W hotel brand to get Morocco debut in 2017

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide’s W brand is to make its Morocco debut in 2017 with a 148-room property in Marrakech.

W Marrakech, owned by Morocco-based Menatlas 14 SA, will be located in the city’s Hivernage district, a short walk from the Medina and a 15-minute drive from Marrakech Menara Airport.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East president Michael Wale said: “The fast-paced and cosmopolitan vibe in Marrakech makes it the perfect backdrop for the innovative flair of W Hotels.

“We are confident that W Marrakech will offer both locals and global jetsetters alike a new, cutting-edge experience in the Red City.”

The new hotel will offer a signature restaurant, an all-day dining venue, a destination bar, an outdoor bar and W Living Room, the brand’s take on the traditional hotel lobby.

It will also have a spa, fitness facility, 24-hour business centre and outdoor pool deck, as well as more than 1000 square metres of meeting and event space, including a ballroom for larger celebrations.

The interiors of the new-build project will be designed by GA Design International, which has previously worked on W Taipei and The St. Regis Osaka. Among the 148 modern guest rooms and suites will be one Extreme Wow Suite, the W brand’s interpretation of the Presidential Suite.

Starwood has already opened 44 hotels and retreats around the world under the W brand and is targeting 60 by 2018, including openings in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.