Al Hayat Tower
A five-star hotel in Tripoli, Libya, formerly operated as the JW Marriott Hotel Tripoli and reopened as Al Hayat Tower by Lancaster in 2025.
Last updated August 31, 2026
Overview
Al Hayat Tower is a five-star hotel in Tripoli's central business district, Libya. The property is chiefly known for its brief and interrupted history under the JW Marriott name. It opened on 15 February 2011 as the JW Marriott Hotel Tripoli, shortly before the outbreak of the Libyan Civil War. The hotel operated for only about two weeks before closing as the security situation deteriorated. Marriott evacuated the hotel's limited number of guests and 185 employees to Amman on a chartered aircraft. The closure left the property out of operation for many years. Marriott said in April 2011 that it hoped to return the hotel to service, but the continuing instability in Libya prevented a normal relaunch. In 2013, the property's co-owners—the Libyan government's Economic and Social Development Fund and South Korean construction company Daewoo Engineering & Construction—expressed hopes that it could reopen in 2014. Those plans were not realized. A further reopening intention was announced by the owners on 27 November 2021. Renovation work began in 2014 and proceeded intermittently over an extended period. The property ultimately changed operating affiliation rather than returning to the Marriott system. Lancaster Hotels, a Lebanon-based hotel group, assumed operation and reopened the hotel under the name Al Hayat Tower by Lancaster on 29 November 2025. The reopening ceremony included a formal inauguration and a sod-cutting event led by Libya's prime minister, Abdulhamid Dbeibah. The hotel's offering is centered on upscale lodging and conventional full-service hotel amenities, including guest accommodation, food and beverage services, and wellness or fitness facilities. Because its former Marriott website and JW Marriott identity relate to the pre-closure operation, they should not be treated as evidence that Marriott continues to operate the property. The available reference material does not establish detailed room counts, restaurant names, current rates, ownership percentages, or the full range of facilities after the Lancaster relaunch.
Products and positioning
Upscale full-service hotel serving business, diplomatic, and premium leisure demand in central Tripoli.
Product categories. Hotel accommodation · Food and beverage services · Fitness and wellness facilities · Business and event hospitality services
Flagship businesses
- Five-star guest accommodation
- On-site dining
- Fitness facilities
- Central business-district location
Recent events
- 2025Al Hayat Tower reopens under Lancaster Hotels
After years of intermittent renovation, the property reopened on 29 November 2025 as Al Hayat Tower by Lancaster, ending its association with the JW Marriott operating identity.
M&AOther - 2021Owners announce a renewed reopening plan
The property's owners again announced plans to reopen the long-closed hotel on 27 November 2021.
Other - 2011JW Marriott Hotel Tripoli opens shortly before the Libyan Civil War
The property opened on 15 February 2011 under the JW Marriott brand, but closed approximately two weeks later as the conflict and security crisis escalated.
Other - 2011Marriott evacuates hotel guests and employees to Amman
Following the closure, Marriott arranged a chartered evacuation to Amman for the hotel's few guests and 185 staff members.
Other
Sources
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