Royal Mansour Marrakech Achieves International Recognition
In a remarkable achievement for Moroccan hospitality, the Royal Mansour Marrakech has secured the 26th position in the prestigious ranking of the world’s best hotels for 2026. This ranking not only highlights the exceptional quality of service provided by the hotel but also places it as one of only two African hotels to make it to the top 50 list. Announced on September 15 during a grand ceremony held at the Carrousel in Paris, the Royal Mansour emerged as the leading hotel in Africa, earning the title of "Best Hotel in Africa 2026." Following closely is the Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town, which ranked 34th globally.
The 2026 edition of the "Best 50 Hotels" list marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time the event has taken place outside of London. The list features hotels from 22 countries across six continents, while the Rosewood Hong Kong maintained its top position globally. This ranking is derived from the insights of over 800 experts in the fields of hospitality and travel, including hotel owners, specialized journalists, academics, and seasoned travelers, who contribute their evaluations from 13 regions worldwide. The independent auditing process is conducted by Deloitte.
A Unique Experience of Luxury and Culture
The Royal Mansour Marrakech is renowned for its commitment to offering a unique luxury experience that reflects the rich cultural identity of Morocco. Opened in 2010, the hotel diverges from traditional hotel designs by featuring 53 private riads, each equipped with its own courtyard, rooftop pool, and stunning views of Marrakech. The hotel employs a distinctive service model, utilizing hidden tunnels and passageways that allow staff to navigate discreetly, ensuring guest privacy while providing personalized services and opulent amenities.
Dining at the Royal Mansour is an exquisite affair, with restaurants like "Sesamo" led by Massimiliano Alajmo, alongside a grand Moroccan restaurant overseen by Hélène Darroze, previously managed by Yannick Alléno. Prices for a night’s stay at this luxurious hotel start at approximately $1,900.
In contrast, the Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town offers an alternative yet equally luxurious African hospitality experience. Established in 1899 to cater to first-class passengers of the Union Castle Line, this historic hotel has hosted numerous prominent figures, including Winston Churchill and the Prince of Wales. Known for its iconic pink color, which has been a hallmark since 1918, the hotel features 198 rooms across multiple locations, expansive gardens, swimming pools, tennis courts, a spa, and various dining options, with rates starting around $1,115 per night.
The inclusion of these two African hotels in the 2026 list reflects the diverse offerings of high-end accommodation on the continent, showcasing a Moroccan experience rooted in local architectural identity and a South African model steeped in historical significance and luxury reimagined.
As reported by alalam24.press.ma.
