Dinogo Readers' Top 10 Hotels in North Africa and the Middle East for 2024

This year's standout hotels in the Middle East and North Africa, selected by Dinogo readers, cover five countries and span nearly 4,000 miles, showcasing the rich experiences available in this vast and diverse region. The one unifying aspect? Each location offers unique settings, whether nestled in a bustling downtown area or just steps from the inviting sea.

Voting Process Explained

Annually, for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L invites readers to share their travel experiences worldwide, providing insights on the finest hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. In 2024, over 186,000 T+L readers participated in the survey, casting more than 700,000 votes across 8,700+ properties (including hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

Hotels were categorized as resort hotels, city hotels, inns, or safari lodges based on their location and amenities. They were rated according to the criteria listed below:

Room Quality/Amenities
Location
Service Quality
Culinary Experience
Overall Value

For each criterion, participants could select a rating from excellent to poor, with the final scores representing the average of these evaluations.

Highlights from Readers About City Hotels in North Africa and the Middle East

Travelers are often drawn to this region for its centers of business, religion, history, and culture — and when it comes to reader-chosen hotels, two cities stand out as favorites.

Marrakesh remains a top hotel destination for T+L readers, consistently recognized as one of the world’s best cities. This year, it boasts three of the region's premier city hotels for 2024, including La Mamounia, ranked No. 3, which has been featured on the list every year since 2017 and recently underwent renovations for its 2023 centennial celebration. One reader described the enchanting experience of entering the expansive estate, with its intricate Moorish architecture and lush gardens, as if 'time stops.' Just outside the city center, Selman Marrakech earned second place, with a respondent calling it the 'Best hotel in Morocco' and another highlighting its 'exceptional cuisine and outstanding service.'

The latest addition to the 2024 list is located thousands of miles away in Doha, a city that is relatively new but boasts a rich history, having been largely rebuilt over the past 80 years. Today, it is renowned for significant cultural landmarks, including the I.M. Pei-designed Museum of Islamic Art. The Mandarin Oriental, Doha (No. 5), which opened in 2019, has garnered acclaim from readers for its rooftop pool, expansive 32,600-square-foot spa, and excellent downtown location on Barahat Msheireb square.

Winner of North Africa and Middle East City Hotels

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha

JOE AGDEPPA/Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Doha

The top city hotel proudly boasts several distinctions, including a lobby adorned with one of the largest chandeliers in the Middle East, part of a collection exceeding 250 throughout the property. However, what truly sets The Ritz-Carlton, Doha apart is the swift transition guests experience as the vibrant energy of the capital recedes. "The team is simply amazing," commented a T+L reader during a recent visit, while another highlighted the appreciation for being "consistently recognized and treated like royalty." Designed as a "city resort," the hotel features 374 rooms and suites within a tower on a private island in Legtaifiya (also known as West Bay Lagoon), offering stunning sea views and exclusive beach access. Recent upgrades have modernized guest accommodations and introduced three new dining options, including a branch of the renowned STK Steakhouse from New York.

Complete List of City Hotels in North Africa and the Middle East

1. The Ritz-Carlton, Doha: Located in Doha, Qatar

Reader Rating: 99.64

2. Selman Marrakech

Reader Rating: 99.39

3. La Mamounia: Situated in Marrakesh

Reader Rating: 98.94

4. Royal Mansour Marrakech

Reader Rating: 98.25

5. Mandarin Oriental, Doha

Reader Rating: 97.71

Insights from Readers on North Africa and Middle East Resorts

The top resorts list highlights several traveler-favorite destinations and stunning beaches. For the second consecutive year, Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh (No. 5) has been chosen by our readers as the premier spot in Egypt’s top resort town. Nestled along the Red Sea, it offers easy access to some of the best diving experiences in the region. However, the Four Seasons excels beyond its location: “This is the best hotel I have ever visited!” exclaimed one reader. “They consistently exceed expectations. Request a bottle of water on the beach, and you’ll receive a small cooler filled with bottles to keep by your lounge chair.”

Another standout beach resort is Alila Hinu Bay, which debuted in 2021 along the Arabian Sea near Salalah, Oman. This ultra-private property features a vast beach and 112 guest rooms with breathtaking views of either the water or the desert, making its first appearance on the World’s Best list at No. 2.

This year, two of the top resorts are located in an unexpectedly delightful place: Dubai, one of the largest cities in the Gulf, where luxury shopping and Legoland are easily accessible. Yet, there's an abundance of tranquility to enjoy: The Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai (No. 3), a relatively new addition on the renowned Jumeirah Beach, offers stunning views of the Gulf's azure waters. Stay tuned to discover more about this year's top property.

Winner of the North Africa and Middle East Resorts

Raffles The Palm Dubai

Photo by Paul Thuysbaert/Courtesy of Raffles The Palm Dubai

Having opened its doors in late 2021, Raffles The Palm Dubai makes a stunning entry into the World’s Best list this year—claiming the top position. Readers have commended the resort for its luxurious design, spacious accommodations, diverse dining options, and "exceptional, attentive service." (And yes, there’s even a kids’ butler.) The lavish structure situated on Dubai’s iconic Palm Jumeirah exudes the elegance of a Baroque masterpiece, featuring 387 rooms, suites, and villas adorned with damask wallpaper, abundant gold and silver accents, and bespoke handcrafted furnishings by Italy’s Francesco Molon. With a comprehensive spa and private beach, Raffles is a resort that deserves to be the centerpiece of your trip, and it’s equally beloved by locals: “A lovely spot for a staycation,” remarked a T+L reader who visited for a simple yet sophisticated getaway.