La Mamounia is Marrakesh's famous hotel, and prides itself on being where VIPs stay when they come to town.

The rooms and suites are all of course deluxe, with huge marble bathrooms, although standard (“classic”) rooms can be on the small side, so it's worth paying a bit more for a “superior” or “deluxe” room.

The hotel has four restaurants – Moroccan, French, Italian, and one by the pool – plus four bars and two tea rooms.

Non-residents may visit if buying a drink at one of the bars or tea rooms, or a meal at one of the restaurants. On Sundays, the hotel serves a poolside brunch.

Note that a strict dress code is enforced at La Mamounia. “Elegant” dress is required in all public areas. T-shirts, jeans, shorts and trainers are banned completely after 6pm.

The Gardens