If you venture just a few blocks away from the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, you’ll find the Mercure Sheherazade tucked away in a hidden corner of a quiet residential neighborhood. The hotel is mostly suited for people coming into town for business or for tourists looking for an affordable night near the city center. It features a modern meets traditional Moroccan vibe, and those elements are reflected throughout the premises in small touches like pottery and artwork.

After landing in Rabat, my taxi driver had no clue where the hotel was, and after stopping and circling around the area for about 30 minutes, he finally found it after I saw it in the distance. When I arrived, a soccer game was being played outside in the street, as I’m sure is quite common due to its location. As soon as you walk in the hotel lobby, you’ll smell hints of jasmine and notice the Moroccan decor and a crowd of people chatting and drinking on the plush red couches that line the walls. Although when I was there, the lobby was also full of mosquitos so I didn’t hang out very long.

The hotel’s 77 rooms are a bit on the small side but are modern and clean. Beds have crisp white linens, sleep comfortable, and are accompanied by Moroccan-themed pictures on the wall. From my balcony, I could see the outdoor patio of the restaurant below and some white residential apartments in the background. Inside, the bathroom was covered in slate with a stand up glass shower. Everything in the room was spotless with a new, smallish flat screen TV along with a fridge, coffee maker, and several instant coffees and teas. Internet signal was a bit weak, but lasted long enough for me to check my email. The hotel also features basic business amenities such as a conference room, projector and several bar areas to entertain clients. Other amenities include a complimentary breakfast, a Moroccan hammam, a nice restaurant with buffet service, and several cozy bar areas.

Some of the streets around the hotel were kind of crumbling, and I would have to say it isn’t exactly the best location in Rabat. There is a small store across the street with basic items like water, yogurt and other cheap goods. For anything else, you’ll need to head downtown or to the Medina. Tour Hassan and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V are a 10-minute walk down the street and easy to check out, while just behind the hotel is a great view of nearby Sale and the surrounding valley.

Service was cordial in the hotel, and when I checked in I was greeted by a staff that spoke great English and gave me all of the information I needed.There isn’t much around the area in terms of stores or restaurants, so if you are staying here plan on taking taxis to get everywhere.

Overall, the Mercure Sheherazade makes a nice place to stay in Rabat for a few days without breaking the budget.