Royal Mansour Marrakech has earned the prestigious title of the best hotel in Africa, securing the 26th position in the highly regarded World’s 50 Best Hotels 2026 ranking. This recognition is a significant accomplishment, as it highlights the hotel’s exceptional standards and unique offerings within the competitive luxury travel landscape. In the previous year’s ranking, the hotel was positioned 13th, indicating a drop of 13 places; however, it continues to maintain its status as the top hotel on the African continent.
The ranking is determined by the votes of over 800 independent experts from the global hospitality and travel sectors, representing 13 distinct regions. This comprehensive evaluation has established the World’s 50 Best Hotels as an essential benchmark for luxury accommodations worldwide. Notably, Rosewood Hong Kong was recognized as the world’s best hotel for the second consecutive year, reinforcing the competitive nature of the industry.
Introduced in 2023 by William Reed, the same organization responsible for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and The World’s 50 Best Bars, this ranking has quickly gained traction as a vital reference for discerning travelers seeking the pinnacle of luxury experiences. Opened in 2010, Royal Mansour Marrakech features 53 private riads, eschewing traditional hotel rooms and suites for an intimate and exclusive experience. The property spans five hectares and includes private pools, all designed to evoke the essence of a traditional Moroccan medina. Guests can enjoy the intricately designed interiors, which showcase zellige tiles, finely carved wood, and exquisite plasterwork. The Grand Riad, a highlight of the hotel, measures an expansive 1,800 square meters, while discreet underground service tunnels allow staff to navigate the premises without intruding on the guests’ privacy.
Royal Mansour Marrakech boasts four exceptional restaurants, with menus crafted in collaboration with acclaimed Michelin-starred chefs Hélène Darroze and Massimo Alajmo, alongside a luxurious spa offering. Jean-Claude Messant, the general manager of the Royal Mansour Collection, expressed that this accolade reflects the hotel’s dedication to unparalleled hospitality, deep-rooted connections to Moroccan culture, and the remarkable efforts of its dedicated team.
This award coincides with the expansion of the Royal Mansour Collection, which is set to include new properties such as Royal Mansour Casablanca and Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay, further enhancing its footprint in the luxury hospitality market. The competition remains fierce among Africa's luxury hotels, with La Mamounia in Marrakech ranking 30th in the 2025 edition and Mount Nelson in Cape Town placing 34th in the 2026 rankings, showcasing the vibrant and evolving landscape of high-end accommodations across the continent.
As reported by northafricapost.com.
