Majid Abdelmajid, official guide for the Ministry of Tourism: ‘The renovation of the Palais Zahia has been a real work of art’

The Palais Zahia, located in the heart of the Medina of Tangier, is one of the most picturesque hotels in the city. Atalayar spoke with Majid Abdelmadjid, official guide for the Ministry of Tourism and the Palais Zahia itself, to learn more about the recent renovation process of this hotel.

What is special about the Palais Zahia? 

The Palais Zahia is a treasure, a historical monument in the Medina of Tangier. After the 1906 Algeciras International Conference, at which the African continent was divided up among the world's great powers, these powers wanted to be present in Tangier, a city with a strategic geographical location, in order to control their economic, historical and social interests. In such a cosmopolitan city, the Palais Zahia was the first Moroccan State Bank. After closing as such in 1907, it became the property of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and then housed a Moroccan craft bazaar. Today, the hotel belongs to a Tangier family, the Yassini family, who are well known throughout northern Morocco. When they acquired the building, it was in ruins. It took them more than seven years to renovate it and transform it into the jewel of Tangier. 

How did the restoration process go? 

The Palais Zahia underwent a long and tedious restoration and craftsmanship process: it required a lot of skilled labour, because the renovation was a real artistic endeavour. A fountain and a Moroccan lounge with wooden ceilings were built, all with the utmost attention to detail. The new Palais Zahia reopened its doors in 2017. 

How many rooms does the hotel have? 

It has 18 rooms, a spa and a restaurant. There is a lift that goes up to the terrace and the restaurant, which has a VIP room overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar, the port and the entire Spanish coast, including the town of Tarifa. The terrace was renovated, covered with wood and lights were installed. At night there is a beautiful view: you can see all the lights of Gibraltar, Algeciras, Tarifa and the whole of Tangier, because this place has 360-degree views. From there you can also see the Kasbah. 

What's more, it's located in a strategic part of the city... 

That's right; the Palais Zahia is strategically located. Firstly, because it is on the main street of the Medina of Tangier and, secondly, because it is close to a square that is world-famous, the Zoco Chico. To visit Tangier and not go to the Zoco Chico is not to have really visited the city. 

How important is the restaurant to the hotel owners? 

Very important, to the point that the head chef is one of the best and the hotel manager was the director of a government catering school. For them, looking after tourists is a responsibility: you have to offer good service, good food, quality of life, excellent treatment, with a reception manager who is up to the task, waiters... 

What kind of food do you serve? 

We have meat tahini with almonds; pastilla, also with chicken and almonds; we have sheza, which is a very fine couscous with cinnamon and sugar... Moroccan cuisine is very rich; the list is very long and that's what attracts many customers. And to drink, we have everything you need to make tea, milk, orange juice... We have oranges all year round, because in Morocco there is no season. 

What kind of customers come to the Palais Zahia? Where do they come from? 

Our door is open to everyone. Most of our customers are Moroccan, Spanish, American and French. In general, we get customers from all over the world, of different nationalities. 

How would you convince a Spaniard to come to the Palais Zahia? 

We offer very good quality at a good price. The owner of the hotel is looking for prestige, a name, not money. The Palais Zahia offers all the comforts to its guests, including transport to the door.