Hotel Atlas Asni

The Hotel Atlas Asni looks like a large apartment block from the outside, so it doesn't stand out much among the neighboring residential buildings. Just behind the property is an enormous construction pit. The hotel grounds are green and dotted with palm trees and flower beds, as well as a medium-size rectangular pool. Astroturf carpets the pool deck, which is lined with cheap metal and canvas lounge chairs. The Atlas Asni caters to tourists who book packages, business travelers and conventioneers, bus tours, and flight attendants from numerous airlines, and the feel is not special or particularly Moroccan, except when it comes to several lovely mosaic features, including a pretty fountain in the lobby. All in all, there is not a lot of charm and personality to the property, nor is it particularly quiet and restful. The hotel is better just as a base from which to tour the area rather than a resort destination.

The Hotel Atlas Asni is located in Hivernage, in Marrakech's new city, about a half-hour walk from the medina. The convention center, Palais des Congres, is a five-minute walk from the hotel, which makes it a good choice  for business travelers. There is plenty of nightlife to be found in the neighboring hotels and nearby.  Marrakech Menara International Airport is about a 15-minute taxi ride away. The hotel does offer free self-parking.

Rooms at the Hotel Atlas Asni are clean and basic, with furnished balconies surfaced with astroturf. The decor is simple but generic and dated, and not Moroccan in feel. Floors are carpeted. Adjoining rooms are available for families traveling together. Many rooms have the lingering odor of cigarette smoke; guests may request non-smoking rooms. Bathrooms are tile, with shower/tub combinations; some rooms have maintenance problems with showerheads and drains. Rooms in the front of the hotel have views of Marrakech; back rooms overlook the pool and neighboring hotels. Light sleepers and late risers should note that guest rooms near the nightclub or stairs can be noisy. All rooms come with flat-screen TVs.

The Hotel Atlas Asni has a large-ish rectangular pool with an astroturf-surfaced deck, and rows of lounge chairs. Guests also have pool privileges at the neighboring Hotel Atlas Medina. The Atlas Asni has a children’s pool, but no kids' club. The fitness center is tiny with only a few pieces of cardio equipment. There are laundry facilities for guests' use. The pool bar is the most atmospheric of the hotel’s bars and restaurants, with Moroccan tiles and lanterns adding authentic flavor. In addition, there are two buffet restaurants, the a la carte La Brasserie, and a nightclub, open late.