La Mamounia has been named one of the world’s best luxury hotels in Robb Report’s 2026 “50 Greatest Luxury Hotels on Earth” list. The Marrakech hotel appears in the publication’s list of the top luxury hotels in Africa. The ranking is put together by Travel Masters and features a small number of hotels from around the world.
The latest recognition comes just weeks after Travel + Leisure named La Mamounia the Best City Hotel in North Africa and the Middle East.
Robb Report selects hotels based on their service, unique character and ability to combine history with modern luxury. La Mamounia has kept its historic identity while updating its facilities and services over the years.
The award adds to the hotel’s international reputation and puts Marrakech back in the spotlight as a leading luxury travel destination.
La Mamounia opened in 1923 on land with a much longer history. The site was originally an eight-hectare orchard given by Sultan Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah to Prince Moulay Mamoun as a wedding gift. The hotel takes its name from the prince.
Architects Henri Prost and Antoine Marchisio designed the building by combining traditional Moroccan craftsmanship, including zellige tilework, carved wood and plasterwork, with Art Deco style.
The hotel has welcomed many famous guests over the past century, including Sir Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin, Edith Piaf, Ray Charles and Elton John.
Churchill often stayed at the hotel during the winter to paint the Atlas Mountains and its gardens. He described Marrakech as “the most lovely spot in the whole world.” One of the hotel’s suites and a bar are named after him.
La Mamounia has also gone through major renovations to stay among the world’s top luxury hotels.
French designer Jacques Garcia led a three-year restoration between 2006 and 2009, restoring historic features while updating the interiors.
Another redesign followed in 2020 under designers Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku. The project modernised public spaces and restaurants, including new dining concepts created with chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and pastry chef Pierre Hermé.
The hotel is also known for its nearly 20-acre gardens, which are more than 200 years old and include olive trees, palm trees, bougainvillaea and cacti.
