Morgans Hotels in Partnership with Hivernage Collection

New York (USA) – 20 June 2012 – Morgans Hotel Group Co. the New York-based hospitality management company, today announced a partnership with Moroccan entrepreneur Ahmed Bennani and Hivernage Collection which will see the unveiling of two properties in Marrakech, Morocco; a 73-room Delano slated to open in September 2012, followed by a Mondrian-branded property scheduled to open in late 2013. The collaboration was marked by a meeting with representatives from both parties, who came together to sign 15-year management agreements for both properties.

Located in the heart of the Hivernage District, Delano Marrakech, the brand’s second outpost and first international property, reflects Morgans Hotel Group’s global expansion plan for its signature luxury brand.

Following the footsteps of its South Beach predecessor, Delano Marrakech will provide world-travelers with another sophisticated world-class urban resort marked by unparalleled style and five-star service. As a self-contained destination, Delano Marrakech will offer a haven of luxury and relaxation in heart of the vibrant, magical city.

Commenting on the brands’ expansion into the North African market, Michael Gross, Chief Executive Officer of Morgans Hotel Group, said: “We are excited to be working with Ahmed Bennani and his team to bring the second Delano in the world to Marrakech. This collaboration signifies Morgans Hotel Group’s entry into North Africa and we are thrilled to be one of the first U.S. based hotel companies to extend our brand portfolio to the dynamic city of Marrakech. Delano has become a truly iconic brand, synonymous with luxury and unrivaled standards of service, and our Marrakech property will showcase this unique hotel offering to a brand new audience.”

Designed by internationally acclaimed interior designer Jacques Garcia, the hotel’s unconventional baroque interior brings together precious marbles, sumptuous draped velvet, and rare fabrics to create a relaxing and intimate atmosphere that befits Delano’s discerning guests. Delano Marrakech is a luxurious boutique hotel boasting 73-opulent suites, a 20,000 square foot spa offering the some of the most prestigious wellness brands in the world including Valmont and marocMaroc, as well as three private pools.

Delano Marrakech will become a premier nightlife destination with the introduction of a brand new roof deck, which will be programmed during the day and evening hours, as well as a subterranean nightclub located below the ground level of the hotel. The Light Group, one of the United States’ leading hospitality development and management companies, in which Morgans Hotel Group acquired a controlling interest last November, will operate both venues. The Light Group has a ten-year proven track record of delivering cutting-edge food and beverage experiences at world-class locations.

Delano Marrakech will also showcase new lounge and bar concepts to offer guests a diverse array of nightlife venues to choose from without ever needing to leave the resort. To complete the experience, Delano guests can dine at the hotels’ French or Italian restaurants, which are presided over by Michelin stared chefs, Michel Rostang and Giancarlo Morelli respectively.

For the last 30 years, culinary legend Rostang has received wide spread acclaim from critics and foodies alike. His latest venture, Bon R, further demonstrates Rostang’s passion for food with his simple yet exquisite dishes. Opening in August, Bon R will offer a French menu with pairings of classical and modern flavours for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dishes will change weekly, enabling Rostang-trained chefs to constantly create and inspire using fresh seasonal ingredients.

This August also sees the opening of Giancarlo Morelli’s latest offering, Pomireu. Morelli, renowned for marrying traditional Italian techniques with boundless creativity, has concocted a menu with a feast of flavours not to be missed. Italian fine dining offering Pomireu will bring a slice of old school Italian glamour to Marrekech.

Just minutes from downtown Marrakech in the hotel area of Agdal, the 69-room Mondrian Marrakech, will provide guests with an oasis of rest and relaxation. The hotel will comprise a portion of a 480,000 square foot complex that will include extensive state of the art fitness facilities, several food and beverage outlets and world class spa facilities. This expansion of the Mondrian brand joins the collection of planned Mondrian hotels in London, the Bahamas, Doha and Istanbul.

Morgans Hotels Group currently has properties in Boston, New York, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco and London.

ABOUT MORGANS HOTEL GROUP
Morgans Hotel Group Co. (NASDAQ: MHGC) is widely credited as the creator of the first “boutique” hotel and a continuing leader of the hotel industry’s boutique sector. Morgans Hotel Group operates Morgans, Royalton and Hudson in New York, Delano and Shore Club in South Beach, Mondrian in Los Angeles, South Beach and New York, Clift in San Francisco, Ames in Boston, Sanderson and St Martins Lane in London, and a hotel in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Morgans Hotel Group also owns, or has ownership interests in, several of these hotels. Morgans Hotel Group has other property transactions in various stages of completion, including a Delano and a Mondrian in Turkey, a Hudson in London, a Mondrian in Doha, Qatar, a Mondrian in Nassau, The Bahamas and a Mondrian in London. Morgans Hotel Group also owns a 90% controlling interest in The Light Group, a leading lifestyle food and beverage company.

Media Contact:
Lauren Buchman
lauren.buchman@mhgc.com
+1-212-277-4118