Royal Mansour Marrakech — Hotel in Marrakesh Prefecture

I have wanted to experience The Royal Mansour Hotel for myself for a long time. I have been fortunate enough to travel extensively throughout my life, staying at hotels of all grades, though my appreciation of those at the luxury end of the spectrum has increased as I have grown older. I have reviewed and assessed hotels for many years and sharing my findings and impressions with people is something I find very pleasurable. Hopefully I have been able to share insight and ideas with my 0.8 million readers.||I saw a documentary about The Royal Mansour several years ago and it certainly captivated my imagination. The hotel is located in the heart of The Medina and is actually a medina within the medina. I found the website to be very helpful in assisting me select the most suitable riad for myself and customer services were very swift in coming back to me with answers to a few questions. I opted for the Premier Riad since it had the highest specifications for one or two persons. I usually travel solo, particularly when I am researching venues.||Whenever possible I like to book directly with a venue rather than through an agency. There are advantages to both methods however this reviewer finds that venues are getting much more competitive in their offers in an attempt to attract customers to book direct. My package gave me a 4-night stay for the price of 3 and I found that to be perfect. Return airport transfers were included, as was fast track through passport control both ways. Breakfast was also included as well as soft drinks from the mini bar. This last point was the only aspect of my stay that did not happen with perfection without the need for me to make daily follow-up requests. The hotel contacted me a few days ahead of my arrival to confirm the arrangements and to identify any specific requirements that I might have. Before I left home I already felt valued.||My arrival was seamless, and as I exited the aircraft and moved towards immigration, I was met en route by the airport fast track representative, who spoke excellent English and was lively and animated. It was a delight to be escorted immediately to an immigration officer who admitted me. I was then handed over to the Royal Mansour driver, Abdelanti, who took me to the awaiting Bentley for the 20-minute drive to the hotel. He was friendly and once again spoke excellent English. He advised me that he has worked for Royal Mansour for 16 years so I believe that says something positive from both sides of the equation.||As I approached the hotel entrance and exited the car, the senior staff from each department were lined up to greet me individually. This was an incredibly personalised and delightful touch. I was seated by a concierge, Mahdi, who served me with mint tea and completed the check-in formalities. He escorted me around the principal locations of the hotel such as the spa and the restaurants, and we then moved on to my riad. I was immediately impressed by the sheer opulence of the building and the high standards to which it was designed, built and furnished. The official check-in time was 15:00 however my riad was ready on my arrival at 11:00 and this was very greatly appreciated.||The ground floor of the riad consisted of a tiled entrance hall leading into an open roofed lounge that had a small fountain. There were comfortable chairs and huge plants and I became instantly aware that I was effectively in my own house. Sliding doors lead into a large sitting room where any guests could be seated comfortably. This led into an internal lounge that was traditionally furnished to an incredibly high standard with tiled floors and high-quality fabric curtains. There was a floral arrangement that was changed during my stay, and a fireplace, a separate table and a fully stocked minibar. The soft drinks were replenished daily, though I did need to remind the hotel each day. The was a high-quality writing desk. All rooms had incredibly high ceilings, and the temperature was individually controlled to a comfortable standard. There was a separate kitchen room that had a microwave and a fridge and more bottled water. There was a toilet on this level and a tiled winding staircase led up to the first floor.||This first floor had an extensive wardrobe and dressing room that was curtained off. A short corridor led to the opulent bedroom that had a wooden parquet floor. The bed was huge and extremely comfortable, with high quality fabrics, pillows and cushions. The bed, linens and pillows were very high quality with a high thread count. There was a small vanity desk by the window and the curtain fabrics were high quality and very effective for blackout. The room benefited from atmospheric lighting that could be individually controlled and had a huge armchair with foot rest. This chair formed a central feature. Again, there was plentiful storage space. Very attractive, floor-to-ceiling carved wooden doors separated a further dressing room that contained a safe. A few rugs and mats were scattered around the room. More carved wooden doors lead to a huge tiled bathroom with a separate toilet and bidet room and a massive shower room. High quality weighing scales were in the room. Two bathrobes were provided and a generous supply of extremely soft and fluffy towels. The room had a massive tiled bath, providing every comfort that could be desired. High quality toiletries were provided.||A further winding staircase led to the third floor, where there was another toilet and a door leading out to the terrace. Views from here were over the roofs of adjacent riads but structured in such a way as to provide complete privacy. It became extremely hot up there during the day and I learned very quickly to be sure I wore the slippers which were provided. On the terrace was a private cabana that provided some protection from the heat during the day. Four attractive tiled steps lead to an upper level, which consisted of two loungers with an umbrella, a fireplace for cooler months and extremely attractive potted plant arrangements. There was a shower and a medium sized plunge pool, which was sun heated and this retained the temperature at night. In colder months the water temperature can be manually adjusted upwards by the hotel. Subtle lighting on the terrace made for a very pleasant experience during hours of darkness. Pool towels were provided and the entire terrace area was extremely relaxing and comfortable. Palm trees were interspersed between the raids.||All rooms had a at least one wall-mounted tablet from which the temperature and the lighting could be individually controlled. There is also a button that control the entire riad with do not disturb signs to the staff. Staff accessed the riad via external and underground tunnels. It took a little adjustment to get used to this but it worked extremely well and the staff were courteous and discreet.||Malika Gargour was my principal housekeeper and she really was sunshine on legs; radiating joy and happiness constantly. My riad was maintained to the highest conceivable standards of cleanliness and brilliance.||There is a large outdoor pool in the complex and also a spa. I did not use these.||There are four restaurants available and breakfast is taken in a delightful outdoor one that provides plenty of shade if desired. A large menu is available and this contains an extensive range of options. The service could not be more welcoming however special mention must go to Mustaffa, who is without doubt especially strong for his warmth and attention to detail. For example, I liked sparkling water to drink and asked for plenty of ice to be provided. A few minutes later, Mustaffa returned proactively not only with ice, but with a small plate of sliced lemon to add to the ice and water. He was the only server to do this during my stay and he displayed an exemplary work ethic. Nothing appeared to be too much trouble for the staff and all requests were received positively. Food items were very fresh and plentiful and refills of anything were freely offered.||I dealt with the reception staff and concierge staff on several occasions and I found these to be extremely accommodating and helpful. Foreign currency could be exchanged at reception and the rate was very fair.||When making arrangements to leave, I was delighted to receive a personalised 6-hour extension to my checkout time as I had a mid-evening flight. This was so helpful and enabled me to take afternoon tea before my departure.||The afternoon tea was extensive and served delightfully, with very fresh products provided. Staff were again attentive.||My stay at Royal Mansour was a true delight and genuinely deserves the five-star rating I have given for the facilities, cleanliness, service and sheer opulence. Although some might consider stays to be expensive, I would defend this by saying that it was perfectly and fairly balanced with extremely high standards that guests enjoy. There are three hotels that stand out with me for providing a complete five star or even six-star experience and both on different continents. Royal Mansour is in joint first place with the other two. I sincerely appreciate the facilities and hospitality that has been offered to me by the management and staff over a most delightful...

Aware of the reputation of this hotel, its listing in the top 50 hotels of the world and having seen it featured on television, we arrived with great expectations.|I have to say our expectations were far exceeded, (in fact it’s fair to say blown away!) The Royal Mansour has mastered the art of hospitality at the highest level of excellence. Stepping off the plane at RAK airport, we were fast tracked through immigration and security to our awaiting chauffer driven, golden vehicle.|A short drive and we arrived at the stunning gates of this luxury oasis,|An oasis of awe-inspiring beauty!|To say incredible design is not enough, every corner of every room from floor to ceiling is unique, an individual and bespoke work of art, immaculate and truly magnificent everywhere you look!|The grounds, outdoor restaurant “le Jardin”, pool area and wider garden areas are immaculate.|Stroll through the perfumed paths surrounded by olive, pomegranate and lime trees laden with fruit, herb gardens providing produce, beautiful pagodas, secluded benches, fountains and tumbling water provide a most wonderful area of calm serenity.|All of this after a relaxing massage in Le Spa was all I needed to feel completely relaxed and content in holiday bliss.|You do not stay in a “room” at the Mansour, instead you become the owner of a Riad, Your very own palace across 3 stunning floors comprising of a dramatic mosaic tiled vestibule with water feature leading through to a lounge then kitchenette area and powder room on the ground floor.|Moving to the 1st floor is the spacious bedroom with 2 dressing rooms and large bathroom all beautifully appointed.|To the 2nd floor is a rooftop terrace with loungers a plunge pool and your own Bedouin style tent to enjoy food and drinks under shelter of the sun and even a fireplace for an atmospheric evening.|Telephones on every floor allow you to have room service delivered directly to you on any level.|We ate at all four restaurants during our stay, Breakfast in Le Brasserie, lunch in Le Jardin, and evening meals in Sesamo, La Grande Table Marocaine and La Grande Brasserie.|A breakfast fit for a king which begins with the most delicious freshly baked chocolate hazelnut pastry every morning.|To go into detail about the restaurants here would require several pages but to summarise my experience as best I can:|Innovative Asian cuisine, stylish Italian tasting menus, traditional Moroccan flavours and cuisine delivered as a fine dining experience and a Michelin standard French brasserie.|Food is important to me when traveling and I always like to seek out memorable dining experiences, The Mansour delivered on every level!|Most evident in our dining experience here was the key ingredient in all gastronomy... love.|The passion from the chefs in the kitchen and from the experienced waiters and waitresses is quite evident in the presentation and flavours on your plate.|In summary, Stunning design reminiscent of a royal palace, immaculate surroundings, peace and tranquillity, incredible accommodation and superb food made for one of the most memorable and special trips to Marrakesh.|But most notably I feel the thing that really gives the Royal Mansour its platinum stamp in hospitality and sets it apart from others is the level and style of service you receive from every single member of the Royal Mansour team.|From the personal welcome on arrival by GM Clement Fabiani to the porters and door men who greet you by name every day, our super helpful concierge who assisted in arranging an amazing hot air balloon experience and throughout or stay was at our constant disposal for any request, the housekeeping team who maintain all areas private and public to the highest most immaculate standard, all of the restaurant and bar teams who for us nothing was any trouble and who clearly take great pride and pleasure in delivering service excellence.|To all the team, a sincere thank you from us for your outstanding service and for making our first trip to Marrakesh one...

Royal Mansour – A Disappointing Experience Despite a Prestigious Name

Our recent stay at Royal Mansour was unfortunately quite disappointing, especially given the reputation and pricing of the property.

To begin with, our assigned butler left us around midnight without any prior notice. When we needed a personal item from our room, a different butler — a male staff member — brought it to us at the restaurant, despite the fact that we were four female friends staying in a private suite with personal belongings in full view. If a butler service is offered, and that specific staff member will no longer be assisting us past a certain hour, this should be communicated clearly, preferably via WhatsApp or another direct channel.

We also experienced serious concerns regarding privacy and security. During our 3-night stay at Amanjena, we received no random or suspicious messages. However, after checking in to Royal Mansour, we began receiving odd messages from unknown numbers claiming to be someone’s brother, referencing past conversations. It was both uncomfortable and troubling — a stark contrast to the privacy standards we experienced at Aman.

Our dining experience at the Italian restaurant was, frankly, the worst we’ve had. The waitstaff did not know how to properly serve wine — the label was facing down, no explanation or introduction of the wine was offered. The food itself was unfortunately flavorless. All four of us sent our dishes back to the kitchen almost untouched — which has never happened to us before at any fine dining venue.

On top of that, the outdoor seating area of the Italian restaurant was overwhelmed with mosquitoes. We were bitten multiple times throughout the meal, and when we asked for mosquito repellent, we were told, “We don’t have any.” For a property that prides itself on having everything at the highest standard, this was truly surprising. It’s hard to understand how such a luxury hotel could lack something as basic and essential as mosquito spray, especially for outdoor dining.

It was also a friend’s birthday, and although we did not request a cake, the staff kindly surprised us with one. This gesture was appreciated. However, when the bill was presented, the server mentioned, “Don’t worry, we didn’t charge you for the cake — it’s a gift from us,” which came across as quite odd, as we hadn’t asked for it in the first place. It made the sweet gesture feel slightly awkward, as if it needed justification.

Another disappointing moment came at the pool. Despite being guests at the hotel, we were told the pool was fully booked and asked to return the next day and wait by the side — due to non-hotel guests being prioritized. It is hard to understand how a property at this level would allow external bookings to interfere with its own guests’ experience.

Even when it came time to leave, despite informing the staff one day in advance of our departure time and transfer request, our vehicle was not prepared, and our luggage had not been loaded. We had to wait outside for this to be sorted, which added stress to our departure.

That said, the only truly positive part of our experience was the hotel manager, who was incredibly attentive, kind, and highly professional throughout our stay. His efforts were deeply appreciated. We were also given some thoughtful farewell gifts, which was a lovely and memorable gesture — thank you for that.

However, as a group of friends celebrating a 30th birthday, we left feeling disappointed. Our experience at Amanjena, just a few nights before, was absolutely flawless — we felt genuinely valued and cared for. Sadly, we cannot say the same about our time at Royal Mansour. It seems that due to its popularity and highly touristic nature, attention to detail and personalized service may have been lost.

We sincerely hope that these comments are taken constructively. For those visiting Morocco, we wholeheartedly recommend Amanjena for an unforgettable,...