La Mamounia

Marrakech

The name Marrakech invokes the dream of an exotic getaway to the land of A Thousand and One Nights. This city, rich in traditions and culture going back a thousand years, offers visitors the most beautiful treasures of North Africa. It’s no surprise therefore that its nickname is “the pearl of the south”. Marrakech’s famous Medina for example, the historic center of the city, was classified as a UNESCO world heritage in 1985.

Discovering the folklore of the Place Jemaa El-Fna, the splendor of the palaces andthe refreshing atmosphere of the Majorelle Gardens are a delight for the uninitiated. The hotel industry is on a par with the city. A great many hotels have opened offering tourists a warm welcome worthy of the Orient, the most famous among them being without a doubt, the Mamounia.

Built in 1923 by two architects, Prost and Marchiso, it gradually expanded and today is still the object of numerous fantasies. Throughout its history, this excellent five star hotel has welcomed the world’s most famous film stars as well as important politicians and statesmen all of whom continue to be enchanted by the Mamounia.

A legendary hotel

Ideally situated alongside the ramparts of the old city, the famous Mamounia lives up to its reputation. Entirely renovated over a three years period, it now offers guests all the charm of an immense Moroccan palace in a mythical setting.

Jacques Garcia, who was entrusted with the renovation replaced the original art deco style with a more filtered, Arab like ambiance. To do so, he called upon the talents of the country’s finest craftsmen so that the renovation would be executed with respect for tradition. We therefore find zelliges, mosaics, woodwork, wrought iron, stained glass and marble associated with the warm and iridescent colors that now decorate the hotel. Each of the Mamounia’s 136 rooms and 71 suites is more sublime than the others, as well as being equipped with the latest technology. Guests feel as if they’re in a very luxurious cocoon. From their terrace, they have fantastic views of the city, the Koutoubia mosque, the Atlas Mountains and the hotel’s magnificent park.

Finally, there are three sumptuous 700 square meter riads, each with its own terrace and heated swimming pool nestled in the heart of the 8 hectares park, ideal for guests in search of total privacy.

Several swimming pools, two tennis courts and a particularly well-equipped fitness room are available to guests who want to keep in shape through physical activity. And for those who prefer relaxation, a 2,500 square meter spa is at their disposition offering a wide range of high quality treatments including massages, three hammams, one of which is private, and a jacuzzi.

4 restaurants including a Moroccan, a French and an Italian enhances the reputation of this luxury establishment. Each of them is supervised by well-known chef. The fourth restaurant, the Pavillon Piscine, proposes light sophisticated meals that can be enjoyed under a parasol alongside the pool.

The former British prime minister and statesman, Winston Churchill was especially fond of the Mamounia which he was quoted saying had “the most beautiful view in the world.” He was so fond of it that he devoted several of his paintings to the landscape. In 2008, his “Sunset Over the Atlas Mountains” was auctioned off for 420,000 dollars. Today, one of the bars and one of the suites pay tribute to him by bearing his name.