Marrakech NYC Opens Kazbar

Moroccan-Themed Bar/Lounge on Upper West Side

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. October 14, 2008

NEW YORK, NY, November 29, 2006. Hank Freid's Marrakech Hotel NYC at 103rd and Broadway has just gotten chicer with the opening of Kazbar, a trendy bar/lounge located in the lobby of his 125-room Upper West Side hotel.

Open only a few weeks, Kazbar has already become a hot spot for the young, international tourists who frequent The Marrakech for its fashionable and comfortable, yet affordable, lodging. Also open to the public, Kazbar has seen an enthusiastic response from Upper West Siders seeking an upscale and intimate neighborhood lounge.

Kazbar offers a vibrant, cozy environment, complete with a fireplace (surrounded by candles and candelabra), low, comfortable seating arrangements, banquettes and throw pillows. International sounds emanate day and night, while a large flat screen television projects an eclectic mix of scenes, such as views of the French Riviera and Asian anime films.

Kazbar has a completely unique menu of specialty drinks, including the signature "Marrakech Martini" courtesy of its resident Doctor of Mixology and bartender, Emily Taffe. Also on the menu are a wide range of microbrews (such as Brooklyn Lager, Red Hook and Hefeweizen) and wines (some select cellar wines being served by the glass and bottle include Stags' Leap, Duckhorn and Caymus). All liquor that is poured is top shelf.

Travelers seeking light fare or appetizers -- or West Side locals wanting a quick bite -- can enjoy Kazbar's tapas menu. Approximately a dozen small plates and tapas are on the menu, such as grilled calamari, garlic shrimp and steamed mussels with cider. Kazbar also provides the perfect setting for private parties or small-to-medium-sized (40-60 people) corporate and special events.

"The opening of Kazbar truly completes the Marrakech Hotel experience, which is about fostering connections and interactions among a diverse, international crowd," said the hotel's owner, Hank Freid, noting that many of the hotel guests hail from locales such as Australia, Italy, Japan, France, the UK and Amsterdam. "But the Kazbar lounge is also for anyone who wants a warm and seductive environment that lends itself to meeting new people, of inviting people into your space." Freid is President and CEO of Impulsive Group (www.Impulsivegroup.com), a NYC firm specializing in hotel development and management.

Since opening in May, 2006, the Marrakech Hotel has been very well received with an average occupancy rate of 92% over the summer. As word continues to gets out about this 'budget chic' hotel, these numbers are sure to rise. In addition to comfortable and stylish accommodations (European bed linens, Ecco bath essentials, in-room coffee makers, CD clock radio, curved shower rods, high-speed Internet access, concierge services, daily maid service, laundry valet service, guided tours of New York City, and most recently, flat screen TVs in all the rooms), the Marrakech's success can also be attributed to its low rates. Through the peak holiday season, rates start at $199 per night and go up to $345. After the holidays, from January through March, rates will be seasonably adjusted, and priced from $129 to $205 per night.

Kazbar

Located at 2688 Broadway, corner of 103rd Street, in the lobby of Marrakech Hotel NYC. Open from Tuesday to Thursday: 5:00 pm -11:30 pm; Friday and Saturday: 5:00 pm -1:00 am. Cocktail prices range from $6 to $10; tapas from $6 to $10 per plate.

Marrakech Martini

2 parts Grey Goose vodka

1 part Disaronno amaretto

1 part of fresh squeezed lime juice

Splash of freshly squeezed orange juice

Fresh orange twist

Shaken with ice and poured into a martini glass