Freshly squeezed juice and a real buffet finally hit CMN T1
Royal Air Maroc Le Zénith Lounge sits airside in Terminal T1 and now serves as RAM’s flagship long‑haul space for business class and status passengers. After the refurbishment, FlyerTalk regulars put it in the same league as solid oneworld business lounges, a big step up from the old CMN setups that felt dated and sparse.
Hours generally track RAM’s long‑haul banks, so expect the lounge to be open for late‑evening departures to North America and Europe from T1. Access is restricted to Royal Air Maroc business class and RAM elites, plus oneworld‑equivalent partners when they use T1. If your flight leaves from T2, this lounge is not an option, so check your boarding pass before you hike over.
The food upgrade is the main story: the buffet now runs with hot Moroccan and international dishes timed to departure waves, so you can actually eat a full meal before an overnight 6–8 hour transatlantic. Travellers call out tagines, pasta and proper salads as reliable, with frequent restocking during the midnight bank of long‑hauls. This is where regulars plan to eat rather than gambling on a tray‑meal at 02:00.
Drinks are better than the pre‑refurb days too, with that freshly squeezed juice getting specific praise on FlyerTalk as a noticeable change from the old concentrate. You’ll also find self‑serve soft drinks, basic spirits and wine, plus an espresso machine that holds up for a pre‑07:00 departure. Don’t come expecting a long cocktail list or bar staff; think solid self‑service rather than a full bar program.
The space itself sits above the T1 gate level, so you’re still close to RAM long‑haul departures but slightly shielded from the chaotic terminal floor that TripAdvisor reviewers complain about. Seating zones mix armchairs and dining tables, and power outlets now show up in a decent chunk of seats, but not every chair. If connectivity matters before a 6–10 hour flight, grab a spot by a wall or column where outlets cluster.
Watch out for the peak crush during RAM’s banked long‑hauls from CMN T1, when multiple US and Europe flights board within 90 minutes. Reviews describe a scene closer to a busy cafeteria than a quiet premium lounge during those windows, with queues at the buffet and limited seating. If your flight boards at, say, 23:30, consider arriving around 21:30–22:00 to eat in relative calm, then moving to the gate once the lounge fills.
One practical tip: given CMN’s reputation for slow checks around T1, clear security early, head straight to Le Zénith, and use the stronger buffet and juice bar as your main pre‑flight stop instead of killing time in the main hall.
How to get in
- 01 Terminal 1
- 02 RAM business and status