La Mamounia Maintains Its Prestige Despite Ranking Drop
The renowned La Mamounia Hotel in Marrakech has successfully retained its status among the top hotels in the world, even as it slipped to the 75th position in the 2026 rankings released by The World’s 50 Best Hotels platform this week. This list, which includes hotels ranked from 51 to 100, highlights the unique standing of La Mamounia as the sole representative from Africa in this category while anticipation builds for the announcement of the top 50 hotels globally during a ceremony set to take place in Paris on September 15.
In this latest ranking, the Moroccan hotel finds itself at 75, just behind the Four Seasons Tamarindo in Mexico at 74 and ahead of the Turkish hotel Maçakızı in Bodrum, which ranks 76. This year's result reflects a decline compared to previous iterations, as La Mamounia was positioned 30th in 2025 and 31st in 2024, with its highest achievement being the 6th place globally in 2023.
The Timeless Appeal of La Mamounia
Despite its drop in ranking, La Mamounia continues to uphold its reputation as one of the foremost destinations for luxury hospitality in Morocco. The hotel benefits from its prime location in Marrakech and a rich history spanning over a century, complemented by its architectural style that harmoniously blends traditional Moroccan design with hotel luxury. The ranking committee praised several features that contribute to the hotel's enduring allure, including its expansive gardens, intricately carved cedar wood ceilings, Moroccan zellige tiles, and balconies overlooking olive and orange groves, as well as traditional baths adorned with mosaics.
The historical connection of La Mamounia with Winston Churchill, the late British Prime Minister, was also highlighted in the ranking. Churchill had a special affinity for Marrakech and was one of the prominent figures who frequently stayed at the hotel during his visits to Morocco. Since its inauguration in 1923, La Mamounia has evolved into one of the most celebrated symbols of luxury hospitality in the kingdom, hosting distinguished personalities from the realms of politics, arts, and culture over the decades. The hotel boasts more than 200 rooms and suites, having undergone successive renovations and upgrades to maintain its high standards and international prestige.
The World’s 50 Best Hotels ranking draws upon the insights of over 800 travel and hospitality experts, with each member selecting seven hotels based on their personal experiences during stays over the past three years. The organizers emphasize the independence of the selection process, as hotels are not permitted to submit direct nominations or purchase their way onto the list, with results determined by the evaluations and experiences of the voting committee members. The focus is now on the upcoming main list, which will showcase the top 50 hotels worldwide, prompting curiosity about whether Royal Mansour and other Moroccan and African hotels will secure a place in the rankings, thereby enhancing the kingdom's presence in the realm of luxury hospitality on an international scale.
As reported by iktissadkom.ma.
