Moroccan hotels have topped the list of Travel + Leisure magazine's 2019 World's Best Hotels.
Travel + Leisure is one of the most famous monthly travel magazines in the world. It is renowned for recommending some of the best travel destinations and hotels. Whether you are a first-time or seasoned traveller, the magazine seeks to cater to everyone.
In an effort to ensure that it relays credible reviews and recommendations to its readers, the magazine has been running an annual competition where its readers vote for their favourite hotels based on the quality of the rooms and facilities, location, service, food, and value.
This year, readers voted the Royal Mansour in Marrakech, Morocco as the best city hotel in North Africa and the Middle East.
It is not the first time that Royal Mansour has been feted. In 2018, the luxury hotel bagged 7 awards including the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide annual award and the World Luxury Spa Award.
Marrakech’s Four Seasons Resort and the famous Mamounia Hotel, also both made it to the top ten list.
Travel + Leisure also awards the readers’ “top five resort hotels in North Africa and the Middle East” located outside major cities. Kasbat Tamadot won this category.
Royal Mansour Hotel
The hotel which was commissioned by the King of Morocco is spread over five stories and an estate, with multiple restaurants, 53 riads, and a 2,500 square meter spa. The riads cost between $1,195 and $6,752 per night.
Many guests who have stayed in the hotel have reported having an “exceptional experience” on TripAdvisor.
the surroundings/service/décor/food/everything [were] the best I have ever experienced in a hotel," said one former guest.
Of the over 500 reviews, most are excellent, although some are more critical. A few have reported "terrible" experiences.
The common area is filled with people posing and taking photos,” complained one former guest.
Pure esthetics over genuine service and quality,” stated one former guest.
For Travel + Leisure readers though, the Royal Mansour is one of the best hotels and is deserving of the recognition it receives.
Kasbah Tamadot Hotel
Kasbah Tamadot, a 28 room hotel situated near the Toubkal at the base of the Atlas mountains is owned by the British business mogul Sir. Richard Branson. The hotel was previously a mansion that belonged to a former Moroccan governor.
A night in this hidden gateway will set you back between $600 and $2,700 in the low season. Prices are bound to change in the high season.
The hotel has received more than 100 positive reviews on Trip Advisor.
When you arrive at the hotel, it feels almost magical. The grounds are unbelievably beautiful, complete with a pool overlooking endless breathtaking views,” describes one former guest.
Expectedly, it has also received its fair share of critique with some guests reporting having had a "poor" or "horrible" experience.
Seriously disappointing! In fact, pretty downright awful,” complains a guest.
The fixed smile Branson-worshipping management, recently transferred from the Caribbean, were irritating to everyone we talked to and were better suited to a Virgin gym reception than a Moroccan hideaway in the mountains,” criticizes another.
The next time you decide to go on holiday to Morocco, why not try the hotels for yourself and judge for yourself.
Header Image Credit: TripAdvisor