Fora Hotel Spotlight: Marrakech’s Mandarin Oriental Resort

Image courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech

Marrakech’s Mandarin Oriental hotel embodies the essence of Moroccan hospitality and culture in a luxurious oasis located right in the heart of the city. Here, guests can enjoy exquisite accommodations and a bevy of locally inspired experiences among gorgeous architecture, serene gardens and panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains. 

Below, we’re covering everything that makes Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech one of the top hotels in Morocco, from its excellent room selection to the surrounding area. 

Interested to know if this is the right hotel for you? Connect with a Fora Advisor. In addition to unlocking VIP hotel perks, they’ll ensure Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech hits all the right notes for your itinerary. And if this hotel isn’t your vibe, they’ll happily suggest alternatives.

Fora’s Fan Club partner perks at Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech (free when you book with Fora):

• $100 food / beverage credit, personalized welcome amenity, breakfast daily, upgrade whenever possible.
  
  

What’s special about Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech?

Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech features riad-like architecture, lush gardens and elegantly decorated interiors that meld traditional Moroccan influences with the hotel group’s Hong Kong-inspired aesthetic. Aside from being one of the best hotels in Marrakech, the result provides a fresh take on luxury accommodations in Morocco while honoring the country’s rich cultural heritage. 

The concept: “enjoy the sun”

Image courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech

It’s evident that Mandarin Oriental took great care to incorporate natural lighting into the resort’s design. This philosophy is present throughout the resort, both in the rooms and villas as well as common spaces. Nevertheless, privacy is never a concern.

As for the heat — especially in summer when the city can be miserably hot — Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech is equipped with state-of-the-art cooling systems.

(P.S. Wondering about the best time to visit Morocco for milder weather? Our guide has answers.)

Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech has a quiet vibe by day…

During our recent scouting trip to Morocco, we were struck by how quiet it was during the daytime. That’s not to say there’s nothing going on: if you visit the restaurants or any of the facilities, you’ll encounter other travelers. But between the limited occupancy and extensive grounds, Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech has been designed to give guests plenty of space.

…That comes alive at night (but don’t worry: you can still have privacy & quiet)

At night, Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech’s common areas are much livelier, with live local music and other entertainment. However, peace and quiet are still easily within reach if you prefer to retire to your room or villa.

Rooms at Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech

Image courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech

Most of the units at Marrakech’s Mandarin Oriental resort are villas, but there are also several combinable suites on the property. Each interior offers a chic, modern take on traditional Moroccan design while pampering guests with contemporary amenities and top-notch service. Among these amenities, guests can enjoy Frette bathrobes, high-end hair dryers and luxe bathroom products.

If you need help deciding which type of room or villa best fits your travel needs, contact a Fora Advisor (who can also score you VIP hotel perks if you book with them). Below, we’ve outlined the basics.

Multi-bedroom villas with private pools

Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech boasts a great selection of private, riad-style villas in two-, three- and four-bedroom sizes. Larger groups can also combine multiple villas into a single shared property. Each unit hosts a private terrace, pool and fireplace along with tons of space. (Even the smallest villa measures over 3,100 square feet of total space.) The villas are great for groups, and especially families.

Premier villas include 24-hour butler service, and there are also spa villas that open directly to the resort’s spa facilities.

Combinable one-bedroom Atlas & two-bedroom Panoramic Suites

If you’re content with a smaller space, Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech has seven suites split between one-bedroom Atlas and two-bedroom Panoramic options. Though technically smaller, these suites are still quite expansive and also feature a private pool, fireplace and terrace. All seven suites can be combined into an eight-bedroom penthouse, occupying the entire floor.

Dining & bars at Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech

Image courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech

Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech treats guests to a mix of fine- and semi-casual dining options. Alternatively, guests can enjoy private dining hosted by the resort.

Shirvan & Shirvan Bar

Shirvan, named after a province in Azerbaijan, offers a unique menu consisting of flavors and elevated dishes sourced from the ancient Silk Road (from the Far East to Southern Europe). As for the setting, Shirvan features a classy, chic vibe that’s in tune with the resort's overall theme.

Next door, Shirvan Bar evolves from a late-afternoon tea lounge to a trendy cocktail bar. From the indoor seating, guests can enjoy views of the resort grounds’ main water feature.

(Interested in the sights and tastes of Marrakech, too? Read our advisor guide.)

Ling Ling By Hakkasan & Ling Ling Bar

Ling Ling By Hakkasan explores the best of Cantonese gastronomy through shared dishes and top-shelf cocktails. The restaurant-slash-lounge-bar hosts indoor and outdoor seating, the latter of which overlooks the properties’ gorgeous fountains and manicured gardens.

Pool Garden

Pool Garden is attached to the common pool area and features a light al-fresco menu of mostly Mediterranean dishes. Ingredients are sourced from the property’s onsite organic gardens and from the surrounding region.

The lunch-only restaurant features outdoor seating beneath pergolas and allows guests to take in the resort grounds’ gardens and water features.

The Tent

The Tent is an open-air cocktail bar set beneath a Moroccan canvas. Despite the lax setup, The Tent features an upbeat vibe cultivated by a resident DJ. 

In-villa Moroccan & Asian dining

For a taste of traditional Moroccan or Asian cuisine, guests can order discreet room service or in-villa dining, where local chefs can prepare private meals in person. Both services are available at all hours.

(Unfamiliar with local cuisine? See our guide to food in Morocco.)

Amenities & facilities at Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech

Image courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech

Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech touts high-end amenities and facilities. Guests who want to get their mind and body balanced will have no trouble here. And when you want to venture beyond the resort, the excellent concierge service is ready to assist. (Your Fora Advisor can also help you plan a customized itinerary.)

The spa and hammam: Moroccan-inspired spa treatments & more

Guests at Marrakech’s Mandarin Oriental resort can indulge in a variety of relaxing spa treatments inspired by both Moroccan and Eastern traditional medicine. There is also an authentic Moroccan hammam on site, where guests first enjoy an aromatherapy session followed by a full-body massage. Additionally, the spa hosts a 73-foot-long heated, indoor pool surrounded by loungers and a small common space warmed by a fireplace.

There’s a fitness center with spaces for cardio, CrossFit, yoga…

The fitness center at Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech is top of the line. There is cardio, strength and flexibility equipment along with dedicated areas for regiments like CrossFit and more. The resort also employs trainers ready to assist guests, regardless of their experience level.

The concierge team can organize all sorts of local experiences

From vintage car tours to trips to the Majorelle Gardens and other notable landmarks across the city, the resort’s concierge team can facilitate a wide range of experiences to add to your Morocco itinerary.

You can also Ask a Fora Advisor for itinerary suggestions, and they’ll help you plan a custom itinerary by working with local partners.

Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech FAQs

Image courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech

Need more intel on Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech? Read on for answers to common questions. 

How far is the hotel from the center of Marrakech? What’s nearby? Is the location good?

It depends on how you define the “center of Marrakech,” but most people mean the Marrakech Medina, the walled, inner city that’s stood for the better part of 1,000 years (and one of the top things to visit in Marrakech). Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech is roughly 20 minutes from this part of the city by car. There are resorts that are closer to the medina, but Mandarin Oriental makes up for it with premium access to Marrakech’s best golf courses, more space and a quieter setting.

(By the way, if you’re wondering about Morocco’s best places to visit in general, read our guide.)

What’s the best way to get to Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech?

The resort is within the city and accessible from Marrakech Menara Airport, which is about 15–20 minutes away by car. 

If you’re visiting Marrakech by car (perhaps from another city), we recommend asking a Fora Advisor about the best way to get to Mandarin Oriental. A Fora Advisor can also help to arrange a driver for you.

(Need more tips for getting around Marrakech? Check out our Morocco travel guide.)

How many rooms does Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech have?

There are 63 units on the property. Considering the size of the resort grounds, you’ll rarely need to worry about rowdy neighbors here.

When did the hotel open?

Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech opened in 2015, making it one of the city’s newest resorts.

How much does it cost to stay at the hotel?

As of publish date, rates start around $1,600 per night in the high season (spring and fall) before dropping down to closer to $1,100 per night in summer, Morocco’s low season. It’s worth noting that rates fluctuate depending on when you book. Your Fora Advisor can help you compare exact rates to find what’s right for you.

Does Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech ever have special offers?

Yes, Mandarin Oriental often runs special offers at all its properties around the world. If you connect with a Fora Advisor, they will let you know if there are any current offers. In addition, whenever you book with Fora, you will automatically get VIP perks at no extra cost. When you book the Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech, you will receive $100 food / beverage credit, personalized welcome amenity, breakfast daily and an upgrade whenever possible.  

Is this a good family hotel?

Image courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech

Without a doubt! The hotel features a supervised kids’ club — the Kids’ Kasbah — that delves into Moroccan culture and provides plenty of child-friendly excitement (so parents can enjoy some alone time if they wish).

(Visiting Morocco with kids — or wondering if Morocco is safe for family adventures? Our guides have you covered.)

Ready to upgrade your stay at Marrakech’s Mandarin Oriental? Book with a Fora Advisor

Marrakech’s Mandarin Oriental resort is a classy refuge for the culture-curious traveler. With fantastic amenities and accommodations, guests of this hotel can trust that their stay will be nothing short of exemplary. 

To get the most out of your stay, book with a Fora travel advisor. Beyond making sure that your stay meets your expectations, they will unlock complimentary VIP hotel perks to level up your stay. Even better, if you want help planning other aspects of your trip to Morocco, your Fora Advisor can hook you up with expert itinerary recs and other tips. Reach out to book today.

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