The Auction at La Mamounia: Marrakech Gem Gets Ready for Makeover

Last week, the legendary Marrakech hotel held an auction to empty its palatian interiors before a long-anticipated redesign by Jacques Garcia. Lucky attendees snagged all kinds of goodies-- from monogrammed tableware to Art Deco furniture. Even the patio's columns were up for bidding. Now that La Mamounia has been emptied, the celebrated designer can work his magic for the hotel's reopening in the fall. La Mamounia has a magical setting in the heart of Marrakech with views of the desert valley and snow-capped peaks of the Atlas mountains. Surrounded by the city's 12th century ramparts, the hotel has 300-year-old gardens tended daily by 40 gardeners.