For anyone travelling to Morocco to find the essence of the Beatnik experience, Tangier is a "must" as is a stay at the Hotel Continental. Used by the film crew of Bertullici's film adaptation of Paul Bowles' "The Sheltering Sky", this faded queen of the cliffs is both gracious and comfortable. Tucked deep within the Petit Socco, it offers a great location and a safe haven from the crowds without. Good luck leaving without stealing the furniture!
Tangier can be a challenging city to enter by sea -- the ferry terminal is awash with touts who want to take you to hotels of their own (i.e., hotels that pay them a commission for bodies). It's the only city in Africa I've ever booked a room in before arriving -- I really wanted to be able to run the gauntlet with the security of having a home base.
Rooms are reminiscent of the turn of the century, the last hurrah of its colonial days. Its views of the harbour are stunning.