Global hotel chain Marriott International has opened its first luxury safari lodge property in Africa at the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
The JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge features 20 luxurious and expansive ensuite tents, all with private decks overlooking the famed banks of River Talek.
The Mara lodge is the fourth property in Kenya by the US hotel brand and marks its entry into the African safari segment.
“Fostering meaningful connections and nourishing the soul is at the heart of the JW Marriott brand, so entering the luxury safari segment is a natural next step,” said Bruce Rohr, JW Marriott global brand leader.
Guests at the lodge will share a dining area, lounge bar, spa, gym, photographic studio, garden and a large outdoor viewing deck with fire pit.
A night at the Mara lodge costs at least $1,715 (Sh222,950), putting it in the league of the likes of Mahali Mzuri where rates per night start from $ 1,485 (Sh193,090).
“We are excited to welcome travellers to a transformative and wellness-forward stay delivered with JW Marriott’s legacy of extraordinary hospitality,” said Mr Rohr.
JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio of brands that includes others like Four Points, Marriott Hotels, Autograph Collection Hotels and W Hotel.
In 2018, Sankara and Marriott Group signed a franchise agreement that saw the Westlands hotel trade under its independently operated premium brand, Autograph Collection.
Marriott also operates two other hotels in Nairobi, including the 172-room Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport which opened in October 2017 and the 96-room Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Hurlingham, which was a conversion.
The hospitality group also announced in 2019 plans to establish another facility under its affiliate Protea Hotel brand as part of its Sh31 billion investment by its partners in Nairobi.
Twenty-nine global hotel brands are considering opening new facilities in Kenya.
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