The hype
Reviewers universally worship the villa layout and the 'slicker-than-slick' service, often calling it the best hotel experience of their lives.
Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech
$1,300-2,200/ night
Book this if You want a private palace, not just a hotel room—specifically, a massive villa with its own pool where you can go skinny dipping without seeing another soul.
Why People Love It
- The 54 private villas are essentially mini-riads with central courtyards and pools
- 20 hectares of manicured gardens (100,000 roses) make it feel miles from the Medina's chaos
- World-class spa (19,000 sq ft) that consistently wins 'Best in Africa' awards
Quick Take: It's a secluded billionaire's compound in the Palmeraie, so if you want to stumble home from a Medina bar, you're in the wrong place.
Reviewed by @ginagoesto: I stayed in this one-bedroom villa and it was pure magic. The private pool courtyard is massive and totally secluded—I spent hours just lounging on the daybed. If you want to feel like royalty in Marrakech, this is the place.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
A few recent guests grumbled about 'clumsy' room service (forgotten cutlery) and the high price of food not always matching the quality (specifically at Shirvan).
- You value privacy above all else (the villas are walled compounds)
- You are traveling with kids but still want luxury (the Kids' Kasbah with farm animals is a hit)
- You love golf (direct access to Royal Golf and Al Maaden)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.7
- Housekeeping: Immaculate. Twice-daily service is standard, and they organize your charging cables with branded clips.
- Bathroom hygiene: Spotless. Marble is polished to a mirror finish. No reports of mold or grout issues.
- Maintenance: Near perfect. One older report of a 'defective service table', but grounds are manicured daily.
- Linens & towels: Plush, high-thread-count, and abundant. Robes are Frette.
- Odors & scents: The entire property smells of roses and night jasmine. No musty odors reported.
Sleepability™
8.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Nature sounds (birds, crickets)
- Distant call to prayer (faint)
- Buggy traffic if you are near a main path
Before you book
Good to know
- Breakfast is often included in luxury rates, but if not, expect to pay ~€50+ per person.
- The hotel has a 'Kids' Kasbah' with actual farm animals (donkey, goats, chickens) and a vegetable garden.
- There is a dress code for dinner at Ling Ling and Shirvan (smart casual, no flip-flops).
What to pack
- Swimwear (you have a private pool, use it)
- Smart casual outfits for dinner (Marrakech dresses up at night)
- Walking shoes (the grounds are huge)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Mandarin Pool Villa (standard but huge, 3,000+ sq ft)
- Oriental Pool Villa (larger courtyard, better for families)
Rooms to avoid
- Villas near the main pool or service entrance if you want absolute silence
- Atlas Suites if you want the 'riad' experience (they are in the main building and lack the private courtyard magic)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love a Mandarin Pool Villa that is set back from the main buggy paths for maximum quiet. Please ensure the pool area has adequate privacy screening.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is it inside the Medina?
No, it's in the Palmeraie area, about a 15-20 minute drive from the Medina.
Is breakfast included?
Usually yes for most rates, but check your specific booking. The buffet is legendary.
Is there a resort fee?
No specific 'resort fee', but local taxes are added. Valet and kids' club are typically free.
Can I walk to restaurants?
No. You are in a secluded estate. You will need a taxi to leave the property.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, private villa pools are heated, as is the massive indoor spa pool.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, small pets (up to 8kg/18lbs) stay free. They even have a pet menu.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Vegetable Garden' isn't just for show; you can book a private lunch there using produce you pick yourself.
- ✨
There is a 1.5km jogging path inside the resort walls—ask the concierge for the map so you don't get lost in the olive groves.
- ✨
House buntings (small birds) fly freely in the lobby; it's intentional and considered good luck.
- ✨
Request a 'Honey Masterclass' for the kids—they get to suit up as beekeepers.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'lobby' is open-air and smells intensely of the 100,000 roses planted on site.
💡You can get a 'Mother/Daughter' bonding spa ritual that includes a gentle hammam.
💡The architecture is by Pascal Desprez and aligns perfectly with the Atlas Mountains for sunset views.
💡Security is tight—like, 'check under the car' tight—at the main gate.
💡The 'Atlas Suites' are the only rooms *without* a central private courtyard pool (they have plunge pools on terraces).
Local Playbook
Map
See where Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech is located and what's nearby.