Kenzi Tower Hotel

Filling the first 28 floors of downtown Casablanca's Twin Center B Tower, the Kenzi's standout feature is undoubtedly its views. Primarily well-heeled business travelers come here and there's a definite corporate vibe to the hotel -- lots of neutral decor and polished marble, some of which can border on dated. Striking patterned floors in a sunburst-like design and green couches in the lobby add some character, but red and orange carpeting topped by maroon-pleather chairs in the Sens restaurant are in need of an update. However, most guests are more focused on the panoramic windows offering stunning city vistas, which are also available at the 28th-floor Sky28 Bar. A mirrored ceiling hangs above old-fashioned red faux-leather bucket armchairs. Guests should note bar facilities are limited during the month of Ramadan. Overall, this is an excellent pick, particularly for business travelers, though it falls below its advertised five-star rating.

Set on a bustling multilane thoroughfare in downtown, the Kenzi's occupies the B tower of Casablanca's Twin Center. The financial area has mostly modern offices, but short cab rides (or slightly longer walks) can take travelers to plenty of the city's sights. Shopping and foodie hotspot Maarif, Old Medina's market, and ocean-front La Corniche are all a 15-minute drive. One of the largest in Africa, Hassan II Mosque is roughly the same distance, while the Sacred Heart Cathedral is slightly closer and can be reached in 12 minutes on foot. A shuttle runs to Morocco Mall in 20 minutes. Additionally, the hotel's adjacent A Tower houses both a shopping center and supermarket. Mohammed V International Airport is a 45-minute drive.

Starting at 39 square meters (419 square feet), rooms are spacious, as well as contemporary and well-maintained. The earth-toned look is a bit generic, however, featuring gray carpeting, two-tone wood furniture, and light walls with one or pieces of artwork. Lower-category units have more old-fashioned patterned drapes and bedskirts in red and yellow tones, while upgraded rooms have more elegant solid, neutral linens. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in lots of daytime light and provide gorgeous city (and sometimes distant ocean) views from many units. However, some past guests have complained of traffic noise reaching their rooms. Quality standard amenities include desks, flat-screen TVs, minibars, kettles, Nespresso machines, and air-conditioning, plus free Wi-Fi and closets with electronic safes and ironing facilities. Swish bathrooms have showers (some handheld and others rainfall-style) and separate tubs, but some guests have noted that the design is poor and floors can be slippery. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided. Upgrades include living spaces, bathrobes, and slippers.

Two restaurants and two bars offer dining and drink options, and most guests choose those with the best views. The 27th-floor Sens restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine for lunch and dinner, with panoramic windows providing lovely vistas. Up one floor is Sky 28, which is open until late and serves tapas-style fare. A Lobby Bar and all-day restaurant, Insense, are also available, the latter serving buffet breakfasts that can be taken on an outdoor terrace. There's no outdoor pool, but the spa has an indoor pool and adjacent hot tub. Treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room, and well-equipped, though not 24-hour, fitness center are also available at the spa. Nine conference rooms have varying layouts and audiovisual equipment. Free parking and property-wide Wi-Fi complete amenities.