Overview Hotels

The hotel that
treats you like royalty

Royal Mansour, Marrakech

All pictures ©Royal Mansour Hotel

It’s only a few steps from the centre of Marrakech’s medina to a mini version specially built inside the walls of the imperial city. This one isn’t nearly as hectic or huge as the real one, but it re-creates that enticing labyrinth of narrow alleyways and tall buildings. So much so, that you’re bound to get lost at least once in the Royal Mansour, but in a good way and always with help at hand to put you right.

This mini-medina is actually a hotel of unparalleled luxury that’s both traditional and modern, where intricate hand-carved stone walls sit beside state-of-the art technology. The Royal Mansour is a hotel where every guest is treated like royalty, and not just because the king of Morocco is the owner. You can enjoy every indulgence your heart desires, from private pools to personal butlers.

Staying at the Royal Mansour is like being in a fairy tale, one where dreams really do come true. But amid all the magnificence, our favourite moment when we stayed here was quite simple: sitting on our own private roof terrace, looking up at the stars and listening to the call to prayer echo across Marrakech. That was when we truly appreciated this oasis of calm inside the beating heart of an intoxicating city.

Riads not rooms

For us, the most amazing aspect of the Royal Mansour is that the rooms aren’t simply rooms. Every accommodation is an individual riad, or traditional Moroccan house, set over three floors. Behind the chic front door is a tiled courtyard and plush sitting room. Then comes the cocoon-like bedroom with bathroom. Finally, there’s a private roof terrace with plunge pool. Pure luxury.

Unwind in elegance

We felt instantly more relaxed by merely stepping into the soothing elegant spa. It’s a symphony in white, from walls to chairs, and it’s all deliciously cool and calm after the heat outside. Treatments include an indulgent hammam (this is Morocco, after all), which if you’ve never tried, you definitely should. Less steamy but just as peaceful is the vast outdoor pool with private pavilions.

Exemplary service

The staff at the Royal Mansour were so discreet and professional that we almost didn’t notice they were there. The gardeners tending the immaculate grounds say hello, the concierge can handle almost any request, the breakfast waiters are happy to recommend local delicacies. Guests in the larger riads get very personal service, with their own butler and even a chef to cater for them in house.

Sumptuous meals

Three restaurants so three options for your three meals a day. We were wowed by the gourmet cuisine in the opulent Italian restaurant, complete with Murano glass chandeliers. Local flavours with a decadent touch abound at a divine Moroccan restaurant. And for more relaxed meals, a cool outdoor space by the pool – also perfect for a delectable breakfast that combines French and Moroccan tastes.

Building a future

One crucial aspect for us was that the Royal Mansour focuses on looking after its staff and the planet. For example, 80% of the power comes from burning discarded olive stones collected from all over the country, while a vegetable garden provides seasonal produce and herbs for meals and treatments. An impressive 90% of the staff are Moroccan, and a hotel & catering school is being set up next door.