20 ICONIC HOTELS OF THE WORLD
1/ La Mamounia, Morocco
The word ‘oasis’ gets thrown around a lot, but for Morocco’s La Mamounia it’s completely justified. Situated in the heart of Morocco’s buzzing centre, Marrakech, the palace-turned-hotel feels blissfully tranquil. Walled manicured gardens dotted with ancient olive trees surround La Mamounia, making guests feel as if they’ve entered a destination within a destination. And there’s oh-so much to see and experience within its ochre-hued walls.
Four acclaimed restaurants, a traditional Moroccan spa, a palm-shaded pool and private riads are hedonistic delights worth discovering here, but the hotel’s Arabic-Andalusian architecture alone is enough to – quite literally – stop you in your tracks. A tribute to the skills of Morocco’s craftsmen and women, La Mamounia is adorned with intricate tiled mosaics and gebs (carved plaster) – a reminder of its regal past. No wonder Churchill told Roosevelt in 1943 that it was “one of the most beautiful places in the world”.
Couples will love: La Mamounia is located just moments from Morocco’s most spectacular sights, including the Marrakech medina and Jemaa el Fna square. Guests can easily venture out or enjoy one of the hotel’s exclusive Marrakech day-trips to experience it all for themselves.
2/ Hôtel de Crillon, France
The hotel de jour for generations of royalty (Marie Antoinette even took music lessons here), presidents, prime ministers and film stars, Paris’s Hôtel de Crillon has won over luxury-lovers once again after emerging from a multimillion-dollar face-lift in 2017. In true Parisian style, the hotel’s authentic character remains, just refreshed.
Now home to fashionable rooms and suites (some designed by the late Chanel creative director Karl Lagerfeld), Hôtel de Crillon is an icon reborn. With postcard-ready views of the Eiffel Tower, it’s all class – expect Michelin-star cuisine (what else?), private butler service, a Rosewood spa, a gold-tiled subterranean pool and all the romance of a Parisian escape. And with a location that’s hard to beat (the hotel is just around the corner from the Élysée Palace, the Champs-Élysées and the Tuileries Garden), Hôtel de Crillon isn’t going anywhere any time soon.
: Can’t fathom leaving home without your fur-baby? Pets are welcome at the hotel, with a team of butlers on hand to look after furry friends.
