Algiers: The spirit of the place according to Hacène Hebbar

If there's one new place that's a must-see, it's the Museum of Modern Art, opened in 2007 to mark the "Algiers Capital of Arab Culture" year. This museum, housed in the former Galeries de France, is a real success story. Its original neo-Moorish style has been preserved with great sobriety. Everything is impeccably white, adding a very contemporary touch to this 1909 building. The bad news is that the MaMa is not yet completely finished and will soon have to close for a few months. The good news is that it will house several chic restaurants, a café and boutiques. It will undoubtedly be the address of the city.

One of the other major official renovation projects is that of the El Aurassi state hotel, a massive building dating from the 1970s located on the heights. From its terrace, the view over Algiers is unique. I like to have a drink there with clients to talk business. The location lends itself very well to this. As does the Hôtel El Djazair, where such distinguished visitors as Gide, Eisenhower and Cocteau once stayed. Its terrace overlooks a sumptuous garden fragrant with jasmine and orange blossom. Many businessmen and women meet here.

For a stay, on the other hand, I would recommend the Sofitel. Even if its 1990s exterior has aged a little, the service is absolutely irreproachable. Especially as the 4th floor has just been redecorated and transformed into an Executive Floor with a dedicated concierge, lounge and secretarial services. The Sofitel is also home to Algiers' most popular restaurant, El Mordjane, which reopened at the end of August after renovation. Here too, the Moorish style is refined and contemporary, and the traditional cuisine is highly refined.

To organise meetings or corporate events, I'd say you should opt for the sumptuous setting of the Palais des Raïs, at the foot of the Casbah. This is a group of Moorish houses classified as a historic monument. It is one of the few places in Algiers to offer a terrace overlooking the beach. Many companies use it for private seminars or parties. In any case, the place is well worth a visit, at least for the view.

Hacène Hebbar's good addresses

Mama, Modern Art Museum of Algiers

25, rue Larbi Ben Mhidi - Tel.: +213 21 302 130

Hotel El Aurassi

2, boulevard Frantz Fanon - Tel: +213 21 74 82 52 - Fax: +213 21 71 72 87 - E-mail: aurassi@yahoo.com - Internet: www.el-aurassi.com

El Djazair Hotel

24, avnue Souidani - Tel: +213 21 692 121 - Fax: +213 21 693 508 - Email: hoteldjazai@wissal.dz - Internet: www.hoteleldjazair.dz

Sofitel Hotel

172, rue Hassiba Benbouali - Tel: +213 21 685 210 - Fax: +213 21 673 142 - Email: h1540@sofitel.com - Internet : sofitel.accor.com

Restaurant El Mordjane

Hôtel Sofitel. 172, rue Hassiba Benbouali - Tel: +213 21 685 210 - Fax: +213 21 673 142 - Email: h1540@sofitel.com - Internet : sofitel.accor.com

Palais Des Raïs

23, boulevard Amara-Rachid - Tel: +213 21 710 258.