Marriott opens maiden property in Morocco

Posted in News on 11 January, 2017

Marriott International has opened Fes Marriott Hotel Jnan Palace, a new property under the signature Marriott Hotels brand located in the heart of the city of Fes.

The hotel represents Marriott Hotels entry into Morocco and Marriott Internationals first property in the city.

The Fes Marriott Hotel features 244 guest rooms and 1,390 m2 of flexible meeting space along with a wide selection of restaurants.

The hotel’s convention centre can accommodate 1,300 guests.

Marriott International Middle East and Africa president and managing director Alex Kyriakidis said: “We are thrilled to be opening our first Marriott Hotel in Morocco and we believe the property will play a significant role in catering to the desires of business and leisure tourists alike. Marriott is committed to the North African market, and our rapid expansion demonstrates our belief in the continent’s booming economies.”

Located in the North East of Morocco, the city of Fes is often referred to as the country’s cultural capital.

It’s primarily known for its Fes El Bali walled medina, with medieval Marinid architecture, vibrant souks and old-world atmosphere.

The medina is home to religious schools such as the 14th-century Bou Inania and Al Attarine, both decorated with elaborate cedar carvings and ornate tile work.

In the hotel, three restaurants and four bars will be headlined by L’Herbier De L’Atlas: a Moroccan restaurant well known in the community to serve traditional local cuisine with identity and special dishes.

The hotel will also feature Dolce Vita a contemporary Italian restaurant, Marriott Café, and the The Piano Bar.

Award-winning design practice Areen Hospitality is working on the interiors of this five-star hotel. Andrew Linwood, Head of Design of Areen Hospitality, said: ”As always we search for a balance between providing durable and functional spaces, while still offering an interior which surprises and embraces its guests. Traditional Moroccan hospitality is renowned the world over and we wanted to capture this essence within the new JW Marriott Tetouan. Creatively this is always a challenge but one which we feel we have successfully met on this project.”

Soft colours and fabrics are used throughout the scheme, hand tufted rugs in the public areas alongside richly detailed screens. Locally-sourced marble and timber are used extensively, complimented by Arabic geometric patterns incorporated within floor and wall finishes.

Eugenia Rolando, Associate of Areen Hospitalit, said: “Inspiration for the design of the interiors is drawn from traditional Moroccan patterns, materials and heritage. Alongside respecting these values, we wanted to provide an elegant and sophisticated interior offering a warm welcome to all hotel guests.”