Royal Hotel Oran - MGallery by Sofitel
Oran, Algeria
Royal Hotel Oran - MGallery by Sofitel
1 Boulevard de la Soummam, Oran, Algeria, 31000 Original Property Opened in 1920 Historic Hotels Worldwide member sinceWith palm trees cast against white stone and Juliet balconies, the façade of the Royal Hotel Oran – MGallery Collection greets guests with a palatial welcome. Built in 1920 as the Royal Hotel Oran, this historic hotel has long embraced the crossroads of culture within its walls. From its first day, the hotel was known throughout the wider Mediterranean world for its opulence and tranquility. Its salons hosted soirées where conversations flowed as freely as the coffee, and its corridors echoed with the footsteps of luminaries enchanted by Oran’s charm.
Fully revitalized between 2000 and 2006, guests to Royal Hotel Oran – MGallery Collection find custom details in every corner, from the Royal Garden Terrace and the serene spa to the luxurious guestrooms and suites. Situated on the sea, the hotel is the perfect place to explore the city of Oran or the northwestern Mediterranean coast of Algeria.
Discover
- Admire the details of the applied and decorative arts that reflect Algeria’s location as a crossroad of cultures. Richly adorned, each corner of the hotel displays mirrors, tiles, vases, and rugs that embrace the geometric and ornamental forms of Islamic, Andalusian, and Ottoman arts traditions. French colonial influence can be seen in the bronze sculptures, antique furniture, decorative ironwork, and the striking white-stone façade.
- Discover the custom chandelier by Sans Souci lighting. The artistic centerpiece of Oran Royal Hotel’s reception was added during the hotel’s revitalization. Designed by Radek Brexar, the cascading piece uses metal coatings and slumped glass to create an interplay of light and texture. (Slumped glass is a type of decorative glass formed in a kiln using gravity and ceramic molds to achieve enchanting curves).
- Discover the building constructed in the Haussmann style in 1920. Popularized in Paris, the distinctively French style features sloped roofs, dormer windows, Juliet balconies, and a muted color scheme.
Explore
- Explore the historic old town in Oran, where ancient Roman baths have been discovered underneath the neighborhood’s modern buildings. The district is named for the 15th century Algerian imam, Sidi El Houari, who became the patron saint of the city. His tomb, a pilgrimage site, is located near the historic Sidi El Houari Mosque.
- Relax on the picturesque beaches of Aïn El Turk, less than an hour’s drive away.
- Stroll through the Fort Santa Cruz, a Spanish fort built between 1577 and 1604. Located on Mount Murdjadjo, the Fort is a striking presence on Oran’s skyline. A hike or drive to the top provides breathtaking views of the harbor and sea.
Experience
- Discover the original artwork that adorns the walls of Royal Hotel Oran, making the stay feel like a gallery visit. The expressive works depict people at work and at play. Guests can peer into North African markets, courtyards, and chambers to find the painted figures plotting, posing, lounging, spinning yarn, or rapt in urgent conversation. The hotel exhibits both local artists as well as a selection of works by 19th-century painter François Dinet, whose pieces reflect a French gaze on his beloved Algerian home.
- Enjoy the ultimate relaxation during a stay at Royal Hotel Oran – MGallery Collection. Experience an evening of musical entertainment offered at the hotel’s restaurant, Les Ambassadeurs. Or take advantage of the luxurious hotel spa, featuring hammam baths, a sauna, steam rooms, and full spa services.
- Experience the cozy Arabic interior design style called khaima. The word khaima means a woven tent. Taking inspiration from the movement and curves of the nomadic structures, the contemporary style is minimal and desert-influenced, playing with the interplay between light and texture.
Taste
- Delight in gourmet gastronomy at Royal Hotel Oran – MGallery Collection. Knowledgeable mixologists at Le Pacha combine Oran’s local flavors into signature cocktails. Enjoy world-class cuisine at Les Ambassadeurs or savor international favorites at the welcoming L’Alhambra for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Taste fresh Mediterranean seafood at Oran’s many street vendors and restaurants. Try local seafood dishes that include grilled fish, shrimp tagine, and calamari prepared to perfection. Or discover the Spanish influence on Arab-Berber cuisine in Oran. Try an Orian take on paella, or enjoy a slice of Karentika, a savory pancake made with chickpea flower.
- Enjoy the tea and coffee cultures in Algeria, both with deep roots. The North African preparation of a traditional mint tea can be found across Morocco, Tunisa, and Algeria and is often served after dinner. The Ottomans introduced coffee to Algeria in the 16th century, and visitors can try Mazagran, a cold, strong coffee served over ice with lemon juice and sugar.
FEATURED ACCOMMODATIONS
Featured Offer
Book the Best Available Rate at this property on HistoricHotelsWorldwide.com and receive a complimentary one-year family membership (a $30 value) to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the United States, a member of the International National Trusts Organisation.
