Construction Begins on Marriott-Leased Five-Star Hotel in Andorra's Encamp Parish

Construction has started on a five-star hotel at Torrent Pregó in Encamp parish, with workers now preparing the rocky site for foundational work and excavation.

The property, located in the Calranes urbanisation along the CG-2 road just before Meritxell, will be leased to Marriott International. The US hospitality group, founded 99 years ago in Bethesda, Maryland, operates around 8,700 properties in 138 countries and already manages the Euroski Mountain Resort & Spa near the Canaro straight before Incles valley. Planners intend for it to operate under the AC by Marriott brand, a Marriott line stemming from its partnership with AC Hotels.

Developers Promocions Lo Pare SL and Promocions Trèmol SL, led by Catalan businessman Josep Maria Civil, secured building permits from Encamp council on 26 June 2024 after years of delays for a finalised proposal. The same session approved a separate residential building in Calranes by the firms. Partial plans for Calranes and adjacent La Moixa were approved in late 2013, with environmental impact clearance in 2017. Urbanisation began late 2020 on the steep terrain, featuring 40-metre retaining walls for stability and a mural of traditional Andorran motifs at one entrance.

Civil, known in Catalonia and Andalusia for past projects including a controversial tower in Clot d'Emprivat, is also behind a large urbanisation in Andorra la Vella's La Comella, which has drawn neighbour complaints over deforestation. Encamp officials and locals generally welcome the hotel as a boost to luxury tourism.

The excavation phase alone is projected to last 24 months, potentially until April 2028, due to four underground levels on the challenging site. Licences could expire if works stall, and the project's final form—its branding, scale, or even completion—remains uncertain amid Andorra's evolving market.