While the official website from Mandarin Oriental states that its Riviera Maya property is “currently closed in order to complete necessary improvements to its facilities. Our re-opening date will be announced in due course.” rumor has it that it will be closed untill a new operator has been found. Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya, Mexico was running at a 20% occupancy making it unprofitable. Shame as the hotel got some good reviews lately and was featured on Conde Nast Traveller’s 2008 Hot List.

What was to be the (delayed) Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech is now going to be a Taj Hotel. Entering into a management contract with JK Hotels, a private Moroccan company, the Taj Group will now manage the hotel which will be known as Taj Palace Marrakech. The hotel is set to launch in autumn 2011 and will increase Taj’s international portfolio to 17 hotels.

With 161 guestrooms, including 25 Grand Suites and 1 Royal Suite, the majestic palace hotel will offer unsurpassed luxury and panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains and palm gardens of the lush Palmeraie district.

American artist, designer and renowned ‘Orientalist’ Stuart Church has created the interiors and architecture with exquisite attention to detail and splendor of local artistry. The rooms take on a diverse style, drawing inspiration from the noble Berber Kasbahs of Morocco, the splendor of Ottoman architecture, exotic Oriental influences and the richness of Indian pageantry.