Hotel reviews: La Mamounia

• Location
• TO KNOW
• Overview
• Accommodation
• Food and drink
• Beach
• Photos

The establishment is a historical one and doesn't date from yesterday. Jadis, the 13 hectare park, belonged to the Prince Moulay Mamoun, the fourth son of the Sultan Mohamed Ben Abdellah. Its gardens carry the name of 'Arset El Mamoun' and its construction dates from 1922. The hotel belongs to the 'Leading Hotels of the World.' La Mamounia is appointed with quality sports equipment to satisfy everybody's needs; a weights room, sauna, hammam, two tennis courts - the athletes amongst us will have enough to keep busy!

• Location
• TO KNOW
• Overview
• Accommodation
• Food and drink
• Beach
• Photos

Enclosed within the ramparts, La Mamounia is preserved like a jewel and sets the tone before you even set foot inside. Upon confirmation of reservation we read, "Smart and elegant dress code is obligatory in public areas of the hotel." Given the setting, it's hard to imagine turning up in shorts and flip-flops, even if this is sometimes seen during the daytime. But we understand this rule straight away as soon as we enter the hotel lobby. The porters, in their immaculate red and white uniforms, lead the way towards the iconic La Mamounia where we discover a lavish décor rich in refined and opulent details; marble columns, plush carpets and Baccarat crystal chandeliers. The black and white Moroccan tiles and traditional mural decoration on the walls transport us to another time. A series of comfortable individual lounge areas allow us to admire the surroundings upon arrival, refreshed with the help of a cold towel and a serving of sweet almond milk. The main building has been constructed in harmony with the architectural style typical of Marrakech. Even with only four floors, the hotel remains impressive.

The visit continues in the perfectly manicured hotel garden, elsewhere a large path leads you to other parts of the hotel. To freshen up, head to the main pool (heated), the second pool is found in the spa facility. It's a shame that the main pool's shape is so simple; we had imagined something more elaborate and original. Here you'll find an army of sun loungers at your disposition, lined up one next to the other. Should you prefer not to get to know your neighbour, it might be more pleasant to find a spot on the grass in the park where you're more likely to find some peace and quiet. Here, the service is at your beck and call so settle into a lounge chair and an attendant will arrive with the towels or whatever else it is that you may need. As long as you don't find yourself amongst a group of children splashing about in the pool, the scene is quite calm. We are not so keen however, on the incessant noise coming from the exterior vents of the restaurant, situated opposite the pool.

The hotel's fitness area is found a little bit further, close to the restaurant's vegetable garden. The gym is very well equipped, sporty guests should have all they need to keep in shape during their stay. After exerting effort in the gym, it's time to move on to pleasure and comfort. Head to the spa where its 2,500m² have been totally overhauled, just like the rest of the hotel. However be careful; the dim lighting and steep stairs could have you finishing with a tumble. There's not much to see at the spa but it is a place dedicated to relaxation and while it is very well set out, beware of the slippery surfaces.

Eighty treatments are offered in the nine indoor cabins, six exterior cabins and the spa suite. However, after a spa therapist has met your needs with a relaxing treatment you may experience feelings of frustration when you realise that the treatment that was supposed to last one hour comes to an end after only 40 minutes; the deception is there. During the massage, while attention was paid to all parts of the body, do not expect a deep or intense treatment. We were also surprised that no information was provided concerning potential health risks before, during or after the massage. While the treatment allows you to relax completely, it is however expensive for the service you receive in the end.

• Location
• TO KNOW
• Overview
• Accommodation
• Food and drink
• Beach
• Photos

The 207 rooms at La Mamounia are found in the main building spanning four floors, apart from the three villas found outside the main structure. The hotel offers different categories; 13 classic rooms, 19 superior rooms, 104 deluxe rooms, 64 suites and 7 superior suites. Each one is decorated in typical Moroccan style, with beautiful details such as marble, sculpted walls and plush carpets. The ambiance on the whole is more pleasant than that of its predecessor. The colours used make it an elegant place: black, white and burgundy dominate. But despite adjustable lighting, even in the daytime you don't see very much. To get around the hotel is not a problem but the hotel layout makes it more complicated if you are looking for something!

Balconies allow you to enjoy exterior views but the classic room with its view to the back of the hotel means you will be looking at the street. Request a room with the more pleasant views of the garden and the pool. As for amenities, everything is there: from the flat screen to the minibar and the 24 hour room service. It is however all housed in a relatively small space; we would have imagined a larger room. The washbasin is lodged between the spacious shower and the bath that is great for one but a squeeze at two. Meanwhile, the total marble effect is elegant but the floor is very slippery.

• Location
• TO KNOW
• Overview
• Accommodation
• Food and drink
• Beach
• Photos

Four restaurants share the spotlight at La Mamounia and the Michelin-starred chefs all vie for your attention. Each restaurant offers its own specialties in a typically Oriental setting. Located in the main hotel building with the exception of one, each is in their own intimate corner offering à la carte dining. The French restaurant serves breakfast during winter while in summer it is open for lunch and dinner only. Led by Guillaume Monjuré, the cuisine here is contemporary, reminiscent of the restaurant Apicius in Paris where Monjuré's mentor Jean-Pierre Vigato received two Michelin stars. The Italian restaurant is another tough competitor but its culinary creations are not necessarily all that successful. Despite the presence of Don Alfonso, owner of a celebrated restaurant near Capri; the modern dishes are a success - like the mozzarella soufflé - but the gnocchettis leave much to be desired.

A somewhat lack of flavours is obviously not the problem with a well-seasoned chicken and olives dish; La Mamounia owes it to itself to have a Moroccan restaurant where, naturally, the local cuisine shines with its use of spices and African flavours. Should you not wish to lunch at the French restaurant, (a gourmet meal is not always easy to digest during the day) you may also opt to dine at the pool-side Pavillion where lunch is served in summer. Finally, for when the thirst hits, whether for an afternoon cocktail or early evening aperitif, you're spoiled for choice with seven bars to choose from; from the hotel's famous Churchill bar, to the Fumoir and the spa bar, all open until 01:00am.