Celebrities love going to Marrakech not only because of the exotic souks and sunny weather, it’s because they know they can indulge themselves at some of the most luxurious hotels in the world. With so many fabulous hotels in the city, it’s hard to narrow it down to any one place, but we managed to come up with five spots that completely wow us. Here are our picks for the best luxury hotels in Marrakech.

La Mamounia

This elegant hotel is one of the most storied hotels in the city and has been letting guests indulge for over 90 years. It’s also attracted some of the world’s most famous figures and celebrities, such as Princess Caroline of Monaco and Winston Churchill. To this day, celebrities still flock here to experience its opulence.  The luxurious rooms all have a view of the Koutoubia mosque or the 20 acre garden and feature the finest in Moroccan design. The 27,000 square foot spa at La Mamounia is one of the best in the entire country and will make you think like you’re a king swimming in a private palace filled with blue mosaics, white lounge chairs and brass lanterns. The hotel also routinely hosts art exhibits from around the city such as sculptures, paintings and photography. Even if you aren’t staying in the hotel the entire time you’re in the city, it’s worth booking for a few nights just to experience this famous hotel.

Sofitel Palais Imperial

Set at the end of a tree-lined promenade filled with the city’s top clubs is a modern palace meant to overwhelm your senses. As soon as you walk in, you’ll notice the sparkling chandeliers, lavish decorations and intoxicating smell of roses and orange blossoms. The rooms are just as fantastic and feature intricate woodwork and the cloud-like beds that the Sofitel brand is known for (there’s even a catalog in your room where you can order them). You don’t even need to leave the hotel to do some luxury shopping as there are several boutiques inside including a Louis Vuitton store. It’s definitely a favorite of celebrities coming to the city (several walls feature pictures of them), and plays host every year to the acclaimed Marrakech International Film Festival. If it’s all booked at the Palais Imperial, Sofitel has another offering next door, the Lounge and Spa which is just about as good. Whichever one you stay at, you’ll still have access to the gorgeous grounds of the complex.

Royal Mansour

If you want the ultimate in luxury while being as close to the action as possible, it’s hard to beat Royal Mansour. Located within the walls of the old city, this hotel is literally an oasis filled with riads, swanky Michelin-starred restaurants, intimate courtyards, and an endless amount of colorful mosaics. From the moment you step in, you’ll be treated like royalty, and that’s no surprise considering it was built by King Mohammed VI. At the time, he had meant for it to be one of the finest pieces of Moroccan architecture the world has ever seen, and we think he came pretty close. Every guest staying here will be treated to an individual riad which have some of the most elaborate rooms in the city, where every single detail of the room is more like a piece of art. In fact, the hotel was handmade by over 1,500 artisans from the around the city, down to every piece of tile and every last feather in the pillows. The rooms start around US$1,000 a night and go up to over US$50,000 a night. Needless to say, if you want a place to splurge, this is it.

La Maisone Arabe

While La Maisone Arabe isn’t quite as opulent as the Royal Mansour — who’s kidding, not much is — it’s still by far one of the most elegant places in the country. The hotel is located within the medina and includes 26 intimate rooms and suites, most coming with picturesque terraces and warm fireplaces. While you could hang out in your room all day, it’s best to come down to the hotel’s gorgeous patio or hang out in its piano bar which will make you think you are living in the 1940s. Foodies will love this hotel due to its world-famous cooking school which is open to guests staying at the hotel. There are also three highly rated restaurants on site where you can taste all of the hard work that was put in.

El Fenn

While El Fenn might be one of the smallest hotels on our list, featuring just 28 rooms, it’s also one of the coziest, newest and most luxurious. Guests looking for serene relaxation and an intimate atmosphere filled with colorful artwork will undoubtedly enjoy the scene that El Fenn has created for travelers’ enjoyment. One of the most unique features is the 7,000 square foot roof terrace that’s home to a family of resident tortoises. The owners completely renovated a former grand riad in 2002 with just six bedrooms, and have been adding additions to it ever since. Some of the newer amenities at the destination include three swimming pools, an exquisite restaurant, a lovely spa and even a library. For a more personal feel while staying in Marrakech, it’s hard to go wrong with this gem.

More from AFKTravel:

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This article was originally published on October 27, 2015.

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