Royal Mansour Marrakech

In the heart of one of the world’s most exotic cities lies an estate that redefines the gold standard of Andalusian opulence. Built into the medieval walls of Marrakech, with fifty-three luxurious riads spread out amid hectares of manicured gardens, the Royal Mansour is a medina within the medina and a palace among the riad-style hotels.

The Royal Mansour was commissioned by Morroco’s king and His Highness did not trouble himself with matters of a less-important nature… like the project’s budget. Instead, he employed hundreds of artisans over three years, with one aim: to create the most lavish hotel of them all.

The “most lavish” goal, in context of the sometimes extravagant Arab designs, is not one we’d normally want to see realized (just look at the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, beautiful on the outside, gaudy inside) but at the Royal Mansour, we were in for a delightful surprise.

From the moment we entered through the spectacular bronze-plated gates we were discovering that the exquisite décor at the Mansour never ventures into the realm of poor taste or showiness. From striking silks to ornate handcrafted tiles, and from intricate woodwork to antique furniture—this place is a fabulous exercise in refined luxury.

Riads and Tunnels

Our accommodation was an opulent, three-story house with a courtyard and a rooftop plunge pool. Created with meticulous attention to detail, it had mosaic details, hand-carved doors, floors laid with glazed tiles, and intricately carved plasterwork.

This was no different from what other guests get: the hotel does not simply offer guest rooms but, exclusively, whole riads—Morrocan townhouses so emblematic of the Moroccan medina.

Set in clusters, the riads form a small medina, mirroring the actual medieval heart of Marrakech—with one important distinction: the tranquil surroundings of the hotel stand in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of life outside the walls.

This is underscored by an ingenious feature: the whole complex has an underground tunnel system, designed for Monsour’s gracious staff to remain unseen until they discretely appear through the guest’s riad service doors.

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Beauty and Serenity

The real centerpiece of the hotel is the beautiful lobby courtyard. Surrounded by sumptuous rooms and lounges with silk-covered walls and hand-painted arched doorways, the courtyard dazzles with beautiful lacework, patterns, arabesques. This is where the Royal Mansour hotel design showcases its symphony of symmetry and exquisite décor in a truly iconic way.

There is plenty more to gape at and adore at the hotel. No room is the same, no mosaic repeated, and every piece of furniture oozes quality and expensive chic.

Within the hotel gardens, a glazed pavilion encircled by a moat contains the massive spa facility. The spa has an indoor and outdoor pool, wellness center, and hammam, and the lobby is a masterpiece. White sheets of intricate lacework envelop its airy space, creating a stunning, birdcage-like atrium. Delicate aromas of rose, sweet almond, and orange flower permeate its tranquil cavity.

Art on a Plate

There are three restaurants at the hotel: The all-day La Table with outside seating by the pool, and two dinner venues tended by white-gloved staff, La Grande Table Française and La Grande Table Marocaine. They are located on two sides of a blue-themed courtyard, of which the massive columns and walls are all lined with beautiful hand-crafted tiles.

We dined at the La Grande Table Marocaine. Inventive combinations, unique flavors, all beautifully prepared—the dishes we tried were all creative variations on the Moroccan cuisine and true masterpieces of culinary art.

From breathtaking craftsmanship to culinary delights, rarely we visit a hotel that celebrates the country’s heritage in quite so exquisite away. Checking out after only two nights, we had but one wish on our minds: to visit again and stay here much, much longer.

in our opinion

No expense has been spared in creating this remarkable, elite place.

Royal Mansour takes exclusivity, luxury, and privacy to a whole new level. We loved every square inch of it and every minute of our stay. We are awarding the TravelPlusStyle Editor's Pick.

What we love

• This hotel is a true testament to a sophisticated opulence. It's one of the most beautifully designed hotels we've ever visited. Our favorite parts were the magnificent lobby courtyard and the wonderful spa atrium, done up in white latticework.
• There are no guest “rooms” here. The entry-level is a three-story, one-bedroom riad. Each riad is exquisitely decorated and furnished, in a different pattern/color theme. Ours was blue.
• The royal treatment begins at the airport. We were whisked out of the line of weary travelers and into a private air-conditioned VIP lounge—no need to worry about luggage or passport formalities—and within minutes ushered to a discreet shiny black limousine.
• As we entered our riad, a smell of cedarwood welcomed us, the sound of water in the fountain soothed our ears. The next morning we'd wake up to the sounds of chirping birds. Perfect.
• Our rooftop breakfasts: fantastic selection, served via the seemingly invisible secret staff door.
• Attention to detail. The obsession with getting it just right is felt in design as much as in service. The staff of 500 has honed the art of tending to the guest perfectly.
• La Grande Table Marocaine restaurant: fantastic service, with white-gloved waiters serving in synchronized movements. Restaurants are overseen by the three-Michelin star chef Yannick Alléno and the quality and the menu is superb.
• Great location within walking distance of the Jemaa El Fna square and many other key attractions of Marrakech.

What you should know

• Underneath the hotel is a complex of underground service tunnels leading to all the 53 riads. These are accessed only by staff and thus guaranteeing the utmost privacy and discretion.
• The riads are inspired by traditional local houses. This means a lot of going up and downstairs. Fortunately, one riad in each category is equipped with a lift—make sure to request it when booking, if required.
• Royal Mansour is perfect for a romantic getaway, maybe slightly less so for a family, but there is a great onsite Joujou Children’s Club.
• There are one, two or three-bedroom riads to choose from and there is also the 4-bedroom Riad d'Honneur, which is actually a separate medina-within-medina, with a gym, Hamman, home cinema and more. You can't afford this one.
• In any case, do expect a high bill—the Royal Mansour opulence and attention to detail comes at a price. And you know what? It's actually worth it.