Royal Mansour Marrakech: 36 hours of dreamlike moments in an exceptional palace
Update: September 2026
There are hotels that we enjoy, those we keep in good memory… and then there are those that we never forget.
The Royal Mansour Marrakech is definitely part of this second category.
During our stay in Marrakech, we were lucky enough to be invited to spend 36 hours in this mythical palace. Only 36 hours, but an extraordinary experience and certainly one of the most beautiful hotels we have had the chance to discover.
If you are planning a trip to Morocco, I have also put together all my experiences and advice in my Travel guide to Morocco: tips & experiences.
But back to the Royal Mansour…
I still lack the words to describe this place.
Here, everything is about refinement, craftsmanship, details, luxury, and elegance. But what struck me most, beyond the opulence, is this incredible sense of calm.
The Royal Mansour is not a palace like the others.
I had a more intense feeling of being inside Huge private medina, green and colorful, Hidden in the heart of the red city.
Once the main gates are passed, Marrakech seems to disappear.
The horns give way to the singing of birds, the noise of the city to the murmur of the water in the fountains and grottos, while the scents of jasmine and orange blossom float in the air.
The dream begins.
A palace imagined as a Moroccan medina
The concept of Royal Mansour is absolutely unique.
Rather than being a huge classic hotel building, the palace is organized like a true medina with its small alleys, gardens, patios, and riads.
Today, the Royal Mansour counts 53 private riads, distributed over three levels, in the heart of an area of approximately 5 hectares. Each riad has its own decor and its own unique atmosphere.
And it is precisely this organization that gives the place a very special atmosphere.
During our stay, we sometimes had the impression of being alone in the hotel.
We walk, we get lost in the small streets, we discover a garden, a fountain, a beautifully decorated door… then a new lounge appears.
There is always something to watch.
Absolutely spectacular Moroccan decor
The Royal Mansour is a true demonstration of the craftsmanship of Moroccan artisans.
Zellij tiles, mosaics, sculpted ceilings, woodwork, marquetry, wrought iron, leather, glass and marble can be found everywhere.
Every detail seems to have been thought out to be admired.
I remember spending a lot of time just looking up at the ceilings and the decorations.
One could easily spend hours exploring the palace without ever feeling like they had seen everything.
The result is spectacular without being, in my eyes, simply ostentatious: it is above all an immense celebration of Moroccan craftsmanship.
The open-air hall
The hall of Royal Mansour is one of the first spaces that impressed me.
It is immense, elegant and majestic, while remaining very bright thanks to its open view onto the outside.
The reception is located under a magnificent chandelier and several lounges allow you to settle down in much more intimate spaces.
But my favorite part was the library.
I loved this piece and its roof that can be opened to observe the sky and the stars.
An old telescope completes this decor.
It's like you're in a palace from One Thousand and One Nights.
The 53 private riads
At Royal Mansour, you don’t sleep in a traditional hotel room.
Les 53 private riads Each of them is organized on three levels and has a different decoration.
Noble materials are paired with refined fabrics, zellic tiles, carpets, wood panelling, and custom-made furniture.
Each riad has its own character.
The terraces also offer a private outdoor space, and some categories have a pool.
Today, the Royal Mansour offers riads ranging from one to four bedrooms, which may also suit families or small groups.
The secret galleries of the Royal Mansour
This is probably one of the details that fascinated me the most.
The Royal Mansour has an extensive network of underground galleries This allows the staff to move discreetly to the various riads.
Staff can thus work without having to pass through the areas occupied by customers.
There are also sections reserved for staff.
Everything is designed to preserve the privacy and tranquility of the visitors.
And that is probably one of the reasons why we felt so alone in the palace.
Hospitality that really makes a difference
Beyond the beauty of the place, I particularly appreciated the quality of the welcome.
The staff was extremely attentive, but above all, warm.
We have, in particular, had many discussions with Mohamed, one of the palace grooms.
He knew the Royal Mansour inside out and showed us some of his favorite places.
He told us the story of the marble used in some rooms, the origin of certain furniture, the design of the gardens…
It is these interactions that allow you to discover a hotel in a different way.
We no longer simply look at a setting; we discover the history of the place.
The gardens: a true oasis in the heart of Marrakech
Water is omnipresent at the Royal Mansour.
Fountains, ponds and small canals accompany the walks in the gardens.
The vegetation is lush and provides a pleasant feeling of coolness.
The Royal Mansour Garden It is now presented as a true oasis with its vegetation, fountains, resting areas and swimming pool.
This is the perfect place to slow down after a day spent visiting Marrakech.
And if you are preparing your stay, check out my article Visiting Marrakech: my 15 must-see attractions to discover the places and experiences that I recommend in the red city.
Moroccan dinner at Royal Mansour
During our stay, we were lucky enough to dine in the palace’s Moroccan restaurant.
At the time, the card was signed by the chef in particular Yannick Alléno.
We had sampled a multitude of Moroccan specialties: pigeon pastilla, tajines, lamb, and various other small preparations.
The room was beautiful, elegant, and spacious enough to preserve the privacy of each table.
The service was obviously up to the standard of the place.
And that evening, we also attended a concert of classical oriental music.
A very beautiful memory.
The gastronomy of Royal Mansour today
The palace’s gastronomic offer has since evolved.
The Royal Mansour now counts four signature restaurants, With different culinary influences: Moroccan, Italian, French and Asian.
Among them, The Great Moroccan Table offers a gastronomic interpretation of Moroccan cuisine, including pastilla, couscous and various traditional specialties revisited.
The Grande Brasserie, For its part, it now offers French cuisine conceived under the direction of chef Hélène Darroze.
If you are looking for other places to eat during your stay, you can also find my article here:
Where to eat in Marrakech: 7 must-visit places
I share several restaurants and good addresses that I have tried in Marrakech there.
Afternoon Tea at the Royal Mansour
Among the experiences we were lucky enough to experience, there was also The Afternoon Tea.
And of course, at Royal Mansour, the tea time becomes a truly unique experience.
We settle down in the magnificent setting of The Great Brewery to enjoy a gourmet moment that is particularly elegant.
The experience now combines savory creations and pastries: sandwiches, scones, pies, pastries, chocolate treats and other sweets.
Afternoon Tea is currently on offer Every day from 3pm to 6pm at La Grande Brasserie, at the listed price of 550 MAD per person.
I really enjoyed this parenthesis.
After strolling through the streets of Marrakech, the souks and the palaces, it’s a beautiful way to take some time to breathe.
And most importantly, it’s an interesting experience to discover the world of the Royal Mansour even when you’re not staying there.
The Royal Mansour Spa
And then there's the spa…
I think it’s one of the places that has most impressed me.
As soon as you enter, you discover a magnificent white wrought-iron atrium bathed in light.
Everything is extremely elegant and soothing.
During our stay, we discovered the hammams, the treatment areas, the Watsu pool, the relaxation areas, and a magnificent swimming pool installed under a large glass dome.
The current Royal Mansour Spa covers 2,500 m² spread over three levels and offers, among other things, a hammam, body and facial treatments, massages, a heated pool and a fitness area.
The spa also has a independent entrance from the hotel, This allows external visitors to come and enjoy some of the services.
The Royal Mansour with the family
Although the Royal Mansour is obviously a very upscale address, the palace also welcomes families.
Today, the establishment offers, among other things The Garden of Lila, an area dedicated to children aged 4 to 10 years.
Multi-room riads can also be particularly appealing for a family stay, as they offer more space and privacy.
It is therefore an address that one can certainly consider when planning a trip to Morocco with family, Especially to enjoy an exceptional break in the midst of a stay dedicated to discovering Marrakech.
FAQ – Royal Mansour Marrakech
How many riads does the Royal Mansour have?
The Royal Mansour has 53 private riads, each with its own decor and its own unique atmosphere.
Is the Royal Mansour a medina?
The palace was designed as a true private medina, with its alleys, gardens, riads and common areas.
Can you enjoy Royal Mansour without sleeping there?
Some experiences are accessible to external visitors, including the spa and the restaurants. The spa has an entrance separate from the hotel.
Can you have an Afternoon Tea at the Royal Mansour without staying at the hotel?
Afternoon Tea is offered at La Grande Brasserie every day from 3pm to 6pm. It is best to book directly with Royal Mansour and check the conditions at the time of your visit.
How much does the Afternoon Tea at the Royal Mansour cost?
The price currently displayed by the palace is 550 MAD per person.
Is the Royal Mansour suitable for families?
Yes. The palace welcomes families and offers, among other things, a children's area, Le Jardin de Lila, intended for children aged 4 to 10.
What to do in Marrakech during a stay at the Royal Mansour?
I advise you to dedicate several days to discovering Marrakech: the medina, the souks, the palaces, the gardens, the restaurants and excursions.
Find my complete guide: Visiting Marrakech: my 15 must-see attractions.
Practical information
Royal Mansour Marrakech
Rue Abou El Abbas Sebti
40000 Marrakech – Morocco
The Royal Mansour is located in the heart of Marrakech, close to the medina and the main tourist attractions.
Today, the palace offers, among other things:
- 53 private riads; ;
- riads with one to four bedrooms; ;
- private pools according to categories; ;
- 4 signature restaurants; ;
- bars; ;
- The garden and its pool; ;
- a 2,500 m² spa; ;
- the Afternoon Tea ;
- a children's area; ;
- different gastronomic experiences and wellness.
Things to do in Marrakech
Articles about Marrakech
Comments
Hello, is it possible to come see the main room (your first photo) only to admire it and not have it massaged?
Travel tips
30 January 2017
Indeed, I'm not particularly attracted to Morocco in the first place, but it does make me dream!
Taoufik Al Hammadi
27 January 2017
The true meaning of luxury. Everything has been thought through and to the smallest detail. The spa was ranked the most beautiful spa in the world in 2015 (also 2016, not sure).
The photos are so inviting! And besides, you really capture the atmosphere.
Wonderful detailed guided tour with lots of photos. I dream of going there one day!
Capucine & Thibault
12 November 2015
Thanks Virginie for your comment, feel free to drop by when you next visit Marrakech, you’ll be in heaven 🙂
argone69
12 November 2015
It is indeed an exceptional place... a true palace, so refined! thanks for the visit!
Alia
30 December 2019
Hello,
Excellent description! The photos are excellent.