La Mamounia Marrakech: Icon of Moroccan Grandeur
Location
Like one of Marrakech's monumental gates, La Mamounia sits at the edge of the medina and is one of the city's major landmarks. From its lush gardens, you can spy the Koutoubia minaret. The bustling Djemaa el-Fna square is a mere five-minute walk away, while Gueliz, the city’s chic modern district, is reachable by taxi in 5 to 10 minutes. The hotel’s stately entrance, guarded by a caped doorman, is as impressive as its position at the crossroads of old and new Marrakech.
Style and Character
Inaugurated in 1923 as a grand art deco railway hotel, La Mamounia remains a beacon of Moroccan hospitality and cultural heritage. Far from a static relic, it continues to be the beating heart of Marrakech's social and artistic life. The hotel regularly hosts prestigious events like the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair and the Marrakech International Film Festival. It’s a place where aristocrats and celebrities gather, often for weddings or exclusive soirées under the palm trees of its 18th-century gardens. The interiors blend Moroccan craftsmanship with art deco flair: expect opulent mosaics, elaborate woodwork, plush furnishings, and a palpable sense of occasion.
Service and Facilities
La Mamounia is renowned for its legendary service, backed by a staff of over 700—nearly four for every room. Guests are welcomed with hot towels, dates, and orange blossom-scented milk, and their rooms are adorned with roses, fruit, and spiced cakes. The hotel features four bars, including one in the garden, and four exquisite restaurants. There's also a traditional French tea salon for lighter fare.
Amenities include a sprawling underground spa—home to Marrakech's most Instagram-famous pool—as well as a beauty salon, luxury boutiques, a garden gym, retro arcade for teens, a cinema, tennis courts, and a palm-lined outdoor pool. Whether you're relaxing or exploring, every experience is curated for luxury.
Available Facilities: Bar, Fitness Centre, Laundry, Parking, Pool, Restaurants, Room Service, Spa, Hammam, Tennis Court, Wi-Fi.
Rooms
La Mamounia offers 135 rooms, 71 suites (including four two-bedroom options), and three private riads with three bedrooms each. Entry-level rooms are comfortable but not extravagant; Deluxe rooms and above offer more luxury, including balconies with views over gardens or the Atlas Mountains. All rooms feature artisanal Moroccan design: intricate zellij tilework, carved lattice screens, and polished tadelakt walls. Beds are large and lavish, while bathrooms, though compact, sparkle with marble and mosaic. Higher-tier rooms come with added perks such as dressing rooms, double balconies, and panoramic vistas of the Koutoubia Mosque.
Food and Drink
Dining at La Mamounia is a sensory experience curated by world-class talent. The restaurants, redesigned by Jouin Manku, are individually themed. The Italian trattoria, located in the garden, glows with green and gold accents, while the pan-Asian venue is a refined haven of exotic flavors. The Churchill Bar, now resembling a vintage train carriage, specializes in champagne and caviar.
Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s international culinary vision shines in both the Italian and Asian menus, tailored to La Mamounia's diverse guests. The Moroccan restaurant, nestled in the garden, presents a refined mix of traditional and contemporary dishes created by chef Rachid Agouray. For casual meals, the Pool Pavilion serves French fare and boasts a celebrated breakfast buffet with an impressive selection of viennoiserie, cheeses, charcuterie, yogurts, cereals, fruit, and eggs prepared to order. Afternoon tea under a shimmering chandelier at the Pierre Hermé salon is a local favorite.
Value for Money
Double rooms start from MAD 4,500 (approx. £355) in low season and rise to MAD 8,400 (approx. £662) in high season. Breakfast is not included and is priced from MAD 460 (£37).
Accessibility
Two Park Suites and one Deluxe Park Room have been specially adapted for guests with disabilities.
Family-Friendly Features
Children are welcomed with warmth and generosity. The expansive gardens, large swimming pool, and gentle service make it an ideal retreat for families. Extras include free daily carriage rides, complimentary cots, and babysitting services. Extra beds are available at MAD 950 (£75) per night.
Contact Information
Address: Avenue Bab Jdid, 40 040 Marrakech, Morocco
Phone: +212 524 388 600
Website: https://www.mamounia.com