Some links to products and partners on this website will earn an affiliate commission.

Marriott Bonvoy is expanding its ‘select service’ portfolio with new hotels in some of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe and the United Arab Emirates.

The new openings for 2021 – including the Moxy Bordeaux, Moxy Bergen, Moxy Lisbon City, AC Hotel Tenerife, Residence Inn Al Jaddaf, and Four Points by Sheraton Sesimbra– aim to offer good-value accommodation in prime locations.

“With travel on the horizon, leisure bookings are driving the demand for international stays as people urge to make up for lost time with friends and family.” said Jenni Benzaquen, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Design Hotels & EMEA Brand portfolio. “Looking forward, leisure destinations will play a significant role in our recovery and Marriott Bonvoy has a robust portfolio of leisure hotels across the EMEA region, with some fantastic new additions this year. These distinctive new openings, built with flexible and open spaces, signify a key to freedom for patient holidaymakers, and offer a chance to explore desirable, cultural destinations once again.”

Moxy Lisbon City

The 136-room Moxy Lisbon City is the perfect place to experience the energetic spirit of Portugal. Located in the centre of Lisbon, the hotel is located on Avenida Duque de Loulé, just a 15-minute walk from the famous, palm-lined shopping street Avenida da Liberdade. Fun seekers will fall head over heels in love with the city, which offers one of the hippest food scenes in Europe and a creative flair that spawns emerging designers and artists.

The hotel aims to be affordable without compromising on style, blending Portuguese traditions with modern street art. At Moxy Hotels, the bars are at the centre of the public areas, with check-in including a free cocktail. The rooftop terrace with a 15-meter pool offers a spectacular view of the city’s terracotta roofs, colourful ceramic facades, the glittering Tagus and the city’s landmarks such as the Crito Rei statue and the 25 de Abril bridge.

AC Hotel Tenerife

The AC Hotel Tenerife , which opened in March 2021, is the debut of the AC Hotels brand in Tenerife and offers a good location in the historic district of Santa Cruz. Located in front of the marina, the hotel is only a few minutes walk from cultural attractions such as the Castillo de San Cristobal or the Museo Municipal de Bellas Artes and is surrounded by a variety of shops. The island’s beaches are also nearby, so guests can take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean and soak up the sun.

Guests can also sunbathe on the hotel’s rooftop terrace and enjoy the view, then cool off in the rooftop pool.

Residence Inn Al Jaddaf

Newly opened in March of this year, the Residence Inn by Marriott Al Jaddaf  offers spectacular views of the Burj Khalifa and is in a prime location close to major areas such as Downtown Dubai and Business Bay.

Many of the 134 modern residential suites have private terraces with impressive views. The spacious studios, suites with one or two bedrooms and the two-story suites with three bedrooms, all have fully equipped kitchens.

Moxy Bergen

The Moxy Bergen is located in Bergen, Norway, which is known for its breathtaking natural landscape, and is right on the waterfront overlooking the fjord.

From all 199 guest rooms, guests can enjoy views of the fjords or the mountains.

Moxy Bordeaux

The Moxy Bordeaux is ideal for wine lovers who want to experience the award-winning region. Located in the lively and colourful centre of the Bassins à Flots district next to the infamous La Cité du Vin museum, the hotel is shaped by the district’s cosmopolitan history.

The design is inspired by the industrial and maritime heritage of the area, which is reflected in industrial sheet metal at the entrance to the elevators and exposed pipes on the ceilings. The hotel also has a terrace with a “micro-forest”.

Four Points by Sheraton Sesimbra

The Four Points by Sheraton Sesimbra is located ~30 kms from Lisbon, and is situated on a leafy hillside overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, only a short walk from Ouro Beach.

Bottom line

We are generally quite big fans of ‘select service’/budget hotel brands. If the location is good, the hotel is new or well-maintained, and the price is right, they can be fantastic for a good-value weekend break.

Long-stay brands like Residence Inn (or IHG’s Staybridge Suites, Hiltons Embassy Suites, etc) are well worth trying out too. You tend to get a lot more space than at traditional hotels, and often some nice perks like a free drinks hour too.

Are you tempted by any of these new hotels?

Photos: (c) Marriott International