Canopy by Hilton Debut in North Africa

July 13, 2020

Hilton has signed a management agreement with an investment vehicle managed by Yamed Capital, one of Morocco’s leading real estate groups, to open a hotel under its lifestyle Canopy by Hilton brand. Plans for the 158-guestroom Canopy by Hilton Casablanca Les Arènes were unveiled live on yesterday’s grand premiere of Metropolitan Casablanca, a live online TV show about the vibrant, multi-faceted, avant-garde Casablanca – which featured an appearance by Jochem-Jan Sleiffer, president, MEA&T, Hilton.

Located in the so-called “golden triangle” of Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city, Canopy by Hilton will be part of ‘Metropolitan’, a brand-new mixed-use residential, retail and hotel project under development. Forming a central part of this development, Canopy by Hilton Casablanca Les Arènes will house three food and beverage outlets, four meeting rooms and one large function room, in addition to a gym, a spa and an outdoor pool. The hotel is expected to start welcoming guests by 2024 and is the brand’s first property in Morocco and North Africa.

“Casablanca is Morocco’s financial and business capital, located at the heart of the country’s intercity road network. As such, choosing it to unveil Canopy by Hilton comes as an important step in Hilton’s plan to expand in Morocco,” said Carlos Khneisser, vice president of Development, Middle East and Africa, Hilton. “I am delighted that we have reached this agreement with Yamed Capital, a market leader in the real estate sector, to bring a brand-new hotel to the heart of the Metropolitan project in Les Arènes, Casablanca.”

Dating back to the early 20th century, Les Arènes was the city’s cultural hub where famous Moroccan and international artists such as Johnny Hallyday, Ray Charles, Fayrouz and Dalida gathered to display their art, and popular events took place. Nowadays, the neighborhood houses Casablanca’s finest dining and fashionable shopping options, making it a prime destination where history meets modernity.

Canopy by Hilton Casablanca Les Arènes is set to be a true reflection of the surrounding neighbourhood. Offering local delicacies in the café, all the way to the amenities that make it a home away from home, the modern hotel will embody the historical spirit and artistic flair of Les Arènes.

“Yamed is proud to be welcoming the first Canopy by Hilton hotel in North Africa, within an emblematic mixed-use development program in the heart of Casablanca. We have been working over the past months with a team of world-class professionals (including Jean-Philippe Nuel and TP Bennett) in order to conceive a unique lifestyle destination”, said Karim Beqqali, Founder and CEO of Yamed Capital. “Our ambition is to establish Metropolitan as a new urban landmark in Casablanca and a crossroad for travelers, professionals and families, both local and international. We believe that the Canopy by Hilton brand will fit perfectly within this spirit”.

Canopy by Hilton was launched in 2014 to appeal to travellers seeking locally inspired stays and wishing to immerse themselves in the culture and history of local neighborhoods. There are 13 Canopy hotels open around the globe and more than 41 under development across 14 countries and territories. Aiming to guarantee travelers unique and authentic experiences, Canopy by Hilton was first introduced in the Middle East and Africa region in late 2019, with the opening of Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef.