Today we had a truly unique experience. We’re back in Morocco, staying at the Ritz-Carlton in Rabat, and wanted to go to the new Waldorf Astoria in Salé for dinner. Since we’ve come to appreciate the Hilton Group’s properties in the Middle East and at the Versailles in Paris, we drove there in the morning in our rental car. We were brusquely denied entry through the main gate; we were told to park on the street and explain what we wanted. They wouldn’t let us in on foot either; for that, we’d need a reservation. Our request to enter the hotel to look at the restaurant, menu, and prices was also denied. As the conversation became more heated, a young woman in the hotel’s uniform appeared; she spoke English much better, as our imperfect French hadn’t convinced the security guards, who were steadfastly keeping us outside. The young woman held out a QR code on a form that already looked quite grubby. We were told we had to make a reservation here, but that it wasn’t possible on the same day anyway, even if tables were available. Our objection—that we wanted to see the menu and prices (which aren’t listed online)—was met with a terse and unyielding response: we were told we had to use the QR code to reserve a table first…. Exasperated, we gave up and left, wondering if they even bothered to look at who their guests were…. So if you want to eat or stay there, no one will pay any attention to your solid-gold Santos watch or your wife’s solid-gold Rolex—not even your luxury rental car will make a difference. One might be tempted to offer advice on how to treat guests and send the staff to St. Moritz to work in the hotel industry or to Jumeirah, but that’s not necessary. The exemplary top-tier hotels—especially those of Royal Mansur—are right here in this country, where we have almost always experienced exemplary hospitality. As a guest, you’ll feel right at home at the Ritz-Carlton Rabat here, or at the Royal Mansour—whether in Marrakech or Tamuda Bay—and even at the Mamounia, you’ll feel like royalty…
