Worldwide Hospitality Awards

Previously director of the Saint James’s Hotel & Club in London, Hôtel Royal Barrière in Deauville, Le Fouquet’s and Hôtel de Crillon in Paris, and the Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo, Jean-Claude Messant has been managing director of the Royal Mansour Marrakech since September 2014. He has won numerous awards, including a double accolade from Leading Hotels of the World in 2010, when the Métropole Monte-Carlo won Best Hotel in the World, and Mr Messant was recognised as Hotelier of the Year. More recently, Hotels Magazine nominated him for Independent Hotelier of the World 2014, and Virtuoso for Hotelier of the Year 2014.

Safeguarding a living heritage in an inspirational destination, Mr Messant is responsible not only for his team’s flawless technical performance, but also their capacity for warmth and empathy. A standardised approach, with no soul and no smiles, is anathema to him. “My ideal is to create perfection, but to foster that human dimension, and make sure none of the staff, from butler to bartender, ever slips into autopilot when they are with guests.”

An historic hotel such as Royal Mansour is constantly evolving, reflecting new trends yet honouring ancient traditions. Yannick Alléno’s gastronomic vision, for example, brings together contemporary flavours with the best of Morocco’s culinary heritage, while traditional art shares wall space with work from young Moroccan artists.

Jean-Claude Messant has been involved in opening and repositioning many luxury hotels, building incredible experience and expertise in his field. He is not content simply to look after his staff and his guests, but also seeks to make them dream a little, to broaden their horizons. Teamwork means everything to him, which is why he places strong importance on building relationships and trust among his staff.

So, how does Mr Messant see the future of the Royal Mansour?

“The hotel is acknowledged as one of the ten most beautiful hotels in the world by industry peers and clientele. Our objective now is to stay at the top of that list and, at the same time, to be recognised as one of the very best hotels in the world. The Royal Mansour deserves to take its place among the best because it is indeed beautiful; because it offers world-class refinements in an enchanting setting – Yannick Alléno’s exceptional cuisine, a cutting-edge spa, the bespoke welcome and service; because it has always stayed one step ahead of its competitors; and, finally, because of the human touch that sets us apart.”

Every member of staff at the Royal Mansour strives for perfection even in the smallest details. “In everything I do, I want to bring the hotel to life,” says Mr Messant with a smile. “It’s as simple as that. A great hotel is like the stage of a great theatre. My role is to direct the play. It is the team and the guests who put on the performance.”