La Mamounia stands as a magnificent oasis right in the centre of this most chaotically charming of cities.
There may be hotels in Marrakesh that are grander and more opulent, but none can match this grande dame for its elegance, grace and one of the most beautiful hotel gardens in the world. The rose-hued walls feel knitted into the very fabric of the city. The vast, low-lit lobby leads to room upon room of soft, earthy colours, jewelled zellig tiling and intricate latticework, each filled with brushed velvet ottomans and studded-leather lounge chairs. La Mamounia has welcomed a host of famous personalities over the years, including Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin, Kirk Douglas, Omar Sharif, Joan Collins, Martin Scorsese, Ronald and Nancy Reagan, Nelson Mandela, Helmut Kohl, Zinedine Zidane, and Nicole Kidman.
History and Architecture
La Mamounia combines intrigue and mystique within an art deco atmosphere. Originally opened in 1923 as a winter retreat for French diplomats, the hotel evolved into a popular destination for members of the Royal family, movie stars, and other global celebrities.
La Mamounia celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023 with a grand celebration, reaffirming its status as one of the world’s premier hotels as it moves into its second century. Located a short walk from Marrakech’s main souk, the hotel was originally part of a vast garden gifted by the local Sultan to his son. The name “Mamounia,” meaning “safe haven,” is fitting for this palatial walled complex, which has attracted numerous celebrities since its inception. Paul McCartney was inspired to write “Mamunia” while staying here, and Alfred Hitchcock reportedly drafted the first version of The Birds during his visit. Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé chose to stay in a suite here when taking a break from their second home in Marrakech. Even at the height of her deceit, Anna Delvey selected this hotel to bolster her image of jet-set sophistication.
During the pandemic, the hotel underwent a significant renovation, followed by another makeover in preparation for its centennial celebration. This transformation, led by the Franco-Canadian firm Jouin Manku, included the installation of a stunning chandelier sculpture as the centerpiece of the lobby. This luminous sculpture resembles two necklaces suspended in space, paying homage to both local and international cultures.
Rooms and Suites
La Mamounia features 135 bright rooms, 71 intimate suites, and 3 private Riads for a secluded retreat. Each space exudes refined, understated luxury, with some offering terraces that provide calming views, allowing guests to enjoy the tranquil surroundings at their own pace. The rooms are thoughtfully designed to strike the perfect balance between spaciousness and intimacy. The Classic Rooms feature a harmonious design, utilizing neutral shades that highlight the deeper colors, fostering a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere. The Koutoubia Deluxe Rooms provide a special vantage point of the iconic 12th-century mosque, while the Park Deluxe Rooms offer a distinctive perspective overlooking the enchanting gardens of La Mamounia.
Representing the pinnacle of Moroccan artistry, the Suites are adorned in a traditional manner, where the sophistication of the decorative elements reflects the luxury of the exquisitely crafted materials and textiles. Guests can choose from three stunning views: Koutoubia, Park, or Agdal Gardens.
Food and Drink
Bars and restaurants blaze with Moroccan artistry at its most exquisite, courtyards glitter with hand-lain mosaics and the quietly-charming staff ensure everyone — from young families to American millionaires — feels equally welcome.
Restaurants
Four restaurants at La Mamounia cater to diverse culinary preferences. L’Asiatique by Jean-Georges Vongerichten offers Asian-fusion dishes like dim sum, Vietnamese curry, and miso cod. L’Italien serves pizzas and pasta, while La Marocaine, located in its own riad with three floors overlooking lush gardens, features classic dishes such as crispy briouates and salads with flavors of orange, almond, and preserved lemons. La Pavilion de La Piscine provides an elegant breakfast and lunch buffet. The breakfast buffet is an all-day affair with fresh pastries, hand-made breads, jams, and various egg preparations. Afternoon tea, an indulgence not to be missed, is served under shady palms at the Pierre Herme salon.
Bars
Le Bar Churchill offers a classic cocktail experience with its leopard-print seating and vintage photos of jazz legends, paying tribute to former guest Winston Churchill. Perched on the top floor of the Le Marocain restaurant, Le Club is one of La Mamounia’s hidden gems, offering a menu of cocktails and tapas infused with Moroccan flavors. Le Bar Majorelle features two contrasting atmospheres. During the day, it serves as an ideal spot for enjoying a book and a coffee or indulging in a peaceful moment of writing. In the evening, it transforms into a vibrant venue for cocktails and gourmet cuisine, enhanced by soothing jazz music.
What Else You Could Do
If you can tear yourself away from a hammock or a lounge chair by the sparkling pool, you’ll find various activities such as tennis, table tennis, along with yoga and pilates classes, and personal training sessions at the gym. The Salle de Jeux, a retro game room featuring pinball machines, pool tables, and board games, will delight kids of all ages. For shopping, a selection of small boutiques offers jewelry, clothing, and gifts from both local designers and renowned brands. The spa, one of the finest in the city, features shimmering pools beneath scalloped archways and exquisite tilework illuminated by flickering candlelight. It includes a private hamam, and with two of the ten treatment rooms designed for couples, it serves as a wonderfully romantic retreat.
An expansive all-night casino is available on-site, perfect for those looking to continue the festivities. However, the standout feature is undoubtedly the Olympic-sized pool, where waiters circulate to serve Champagne, cocktails, and hummus.
Nearby Attractions
La Mamounia is ideally situated directly across from the Koutoubia Mosque, offering a significant advantage. The vibrant Djemaa el-Fna, with its aromatic food stalls, is just a short walk away, while the winding streets of the medina extend further. For a quieter experience, the more tranquil streets of the Ville Nouvelle are only a ten-minute taxi ride away.
To know more, visit the official websit of La Mamounia.
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A New Yorker at heart, an unapologetic anglophile, national parks explorer and former head of National Geographic publishing in India, Ritika is the Global Editor for Travel and Food Network and leads all journalism across platforms, including news, digital, videos, and social media. She writes features focused on narrative storytelling, industry trends, destinations, culinary travel, and how-to advice and is an advocate for sustainable travel. You can follow her on Instagram @newyorkeratheart
