Royal Mansour Marrakech

After enjoying Royal Mansour in Casablanca, we celebrated my parents' wedding anniversary at their French restaurant. The whole family remembers the visit fondly. The tables were beautifully set, the aromas, fresh bread, extensive wine list and magnificent food made it a treat for all the senses. The service was impeccable.

I didn't have a good visit. This place was highly recommended, but at check-in the woman didn't even bother to look at our receipt showing we'd paid. We had booked a scrub and mud bath, but after the scrub they took us out of the room and sat us down for tea. We never got the mud bath. The place is costly, and they don't offer much. It was Valentine's Day, yet there were no strawberries or charcuterie board, just Ferrero Rocher chocolates. I asked the woman twice what services we were meant to receive. We were told a massage would cost another $65, then told they didn't have staff. If they were booked all day with lots of clients, they should have enough staff to provide the services properly. After checking our receipt, they offered me a 30-minute massage. The person giving it was very rough, even after I told her, and then tried chiropractic moves and stretching. I asked if she was a professional; she said she did it as a hobby. Someone who isn't a professional shouldn't do things that could hurt a person. I don't think I'll go back. For the money, the services were expensive and disappointing. My friend paid $99 for a scrub, and they charged her at 1:45. They kept saying they couldn't give her a massage because there were no staff available, even though five of us were there. We felt rushed through our treatments. The other four could have spent 30 minutes in the sauna while my friend got her massage, but instead they offered a free mud bath next time. That wasn't what she wanted, she wanted the massage. We were also told that if more than one shower is turned on at the spa, the next person gets cold rather than hot water. Those plumbing issues should be fixed before welcoming a group, especially on a busy weekend.

For afternoon tea, this was a fabulous experience. Just outside the Medina walls, the hotel sits in a private, secluded area. The palace-like building is beautiful and grand, with impeccable decor and furnishings. There was plenty of high-quality patisserie, plus excellent service and a lovely atmosphere. We had a great time, and the tea was on par with the Ritz London. I'd happily return.

From arrival to departure, the service at Royal Mansour was warm and helpful without ever feeling overbearing. The whole property is spectacular, with elegant design in a traditional Moroccan style. Every meal was delicious, with lots of choices, and the bar was a welcoming place to relax with a drink after a long day of touring. The beautifully designed spa felt peaceful. Best place, literally nothing better.