Alma Pamplona

Set in a blocky and museum-like monochrome building on grounds teeming with greenery and large swaths of manicured lawn, this upscale property's stark architecture goes hand-in-hand with its modern, minimalist interiors. Sleek, uncluttered spaces feature clean lines, wooden floors, and lots of modern art adorning the walls, from large and colorful abstract paintings in the lobby to photographs lining the hallways. Large windows abound, framing the green surroundings and adding color to mostly staid neutral hues -- though many common spaces also add pops of vibrant color via bright accent pillows, rugs, and armchairs. Overall, it's an aesthetically impressive place that's particularly suited for travelers seeking a bit of calm, and who don't mind being outside of the city center. The clientele consists mainly of couples, who are largely from Spain, France, and other European countries -- though the hotel is also suited for business travelers.  

The hotel is located on expansive green grounds right next to a sports complex on the outskirts of Pamplona. The city center is about a five-minute drive away, or it can be reached on foot in about 20 to 25 minutes. There's not much in the immediate area of the hotel, so guests will have to head to town for shopping, dining, and access to a number of attractions like the bullring, the citadel, the Museum of Navarre, and the charming Plaza del Castillo: a square that's full of tapas bars, cafes, and shops. Pamplona is a stop along the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route and is home to several notable churches, including the church of San Nicolás and the Pamplona Cathedral. The train station is about a 15-minute drive from the hotel, and the bus station is seven minutes away. Pamplona Airport is a 10-minute drive from the hotel.

Rooms, like the rest of the hotel, are minimalist and modern, with pale wood floors, white walls, and simple, clean-lined furniture. Upon entering (which is done via fingerprint scans), guests step right into the bathroom, which is separated from the bedroom by sliding wooden doors -- a bit of a strange entrance, but the layout allows for maximum natural light in the bedroom area. Wall-to-wall windows offer beautiful views over the green surroundings and mountains in the distance; some units open onto balconies or terraces. Bright area rugs in vivid hues like orange or lime green add pops of color to the neutral shades cloaking the rooms, while attractive armchairs offer seating. Larger rooms offer more seating space, while suites have living rooms and add extras like Mac computers. The rooms feel stylishly spare, as storage areas and amenities like minibars (with free drinks) and electronic safes are tucked away into large headboards or TV units.

Bathrooms are clad in blond wood and gray mosaic tiling, and include shower/tub combos as well as separate walk-in rainfall showers. They also have private water closets with toilets and bidets. Malin + Goetz toiletries are provided, as are bathrobes, slippers, and hairdryers.

The hotel has a number of inviting features that add value and convenience to a stay here. Spa facilities include an indoor slate pool with shower features that though atmospheric, is small in size. The spa also offers a sauna and outdoor relaxation areas with sunbeds and showers. There's a fitness room, but it only has a couple of Technogym cardio machines and a weight bench.

The restaurant serves regional fare buffet-style for breakfast (available for a fee) and a la carte items for lunch and dinner, plus there's 24/7 room service. There's a chic and minimalist lounge bar, as well as a cozy living room-like bar with comfortable couches and armchairs, plus bookshelves stocked with books and magazines to peruse. Other amenities include meeting/event space as well as free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property. On-site parking is also free.