At the foot of the ramparts, near Bab Jdid, La Mamounia is Marrakesh's most famous palace hotel. It was designed from 1923 by the architects Henri Prost and Antoine Marchisio, who blended Moroccan architecture with Art Deco, and it celebrated its centenary in 2023. The estate is far older: in the 18th century, Sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah gave this orchard, the arsat, to his son, Prince Moulay Mamoun, who gave the place its name. Winston Churchill spent his winters painting here, and the hotel has welcomed many famous guests. Without staying the night, you can discover its lounges and gardens by booking tea, a meal, a drink or a spa treatment.
Highlights
The palace gate
The monumental gateway, framed by palm trees and flower beds, opens onto Avenue Bab Jdid. The pinkish-ochre façades, zellige tilework and painted woodwork set the tone for the interiors, renovated in 2020 and again in 2023 by the designers Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku.
The gardens
Some 8 hectares of paths lined with century-old olive trees, orange trees, palms and roses, heirs to Prince Moulay Mamoun's former orchard. Le Menzeh par Pierre Hermé, a tea room set in the heart of the gardens in the very first building on the site, serves pastries, ice creams and macarons from 10:00 to 18:00.
The lounges, bars and tea
Fountain patios, colonnaded lounges and characterful bars: the Churchill, a bar named in tribute to the statesman, recalls a smoked-oak Pullman carriage, while the Bar Majorelle picks up the painter's colours. Le Salon de Thé par Pierre Hermé, with its marble fountain, serves breakfast pastries in the morning, light lunches and afternoon tea.
Infos pratiques
Tips
Non-residents can only enter the gardens with a booking at one of the hotel's restaurants or bars; book the tea room in advance too, by phone or email with the hotel. Smart dress is required in the restaurants and bars: no flip-flops or plastic sandals, no shorts or Bermudas after 18:00 (allowed for children under 12), and backpacks must be left at the cloakroom. The pool is for hotel guests only, but the spa welcomes visitors subject to availability: the one-hour "La Mamounia" hammam is listed at 1,200 MAD on the menu (prices observed in October 2026). Prices are those of a palace hotel; check the menu before booking.
How to get there
La Mamounia is on Avenue Bab Jdid, along the ramparts, about a 10-minute walk from Jemaa el-Fna and the Koutoubia. Petits taxis drop you at the hotel entrance, and a valet service looks after visitors arriving by car.
Opening hours
Nearby
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