Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport is not always associated with luxury or seamless airport experiences, which makes the Royal Air Maroc Zenith I Lounge all the more intriguing. Often discussed with mixed opinions online, this lounge offers a far more refined and enjoyable experience than many travelers might expect. From its striking design to its generous food offering, the Zenith I Lounge presents a compelling option for passengers seeking comfort before their flight.
Location: Easy to Miss if You’re Not Paying Attention
One of the most important things to know about the Royal Air Maroc Zenith I Lounge is its location. It is situated immediately after the security check, on the right-hand side. This positioning is both convenient and slightly deceptive. Many travelers instinctively continue walking toward the duty-free area, assuming that lounges are located deeper within the terminal. Doing so, however, means you will completely miss the entrance. For first-time visitors, this detail is crucial, as there is minimal signage drawing attention to the lounge before you pass it.
Design and Atmosphere: A Modern Space with African Character
Upon entering the lounge, the first impression is striking. The Zenith I Lounge is visually stunning, with a design that feels both modern and rooted in regional identity. The space is filled with comfortable seating options, ranging from plush armchairs to more structured lounge seating, all thoughtfully arranged to create both privacy and openness.
A defining feature of the lounge is its use of greenery. Numerous plants are integrated throughout the space, adding a refreshing natural element that gives the lounge a distinctly African vibe. This design choice softens the otherwise contemporary interior and creates a more relaxing, organic atmosphere.
The lounge is spread across two floors, which adds to its sense of space. Interestingly, the lower level offers a more premium experience, with better seating and a more refined ambiance. Travelers who want the best the lounge has to offer should make their way downstairs rather than settling on the upper level.
Food Offering: Generous Selection with a Small Catch
The food selection at the Zenith I Lounge is one of its strongest aspects, even during breakfast hours. The buffet is notably ample, offering a wide variety of options that cater to different tastes. Guests can enjoy sandwiches, a selection of cheeses, multiple pastries, soups, and hot dishes including sausages and freshly prepared omelettes. The omelettes, in particular, stand out for their flavor, often prepared with a generous amount of olive oil that enhances their richness. Overall, the quality and variety of food exceed what many travelers might expect from a lounge in Casablanca.
However, there is a procedural quirk that slightly detracts from the experience. Instead of freely serving yourself, you need to ask the chef for food. While this may be intended to maintain hygiene or presentation standards, it introduces a level of inconvenience. Even when the lounge is not crowded, the process can take longer than expected. This raises legitimate concerns about potential wait times during peak hours, when demand is higher and queues could form.
Drinks: Quality Choices, but Service Could Be Smoother
The lounge features two separate bar areas, which suggests a strong emphasis on beverage service. However, the process for obtaining drinks mirrors the same inconvenience found with the food service. Guests must order every drink directly from the bar, including something as simple as water. This removes the ease and autonomy typically associated with lounge experiences.
Despite this, the quality of the beverages is noteworthy. The orange juice, in particular, is exceptionally good, standing out as one of the highlights of the drink selection. It offers a fresh and vibrant taste that complements the overall food offering and adds a touch of authenticity to the experience.
Overall Experience: Better Than Its Reputation Suggests
The Royal Air Maroc Zenith I Lounge is, overall, a very solid airport lounge that deserves more credit than it often receives. While online reviews sometimes lean negative, the reality is far more nuanced. The lounge delivers a visually appealing environment, a generous and tasty food selection, and a comfortable space to relax before a flight.
Yes, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the service model for food and drinks, which can feel unnecessarily restrictive and slow. However, these drawbacks do not outweigh the lounge’s strengths. In fact, compared to many other oneworld lounges around the world, Zenith I holds its own remarkably well. There are certainly worse lounges within the alliance, making this one a pleasant surprise rather than a disappointment.
