Written by Suha Mamdouh – Agencies: Morocco has secured a prominent position in the global ranking of the best hotels for 2026, with the prestigious "Royal Mansour Marrakech" claiming the 26th spot worldwide. This remarkable achievement places it among only two African hotels to enter the list of the top 50 hotels globally.
The ranking was unveiled on September 15 during a ceremony held in the Carrousel halls in Paris, France. Royal Mansour Marrakech topped the list for African hotels and earned the title of "Best Hotel in Africa 2026," while the "Mount Nelson" hotel in Cape Town secured the 34th position worldwide.
The 2026 edition of the "Best 50 Hotels" list is particularly significant as it marks the first time the event has been held outside London. The results featured hotels from 22 countries across six continents, with "Rosewood Hong Kong" retaining its position at the top of the global ranking.
This prestigious ranking is based on the opinions of over 800 experts in the hospitality and travel sectors, including hotel owners, specialized journalists, industry professors, and seasoned travelers from 13 regions worldwide. The independent adjudication is handled by Deloitte.
The voting process is conducted individually and confidentially, ensuring that the identities of participants remain undisclosed. Consequently, inclusion in the list is tied to the experts' evaluations of the overall experience, service quality, and unique identity of each hotel, rather than solely relying on facilities and amenities.
Royal Mansour Marrakech stands out as a premier example of luxury hospitality in Morocco, having opened its doors in 2010 with a vision to provide an experience that reflects various facets of Moroccan culture and identity. Unlike traditional hotels that feature standard rooms, it comprises 53 private riads, each with its own courtyard, rooftop pool, independent spaces, and views overlooking the vibrant city of Marrakech.
The hotel also employs a distinctive service system, utilizing a network of hidden passages and corridors that allow staff to move discreetly without disrupting guests’ privacy. It offers personalized service and luxurious amenities, alongside a variety of dining and culinary options.
The hotel features the "Sesamo" restaurant, overseen by Massimiliano Alajmo, and the grand Moroccan restaurant managed by Hélène Darroze, following prior supervision by Yannick Alléno. Room rates start at approximately $1,900 per night.
Meanwhile, "Mount Nelson" in Cape Town entered the global list at 34th place, presenting a different model of African luxury hospitality. Established in 1899 to accommodate first-class passengers on the Union Castle line, it has evolved into one of South Africa's historic hotel establishments over the years.
The hotel is famously known as "The Pink Lady of Cape Town," a nod to its signature pink color adopted since 1918 to celebrate the end of World War I. Its history is intertwined with the reception of notable figures, including Winston Churchill, Lord Kitchener, and the Prince of Wales.
Mount Nelson offers 198 rooms across six locations, alongside nine acres of gardens, swimming pools, tennis courts, a spa, and several restaurants and guest areas, with accommodation rates starting at around $1,115 per night.
The presence of these two African hotels in the 2026 list reflects the diversity of high-end hospitality models across the continent, showcasing a Moroccan experience centered on privacy and local architectural identity alongside a South African offering rooted in rich history and the reinvention of luxury hospitality.
As reported by tourismdailynews.com.
