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The Royal Mansour Marrakech Gets Delayed

Where: Marrakech, Morocco

It's the first time we think this has ever happened on HotelChatter--a hotel actually emailed us to tell us they would not be opening on time. Usually, we find out through the online reservations system but the Royal Mansour Marrakech decided to tell folks up front. Here's a statement from their PR rep:

We wanted to let you know that the opening of Royal Mansour Marrakech has been delayed until the second quarter 2010. We are sorry for any inconvenience this has caused you, and realize that this uncertain opening date may mean forgoing coverage. The decision was taken to not open until everything was tip top perfect – we are certain this project will be a true gem when it does finally open. We will keep you posted and be in touch as we receive any and all updates.

When the hotel does finally open, it will have 53 luxury riads for guests to stay in starting at €1,500 ($2,100). If you want the fanciest riad then you're looking at €20,000 ($27,900) a night.

Since King Mohamed VI also owns the Mansour, we're guessing he's letting his friends know personally about the delay.

Tags: Hotel Openings / Morocco Hotels / Marrakech Hotels / → All Tags

A Luxe Mega-Riad Is Coming to Marrakech

Anyone who's been to Marrakech will be able to testify to the myriad of places to stay. We used to chalk this up to entrepreneurship on a national scale, but apparently it's been planned at the highest level: the king himself has decreed that he wants 10 million tourists bedding down by 2010, and he wants 160,000 extra beds to put them in.

One that looks particularly exciting is Le Royal Mansour, a mammoth collection of 53 riads (traditional Moroccan houses) stuck together to make 78 bedrooms, as well as a 2500 square-meter spa and hammam, and tunnels running underneath the complex for staff to get around stealthily.

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Tags: Fairmont Hotels / Hotel Hype / Marrakech Hotels / → All Tags

Fairmont Tees Off in Marrakech

Where: Marrakech, Morocco

When we think golf, we don't think Marrakech. Like, not even a little. But Fairmont Hotels hopes to change that with the opening of Fairmont Marrakech--though you'll have to wait until 2011 to see if Marrakech can birth the next St. Andrews.

The hotel will have 190 rooms, five eateries, a 14,000-square-foot Willow Stream Spa and 32 residential villas.

So where does the golf come in? In the course being developed adjacent to the hotel; plus, the Marrakech Royal Golf Club is not all that far off.

It may be that Fairmont is on to something... According to Budget Travel, Marrakech is home to three golf courses, with three more currently under construction. And with most rounds under $70, it might not be the next St. Andrews, but it's enough to put Marrakech on the map.

[Photo: kali.ma]

Tags: Snapshots / Marrakech Hotels / HotelChatter Flickr Pool / Hotel Renovations / → All Tags

Snapshot :: Hotel La Mamounia, Closed But Still Pretty To Look At

Where: Avenue Bab Jdid , Marrakech, Morocco, 40 000

Thanks to Nester_Larabaeza for dropping this snapshot of the Hotel La Mamounia in the HotelChatter Flickr Pool.

The Marrakech hotel first opened in 1922 but in 2001 the rooms got a complete upgrade thus "combining a true Moroccan ambiance with every 21st-century convenience."

However, that wasn't enough. The hotel closed down in July 2006 for a major renovation. Judging from some recent reviews it looks like the facelift was very necessary. The hotel will reopen sometime this year.

Got pics? Drop 'em in the HotelChatter Flickr Pool.