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Royal Mansour

Marrakech

• No.3 Gin Art of Hospitality Award 2024

A lavish love letter to Moroccan heritage and hospitality

A royal affair: Royal Mansour Marrakech opened in 2010 under the watchful eyes of King Mohammed VI, who was determined that it wouldn’t just be a Moroccan hotel, but instead a physical manifestation of all things Moroccan. This deep reverence for the region’s native culture is evident in every aspect of Royal Mansour, from the food to the fabrics and even the floorplan, which eschews the typical arrangement of suites and rooms in favour of multi-storey riads. The structures are scattered across a walled-in estate dotted with small pathways, immaculate gardens and numerous nooks and hideaways all built to mimic a traditional medina.

No rooms, just riads: That’s right, there are no ‘rooms’ to be found at Royal Mansour. In their place stand palatial private riads, each with its own open-air courtyard, a rooftop plunge pool with views of the city beyond and a butler on hand to deliver whatever your heart desires throughout your stay, from freshly brewed mint tea to an airport drop-off in one of the hotel’s signature red Bentleys. Inside, the riads are a celebration of Moroccan artisanal crafts, brimming with locally made artefacts, elaborate tile work and pieces of art.

The secret to its service: Underneath the scenic pathways of the gardens you’ll find a network of hidden tunnels that staff use to traverse the property. And the service isn’t exclusively subterranean – every storey of the hotel’s riads has a hidden door through which staff come and go. This slick, behind-the-scenes service style means the team can deliver exceptional hospitality without ever being intrusive.

A taste of Marrakech: The culinary team behind Royal Mansour’s kitchens is as star-studded as it comes. Massimiliano Alajmo is the creative force behind Italian restaurant Sesamo, while at La Grande Table Marrocaine, it's Hélène Darroze, who took the reins of the renowned local institution from predecessor Yannick Alléno. There are many more ways to get your fill of local delicacies on the menu, including cooking classes and personal food tours of the nearby medina.

Key Information

• Rooms: 53
• Starting Rate: $1900
• Dining: La Grande Table Marocaine
• Drinking: Chimney Bar
• At the Hotel: Swimming pool(s), spa/wellness centre, fitness centre, pet friendly, family friendly
• Rue Abou Abbas El Sebti, 40000, Morocco
• +212 52980-8080
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