'Affordable Chic' at Marrakech Hotel
by juliana
| June 5, 2006 at 4:12 PM |
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One of the greatest hotel challenges today is finding a room in New York City for under $200. Often times, getting that price means compromising location, like staying in New Jersey.
Yet this summer, under $200 for a Manhattan hotel room is do-able. Hotel Marrakech on the Upper West Side is offering a bit of downtown's boutique cool for an affordable $129 during its soft opening phase.
The hotel compromises a bit on location at 103rd and Broadway, but the area is experiencing a bit of a rebirth with new restaurants and swank residential spaces popping up nearby. Central Park is only a few blocks away and there's both a major subway and bus line in the area.
Soft opening does mean the Marrakech is still adding the final touches to their overhaul of what was once the Malibu Hotel. But forget the reviews on TripAdvisor about the Malibu's rodent and general cleanliness problems.
The folks behind Marrakech have given the building a total facelift hiring hip designer Lionel Ohayon, who has done the designs for nightclubs and restaurants such as Aer, Crobar and Hyde Los Angeles, to implement the hotel's authentic Moroccan design and ambience.
More on Marrakech Hotel after the jump
Seeking to appeal to young, tech-savvy travelers the hotel lobby is more of a lounge, where colorful ottomans and tables foster a laid-back place for people to meet up and hang out.
The bedrooms are a typical New York City size with either with one queen bed or two single beds, but have comfortable, clean sheets and duvets, along with Eco toiletries in the bathroom.
Of course, the price is so low now because not everything is in place. The hotel is still awaiting a liquor license and a few more amenities such as LCD TVs with On-Command movies. WiFi is available now for $9.95 a day in the lobby but the service will be free througout when the hotel is fully up and running.
One thing you should be aware of is that the hotel does not have an elevator. There's a steep stairway up to the lobby, but we were assured that two staffers will always be on hand to assist guests with luggage.
The hotel plans to fully open before summer's out, which means room rates will rise to $240 so take advantage of the soft opening prices this summer.
Stay tuned for more on Marrakech Hotel's design and an interview with Lionel Ohayona tomorrow.
Related Stories:
· Marrakech Hotel reviews [TripAdvisor]
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