Review of La Mamounia

La Mamounia stands as Marrakech’s crown jewel, blending legendary Moroccan hospitality with world-class luxury. Recognized globally as North Africa’s most celebrated city hotel, this historic property has welcomed discerning travelers and celebrities since 1923, offering an enchanting escape from the vibrant medina just beyond its gates.

Surrounded by eight hectares of lush, aromatic gardens, La Mamounia features 135 refined rooms, 71 opulent suites, and three exclusive private riads. The hotel’s ten restaurants and bars—some curated by acclaimed chefs like Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Pierre Hermé—are complemented by a kitchen garden, private cinema, both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a 2,500-square-metre spa with traditional and private Hammams, a full-service salon, two boutiques, a floral kiosk, meeting spaces, and a games lounge. Additional amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, two clay tennis courts, table tennis, and a pétanque pitch. 

This legendary grande dame has recently undergone a transformative, multi-million-euro redesign led by Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku. Their vision has revitalized La Mamounia’s interiors, fusing contemporary flair with the property’s rich heritage. Over 300 artisans contributed to this ambitious project, ensuring the hotel retains its status among the world’s most luxurious and storied destinations.

Perfectly positioned at the threshold of Marrakech’s ancient city, La Mamounia is discreetly nestled within eight hectares of storied gardens just inside the medina walls. With the bustling Jemaa el-Fna square and the iconic Koutoubia minaret only moments away, the hotel’s Hivernage address places guests at the crossroads of tradition and modernity, while the lively Gueliz district is a short drive from the gates.

Arrivals are seamless: Marrakech Menara Airport is just a ten-minute chauffeured transfer, and the city’s train station—offering direct connections to Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, and Tangier—is similarly close. For those arriving from Casablanca Mohammed V Airport, the drive takes approximately two hours, rewarding guests with an unrivaled sense of arrival.

Each guestroom at La Mamounia is an ode to Moroccan artistry, seamlessly blending historical motifs, intricate stucco, and plush textiles with understated contemporary elegance. Expect luxury linens by Porthault, Garnier Thiebaut robes, and marble bathrooms adorned with artisanal tiles and signature citrus-scented amenities. French doors open onto private terraces, affording panoramic vistas of the gardens, pool, historic Agdal district, the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque, Hivernage, or the majestic Atlas Mountains. 

The hotel’s 65 suites showcase masterful Moroccan design and vibrant palettes, with five split-level suites featuring garden-view bedrooms and upper-floor lounges inspired by Marrakech’s spice souks. 

The six Exceptional Suites each tell a unique story: the Al Mamoun Suite is a haven for antique connoisseurs; the Marqueterie Suite blends Art Deco flourishes with expansive living space; the Majorelle Suite is a vivid tribute to the famed artist, with his portrait greeting guests at the entrance; the Churchill Suite occupies the illustrious third floor once favored by Winston Churchill; the Koutoubia Suite is awash in natural light and overlooks the cityscape; while the Baldaquin Suite features a showstopping white taffeta canopied bed at its heart.

For those desiring absolute privacy, La Mamounia’s three standalone riads are hidden within the gardens. Each spans 700 square metres, complete with a heated pool, central fountain, private rooftop terrace, and three ensuite bedrooms. Elegant interiors feature bespoke Jacques Garcia furnishings, cedar accents, walk-in wardrobes, and vibrant orange leather touches, all exemplifying Moroccan craftsmanship at its finest. 

La Mamounia delivers a hospitality experience befitting its royal and celebrity clientele, ensuring every guest enjoys personalized, anticipatory service. The dedicated team is renowned for their attention to detail—no request is too great or too small. Private excursions to the Atlas Mountains or city tours are easily arranged in a chauffeured garnet-red Jaguar or Range Rover for an elevated experience.

The renowned 2,500-square-metre Mamounia Spa is a sanctuary for holistic wellness, featuring smooth marble, curved architecture, and traditional tadelakt plaster. Guests can indulge in classic Hammam rituals, swim in the breathtaking indoor pool, or select from over eighty wellness treatments, including massages with locally sourced Argan oil and advanced balneotherapy. The spa’s dedicated jacuzzi pavilion, lined with plush seating beneath mashrabiya latticework, is a highlight. For those seeking exclusivity, a private spa suite is available. Additional facilities include a full-service hair salon and a traditional Moroccan barber.

Active guests will appreciate the fitness studio, dual clay tennis courts, table tennis, pétanque, and bike rentals. The outdoor pool, surrounded by the hotel’s gardens, is served by attentive staff offering Champagne, artisanal ice creams, and gourmet snacks throughout the day.

La Mamounia’s library is an elegant retreat, while 24-hour guest services and a curated selection of boutiques—including La Boutique Mamounia, Pierre Hermé Paris, and a flower kiosk—enhance the experience. 

For those drawn to gaming, the Grand Casino features 20 table games and 140 slot machines. 

The hotel’s boutique cinema, opened in response to guest demand for immersive cultural experiences, is a sophisticated venue for weekly screenings. Guests can enjoy a refined snack menu by Pierre Hermé while watching films in plush surrounds that celebrate the hotel’s cinematic heritage.

The gardens, spanning eight hectares, are a tranquil haven with sweeping views of the medina rooftops, Koutoubia Mosque, and the distant Atlas Mountains. Ancient olive trees—some centuries old—share space with bougainvillea, cacti, jacarandas, roses, citrus, and palm trees, creating a sensory tapestry of color, fragrance, and dappled light.

Families are warmly welcomed, with thoughtful programs for children that include seasonal activities, spa treatments under supervision, and dedicated menus in every restaurant. Young guests delight in meeting the resident cats and playing in the La Salle de Jeux, which features pool, foosball, pinball, and classic board games.

For a sweet treat, the complimentary ice cream cart offers house-made flavors and decadent sundaes—an indulgence for all ages. 

La Mamounia’s aesthetic is a symphony of Moroccan tradition and Art Deco glamour, evoking the ambiance of an Arabian palace. The arrival experience is grand, with uniformed guards welcoming guests through ornate gates into a world of timeless elegance.

Jacques Garcia’s 2009 renovation, in collaboration with local artisans, set the stage for the hotel’s signature look: hand-cut tiles, marble, tadelakt plaster, and intricate woodwork. Both indoor and outdoor pools are adorned with striking blue-and-white mosaics and gilded accents.

The 2021 redesign by Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku elevated the interiors even further, adding hand-painted wooden ceilings, Zillij mosaic tilework, Venetian-style mirrors, and plush wool rugs. The result is an immersive environment where every corner reflects Morocco’s artistic legacy while feeling fresh and inviting in 2025. 

La Mamounia’s culinary offerings are a showcase of innovation and tradition, overseen by Executive Chef Yoann Bernard, Michelin-starred Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and world-renowned patissier Pierre Hermé. 

Since its 2020 transformation, the hotel features four signature restaurants. Le Marocain overlooks the historic gardens and highlights authentic Moroccan flavors, while Le Lounge Marocain offers an elevated rooftop experience and Le Bar Marocain fuses cutting-edge cuisine with live music.

Jean-Georges Vongerichten helms two restaurants: L’Asiatique par Jean-Georges serves refined Asian cuisine—think delicate dim sum, fragrant Thai curries, and Japanese specialties—while L’Italien par Jean-Georges reimagines the Italian trattoria with open kitchens and interactive food stations, all framed by garden views through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Le Pavillon de la Piscine, set beside the iconic pool, is a favorite for leisurely breakfasts and the celebrated Sunday brunch, a highlight for both guests and locals. Le Bar de la Piscine nestles under a floral canopy, serving refreshing drinks and light bites crafted by Pierre Hermé.

For tea aficionados, Le Menzeh par Pierre Hermé—in the hotel’s original building—offers a serene setting among rose and olive trees, perfect for a glass of Moroccan mint tea. Le Salon de Thé par Pierre Hermé, located off the Mamounia gallery, provides a refined venue for breakfast, afternoon tea, and Pierre Hermé’s celebrated pastries, echoing the atmosphere of a traditional Moroccan tearoom with its marble fountain centerpiece.

Evenings are lively at the hotel’s three distinct bars: Le Churchill, a tribute to the British statesman, features Pullman carriage-inspired interiors with smoked oak and sculpted black marble; Le Bar Majorelle is set within the iconic Majorelle Gallery; and Le Bar Italien, adjacent to L’Italien par Jean-Georges, offers live jazz into the night, all complemented by Pierre Hermé’s exquisite creations.

New for guests seeking a relaxed atmosphere, the Tents offer informal dining or a quiet retreat, with one tent leading to L’Oenothèque—a subterranean cellar housing over two thousand exceptional wines. This exclusive space can accommodate up to 12 for private tastings or intimate dinners, further elevating La Mamounia’s gastronomic credentials.

La Mamounia has deepened its commitment to sustainability, integrating solar energy throughout the property to reduce its carbon footprint. The hotel’s 1,500-square-metre organic kitchen gardens supply all restaurants with seasonal herbs, fruits, and vegetables—including rare Moroccan lime trees, figs, peaches, and over fifteen tomato varieties. These eco-friendly initiatives reflect La Mamounia’s ongoing pursuit of excellence in responsible luxury for 2025 and beyond.

• The gardens—an immersive sensory experience, where vibrant colors, delicate scents, and tranquil sounds create a feeling of pure serenity.
• The expansive outdoor pool—refreshingly cool and the ultimate retreat on Marrakech’s sunniest days.
• The palpable sense of history—felt in every space, from the traditional Moroccan welcome to the storied corridors, offering a century of distinguished hospitality.Varun SharmaEditor-In-ChiefBusinessclass

• La Mamounia’s legendary gardens—seventeen acres dotted with centuries-old palms, ancient olive trees, and thousands of vibrant blooms—are truly unmatched.
• This hotel is more than an address; it is a destination, embodying the very best of Moroccan art de vivre and setting the standard for hospitality in Marrakech.
• The ability to create unique, timeless experiences and lasting memories is what makes La Mamounia an icon.Pierre JochemGeneral ManagerLa Mamounia