Hotel Almas is a world apart from the traditional Moroccan riad hotel popular with many tourists who come to Marrakech. With its imposing, mirrored facade and red stone, this hotel's exterior offers little in the way of local character or charm (its sleek, modern profile dates back to just 2011). Stepping through a pair of sliding doors into the lobby, however, the reception area has immediately more regional character with plush, crimson velvet upholstery, polished marble, high ceilings, and arabesque motifs. A pair of elevators whisk guests to one of five floors and up to the impressive rooftop pool terrace with panoramic views over the city and to Atlas Mount beyond. Overall this is a modern, simple, and clean property, though street noise can sometimes be an issue. 

The Hotel Almas is situated on a fairly busy road in the lively and buzzing Gueliz neighborhood of the New City district of Marrakech. Its main thoroughfare, Mohammed V Avenue, is a busy boulevard of cafes, restaurants, and shops located just two blocks away. While the outskirts of Marrakech's iconic medina quarter -- or old city -- is just about within walking distance (a brisk 15 minutes on foot), main attractions such as Djemaa el-Fna square and Palace Gate are more like a 10-minute cab journey away. The city's main train station is under 10 minutes away on foot, while Marrakech Menara International Airport is about 15 minutes' drive. 

The hotel has 71 rooms, all of which are clean and modern with simple decor and a few traditional Arabic touches. Room are air-conditioned and include mini-fridges with free bottled water, flat-screen TVs with some international channels, and free Wi-Fi -- though this can be patchy in some parts of the hotel. While rooms facing the street can be a little noisy, some rooms at the back open to spacious terraces with seating. Bathrooms are generally well-maintained with marble tops and walk-in showers -- though water pressure can be a bit weak. 

The hotel serves what is a fairly extensive though pretty average buffet breakfast which is often, but not always, included in the rate. The only other significant feature is the property's rooftop pool, which does have great panoramic views over the area and a good amount of lounge chairs. It is unheated, however, so the water can be very cold and there's no poolside drinks or snacks service -- in fact the hotel doesn't serve alcoholic drinks at all. Wi-Fi throughout is free, but can be inconsistent at different points in the hotel.