Written by Suha Mamdouh – Agencies: Morocco has secured a prominent position in the global ranking of the best hotels for the year 2026, with the prestigious Royal Mansour Marrakech achieving the remarkable feat of ranking 26th worldwide. This distinction marks it as one of only two African hotels to make the list of the top 50 hotels globally.
The ranking, announced on September 15 during a ceremony held at the Carrousel halls in Paris, revealed that Royal Mansour Marrakech topped the list of African hotels and was awarded the title of "Best Hotel in Africa 2026." Meanwhile, the Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town ranked 34th globally.
The 2026 edition of the "Top 50 Hotels" list is particularly noteworthy as it is the first time the event has taken place outside of London, featuring hotels from 22 countries across six continents. The Rosewood Hong Kong maintained its position at the top of the global rankings.
This prestigious ranking is based on the opinions of over 800 experts in the hospitality and travel sector, including hotel owners, specialized journalists, industry professors, and seasoned travelers from 13 regions around the world. The independent adjudication of the rankings is handled by Deloitte.
The voting process is conducted individually and confidentially, ensuring that the identities of the participants remain anonymous. As a result, a hotel’s presence on the list is linked to expert evaluations of guest experiences, service quality, and each hotel's unique identity, rather than just its facilities and amenities.
Royal Mansour Marrakech exemplifies luxury hospitality in Morocco, having opened its doors in 2010 with a vision to provide an experience that reflects various aspects of Moroccan culture and identity. Its design diverges from traditional hotels, featuring not the usual rooms, but 53 private riads, each equipped with a courtyard, a rooftop pool, independent spaces, and stunning views of the city of Marrakech.
The hotel also operates on a unique service system, incorporating a network of hidden tunnels and corridors that allow staff to move discreetly without disturbing guest privacy. Alongside its personalized services and luxurious amenities, the hotel offers diverse culinary experiences.
Among its dining options is the Sesamo restaurant, overseen by Massimiliano Alajmo, as well as a grand Moroccan restaurant managed by Hélène Darroze, who previously had Yannick Alléno at the helm. Accommodation rates start at approximately $1,900 per night.
In addition, the Mount Nelson in Cape Town entered the global list at number 34, showcasing a different model of luxury African hospitality. Established in 1899 to welcome first-class passengers on the Union Castle line, the hotel has evolved into one of South Africa’s historic hospitality establishments.
The hotel is affectionately known as the "Pink Lady of Cape Town," a nod to its distinctive color adopted in 1918 to celebrate the end of World War I. Its history is intertwined with hosting prominent figures, including Winston Churchill, Lord Kitchener, and the Prince of Wales.
Mount Nelson features 198 rooms spread across six locations, along with nine acres of gardens, swimming pools, tennis courts, a spa, and several dining options. Rates for a night’s stay begin at around $1,115.
The inclusion of these two African hotels in the 2026 list reflects the rich diversity of high-end hospitality models on the continent, showcasing a Moroccan experience that emphasizes privacy and local architectural identity, alongside a South African offering rooted in rich history and a reimagined luxury hospitality experience.
As reported by tourismdailynews.com.
