The Moroccan Files

The Ritz-Carlton, Marrakech: When the Resort Becomes the Destination — The Marrakech Luxury Paradox Marrakech is adding another ultra-luxury layer with a 50-hectare polo-led resort on the city's outskirts. On paper, it is a compelling concept: space, privacy, equestrian life, and a globally recognized brand. In practice, it lands in a market where luxury supply is growing faster than the seasonal window it relies on. When a property sits 20 minutes outside the medina, the re

The story behind Lancaster Palace Tamuda Bay, originally planned as a Marriott. A fascinating look at the latest palace on Morocco’s Mediterranean coast.

Hotel La Renaissance in Guéliz is currently closed, inviting a thoughtful examination of its architectural heritage, operational history, and commercial capacity. Moving past simple nostalgia, this analysis evaluates the property through a practical lens—exploring its boutique scale, structural design, and market positioning alongside public guest feedback. The central question for its future is how asset restoration realities align with recovery potential.

Morocco's Mediterranean hotels are synonymous with luxury, yet international headlines can reshape a destination overnight. An analysis of how the Ceuta crossings affected perception, reputation and the communication strategies of luxury hospitality brands.

From legacy assets to integrated hospitality experiences, the group is quietly redefining how destinations are created in Marrakech—and perhaps across Morocco. Editorial Illustration: Peter.ma © Peter Manshoven. All rights reserved. Last week, we looked closely at Accor Risma — its asset-heavy footprint, strategic posture, and the way it continues to shape Morocco’s hospitality map. This time, the lens turns to another pillar of the sector: Atlas Hospitality. The two groups s

The sign above the entrance still says Accor. But behind the reception desk, the business has changed completely. In this edition of Behind the Lobby, Peter examines RISMA's transformation from property owner to hotel operator, the financial logic behind the move, and why the success of this strategy will ultimately be measured not by annual reports, but by the experience of every guest who checks in.

KAMEL ABOU ALI: THE EGYPTIAN VISIONARY SHAPING MOROCCO'S TOURISM LANDSCAPE

The Rixos expansion in Morocco marks a structural shift rather than a simple investment. By combining large-scale resort development in Lixus with a cluster strategy in Marrakech, it accelerates market segmentation, activates new demand flows, and initiates the formation of a northern coastal corridor linking the Atlantic to the Mediterranean.

In 2008, there was one envelope in the Marrakech sky. In 2025, authorities had to sanction twelve. When the state pays for 35% of your startup costs, the price of a flight stops being about aviation math and starts being about volume addiction. At peter.ma, we analyze the 'Rat' nibbling at the GOP so you don't have to gamble with the sky."

Spanish hotel group Soho Boutique Hotels is accelerating its expansion in Morocco with the opening of the Soho Boutique Casablanca, its second property after Tétouan. More than just another hotel launch, the project reflects a long-term strategy built on local partnerships, sustainability, talent development, and a growing portfolio that aims to strengthen the brand's presence across Morocco over the coming years.

Morocco was always blessed with some good hotel chains, but today we can truly say we have the one that spans the crown (literally, as the King is the main shareholder) of Morocco: Royal Mansour, the summum of quality.