The brand's first Moroccan address occupies the upper reaches of the 250-metre Mohammed VI Tower, with five restaurants, a 7,000-piece art collection and an Atlantic-facing spa.
Waldorf Astoria Rabat-Salé has opened its doors in the Mohammed VI Tower, the 250-metre skyscraper that is now the tallest building in Morocco. Rising above the point where the twin cities of Rabat and Salé meet, the 55-room hotel occupies the tower’s upper floors, with views that stretch from the Bouregreg River to the Atlantic. It is the first Waldorf Astoria in the country, and the design runs with a celestial theme – motifs drawn from the stars are woven throughout, a nod to the tower’s rocket-like silhouette.
The 55 rooms and suites, which range from deluxe rooms to three-bedroom suites, are finished in sun-warmed marble and intricate Moroccan detailing, each with a dedicated Personal Concierge – a signature of the brand. Scattered across the property is one of North Africa’s largest private art collections, nearly 7,000 works in all, so that art and artefact turn up in every corner.
Dining is the headline act, with five distinct venues. Peacock Alley, the brand’s hallmark social hub, is anchored by a planetarium-inspired clock that traces the solar system alongside Morocco’s own time. The signature restaurant, Aldabaran – named for one of the brightest stars in the sky – comes from acclaimed French chef Alain Ducasse, with a menu built on seasonality and restraint. Brasserie Magnolia turns to Mediterranean cooking under chef Lahcen Hafid, while two further openings are still to come: The Sapphire Room, a pan-Asian bar on the mezzanine, and Après, an artisanal coffee bar.
Wellness gets a suitably lofty treatment. The Waldorf Astoria Spa looks out over the Atlantic and blends traditional Moroccan hammam rituals with contemporary treatments across six treatment rooms, alongside an Iyashi dome, a heated quartz sand table, an ice room and a sauna. Guests also have an indoor pool, an ocean-facing infinity pool, a 24-hour gym and a relaxation lounge.
For events, the hotel offers almost 1,300 square metres of space, including a grand ballroom and three meeting rooms handled by a dedicated team. “We are proud to bring the iconic Waldorf Astoria brand to Rabat-Salé, setting a new benchmark for refined luxury in Morocco’s capital,” said Guy Hutchinson, president, Middle East and Africa, Hilton.
The location is as connected as it is elevated. The hotel sits within easy reach of UNESCO World Heritage sites including the Kasbah of the Udayas and the Hassan Tower, as well as the newly opened Grand Theatre of Rabat. Rabat-Salé International Airport is only minutes away, and high-speed rail links the capital to Casablanca and Tangier – putting much of Morocco within comfortable reach of one very tall front door.