Luxury Redefined: A Family's Verdict on Royal Mansour's Exquisite Experience
This February, my family and I embarked on a two-week trip to Portugal and Marrakech, Morocco. We were looking for something that would be “relatively” easy with a three-year old, not too long of a flight from Miami, not too cold, and somewhere that offered some culture and something a little more exotic than where we had been before. The combination of Portugal and Marrakech delivered on all fronts and more. We had the most amazing trip and there were so many things that blew us away. I’ll follow up with more details on our Portugal part of the trip next month, but for now, I’d like to start withour incredible experience at the iconic Royal Mansour in Marrakech, which really took our time there to another level.
Who could have thought that a riad in Marrakech would be just as great for young families as discerning adults seeking privacy or that a late February visit would allow for a proper sun-soaked, poolside getaway?
And to be totally honest, at the time of booking the Royal Mansour, even as a travel advisor aware of going rates, I suffered a bit of sticker shock. Royal Mansour is the priciest hotel I’ve ever booked for myself, and therefore couldn't help but wonder… was this really going to be worth it? It’s hard not to go in with the highest expectations when you’re paying an arm and a leg for something.
It then got me thinking about a question that was relevant both as a traveler and as an advisor: how do you assess value in one of the world's most luxurious hotels?
These days, spending $2,000 a night might only get you a standard room in a dated five-star hotel, which begs the question: what exactly are we paying for? Would I walk away satisfied from my sizable investment at the Royal Mansour? Fortunately, the answer was a resounding yes and below I’ll explain why.
More Than a Hotel—A Living Masterpiece
Royal Mansour isn’t just a luxury hotel; it’s an experience unlike any other. Imagine stepping into a living masterpiece—part museum, part forbidden palace—where every detail is so exquisitely and meticulously crafted.
Marrakech has long been a magnet for designers, artists, and creatives, drawn to its rich history of craftsmanship and timeless opulence Royal Mansour is an homage to that heritage, a celebration of Moroccan artisanship at its finest. Commissioned by the King of Morocco, the hotel took 1,500 artisans five years to complete, and no detail was overlooked. Every hand-cut zellige tile, every intricate wood carving, and every delicate plaster motif is a love letter to Morocco’s centuries-old craftsmanship. The result? A sanctuary of unparalleled beauty and privacy.
In some hotels, it’s the lobby that takes your breath away or maybe the view from your room. But at Royal Mansour, every inch of the property - around every corner, every wall, restaurant, spa, riad, garden - is jaw droppingly striking. Is there a price you can put on beauty? Perhaps at Royal Mansour you can.
A Riad of Your Own: The Ultimate Privacy
Beyond the beauty, what truly sets Royal Mansour apart is its unique accommodations. Here, there are no traditional hotel rooms. Instead, each guest stays in their own private three-story riad, a spacious residence featuring:
A tranquil internal courtyard
A living room
A private rooftop with an outdoor pool
24/7 butler service
For families and groups, the larger riads offer plenty of space to spread out, while the one-bedroom riads are perfect for couples seeking romance and seclusion. Unlike a standard hotel suite, this isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s your own private oasis in the heart of Marrakech.
The riads are situated and designed around a labyrinth of winding alleyways, hidden doors, and lush gardens spanning 12 acres. The whole of Royal Mansour is designed to mirror a medina. But unlike the bustling souks beyond its walls, the atmosphere here is serene—a tranquil retreat from the city’s vibrant buzz.
We stayed in the incredible 3-bedroom Prestige Riad and when we first walked in my jaw literally dropped and I couldn't stop saying “wowww”. It was the most beautiful (and spacious) hotel accommodation I had ever seen. Over 9,000 square feet and spanning 3 floors, it was large enough to get lost in or to my daughter, Fia’s, delight, play some serious hide and seek in. We had multiple living/sitting spaces, a fireplace, an elevator, dining room, kitchen, internal courtyard, garden sitting area, game room, office, 3 bedrooms with private bathrooms, a separate bedroom for one’s own private staff, an expansive rooftop terrace with a private pool, fireplace, dining area, multiple lounge areas, and even a private hammam complete with a Moroccan mud scrub. Our breakfast was made for us in the riad so we could easily roll out of bed and enjoy a relaxing start to the day. We also had the option to have every meal prepared for us in the riad should we have wished.
A True Resort Experience Great for Families
Beyond the riads, Royal Mansour offers world-class dining, a renowned spa, impeccable service and amenities making it a perfect choice for families.
• Dining: A meal at La Grande Table Marocaine, considered the best restaurant in Morocco, is an experience in itself, showcasing refined Moroccan cuisine in an exquisite setting. Every dish is a work of art, and the flavors are unforgettable. We had the tasting menu which was incredible and included their signature lamb dish (be warned, it’s a lot of food). We also enjoyed a nice bottle of Moroccan wine - which I didn’t even know they made wine in Morocco until our visit. Dining at La Grande Table Marocaine is a must while in Marrakech even if not staying at Royal Mansour.
• The Spa: A serene escape, the Royal Mansour Spa is one of the most beautiful in the world, offering traditional hammams, lush relaxation areas, and treatments that transport you to another dimension of relaxation. I did the signature hammam experience (because, when in Morocco, right?!) and Dave had a massage. Recovering in the beautiful relaxation pod post treatment with a cup of Moroccan tea was the perfect ending and one of my favorite parts.
• Service: From the moment you land in Marrakech, Royal Mansour ensures a seamless experience. You’re greeted right off the plane, personally escorted through customs (bypassing all lines), and transferred in a customized Range Rover. Every detail is handled with effortless precision, making you feel like royalty from the start. The lines are very long at the airport, both coming and going, so fast tracking is a must, especially when traveling with kids.
For families, Royal Mansour is a perfect choice. The riads offer ample space, the resort’s large swimming pool with a shallow area makes for stress-free splashing, and the kids’ club where you can drop off the little ones give parents a well-deserved break. Fia particularly loved the dress up station, partaking in some arts and crafts and playing on the small playground at the kid’s club. The sense of space to roam freely and the calmness within the walls of Royal Mansour was also a welcomed retreat for us after a day of sightseeing. It can get a little hectic in the souks, especially navigating around the motorcycles, so it was nice for us to unwind in the openness of the resort and let Fia run around. Bonus: the hotel’s prime location within Marrakech’s medina means less travel time to top sights—always a win with kiddos in tow.
Final Verdict: Is Royal Mansour Worth It?
Without a doubt, Royal Mansour is in a league of its own. It’s not just the most luxurious hotel in Marrakech—it’s one of the most extraordinary hotels in the world.
Yes, it’s a splurge. But if you’re looking for privacy, flawless service, and an atmosphere so breathtakingly beautiful it feels unreal, this is where you’ll find it.
Getting to Marrakech Has Never Been Easier
With United Airlines now offering direct flights from Newark to Marrakech, reaching this vibrant city has never been more convenient. Alternatively, if you’re interested in a multi-country adventure, Lisbon to Marrakech is just a quick 1.5-hour flight—which is exactly what we did. Portugal is one of the fastest destinations in Europe to get to from the US - only a 6.5 hour flight from New York to Lisbon making it an easy first leg. After spending a week in Portugal, we made our way to Morocco, creating the ideal combination of European and North African culture, cuisine, and scenery.
Morocco - The Perfect Spring Escape
If you’re looking for an incredible spring break destination, Marrakech and Morocco as a whole delivers on so many levels. From late February through May, the weather is ideal—warm enough to enjoy the pool, but not scorching and allowing you to wander through the medina, venture into the desert, or explore the Atlas Mountains without the intense summer heat.You never have to worry about rainy days in Marrakech which is a nice vacation bonus as well.
Even in late February, when we visited, temperatures hovered in the mid-70s, making it perfect for exploring. The pool is heated at Royal Mansour and Fia loved spending the afternoons in the pool while we enjoyed lounging in the sun.
By March and April, you can expect highs in the upper 70s, creating a beautiful balance of sunshine and comfort.
Interested in a Trip to Morocco? Let’s Chat!
There are so many interesting ways to approach exploring Marrakech, and Morocco at large, whether it be as a full exploration of the country or in combination with another European destination. I came away from this trip very inspired to showcase the different ways in which Marrakech can be incorporated into an itinerary and fully optimized. Whether you’re wondering about the best time to go, traveling with kids, how to fit everything in, or what might work best for your travel style,reach out to me any time anytime orschedule a call!
