Millennium Hotels and Resorts has announced detailed plans for its expansion into North Africa with the launch of two luxurious new properties in Morocco.

Currently under construction, the Millennium Hotel Agadir and Millennium Hotel Marrakech will open in Winter 2002 and Summer 2003 respectively.

Both hotels are situated in prime locations, the Millennium Hotel Agadir lies besides a ten kilometre beach of fine golden sand whilst the Millennium Hotel Marrakech is in the centre of the beautiful Imperial city, at the foot of the High Atlas mountains.

MILLENNIUM HOTEL AGADIR (Winter 2002) - Situated on a beautiful sandy beach in the new five star exclusive resort area of Baie des Palmiers, the Millennium Hotel Agadir is set to become one of the most attractive five star hotels in the city when it opens in November this year. Taking its aesthetic cue from regional Islamic architecture and the characteristics of Morocco, the hotel’s Kasbah-like exterior has a feeling of continuity and harmony with the surrounding area. Its distinctively warm and welcoming ambience will assure guests of the impeccable traditional hospitality to follow.

Guest facilities include 291 luxurious guestrooms, with six Diplomatic Suites and one Royal Suite and a magnificent Grand Ballroom. The Millennium Hotel Agadir is set to become a favourite with leisure travellers as well as the conference, meetings & incentives market.

Guest rooms are reflective of the richness and opulence shown in all aspects of the hotel, complete with a long bath and shower, electronic safe, IDD telephone & voicemail, computer & facsimile data ports, satellite TV, remote internet access via the TV, hair dryer and mini bar. The Royal Suite features its own private swimming pool.

With a diverse range of places to dine, guests can look forward to experiencing gastronomic delights with distinctive cuisines from around the world, including a gourmet Italian restaurant and the freshest local fish at the Seafood restaurant. Two bars, a nightclub and karaoke lounge further enliven the evenings.

The Millennium Hotel Agadir also offers guests a variety of more active pursuits. In addition to the beach and stunning outdoor swimming pool, which is the focal point of the Hotel’s architecture, there are two tennis courts and a Health & Fitness club. Other guest facilities include a crèche and several shops.

To manage this luxurious property, Swiss born hotelier Bruno Semeoni has been appointed General Manager. He was previously Vice President of Operations for Caesar Hotels and Resorts in Taiwan. Prior to that, Bruno held several senior management positions with properties such as The Westin Resort, Macau; The Renaissance Hotel in Hokkaido, Japan and Marco Polo International Hotels.

Bruno will be reporting directly to Franz Zeller, General Manager of Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi and Senior Vice President Middle East & North Africa for Millennium Hotels and Resorts.

MILLENNIUM HOTEL MARRAKECH (mid-2003) - A boutique hotel, the 5-star deluxe Millennium Hotel Marrakech promises to be exclusive and intimate, combining discretion, style, sophistication and elegance. Located in Quartier Hivernage, the hotel will provide the finest and most luxurious guest experience throughout the entire property from its individual guest suites to the public spaces, amenities and grounds.

Organised around a central courtyard, the hotel’s design uses the play of natural light and running water in a variety of ways. Whilst upper facades are simple, elegant and understated in their expression and detail, the ground floor features more ornamental elements with highly decorative doors, columns and archways. Complemented by a beautiful private courtyard within the site, all aspects of the interior décor combine to create a truly individual experience.

Each of the 40 suites exhibits a combination of traditional and contemporary styling with views overlooking either the fountains or the garden and pool areas. Guests enter each suite via a traditional Moroccan gateway and each interior is sumptuously decorated and appointed with state of the art electronics and a private Jacuzzi. The two Diplomatic suites and one Royal suite have all the features that guests would expect including an outdoor hot tub, private terraces and private entrances.

An elegant bar, located to the left of the lobby, combines traditional charm with the exoticism of Marrakech, making it the perfect setting in which to relax and unwind. The gourmet restaurant reflects the eclectic nature of contemporary Morocco with its own private garden for dining. By the pool-side, flanking the lobby, the Tea Room provides a comfortable alternative to the Library Lounge for tea or cocktails.
The hotel also features a spa, which is surrounded by lush gardens, which provides all of the treatments and facilities expected by the international luxury traveller.

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