Usually, as a tourist in Morocco or abroad, when you hear “Marrakech,” you immediately think of Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, the Menara Gardens, and the Koutoubia Mosque. Among these names, you might also come across “Mamounia” or “La Mamounia Hotel”—a five-star hotel in the old city of Marrakech. This hotel stands as one of the city’s legendary landmarks.

Even though it’s a hotel and not a public place like Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, Marrakech proudly claims Mamounia as a top tourist destination and historical landmark. The National Office of Railways and the Moroccan Deposit Fund own Mamounia.

Originally, in the 12th century, Mamounia was just walls. Six centuries later, it evolved into gardens surrounded by walls, owned by Mohammed Abdullah Alawi and his wife Lalla Fatima. They designed it as a wedding gift for their son, Prince Mamoun.

In the 1990s, the hotel began its first construction phase, initially meant for long-term stays. Guests brought their own furniture. Today, it caters to short-term stays where guests only need to bring their clothes for a day, two, or a week.

The first renovation took place during King Hassan II’s reign. He revamped the hotel with authentic Moroccan design elements that reflect the local culture. Initially built by the French during the colonial period, the hotel saw the addition of many new suites and services.

King Mohammed VI ordered the most recent renovation in 2006, following his father’s example. This upgrade significantly increased the hotel’s value, making a single night’s stay quite costly.