Royal Mansour Marrakech

A colossal pair of ornate doors set in the front gate of Royal Mansour Marrakech dwarf even the most well-heeled visitor, setting the stage for the spectacle within this regal property. Inside the walls, brick pathways cut through vast gardens of lemon and olive trees, and past lily ponds and gazebos with date palms towering overhead. Led by a French design team, the interiors are some of the finest examples of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship, and were conceived and built by more than 1,200 artisans over six years. Tile mosaics cover floors crossed with waterways and fountains, while mother-of-pearl inlays and gold leaf make the walls come alive. Whether in bright, open courtyards or under the intricately carved wooden ceilings hung with crystal chandeliers, the artistry is illuminating. Beneath it all, an underground warren of service tunnels allows the staff to move unseen between the private riads and Andalusian courtyards, ensuring that guests -- who can only be characterized as upper-crust -- feel as if they, too, are deserving of royal service. The effect is a formal, museum-quality atmosphere, which may not be to everyone's liking. 

Royal Mansour Marrakech is essentially its own Medina within the historic Medina. The property is tucked between the old area of the Medina and the new town of Gueliz, though sits within the walled section of the ancient city center, a 10-minute walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa square. The Koutoubia Mosque, Ben Youssef Mosque, Amajorelle Garden, and all the attractions of the historic city center are within walking distance of between 10 and 30 minutes. Marrakech Menara Airport is a 10-minute drive via taxi, and the hotel arranges free shuttles for guests. 

A "room" at the Royal Mansour is more like a small palace, an entire private riad, each seemingly more decadent than the next. There are 53 in all, separated from each other by gardens for maximum privacy. The most basic option has two floors and a private plunge pool, and others have their own hammams, roof decks, or full kitchens. Some have dining rooms, too, with carved cedar panels and fireplaces that make dining-in an unusually elegant experience. The traditional interior courtyards, with fountains and mosaic tile floors, are the centerpieces of the one- to four-bedroom riads, with varying decor showcasing hand-carved wooden ceilings, leather and copper furnishings, and rich silk and velvet brocade fabrics. Sitting rooms off the central courtyard are simultaneously cozy and luxurious, many making use of lavish local rugs and tapestries. The rooftop terraces have views of the city or the Atlas Mountains, and some have fun Bedouin tents or rooftop plunge pools, as well. Note that not all riads can simply be booked online, with some only available directly through the hotel.

In the center of Royal Mansour Marrakech's courtyards-within-courtyards layout are three different restaurants conceived by Yannick Alléno, a chef who previously earned three Michelin stars for his restaurant in Paris. La Grande Table Marocaine delivers top-notch traditional Moroccan dishes with contemporary flair, while La Grande Table Francaise showcases the chef's command of classic French cuisine. La Table combines a sunny loggia with an al fresco restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a broader Mediterranean menu. There are also several private dining rooms and lounges (in addition to the guests' own dining rooms or rooftop terraces). Similarly, there are three bars that deliver unique environments to imbibe in: the glowing pink and gold leaf-covered Le Bar cocktail lounge; Le Piano Bar with views of the Andalusian gardens; and Le Bar a Cigaré, decked out in Ebony paneling, with old school spirits and cigar humidors. The spa, set in a bright courtyard, spans three floors with two traditional hammams, a hair and nail salon, several treatment rooms, and a refreshment bar. Its stunning central atrium and relaxation room are designed like a heavenly bird's cage, with an intricate web of white latticework. There's also an attached, modern fitness center and two pools -- one very small pool outdoors, and another inside a glass pavilion with delicate steel arches and loungers. Services befitting the hotel's regal pedigree include a VIP meet-and-greet for the airport, where the Royal Mansour staff handle all customs and baggage for arriving guests, and then shuttle them to the hotel. Once there, guests can take advantage of amenities that range in formality from a kids' club to personal butler service.