Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Ubay Hotel Rabat, Morocco - Your Dream Getaway!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Ubay Hotel Rabat – Or, My Complicated Love Affair with Moroccan Opulence
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from the Ubay Hotel in Rabat, Morocco, and my brain is still processing it all. “Unbelievable Luxury Awaits”… well, they weren't kidding. Honestly, unpacking this experience is like untangling Christmas lights after they’ve been in a box for a decade – a glorious, slightly frustrating, wonderfully rewarding mess.
Let's be clear: this isn't a budget backpacker's paradise. This is luxury with a capital L, people. We’re talking plush robes, turndown service, and an overall vibe that whispers, "Darling, you deserve this." But is it worth it? Let's dig in, shall we?
First Impressions: The Grand Entrance & Dealing with My Awkwardness
The Ubay, from the moment you pull up, screams "prestige." The architecture is stunning, a blend of traditional Moroccan design with a decidedly modern flair. The doorman, immaculate in his uniform, greets you with a smile that could melt glaciers. He whisked away my monstrous suitcase (I overpacked, naturally) and suddenly, I felt… small. Not in a bad way, just… aware of my slightly rumpled travel attire.
Accessibility: Smooth Sailing (Mostly)
Now, I'm lucky enough to not require full accessibility myself, but I did take note. The hotel scores some serious points here. Wheelchair accessible? Absolutely. The public areas are spacious and easy to navigate, with ramps and elevators readily available. Elevator access is awesome. While I didn’t use them, I saw evidence of consideration for those with mobility issues, and that's a huge plus. Facilities for disabled guests? Check. Getting around this place is actually a big deal. It means everyone can experience the gorgeousness.
Internet & Connectivity: Staying Connected… And Maybe Working (Ugh)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be. And it actually works. I’ve stayed in places where the Wi-Fi connection is about as reliable as a politician’s promise. Not here. Solid connection throughout the hotel, and I managed to get some work done (more on that later… or maybe not). Internet [LAN] is available if you're old school. Wi-Fi in public areas? Yep. Internet services? You betcha. They knew I needed to stay connected, even if I really wanted to disconnect.
Cleanliness & Safety: Germaphobes, Rejoice!
Okay, this is a big one, especially in our post-apocalyptic world. I'm usually that person, the one who brings their own Lysol wipes (judge me all you want). But the Ubay? They've got it covered. Anti-viral cleaning products? Tick. Daily disinfection in common areas? Absolutely. Rooms sanitized between stays? You know it. First aid kit? Doctor/nurse on call? Yep and yep. All the boxes are ticked. I even saw them using professional-grade sanitizing services. I felt genuinely safe, which is a massive relief when traveling, especially now. They also emphasize physical distancing of at least 1 meter, which is comforting. Cashless payment service? Definitely available. Staff trained in safety protocol? You could tell. (And let's be real, they're cleaning everything - hot water linen and laundry washing, using sterilizing equipment - it's impressive!).
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: My Waistline is Still Recovering
Right, let's talk food. Prepare your taste buds, because they are about to go on a trip. Restaurants? Plural! This is where I really got lost (and gained a few pounds).
Breakfast – The Breakfast [buffet] was a beast. Seriously, a magnificent, overwhelming, glorious beast. Asian breakfast options alongside the usual Western breakfast. Freshly baked croissants (the flaky, butter-laden kind that make you want to weep), a dizzying array of fruits, cheeses, and enough eggs of every variety to feed a small army. Breakfast in room? Of course! Breakfast takeaway service? Absolutely. I’m pretty sure I dreamt of the breakfast buffet for several days after I left.
Lunch/Dinner:
- The restaurants themselves were divine. A la carte in restaurant, with menus you won't believe. Asian cuisine in restaurant offerings alongside phenomenal local dishes. International cuisine in restaurant was stellar. And there was a Vegetarian restaurant for my one friend who doesn't eat meat (bless her heart).
- Bar: Happy Hour was a thing. Poolside bar? Of course! Coffee/tea in restaurant? You get the idea…
- Room service [24-hour]? I may or may not have ordered a midnight snack of the most decadent chocolate cake I've ever tasted. Don’t judge.
- Snack bar? Conveniently placed near the pool. Yes, I spent a lot of time there.
- Desserts in restaurant? Oh, the desserts. The desserts, people. My willpower crumbled faster than a dry biscotti. You've been warned.
Alternative meal arrangement? Certainly. They were incredibly accommodating.
Bottled water? Free and plentiful.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Where to Begin!
Right, this is where the Ubay really shines. Forget just relaxing; you're practically immersed in relaxation.
- The Spa: Okay, the spa. The spa is worth the price of admission alone. I'm not even a spa person, usually. I find them a bit… meh. But this was different. They have body scrub, body wrap, massage, sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, steamroom. I opted for a massage, a body wrap and a foot bath and, y'all? Heaven. Pure, unadulterated heaven. The masseuse was a mystical goddess with magic fingers, and I swear I floated out of there.
- Swimming Pool and Fitness: The swimming pool, specifically the Swimming pool [outdoor] with the Pool with view was idyllic. Sparkling water, perfect temperatures (I would have liked it a few degrees warmer). Gym/fitness was available. The location itself was a sight. I did manage a few laps, between napping and snacking – it was a tough life.
Services & Conveniences: Seamless & Spoiling
This hotel has thought of everything. Concierge? They're miracle workers. Need a recommendation for dinner? No problem. Want a last-minute tour? Done. Doorman, dry cleaning, laundry service, and daily housekeeping are all the standard luxuries you’d expect. Cash withdrawal? Yes. Currency exchange? Easy. Air conditioning in public area? Air conditioning in all rooms? Absolutely. They will pamper you. Ironing service? Yes. Luggage storage? Yup. Facilities for disabled guests? Check.
For the Kids: Babysitting Service, Family/Child Friendly, Kids meal,
I don't have kids, but I saw the set-up. They've got you covered with babysitting service and a kids meal - this is a fantastic option.
Available in all rooms: Okay, this is a long list, but trust me, important. Additional toilet, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, Desk, Extra long bed, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN/wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Private bathroom, reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. Getting around: Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking.
Rooms and the Vibe: My Cozy Palace
My room? Oh, my room. It was a haven. Non-smoking rooms? Yup. Soundproof rooms? Big yes. The Air conditioning blasted the heat away. Alarm clock? Yep. Bathrobes? The softest I've ever worn. Blackout curtains? Essential for those late-morning lie-ins. The bed was a cloud, the linens were divine, and the Complimentary tea and free bottled water (which are, let's be honest, the things that really matter) were always replenished. Interconnecting room(s) available, and Non-smoking rooms
Furano's Hidden Gem: 1BR Maple C Wonderland Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, Instagram-filtered travel blog. This is the REAL DEAL, a glimpse into my glorious (and sometimes slightly disastrous) expedition at the Ubay Hotel in Rabat, Morocco. Consider this a travel itinerary… but fueled by copious amounts of mint tea and questionable decision-making.
Ubay Hotel Rabat: A Hot Mess Express (But in a Good Way, Mostly)
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Panic (aka, Welcome to Morocco, You Idiot!)
- 11:00 AM: Landed at Rabat–Salé Airport. Already sweating. Seriously, the airport's AC felt like it was powered by a hamster wheel. My luggage? Nowhere to be seen. Cue internal screaming. “Lost luggage? Already? This trip is going to be a delight," I thought sarcastically.
- 12:00 PM: Found a taxi. He seemed nice enough, until he quoted me a price that could have probably bought a small camel. Negotiated down (a tiny bit), convinced myself I was a badass negotiator. I was probably ripped off.
- 1:00 PM: Checked into Ubay Hotel. The lobby looked amazing: all gleaming marble and intricate tilework. Then I saw the room… it was smaller than my closet back home and the "city view" was a cracked brick wall. Okay, deep breaths. At least the bed looked comfy, right? (spoiler: it wasn't).
- 2:00 PM: Lunch! Found a cafe nearby. Ordered a tagine. The waiter, with a gleam in his eye, recommended the "special." It was… overwhelmingly spicy. My eyes started to water. I'm not sure if it was the spice or the sheer panic of realizing I was a complete fish out of water. Managed to choke down most of it, because I'm trying to be adventurous, dammit!
- 3:00 PM: Wandered the Medina. Lost. Utterly and gloriously lost. The labyrinth of alleyways was captivating… and terrifying. I nearly got run over by a donkey cart. I swear the seller was laughing at me. I might have let out a small yelp. Found a shop selling leather goods. Briefly considered buying a ridiculously impractical leather satchel. Common sense (and the lack of space in my non-existent luggage) prevailed.
- 6:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Attempted to shower. Low water pressure. Ran out of hot water. Spent 20 minutes wrestling with a balky showerhead. Felt like a defeated warrior.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a nearby restaurant recommended by the hotel staff. Ordered the chicken couscous. Delicious. Comfort food after a day of cultural immersion (and minor meltdowns).
- 9:00 PM: Collapsed on the (un-comfy) bed. Journaling. Wondering if I should just stay in my room and eat crackers for the rest of the trip. Feeling simultaneously exhausted and exhilarated. This is definitely going to be interesting.
Day 2: Hassan Tower, Hysterical Historical Tours, & Harissa Havoc
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Attempted to partake in the breakfast buffet (free, bless their heart). Questionable coffee, stale bread, and mystery meats that I was too afraid to identify. Decided to stick with the fruit.
- 10:00 AM: Brave the Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Okay, this was pretty amazing. The scale of the tower is staggering. I took way too many photos. The Mausoleum was beautiful and serene (and a welcome respite from the chaos of the Medina). I actually felt a pang of genuine awe.
- 12:00 PM: Booked a guided walking tour. Big mistake. The guide, bless his heart, was passionate. But his English was… enthusiastic, at best. I understood about 20% of what he was saying. The other 80% was a glorious blend of rapid-fire Arabic, fractured English, and hand gestures. The "historical anecdotes" became a hilarious stream of consciousness. I thought I caught something about a goat and a very important Sufi saint. I think. Honestly, I'm still not sure.
- 2:00 PM: Lunch AGAIN. Found a place. Ordered a sandwich with a sauce. I didn't recognize it. It looked innocent enough. Bite. BAM! Harissa HELL. My mouth was ON FIRE. I needed water… and a fire extinguisher. Tears streamed down my face again, but this time not from the emotion. The waiter just smiled and brought me more bread. He knew.
- 3:00 PM: Attempted to buy some souvenirs. The shopkeepers in the Medina were, as expected, charming and persuasive. I almost bought a fez. Almost. I may or may not have spent far too long debating the merits of a hand-painted ceramic plate.
- 5:00 PM: Back to the hotel to rest and recharge. The thought of more adventures at this point was too much to handle.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. This time I ordered something plain. I am not taking any risks.
- 9:00 PM: Another journal entry. Another night in the land of questionable sleep. However, I start to think this place is growing on me, despite/because of the chaos.
Day 3: The Souk Strikes Back & Mint Tea Madness! (Doubling Down)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. More of the same. Managed to snag some orange juice before it ran out.
- 10:00 AM: Decided to revisit the souk. This time armed with the knowledge that I'm going to haggle like it's my job.
- 10:30 AM: Into the souk I go. First booth - ceramics. They're beautiful, but the seller is pushing too hard. He wants me to buy everything. I want one plate. I haggle. I manage to bring it down. Not far. I’m a terrible haggler.
- 11:00 AM: Mint tea break! Found a tiny cafe. It's packed with locals. The air is thick with the aroma of mint and something I can only describe as “Moroccan spice.” I order mint tea. One cup turns into two… then three… The tea is so good, so ridiculously refreshing, it’s like a hug in a cup. And then the cafe owner comes over and starts teaching me how to make it. His English is atrocious. My Arabic is non-existent. We communicate with smiles and gestures, somehow.
- 12:00 PM: The tea break continues. Now I'm laughing, feeling completely relaxed, taking pictures. The owner won't allow me to pay. He pours three more cups. This is the best thing. I write in my journal. I forget all about my silly travel plans. I decide to do nothing else except drink mint tea all day.
- 1:00 PM: I wander around, back in the souk. I buy a scarf. It's not beautiful. It's scratchy. But I had to buy it because the seller was the sweetest old man. We laughed over the word “scarf”. He gave me extra mint tea.
- 3:00 PM: Return to the cafe. More tea.
- 5:00 PM: Visit the beach, a few taxis later, I realize that the beach is not that great. I sit on the beach, and the ocean and the city start to feel very far away.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. I find a good, plain dish.
- 9:00 PM: One last journal entry. The room is still small. The bed is still lumpy. But tonight, I'm okay. Maybe this chaotic, confusing, delightful trip isn't so bad after all.
Day 4: Departure (and a Promise to Return for More Chaos)
- 9:00 AM: The last breakfast. Feeling surprisingly sad to leave.
- 10:00 AM: Check out. The front desk guy is nice. He smiles (finally). He says, “See you again!” I think he gets it.
- 11:00 AM: Airport. Found my luggage! (Hallelujah!)
- 12:00 PM: Flight. Looking out the window, I realized that I'm not sure how to describe my trip. It was messy. It was loud. It was exhausting. It was one of the best trips of my life.
Final thoughts: The Ubay Hotel isn't perfect. Morocco is… challenging. But that's the whole point, isn't it? It's a place that grabs you by the throat and shakes you until you laugh. And, you know what? I wouldn't trade it for anything. Now, I’m just planning my next trip, and this time I will be prepared for Harissa Hell.
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Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Ubay Hotel Rabat, Morocco - Your Dream Getaway! (Or, You Know, Maybe?)
Okay, fine, is it REALLY "Unbelievable Luxury"? Like, seriously? Because I've been burned before…
Alright, look, "Unbelievable Luxury"… that's a BIG promise. Do you know how many hotels slap that on their marketing? Probably every single one. So, to answer honestly… It *leans* towards luxury. Think slightly less "Sultan's private palace" and slightly more "Very, very nice hotel with an amazing pool." My first impression was basically, "Wow, this lobby is gorgeous…" followed immediately by "Wait, did that chandelier just *wobble* a little?" (It did. Tiny wobble. Probably just the wind.) And the marble? Oh, the marble. Glorious, polished, likely-cost-more-than-your-car marble. Mostly.
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they actually…livable? And are the beds comfy? Because bad beds are THE WORST.
Okay, the rooms. Here’s the tea: livable? ABSOLUTELY. Spacious? Yep. Did I maybe, possibly, accidentally-on-purpose rearrange the furniture to better fit my Instagram aesthetic? Maybe. Look, I needed the perfect shot of the sunset reflecting off the… wait for it… *massive* windows. The beds? Yes! Gloriously comfy. I mean, I'm a fairly restless sleeper – I blame the coffee, the travel anxiety, the vague sense of impending doom, you know – and I actually slept through the night. Twice. That’s practically a miracle. Though, just to be completely honest, one time I woke up convinced there was a tiny goblin in the room. Probably just the shadows, though. Totally unrelated, right? Probably. Never mind.
The pool. Is the pool as Instagrammable as it looks? Because, you know, priorities.
THE POOL. Alright, here's the deal. The pool is… phenomenal. It's that perfect shade of turquoise that makes you want to dive right in. It's surrounded by plush loungers and…wait for it…*actual living palm trees*. Yes! You can take the obligatory "feet by the pool" shot and actually feel like you're living your best life. Did I spend an ungodly amount of time there, perfecting my "effortlessly chic" pose? Maybe! (Don't judge me, you know you would too.) The pool staff, bless their hearts, were unbelievably patient with me and my quest for the perfect filter. It's the kind of pool where you can forget all your problems…or at least edit them out of the picture. Seriously, go there JUST for the pool.
What about the food? Because bad hotel food IS the actual definition of first-world problems, am I right?
Ohhhh, the food. Look, I’m a person who genuinely and deeply *loves* food. And the food at the Ubay? It’s… good. Very good. The breakfasts are a real highlight – fresh pastries, mountains of fruit, and the most amazing coffee (if you can remember to order it, because the service can be a *little* slow during the morning rush). Dinner at the rooftop restaurant? Romantic. But… (and there's always a 'but,' isn't there?) … one night, I ordered the tagine. It was delicious, truly. But then, maybe 30 minutes later… let's just say I spent a considerable amount of time getting very, very friendly with the hotel bathroom. Not the hotel's fault, probably, maybe I just ate too much baklava earlier. But, you know, it happened. So… proceed with caution. Or maybe just order the pizza. It’s always a safe bet.
Is the staff actually helpful and friendly, or just… pretending? Because sometimes you can TELL.
The staff? Mixed bag, honestly. Some people were genuinely lovely, always smiling, eager to help. Others… well, let’s just say I got a lot of blank stares. Trying to explain, in my terrible French, that I needed more ice for my gin and tonic (a crucial need, I assure you) was a comedy routine. But, hey, that's part of the charm, right? You just roll with it. And eventually, the ice arrives. Possibly with a side of interpretive dance. You never know!
The location. Is it actually *in* Rabat? Or like, miles outside the city, pretending to be? Because I've been tricked before.
The location is pretty good. It's in Rabat, near some stuff. I’m not going to pretend I’m a geography expert; I basically relied on Google Maps. You can walk to some things. Otherwise, taxis are readily available (and relatively cheap, which is always a bonus). Getting to the medina was, you know, an *experience*. Getting back? Even more so. Trying to haggle with a taxi driver at 11 pm after a few mint teas? Pure chaos and a lot of interpretive hand gestures. But, hey, you're in Morocco! That's half the fun, isn't it? (Or maybe 90% of the stress, depending on your personality.)
Would you go back? Be honest!
Hm. Would I go back? Look, the pool, the rooms, the potential for a genuinely relaxing time… it’s tempting. Even with the tagine incident and the questionable chandelier stability. I’m a sucker for a good view and a comfy bed. And honestly, the good moments – those sunset cocktails by the pool, the delicious (and mostly safe) breakfasts, the feeling of being *somewhere else*… those stick with you. So… yeah. Probably. But next time, I'm sticking to the pizza. And maybe bringing my own tiny goblin detector. Just in case.
Let's talk about the spa. Because, you know, the 'luxury' promise demands a spa. Worth it?
The spa. Ah, yes. The promised land of relaxation and… well, more marble. It's there. It's pretty. The hammam experience… that could have gone better. Like, a lot better. I was expecting a soothing experience, maybe a bit of gentle scrubbing, some fragrant oils… What I got was… intense. Very intense. My skin felt like it had been polished by a very enthusiastic, very strong sander. I emerged looking like a slightly red, very smooth lobster. Did it feel luxurious? In a masochistic sort of way, yes. Did I feel relaxed? Eventually. But for a good hour afterwards I was just thinking "Ouch." So, maybe skip the hammam. Or, brace yourself. And maybe ask for the 'gentle' option, if that'sUrban Hotel Search
