
- Concierge, Doorman, Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Ironing service: Okay, this is starting to feel luxurious. I need this level of service! Especially laundry. Being able to send off a load of laundry is a lifesaver.
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Safety deposit boxes: Practical stuff. I always appreciate a place that makes my life easier.
- Convenience store, Gift/souvenir shop: Perfect for those last-minute souvenir runs or forgetting something crucial (toiletries, anyone?).
- Food delivery: Uber Eats at my fingertips? YES!
- Business facilities, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Seminars, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events, Xerox/fax in business center…: For the actual productive people. I'm here to relax, but good to know they're prepared for those who need to work, too.
- Contactless check-in/out, Check-in/out [express, private]: Quick and easy check-in is always a bonus. No one wants to spend half an hour waiting in line after a long flight.
- Invoice provided, Luggage storage: Useful, useful, useful! The invoice, especially. Keeps everything neat and tidy.
- Elevator, Air conditioning in public area: The elevator is key! Air conditioning is a must!
- Terrace, Smoking area, Shrine: Adds some character
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: Excellent! If they handle the kids, I can actually relax.
- Baby Sitting Service: Another one for the kids…
Access & Security: Peace of Mind
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Front desk [24-hour], Security [24-hour]: Security is important, especially in an age where even the most beautiful destinations have their share of dangers.
- Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, Safe location: Always good.
- Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private]: Quick, easy, and hopefully helpful.
- Exterior corridor: I wonder what rooms are like!
- Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailable: A must
- Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Soundproof rooms, Non Smoking Rooms: Important stuff for a couple!
Getting Around: Exploring the Surroundings
- Airport transfer, Taxi service, Valet parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Bicycle parking: Okay, they've got all the transport bases covered. Airport transfer is always a huge plus. Free parking? Music to my ears!
Available in All Rooms: The Nitty Gritty
- Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: This is a comprehensive list. Most of the essentials are here. I'm especially happy about the blackout curtains… and the coffee/tea maker.
My Honest Assessment (and a bit of a rant, probably)
Okay, so, on paper, [Hotel Name] sounds pretty damn good. Lots of amenities, the hygiene protocols seem solid, and the location… well, I need to know more about that. Is it in
Barcelona's Hidden Gem: Porxos Garden Hotel - Unforgettable Stay!
Alright, alright, alright… Buckle up buttercups, because planning a trip to Kenitra, Morocco, and staying at the City Hotel by Waves? Let’s just say, it’s gonna be a journey. Forget those picture-perfect itineraries, we're going diving headfirst into the delightful chaos. This is less a plan, more a series of hopeful suggestions, fueled by caffeine and a healthy dose of optimism.
Day 1: Arrival & Immediate Gratification (Or Attempt Thereof)
- Morning (Let's be honest, it'll probably be late morning): Touchdown in Rabat-Salé Airport (RBA). Okay, first hurdle: finding a taxi. My guidebook said they’re plentiful. My gut, which remembers a disastrous attempt at public transport in Bangkok, says… we'll see. Aiming for a Grand Taxi, preferably one that doesn't smell suspiciously of stale cigarettes and regret. I'm picturing sun, but let's be real, I'll probably feel like a grumpy cat.
- Midday (ish): Arrival at the City Hotel by Waves. Pray for immediate, effortless check-in. Pray more for a room with a decent view (ocean would be nice, a brick wall… less so). I'm expecting this to be a smooth process. I feel ready. Haha.
- Afternoon: This is the critical "survival" portion. The guide mentioned a café nearby with killer coffee. Need. That. Now. Seriously, if I don’t get a good caffeine fix IMMEDIATELY, everyone around me will suffer. First impressions matter and I am ready to assess the quality of their espressos, and pastries. Afterwards, a quick wander around the hotel area, figuring out the lay of the land. I'm picturing finding a hidden gem of a shop, maybe a local artisan selling beautiful ceramics? Or a cat. I’m partial to cats.
- Evening: Dinner. The guide says something about seafood restaurants. I'm dreaming of grilled fish, the taste of the sea and the smell of garlic and olive oil. A glass of something cold and crisp to wash it all down. Ideally, I'll have found a place with a terrace where I can watch the sunset over the ocean. If not, well, there's always room service and Netflix in bed, right?
Day 2: Dive Deeper (Or, You Know, Just Get In)
- Morning: Breakfast at the hotel. Fingers crossed for a proper Moroccan breakfast. That means: Bread, butter, jam, and a super strong coffee to wake you up. I'm hoping the hotel’s breakfast is good and that the coffee is strong and dark enough to keep me going all day. I’d also be happy with some kind of eggs. I will also assess all bread-based items.
- Mid-Morning: A pilgrimage to the beach. I'm told Kenitra has a lovely coastline. My plan is to experience the ocean, maybe feel some sand between my toes. I'm not a huge fan of swimming, but the thought of being close to the waves makes me feel calmer. Oh, and of course, I'll be taking approximately 500 photos of the water.
- Lunch: Ok, so, the guidebooks are suggesting the same restaurants, so I am on my own here. I'm betting there's a tiny, hidden gem of a restaurant where the locals go. It’s all about the hunt in Morocco! I will look.
- Afternoon: This is where it gets interesting. This is also where my plans are going to start to crumble slightly. I'm going to try to visit Kasbah of the Udayas (if time allows) and the medina of Sale. I imagine the Kasbah will be breathtaking, and if I see a group of cute kids, I will most certainly get my camera out.
- Evening Dinner and drinks. I'm feeling a need to go out and see what Kenitra is made of. This whole trip has been so… quiet. Dinner is going to be a feast. Hopefully, and if I am really feeling up to it, it will involve some kind of live music.
Day 3: One Thing, Gloriously Done & The Departure
(Okay, I’m getting ahead of myself, because there is always one day that goes sideways. This is the day I’m dedicating to a singular, potentially amazing, adventure, which will probably get utterly derailed.)
Morning: WAKE UP EARLY. This is crucial. Today is all about the… drumroll… the market. I’m going to lose myself in the sights, sounds, and smells of a local Moroccan market. The vibrant colours, the chaos, the possibility of delicious food… it’s my happy place. I'm planning on practicing haggling, even if I'm terrible at it. I'm aiming to buy something utterly useless but beautiful to remember this trip by. A scarf, a lantern, a possibly overly large piece of ceramic. I don't know yet. The market will decide.
Midday: Lunch at the market. I'm picturing fresh bread, delicious olives, maybe some tagine. I’ll probably overeat because I'm terrible at portion control when faced with amazing food.
Afternoon: Depending on how the market goes… maybe a relaxing massage. I'm picturing myself melting into a blissful puddle of relaxation. Or, if the market leaves me feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, I'll retreat to the hotel for a nap. We'll see.
Evening: Last dinner in Kenitra. I want to find a place that’s completely different from what I’ve seen so far, one that is maybe less touristy (even if I don’t know of what’s not touristy in Morocco), and more genuine. I will enjoy this meal, but also prepare for departure.
Departure (Very Early Morning of Day 4): The dreaded race to the airport. The taxi, the frantic search for that last-minute souvenir I somehow knew I'd forget. The inevitable realization that I probably spent too much money, ate too much couscous, and took approximately a million photos. But it’s okay. Because, that’s life. Morocco, you beauty. And I’ll be back.
This is not a schedule. It’s more of a suggestion, an optimistic outline. And remember: It’s about the journey, not the destination. (Especially when the destination is a slightly-less-than-immaculate hotel room.) And the journey? Well, that’s where the real stories happen. So, wish me luck. I'm probably going to need it.
Gold Coast Paradise: 2B Suite w/ UNREAL Ocean Views!
Why Does My Washing Machine Seem to *Love* Leaking at the Worst Possible Moment?
Oh HONEY, don't even get me STARTED. It's like they have a built-in sensor for, "Oh, the in-laws are coming! Time to stage a monsoon in the laundry room!" Seriously, it's ALWAYS the day before a big event, or when you've got a mountain of laundry that could clothe a small army. My last leak? Right before my kid's birthday party. I was wading through soapy water trying to save the party decorations, while my husband – bless his clueless heart – was yelling about needing clean socks. The *drama*… It's enough to make you consider just burning all the clothes and starting fresh. (I’ve considered buying a hose to directly drain it in the shower. Just a thought.)
So, I Think My Washing Machine is Trying to Eat My Clothes. Is That Normal?
"Trying to eat your clothes"? Oh, you sweet summer child. It's not "trying" to eat your clothes; it *succeeds*. I swear, I've lost more socks to the washing machine vortex than to all the dryers in the world combined. And don't even get me STARTED on the disappearing bra straps. It's a conspiracy, I tell you! A laundry-based, garment-gobbling conspiracy! One time, it even ate a whole *shirt*, you guys. GONE. Vanished. Poof! I’m convinced there’s a tiny, sentient monster living in there, fueled by lost socks and button-down shirts.
Is it Possible to *Prevent* the Washing Machine Apocalypse?
Prevent? Ha! That's a good one. Look, I've tried EVERYTHING. Mesh laundry bags, checking pockets religiously, even reciting ancient chants before each load. (Okay, maybe not the chants. But I've *thought* about it.) The truth is, I *think* preventative measures could help a little, like checking pockets, using mesh bags… but you know, life happens! You get distracted. You forget. And then boom, another rogue button is lost to the abyss. It should be common sense, but common sense often runs screaming from my laundry room. Plus, sometimes you *need* to throw everything in, right? The whole shebang? Then you realize you're gambling and just pray to the gods of clean clothes.
Okay, So I've Called a Repairman. What Can I Expect?
Expect... a rollercoaster of emotions, mostly. First, there's the initial relief – "Huzzah! Someone smarter than me is coming to fix this infernal machine!" Then comes the inspection, filled with technical jargon that sounds suspiciously like a bunch of made-up words designed to make you feel stupid. (Seriously, I think they're trained to do that. They *have* to! Who can understand these guys?). Then, the dreaded diagnosis. Which usually involves some combination of "the motor is shot," "the pump is clogged," and "it'll cost more than the damn washing machine is worth." Deep breaths. And then, they might just *fix* it! Or, you'll get the “I’m sorry, your machine is beyond salvation” speech. That stings.
Should I Just Buy a New Washing Machine? I'm Starting to Think It's the Easier Option...
That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? And honestly? Sometimes, yes. Especially if your machine is ancient. Remember the one from my aunt? (she was a pack rat). Well, the *thing* was older than my eldest child! You have to factor in the cost of repairs, the potential for *more* repairs, and the sheer amount of time wasted fiddling with a machine that clearly hates you. Then... the shiny new models… they tempt me so. New technology, sleek designs...it's like a whole new world of clean clothes just waiting to be born! So yeah. Maybe. (I’m shopping online *right now*.) But then you get the delivery guys. That’s a whole other story.
What Are Some Red Flags That My Washing Machine is About to Stage a Revolt?
Oh, you'll *know*. Trust me. Here are some signs your washing machine is plotting against you:
- Unexplained puddles of water. (See point one, basically the beginning of the apocalypse.)
- Loud, concerning noises – grinding, clanking, the sound of a small animal being tragically disassembled.
- A sudden, inexplicable surge in your water bill. (Yep. Fun times.)
- Clothes that come out…dirtier than they went in. (The ultimate betrayal.)
- That feeling of impending doom when you approach the laundry room
Is There *Anyone* Who Truly Loves Washing Machine Repair?
Hmm... good question. I'm guessing the repair people, maybe? They're probably not *thrilled*, but at least they're employed. I think... I think they see it as a challenge? Some kind of... appliance-based puzzle? Beyond that? Probably not. I think it's more the idea of clean clothes, not the experience of getting them.
My Washing Machine is making a terrible noise. Is it the end?!
Woah, hold on a second. Is it the end? Well, that depends. Is the noise like a dying whale trying to sing opera? Or more like a blender filled with rocks? Either one screams "trouble", and you're likely staring down the barrel of a repair bill or a frantic trip to the appliance store. But hey, maybe a stray rogue coin or an errant toy is trapped in there. Or maybe, just maybe, it's a minor issue. But either way, grab your phone and start Googling "local appliance repair" while you're at it, just in case. You might just be in for the adventure of your life.
