Starwood signs W Hotel in Marrakech

Starwood Hotels & Resorts has signed a management contract to introduce its W brand to North Africa. Owned by Dilam Hotel  Development S.A.S., the W Marrakech and The Residences at W Marrakech will include a 150-room hotel and 68 whole-ownership villa residences as part of a luxurious, mixed-use development. The newly constructed property is scheduled to open in mid 2010 in a prime location at the heart of the city's emerging luxury hotel district.

"W continues to extend beyond the boundaries of everyday travel, offering a magical mix of sophisticated destinations and sublime design," said Ross Klein, President of Starwood's Luxury Brands Group. "W Marrakech will offer exclusivity, escape, and indulgence for travelers in the bustling landscape of one of Africa's most dynamic cities. From Marrakech to Milan, Barcelona to Beijing, Hoboken to Hong Kong, W is going global as the influential and innovative lifestyle authority."

A stimulating mix of sights, sounds, and historical treasures await visitors to the mystical city of Marrakech. The destination is home to the largest traditional market in Morocco as well as the busiest square in all of Africa, teeming with musicians, dancers, story-tellers, acrobats and food vendors. W Marrakech is just minutes from the Medina, the city's historical center where guests and resident owners can sample regional cuisine, shop for traditional crafts and explore countless museums, palaces and gardens.

W Marrakech will be a core element of the Al Maaden Resort development and will overlook an 18-hole championship golf course. The hotel's 150 rooms will include 14 W Suites, three WOW Suites, and an Extreme WOW Suite, all decorated in the W signature style including the W bed, a luxurious ensemble featuring a feather-top mattress, 350 thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets and goose-down comforter.

The hotel will feature all of W's signature comforts, including its Living Room experience where guests can socialize while sipping cocktails, two exclusive restaurants, a destination bar as well as a unique poolside bar. W Marrakech will also offer travelers approximately 1,000 square meters of meeting space, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness center, luxury spa and gift shop. Villa residents will enjoy access to services and amenities available to hotel guests.

"Marking the entry of the W brand in North Africa, W Marrakech will provide a unique alternative for our customers, inviting them to discover one of the most charismatic destinations in the world," said Roeland Vos, President of Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Europe, Africa & Middle East.

See other recent news regarding: Travel News Asia, Starwood, W Hotel