Written by Suha Mamdouh – Agencies: Morocco has secured a prominent position in the global ranking of the best hotels for the year 2026, with the prestigious "Royal Mansour Marrakech" clinching the 26th spot worldwide. This remarkable achievement makes it one of only two African hotels to enter the coveted list of the top 50 hotels globally.
The ranking, announced on September 15 during a ceremony held at the Carrousel halls in Paris, revealed that "Royal Mansour Marrakech" topped the list of African hotels and was awarded the title of "Best Hotel in Africa 2026." In comparison, the "Mount Nelson" hotel in Cape Town ranked 34th globally.
The 2026 edition of the "Best 50 Hotels" list is particularly significant as it marks the first time this prestigious event has been held outside of London. The results feature hotels from 22 countries across six continents, with "Rosewood Hong Kong" maintaining its position at the top of the global ranking.
This classification is based on the opinions of over 800 experts in the hospitality and travel sector, including hotel owners, specialized journalists, industry professors, and seasoned travelers from 13 regions around the world, with independent adjudication provided by Deloitte.
The voting process is conducted individually and confidentially, ensuring that participant identities remain undisclosed. This approach links the inclusion in the list to the experts' evaluations of the overall experience, service quality, and unique identity of each hotel, rather than merely the facilities and amenities offered.
"Royal Mansour Marrakech" stands out as a prime example of luxurious hospitality in Morocco, having opened its doors in 2010 with a vision of providing an experience that reflects various aspects of Moroccan culture and identity. Unlike traditional hotels, it features 53 private riads, each with its own courtyard, rooftop pool, independent spaces, and views of the vibrant city of Marrakech.
The hotel employs a unique service model through a network of hidden tunnels and corridors that allow staff to move discreetly without disturbing guests' privacy. Additionally, it offers personalized services, luxurious amenities, and a variety of culinary experiences.
The hotel houses the "Sesamo" restaurant, overseen by Massimiliano Alajmo, alongside a grand Moroccan restaurant managed by Hélène Darroze, following previous oversight by Yannick Alléno. Rates for staying at the hotel begin at approximately $1,900 per night.
On the other hand, "Mount Nelson" in Cape Town has entered the global list at position 34, showcasing a different model of luxury African hospitality. Established in 1899 to accommodate first-class passengers on the Union Castle line, the hotel has evolved into one of South Africa's historic hotel institutions over the years.
Affectionately known as the "Pink Lady of Cape Town," the hotel has maintained its signature color since 1918 in celebration of the end of World War I. Its history is intertwined with the reception of notable figures, including Winston Churchill, Lord Kitchener, and the Prince of Wales.
"Mount Nelson" features 198 rooms spread across six locations, alongside gardens covering nine acres, swimming pools, tennis courts, a spa, and several restaurants and guest spaces, with accommodation prices starting at around $1,115 per night.
The presence of both African hotels on the 2026 list reflects the diversity of high-end hospitality models across the continent, showcasing a Moroccan experience rooted in privacy and local architectural identity, alongside a South African experience steeped in rich history and the reimagining of luxury hospitality.
As reported by tourismdailynews.com.
