Marriott International, a global hospitality giant, officially opened its first hotel in Luxembourg last September — the Moxy Luxembourg Airport. Building on this milestone, the company has now unveiled the Luxembourg Marriott Hotel Alfa, a striking blend of historical grandeur and contemporary luxury situated in the heart of Luxembourg City’s vibrant Gare district.
“Luxembourg is a destination that features a captivating blend of historical charm and modern sophistication,” explains Rex Nijhof, General Manager of the Marriott Luxembourg Alfa, adding: “Set to become one of the most desirable hotels in Luxembourg, for both leisure and business travellers, the opening brings innovation alongside our legacy of wonderful hospitality to guests and locals alike.”
A Strategic Expansion in Europe
Marriott’s move into Luxembourg aligns with the company’s broader growth ambitions across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). Nijhof says: “EMEA is a region of great opportunity and remains core to our global strategy from a leisure and business travel perspective. It is the second largest region for Marriott International by number of properties, spanning 80 countries and territories.”
With over 1,300 properties across 29 brands—including The Ritz-Carlton, W Hotels, and Autograph Collection—Luxembourg marks Marriott’s 78th country in the EMEA region. “We are really pleased to offer this new destination to our Marriott Bonvoy members,” Nijhof adds.
The Luxembourg Marriott Hotel Alfa is designed to appeal to a broad spectrum of guests. “We are targeting local and international business travellers, EU officials and international tourists,” Nijhof notes. Additionally, the hotel offers a strong connection to the local community through the Brasserie Alfa, a culinary destination for both visitors and residents.
A National Monument Transformed
What sets the Marriott Luxembourg Hotel Alfa apart is its extraordinary heritage. The building, a national monument since 1991, is a Luxembourg City icon.
Nijhof recounts its fascinating past: “The hotel’s strategic location in the station district, near the Grand Duchy’s railway network, contributed to the area’s rapid development in the late 19th century. In 1928, Alfred Lefèvre initiated the construction of the Hotel Alfa, designed by architect Léon Bouvart. The hotel officially opened in January 1932, followed by the opening of the Brasserie Alfa restaurant.”
The hotel quickly became a cultural hub, renowned for jazz concerts and social gatherings that attracted local and international elites. During WWII, it hosted American generals George S. Patton, Omar Bradley, and Dwight D. Eisenhower, who held a Christmas dinner there in 1944. “After the war, Hotel Alfa continued to be a key venue for cultural and political events, hosting numerous gatherings, including the birthday party of Grand Duchess Charlotte, balls, concerts, and prestigious fashion shows featuring brands like Nina Ricci,” explains Nijhof.
The recent renovation, led by Iria Degen Interiors, maintains the Art Deco elegance that defines the hotel. Nijhof says: “The design is a harmonious blend of historical reverence and contemporary elegance. The entire design language and colour scheme were derived naturally from the existing elements, such as the imposing façade with its decorative ornaments, the striking ceiling lights of the brasserie, the listed local paintings, and the coloured glass panes in the staircase.”
Original Art Deco motifs—zigzags, arcs, and circles—are reflected throughout the hotel, with restored period features preserved meticulously. “Original lights were reintegrated into the hotel décor, and furniture pieces like sideboards made of Palisander wood and the bar counter with natural marble stone were preserved. A typical Art Deco font was used in the signage, and metallic accents familiar from the period can be found everywhere,” adds Nijhof.
A special highlight is the presence of four restored paintings by Julien Lefèvre, a celebrated Luxembourgish artist and son of the hotel’s founder, which adorn key spaces like the Brasserie Alfa and meeting rooms. These artworks beautifully depict Luxembourg’s four regions, reinforcing the hotel’s cultural connection.
Preserving Legacy Through Design
On preserving the hotel’s identity, Nijhof stresses: “The design project is entirely based on what was already there. It was a matter of acknowledging and respecting the existing quality we found.”
Several original architectural and artistic elements were carefully restored, including the façade, stained glass windows, and Lefèvre’s paintings, ensuring the hotel remains a living tribute to its heritage.
The Marriott Luxembourg Hotel Alfa goes beyond architecture to foster a deep relationship with the local community and history. Located opposite Luxembourg’s main train station, the hotel serves as a gateway to the city’s cultural landmarks and historical sites.
“The Alfa Brasserie is designed to be a hub for both locals and guests, offering a blend of traditional and contemporary cuisine in a restored setting that honours its heritage,” says Nijhof.
Driving Local Employment and Economy
The hotel’s opening has already created significant local employment opportunities, hiring over 70 people (excluding the construction and renovation workers) and with recruitment ongoing to bring in a dozen more. Nijhof expects the team to plateau at 100.
Marriott also prioritizes local sourcing: “We strive to source locally what we can for operations. We have cooperations with local partners for food, beverages, OS&E.”
Sustainability and Innovation
The renovation incorporated sustainable technologies, including motion detectors in rooms and corridors and a sophisticated Building Management System to optimise energy consumption. Many windows were replaced with triple-glazed models for better insulation.
Regarding Marriott’s broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments, Nijhof says: “We will ensure to obtain an eco-certification. We have already signed an agreement with SuperDrecksKescht (SDK). During our Countdown phase, we worked with Serve the City Luxembourg to clean up the Gare district, collecting over 17kg of trash and nearly 8,000 cigarette butts.”
Luxembourg Marriott Hotel Alfa stands as a beacon of heritage and modern luxury. It embodies Marriott’s commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality while honouring the rich history of its locations. With a promising future ahead, this landmark hotel is poised to become a cornerstone of Luxembourg’s hospitality and cultural scene.
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