destination reports: morocco: Where to stay
Where to stay
Morocco offers a richly diverse range of accommodation options, and this looks set to grow even further as the country looks to achieve 230,000 hotel beds by the end of 2010.
As part of the Plan Azur, six new resorts have opened on the two coasts, including two landmark developments – one in Saidia and the other close to Casablanca.
The new resort in Saidia, on the Mediterranean coast near the Algerian border, offers 12 kilometres of beach and already has Barcelo and Iberostar hotels, which opened in June 2009.
The ultra-luxurious Mazagan Beach Resort, by Kerzner, is another new development just one hour from Casablanca on the Atlantic Coast.
Mazagan Beach Resort, which opened on October 15, 2009, offers 500 rooms and 32 suites. The property is built in a riad style, with all rooms built around a pool area.
Part of a large mixed-use development, the hotel also offers a 2,000-square-metre conference centre, including a 1,500-capacity theatre and many breakout rooms.
So far, groups from Coca Cola, Unilever, Toyota and Honda have all held meetings at the resort since opening, according to Khadija El Idrissi El Hachimi, director of MICE for the property.
The resort also boasts 11 bars and restaurants, and is home to the biggest casino in Africa, with 50 tables, 400 slot machines and private rooms.
Other leisure facilities include a 2,000-square-metre spa offering Espa treatments, Pilates and yoga studio, gym and an 18-hole Gary Player designed golf course.
La Mamounia Marrakesh opened in 2009 adding another luxury accommodation option to the city.
The traditionally-styled resort presents a selection of rooms, suites, signature suites and riads. Meeting facilities include a 450-square-metre Grand Salon, which can be divided into three separate rooms and that can accommodate up to 300 persons. The hotel also offers a business centre, mezzanine room and library.
“The recently opened La Mamounia hotel has had lots of fam trips to the hotel and has reinvigorated the market,” says Abdel Sefrioui, managing director, MCI Travel Morocco.
“The Marrakesh product has been elevated by big hotel names entering the market. Barriere Hotels has also opened, while Royal Mansour offers a very select product ideal for board meetings and small incentives.”
Additional high-end hotel brands set to enter the Moroccan market in the near future include Four Seasons, Raffles and Mandarin Oriental.
Morocco’s meeting and incentive product is constantly evolving and diversifying. Offering a wide variety of activities, a range of accommodation options and some high-tech meeting spaces, it’s an ideal destination for groups travelling from Europe or the Middle East.
