Waldorf Astoria debuts in Rabat-Salé | News
Rising above the capital in the iconic Mohammed VI Tower – Morocco’s tallest building – Waldorf Astoria Rabat Salé opens its doors today. This 55-room hotel combines timeless Waldorf Astoria elegance with the rich cultural soul of Morocco. Located where the twin cities of Rabat and Salé meet and offering panoramic views from the Bouregreg River to the Atlantic Ocean, the hotel draws inspiration from the stars with celestial motifs woven throughout the design. Guests can enjoy five distinctive dining experiences, indulge in a serene spa, explore one of the region’s most extensive private art collections or host unforgettable moments in nearly 1,300 square feet of opulent event space.
A carefully designed cultural retreat
Each of the beautifully manicured 55 rooms and suites is designed to reflect the artistry and landscape of Morocco through sun-warmed marble and intricate motifs that tell a story about the place. From deluxe rooms to three-bedroom suites, each space reflects the intimacy of a private home with a dedicated personal concierge ready to tailor each guest’s stay – a hallmark of Waldorf Astoria hotels around the world.
With almost 7,000 works, the hotel houses one of the largest private art collections in North Africa. Every corner of the hotel is decorated with art and artefacts – thousands of pieces that carry the stories of their creators from Morocco and beyond.
Flavors from all over the world
Peacock Alley, the hotel’s elegant social center and a hallmark of the Waldorf Astoria brand, is home to the iconic clock – a planetarium-inspired masterpiece that tracks the solar system alongside Morocco’s own time. Under the canopy, guests can enjoy afternoon tea, coffee or handcrafted cocktails in an environment that celebrates cultural exchange and refined hospitality.
Aldabaran, the signature restaurant of iconic chef Alain Ducasse, brings global prestige and refined gastronomy to Rabat. Named after one of the brightest stars in the sky, another nod to the hotel’s celestial motifs, the location offers an atmosphere of radiant tranquility. The menu reflects Ducasse’s focus on purity, seasonality and restraint, with highlights including line-caught sea bass with artichokes and radicchio, Wagyu beef tenderloin with polenta and pepper jus, roasted lamb saddle with vegetable caponata and Tropézienne tart scented with orange blossom.
Elsewhere, guests can enjoy fresh Mediterranean flavors from acclaimed chef Lahcen Hafid at Brasserie Magnolia. Upcoming openings include The Sapphire Room, a bold pan-Asian mezzanine bar where music, cocktails and shareable bites set the rhythm of the night, and Après, the hotel’s coffee bar serving artisanal treats.
Wellness with Moroccan soul
The Waldorf Astoria Spa overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and combines Moroccan wellness rituals with contemporary luxury. Guests can experience treatments rooted in the healing arts of Morocco, such as the traditional hammam, while the spa’s specialized wellness facilities include six treatment rooms, a detoxifying Iyashi dome, a heated quartz sand table, an ice room and a sauna. In addition to the spa, guests can enjoy an indoor pool, an infinity pool with ocean views, a state-of-the-art 24-hour gym and a relaxation area.
Iconic events
Guests can choose from nearly 1,300 square feet of event space, including a grand ballroom with ornate details and three meeting rooms. The hotel’s dedicated events team ensures that every occasion, from diplomatic or corporate receptions to milestone celebrations, is executed with precision, discretion and the signature personal service that defines the Waldorf Astoria brand.
Guy Hutchinson, president, Middle East and Africa, Hilton, said: “Morocco represents one of the world’s fastest evolving destinations, welcoming more than 18 million tourists by 2025, with Rabat playing a growing role in the national ambition to reach 20 million tourists by 2030. We are proud to bring the iconic Waldorf Astoria brand to Rabat-Salé and set a new benchmark for refined luxury in Morocco’s capital. This opening marks an exciting new chapter for the brand as we continue to expand our luxury portfolio into key cities, giving discerning travelers unparalleled access to the heritage, artistry and ambition that define this destination.
“Waldorf Astoria Rabat Salé embodies the essence of what our brand stands for: a dialogue between heritage and modernity, art and hospitality, culture and design,” said Dino Michael, senior vice president and category head of Hilton Luxury Brands. “Morocco has long inspired dreamers, makers and travelers with its rhythm and beauty, and this opening captures that spirit through a distinct Waldorf Astoria lens. Every detail, from the art collection to the cuisine, tells a story of connection and serves as a bridge between worlds that feel simultaneously timeless and new.”
The hotel is within easy reach of UNESCO World Heritage sites including the Kasbah of the Udayas and the Hassan Tower, the historic medinas of Rabat and Salé, and recently launched cultural attractions such as the Grand Theater of Rabat. The luxury property is just minutes from Rabat-Salé International Airport and connected by high-speed train to Casablanca and Tangier. It provides access to the capital and beyond. Reservations can be made directly through the hotel’s website or through the Hilton Honors mobile app. Waldorf Astoria Rabat Salé is part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 27 world-class brands.
