Soaring 28 storeys high above Tripoli’s waterfront skyline, the fabulous Corinthia Bab Africa takes pride of place as Libya’s first and only five-star hotel.
The stunning twin-tower property is also testament to the rapid growth of the Corinthia Group as an international brand, and is helping drive the Group’s growth in the country, says Corinthia Hotels International’s director Joseph Pisani.
Located in the heart of Tripoli’s central business district adjacent to the old fortifications of the city, the hotel has a total of 300 five-star rooms and suites, overlooking the Mediterranean.
And like its sister property – the world famous Corinthia Palace in Malta – it has become another jewel in the crown of this dynamic hospitality group.
The Maltese-headquartered Corinthia is rightly proud of its Mediterranean traditions and now has 20 four- and five-star city and resort hotels in key locations across Europe and Africa.
The Corinthia Bab Africa is a masterpiece that sets new standards of excellence on the African Continent by way of its spectacular architecture, luxurious interior design, and superior services.
It boasts a separate commercial centre, spa and extensive banqueting and conference facilities and since its launch in 2003, has quickly become the preferred venue for international and Libyan visitors, says Pisani.
“We have established a reputation in Tripoli and overseas as the property of choice for our dynamic and welcoming approach to business,” Pisani comments. “In our palatial lobby one can meet holidaymakers ready to take excursions to the stunning Roman ruins of Lepcis Magna as well as the international business traveller, who is increasingly present in Libya by the day.”
Corinthia first started its Libyan operations in 1977 with a catering contract and over the last decade has accelerated its spectacular growth that culminated in the opening of the Corinthia Bab Africa.
“Also, attention to detail is everything and the quality of the finished products and services are essential, and the development of new property in Libya was no exception. Our chairman and chief executive, Alfred Pisani, has been strengthening Corinthia’s business interests for many years and I recall that he did not like the first mock-ups, sample rooms and the décor for the Bab Africa. We went through a period of critical evaluation and painstaking research that eventually led to the final selection of fabrics and soft furnishings.
“Warmth, comfort, vitality and excitement come to mind in creating a hotel – from the food and beverage outlets throughout all the facilities – always ensuring that the guest feels special. Thus, a typical Corinthia response is ‘can we do anything for you?’ and with lots of repeat clients we have to find the right balance between intimacy and business needs whilst constantly refining and raising our standards.”
Since its launch the hotel has welcomed several dignitaries, including the Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chancellor Gerhard Schroder of Germany and President Hosni Mubarrak of Egypt.