La Mamounia: An Enchanting Stay at a Regal Retreat
Updated: May 26
When it comes to historic luxury hotels, few can match the allure and timeless charm of La Mamounia in Marrakech. Its reputation precedes it, having hosted esteemed guests and legends of the past from Winston Churchill to Alfred Hitchcock. The hotel dates back to 1923, named after Prince Mamoun, a member of the Moroccan royal family. It has since retained its original Moorish architecture, ensuring the continuity of Moroccan tradition and luxury. It has earned its place in the annals of hospitality history, known for its undeniable charm, unparalleled beauty, and rich legacy.
That being said, we were nearly swayed to cancel our two-night stay just days before our arrival after reading the plethora of negative online reviews. There were complaints about strict no-photography policies on the grounds, repeated requests from staff for room number confirmations, and firm dress code enforcement. Against our instincts, we forged ahead with our booking, and thankfully we were glad we did.
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Our arrival at La Mamounia was met with a gracious welcome. Initial concerns were quickly dispelled, and in fact, we found the excellent staff to be the highlight of our stay. It became apparent that some restrictive behaviours were happening toward day visitors to the hotel, but as guests, we were treated like royalty.
We were free to take photos in every captivating corner of the property and could walk from the pool back to our rooms in robes and slippers, even past the “no flip flop” hour. Beyond this, we were frequently greeted by name by different members of the staff, many of whom went above and beyond to ensure our stay was nothing short of perfect.
The charms
The hotel’s beauty is nothing short of mesmerizing. You’ll find yourself wanting to take a photograph in every nook and cranny. There is also a hall adjacent to the main lobby where the hotel has hung the photos of many past esteemed guests they have hosted. It is amazing to get a sense of all the history that has walked the halls before you.
There are two bars to choose from, each with its own ambiance. In the larger of the two, a live jazz band plays nightly, creating a lovely atmosphere. The smaller bar is named Le Churchill, after their former frequent guest Winston himself, who was so enamored by the property that he referred to it as “the most lovely spot in the whole world”. It is a small and cozy area that exudes an old-world charm reminiscent of the eras of speakeasies. But the secret lies not in the bar itself, but behind a discreet door on the right side.
Here La Mamounia boasts its own movie theatre, offering screenings of movies twice a day for interested guests to attend. On our first night, we attempted to rush through dinner to make it on time for the evening screening, only to miss it completely. To our delight, the staff offered us the privilege of selecting our own movie for a private late-night screening instead. Throughout the film, they provided us with regular and caramel popcorn to snack on (with more refills than we would care to admit), and we were even able to have cocktails delivered from the Churchill bar. It was an experience we won’t soon forget.
The Imperfections
While our stay was largely a fairy tale, a few imperfections were evident. The heated pools, both indoor and outdoor, we found to be surprisingly cold. Consequently, we spent much less time in them than anticipated. The second letdown was our dinner at the renowned Jean-Georges Italian restaurant. We ordered quite a variety of dishes to share, and can only describe the food as adequate at best. For the reputation and the prices, we were expecting a lot more. We would highly recommend filling up on the local flavour of ice cream being served poolside instead, an irresistible blend of milk and almonds.
Overall our stay at La Mamounia not only transcended our initial doubts but became a memorable and magical experience for us. The friendly staff’s exceptional service, the opulent ambiance, and the hidden treasures of the hotel made it a journey to remember. This is a place that promises unforgettable memories, and with a touch of culinary improvement, it would be nearly flawless. We highly recommend a stay here, where you will savour a piece of history and luxury that will stay with you forever.
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