La Mamounia Drops to 75th Place Worldwide, Yet Maintains Its Status Among Exceptional Hotels
The iconic La Mamounia Hotel in Marrakech continues to stand as a leading reference in the global luxury hospitality sector, despite a drop in the 2026 ranking of The World’s 50 Best Hotels. This Moroccan establishment currently holds the 75th position, appearing in the latter part of the list, which encompasses hotels ranked from 51st to 100th.
Revealed this week, this list enables La Mamounia to remain the only African establishment featured in this category. The main ranking of the top 50 hotels in the world will be announced during a ceremony scheduled for September 15 in Paris.
The Marrakech hotel falls just behind Four Seasons Tamarindo in Mexico, which is in 74th place, while the Maçakızı, located in Bodrum, Turkey, is ranked 76th.
A Significant Drop Compared to Previous Editions
The 75th place achieved this year marks a notable decline for La Mamounia, which had reached the 30th position globally in 2025, following a 31st place finish in 2024.
However, its best result dates back to 2023, when the Marrakech palace secured the 6th position worldwide, thus affirming its status among the most prestigious establishments on the planet.
Despite this slide, La Mamounia remains a true icon of luxurious Moroccan hospitality. Its history, prime location in the heart of Marrakech, and architecture that blends Moroccan heritage with international refinement continue to bolster its reputation.
Gardens, Zellige, and Architectural Heritage
In its assessment of the establishment, the ranking notably highlights its vast gardens, ceilings adorned with intricately carved cedar wood, as well as its traditional decorative elements, including Moroccan zellige.
The balconies overlooking olive groves and orange orchards, as well as the traditional hammams decorated with mosaics, are also among the features that contribute to the unique identity of the palace.
Furthermore, La Mamounia maintains a historical connection with Winston Churchill, the former British Prime Minister, who held a special fondness for Marrakech and was among the international figures who stayed at the hotel during their visits to Morocco.
Over a Century at the Pinnacle of Moroccan Hospitality
Inaugurated in 1923, La Mamounia has gradually established itself as one of the most iconic luxury hotel destinations in Morocco. Over the decades, it has hosted numerous personalities from politics, culture, and the arts.
The establishment now features more than 200 rooms and suites and has undergone several renovation and modernization efforts aimed at preserving its architectural heritage while maintaining international standards.
A Ranking Based on Expert Experience
The The World’s 50 Best Hotels ranking is based on votes from a network of over 800 travel and hospitality experts. Each member selects seven establishments based on their personal experiences of stays over the past three years.
The process is designed to be independent: hotels cannot directly nominate themselves and cannot purchase their ranking position. The results are primarily based on the experiences and evaluations of the panel members.
All eyes are now on the announcement of the Top 50 Worldwide, which will reveal whether Royal Mansour, along with other Moroccan and African establishments, will make the main list and enhance Morocco’s visibility in the international luxury hospitality scene.
