Free Zone Hotel
📍 Address: Entree Zone Franche d’Exportation Boukhalef, 90000 Gzennaïa, Morocco
🔗 Booking.com Link: Free Zone Hotel
🗺️ Google Maps Link: View on Google Maps
Introduction: Arrival & First Impressions in Gzennaïa
When I pulled up along the industrial-looking boulevard of the Free Zone in Gzennaïa, just outside Tangier, I wasn’t entirely sure what kind of base I’d find for my stay in northern Morocco. My plan was simple: use it as a convenient stopover for exploring Tangier, the coast, and the vibrant region. That’s when I discovered the Free Zone Hotel.
As soon as I entered, the lobby felt functional but welcoming. The 24-hour front desk greeted me after a late arrival, and I appreciated being able to check in with ease. Even though the surroundings are not the polished resort promenade of the beach city, there was something honest about the place. I knew this would be more of a practical and local-style stay than a luxurious holiday resort — and for many travellers, that’s exactly the right choice.
Over the next 24 hours I found myself appreciating the quiet, the nearby roads, the ease of access to the airport and Tangier, and the fact that for the price I was getting bed, bathroom, Wi-Fi and relative comfort. If you’re reading this on GeorgieHotels.site and your priority is value + location rather than ultra-luxury, then this hotel may fit your needs.
Hotel Overview: What to Expect at Free Zone Hotel
Free Zone Hotel positions itself as a 2-star property in the Free Zone industrial/transport zone of Gzennaïa (a short drive from Tangier). According to the Booking.com listing, the hotel offers an outdoor pool, a restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and free private parking. (Booking.com)
Strengths
- Free Zone Hotel offers free private parking, which is rare and useful especially if you’ve rented a car or are travelling with a vehicle. (Planet of Hotels)
- There is free Wi-Fi throughout the property — important for bloggers, remote workers or anyone staying a night or two. (Booking.com)
- A 24-hour front desk makes arrival outside standard hours less stressful. (Planet of Hotels)
- The hotel is in a location that tends to serve transit travellers, airport connectors or those who value easy in/out logistics. Some guests rated it “good for early flights”. (Planet of Hotels)
Considerations
- Guest ratings are average with an overall score around 5.9/10 from hundreds of reviews. (Planet of Hotels)
- The décor and condition of the property are described as dated in some reviews (“hotel needs updating”, “walls pretty old”). (Planet of Hotels)
- Because it is situated in a Free Zone / industrial area, the immediate surroundings are less scenic or atmospheric compared to historic medina or beach-front stays.
- If your travel objective is luxury, tranquil resort environment, or scenic seaside front — you may want to choose accordingly.
In summary: Free Zone Hotel is a functional, value-oriented stay, especially suitable for transit, business, or budget travellers who prioritise convenience. I found it to deliver exactly that kind of straightforward lodging.
Rooms & Comfort: My Stay Experience
When I checked in, I was shown to a standard double room. While not extravagant, the room did deliver the essentials: a comfortable bed, air-conditioning, a private bathroom with hot shower, a tea/coffee maker and a small desk. The Booking.com listing confirms that standard doubles and a wide variety of room types (single, double, suite, family rooms) are available. (Booking.com)
What I Liked
- The Wi-Fi worked smoothly — a helpful feature as I needed to upload photos and check my blog drafts.
- The parking facility saved me time — I arrived late from Tangier-Ibn Battouta Airport and didn’t need to park on the street.
- The air-conditioning worked well — northern Morocco in some seasons can still get warm even at night, and this made the room comfortable.
What You Should Know
- Some guests mention the décor is outdated: for example “the quilts should have a cover to protect them”, “furniture needs updating”. (Planet of Hotels)
- The pool is listed but some reviews mention it may not always be fully operational or might be seasonal. (Planet of Hotels)
- Since the hotel is in an industrial/commercial area rather than a scenic tourism zone, the view from the room may simply be of parking lots, warehouse buildings or the street — not mountain vistas or ocean panoramas.
If you’re going in with realistic expectations — comfortable room, good value, easy access — then Free Zone Hotel is fine. If you want scenic views and resort feel, maybe add one extra to step up.
Dining & Food Options
Free Zone Hotel includes an on-site restaurant (as per the listing). (Booking.com) In my stay, I opted for a light dinner in the hotel café/restaurant after arriving late, which worked well: basic Moroccan and international dishes, decent service from friendly staff, and convenience of staying put after travel.
Nearby Dining
Because the hotel is not in the central tourist district, I recommend venturing a little if you want more lively dining options:
- Drive or take a taxi into Tangier proper for views, medina cafés, seaside restaurants.
- Near Gzennaïa and Boukhalef you can find local Moroccan cafés serving tagine, fresh bread, mint tea and grilled fare.
- If you’re staying longer, buying a snack or breakfast from a nearby bakery and using your room tea/coffee maker can be a cost-smart move.
My Tip
After exploring Tangier’s medina and port, I returned to the hotel, relaxed in the lounge area, took a mint tea, and felt glad I had a base that gave me enough energy for a full day out. If your agenda is exploring the region rather than staying in one place, the hotel’s convenience is a plus.
Location & Accessibility: Why It Works
🚗 Getting There & Around
- From Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport (TNG): The hotel listing states the airport is approximately 1.9 miles away. (Booking.com) That means you can arrive late, check-in easily and be ready for next day travels.
- If you have a rental car, the free parking helps.
- The zone is also near major road links because it is in the Free Zone export/industrial area (Entree Zone Franche d’Exportation Boukhalef). This means you’re well-placed for transit to Tangier, Kenitra, and coastal roads.
🚶 Nearby Points of Interest
While the surroundings are not heavily tourist-oriented, the hotel is a good launch point for:
- Exploring Tangier’s historic medina, port and cafés (approx 10-15 minutes drive).
- Coastal excursions along northern Morocco’s Atlantic coastline.
- Early morning flights or transit stays thanks to the proximity of the airport.
✅ Why the Location Works
- Great for travellers with flights, early check-in/out, or those exploring the broader region rather than staying all day in one spot.
- Value-oriented: staying slightly outside the most expensive tourist zones but with easy access in.
- If you accept that you’re in an industrial/zone landscape rather than a scenic beachfront resort, the comfort and convenience make sense.
Things to Do Around Gzennaïa & Tangier
Given that Free Zone Hotel is more of a “base” than a destination resort, here are some recommended excursions:
🕌 Tangier Old-Town & Medina
Drive into Tangier’s bustling medina streets, soak up the mix of Moroccan, Andalusian and international culture, enjoy a seaside café and wander through historical alleys.
🌊 Beach & Coastline
If your stay allows, head out to nearby beaches or take a scenic drive along the Atlantic coast. While the hotel is not right on the beach, access is adequate for day-trips.
🛍️ Shopping & Local Markets
Check out the markets of Tangier for souvenirs, leather goods, spices and enjoy Moroccan street life — the hotel’s location makes accessing these easier by car or taxi.
🧘 Relaxation at the Hotel
If you prefer a quieter schedule: book a later check-in, relax in the hotel lounge, take advantage of the pool (if operational), and enjoy a calm evening before travel day.
Personal Tip
Because this hotel suits transit or value stays, I recommend booking a room on a higher floor or one facing inside if you want quieter nights. Bring ear-plugs if you are a light sleeper and there may be vehicle/zone noise.
Why We Recommend Free Zone Hotel
Here’s a clear summary of why Free Zone Hotel earns a mention on GeorgieHotels.site:
- Excellent value for money – For the price you get decent comfort, parking, Wi-Fi and an accessible location.
- Convenient access to Tangier & airport – Ideal for early flights, transit stays and exploring northern Morocco.
- Functional amenities – Rooms deliver what you need; parking and Wi-Fi stand out.
- Good for short stays – Whether you’re in transit or spending a night or two, this fits smartly.
- Service-oriented staff – Reviews highlight friendly staff and assistance especially for early check-outs. (Planet of Hotels)
If you are looking for a scenic luxury stay, beach resort or immersive tourism lodge, then you might consider other options. But if you want to stay smart, stay connected, stay budget-friendly, the Free Zone Hotel is a strong pick.
FAQ – Free Zone Hotel, Gzennaïa
1. Is breakfast included?
Breakfast is available at the hotel restaurant/café; whether it is included depends on the room/booking type. (Booking.com)
2. How far is the hotel from Tangier city centre?
Approximately 1.0-1.2 km from the centre of Gzennaïa and a short drive into Tangier. (Planet of Hotels)
3. Does the hotel offer free parking?
Yes — free private parking is listed as an available amenity. (Planet of Hotels)
4. Is there a swimming pool?
Yes — the hotel lists an outdoor pool, but reviews suggest it may be seasonal or vary in condition. (Planet of Hotels)
5. What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in from 14:00 and check-out until 12:30. (Skyscanner)
6. Are pets allowed?
Pets are not allowed at the property. (Booking.com)
7. What type of rooms are available?
Various room types: single, double, junior suite with terrace, family rooms etc. (Booking.com)
8. Is this hotel suitable for families?
Yes — there are family room options. But keep in mind the setting is more transit/business than resort-family focused. (Planet of Hotels)
Conclusion: A Practical Base for Your Northern Morocco Trip
If you’re planning to explore northern Morocco, arrive late or depart early, or you simply want a smart value stay near Tangier with easy logistics — then Free Zone Hotel is a pragmatic choice. It won’t be a styled resort photoshoot, but it will serve you well, especially for what you pay.
From my stay, I walked in after a long drive, parked my car for free, relaxed in the room, and the next morning I was on my way early — the kind of experience that works when your schedule is active, your budget conscious, and you prefer exploring to lounging.
👉 Ready to book your stay?
Book your room at Free Zone Hotel on Booking.com and set yourself up for a functional, comfortable stay in the Gzennaïa / Tangier area of Morocco.