Strangely there were very few other guests around, and after talking to a fellow guest, who happened to be using the spa, he advised me that the Marsden hotel is leased out and yet is under the same roof as the Sofitel. Interesting as when I arrived , the female greeter asked Marsden or Sofitel are you staying at. Didn’t think anything about it, until I became aware that the Marsden is a fraction of the cost yet the rooms are IDENTICAL. I believe the use of the pool and gym for Marsden guests would cost extra, which explains the lack of use of the indoor pool I guess. Speaking of which, it does have some infrastructure issues, like the panel of the starry lighting fixture totally exposed showing not stars on the ceiling but rather unattractive wiring and fluorescent lighting above the pool. Safety issue??
Despite this, hats off go to the concierge named Karim. His service is wasted at the hotel and should be at a more grander hotel. Despite enough Sofitel stays in the past around the world, stay at the Marsden for the same quality at a fraction of the cost