Leva Hotels Set to Launch in Casablanca
Leva Hotels, a Dubai-based hotel chain, is poised to make its debut in Morocco with the upcoming opening of the Leva Casablanca Hotel on June 1, 2026. This marks the brand's first foray into North Africa, facilitated through a management agreement with Ares Invest. The property, which formerly operated as the Washington Hotel, will undergo a phased renovation while remaining operational, transforming into a lifestyle-focused destination located in the Mer Sultan area of Casablanca.
Strategic Expansion in a Growing Market
The signing of this agreement highlights Leva Hotels’ strategic approach of leveraging intangible assets, focusing on conversions in rapidly growing urban markets. By acquiring existing properties, the group aims to expedite market entry, minimizing development time and capital exposure. The Leva Casablanca Hotel will cater to business travelers, tourists, and long-stay guests, featuring flexible room designs and interactive public spaces. The repositioning will incorporate updated interiors and enhanced room offerings, aligning with the brand's commitment to premium design. Planned amenities include a co-working style lobby, an all-day dining restaurant, a rooftop eatery, and a gym and spa, which will be introduced in subsequent phases.
This approach reflects a broader shift toward hybrid hospitality models that integrate work, social interaction, and entertainment within a single facility. For operators, conversion models continue to gain traction as a faster route for expansion into competitive city markets. This initiative comes at a time when Morocco's tourism sector is experiencing robust growth, having welcomed 17.4 million visitors in 2024, with a target of reaching 26 million by 2030, supported by a national tourism plan and preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Casablanca, as a commercial hub with strong transportation networks, represents a key market for both business and tourism services. This creates opportunities for lifestyle-focused brands to attract a diverse range of travelers, whether for short or extended stays. JS Anand, Founder and Chairman of Leva Hotels, stated that the opening of the Casablanca hotel aligns with the group's focus on entering promising markets early. He noted, "The Casablanca hotel offers an ideal blend of business needs, connectivity, and cultural vibrancy, consistent with our focus on high-growth markets." This expansion enables Leva Hotels to establish a presence in North Africa while catering to the diverse demand across the region.
As reported by ar.connectingtravel.com.
