Al Ain Rotana, Abu Dhabi - Cranley Report

The Cranley Report®: Al Ain Rotana

Al Ain Rotana, Abu Dhabi

Hotel Address

Sheikh Zayed Road
PO Box 1210
Al Ain
United Arab Emirates

Cranley Rating

Al Ain Rotana

Photo 1 of 25. Click to enlarge

Hotel Summary

Category	Hotel
Awards Won	2005 MENA Best Restaurant Awards 2nd Prize - Trader Vic's

Hotel Opened	1999
Refurbishment	2006: - 10 New Villas Completed - Work on a new wing extension of 100 rooms and a Spa to commence (expected to complete in 2 years) - 18 Month Refurbishment Programme to commence (refurbishing 10 rooms at a time)

Cranley Summary

Al Ain Rotana is located in the bustling Sheikh Zayed Road in the town centre of Al Ain. The hotel is a unique water and leisure oasis in the Al Ain desert and features standard rooms with balconies enjoying mostly city and pool views, deluxe rooms with 2 large terraces each and individual poolside chalets and villas with their own private driveway entrances. There is a choice of casual coffee shop style snacks in the Atrium Lounge, casual dining in the open airy Gardinia restaurant, specialist Lebanese dining at the Min Zaman restaurant and its pleasant outdoor terrace, and the French Polynesian South Seas style Trader Vic's. The hotel houses a night club, Cafe des Rois, said to be the only night club in Al Ain. The Bodylines health and fitness centre offers a well equipped gym, aerobics studio, 2 internal squash courts, pool table, massage rooms and 2 external tennis courts. Business travellers enjoy wireless internet access from almost all common areas including the poolside. The Zakher Ballroom is an impressive venue for functions, conferences and other events held in Al Ain. Guests should note the comprehensive refurbishment and extension programme being planned for the Al Ain Rotana.

Hotel Location & Layout

Location Description

In the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the Al Ain Rotana is located in the bustling Sheikh Zayed Road in the town centre of Al Ain. The hotel is centrally located close to the commercial and business districts. Guests can walk to Khalifa main street where there is an array of shops and stores. The hotel is a 7 minute taxi drive from Al Ain Mall, the largest mall in Al Ain, a 10 minute drive from the Al Ain Zoo and a 20 minute drive from the Al Ain sand golf course, a 15 minute drive from Al Ain Airport, less than an hour in normal traffic from Abu Dhabi Airport and approximately 1 hour 20 minutes from Dubai Airport.

Airports
Distance	40 km
Airport Transfers	Taxi Transfers

Cities and Sights
Distance	160 km
City/Sight Transfers	Taxi Transfers

Layout Description

On entering the spacious lobby, one finds Guest Relations and Thrifty Car Hire desks directly ahead. The internal entrance to Trader Vic's restaurant is to the immediate left and the Atrium Lounge cafe occupies the centre of the lobby area. To the right is the Reception check-in desk. Also on the ground floor are the Ladies and Men's Salons and the Novelty Shop, a stairway leading down to the Cave des Rois night club and doors leading to the Paris Gallery and Zakher Ballroom centre. The Gardinia restaurant is past the Business Centre at the back of the lobby, and further along the outside terrace is the entrance to the Min Zaman restaurant. Rooms and Suites are located in the main hotel building from the first floor upward. Chalets have their own private vehicle entrance and are located separately in the grounds of the hotel at the rear end of the swimming pool. The new Villas are located next to the Chalets and also have their own separate vehicle entrance. The Bodylines gym, aerobics studio, tennis courts and squash courts and located at ground level with separate entrances.

Lobby & Guest Relations

Open Hours	24 hours
Languages Spoken	English & Arabic
Payment Methods	All major credit cards and cash accepted
Foreign Exchange	All major currencies exchanged
Taxis Arranged	Taxis arranged on request
Tours Arranged	A variety of activities can be arranged including Tours of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Sharjah and Ajman, Dinner Cruises, Safari's to the Desert, Wadi Hatta or Hajar Mountains, a Night at the Races, Camel Riding, Sand Skiing, Snorkelling or Scuba Diving.

Guest Relations	Standard Services
Concierge Services	Standard Services Guest Relations desk Thrifty Car Hire desk
Medical Facilities	Doctor on call 24 hours, expected to arrive within 20 to 30 minutes
Parking	There are over 200 parking spaces available outside the hotel, of which about half are shaded spaces. The new Duplex Chalets each have their own parking space.

Cranley Comment

On entering the hotel, one immediately gets a sense of space, light and quiet relaxation. External light through the main entrance and a light beige marble decor throughout the lobby enhance the sense of spaciousness. Adding to this openess is a central atrium that runs the full height of the hotel from which the rooms lead on the various levels. The hotel reception, guest relations and various amenities can be found in the lobby, and the Atrium Lounge serving pastries, snacks and cake. In fact most of the hotel's facilities are accessed from the lobby area, including two of the restaurants, the business centre and night club.

Shops & Amenities

Description

Rashad Beauty salon for ladies offers a range of hairdressing services, manicures, pedicures, waxing, facials, tattoos, electrolysis, threading and bridal preparation: Open 09:00 to 22:00

Salon Prestige for men offers standard barbershop services: Open 10:30 to 14:00 and 16:30 to 22:30

Al Atlal Novelty and bookshop sells cigarettes, gifts, newspapers, novelties, chocolates: Open 09:00 to 24:00

Paris Gallery houses a number of outlets selling top brand perfurmes, watches, make-up, accessories and optical amenities. It also houses the Grand Cinema, which has 4 cinema screens: Open 10:00 to 22:00.

Cranley Comment

There are separate ladies and mens salons located on ground level in the hotel as well as a novelty shop selling newspapers, cigarettes, gifts and chocolates. Al Ain Rotana also houses the Paris Gallery with shops selling top brand amenities as well as 4 large cinema screens known as the Grand Cinema. Guests who wish to shop further are only a 7 minute taxi drive away from Al Ain's largest mall, the Al Ain Mall.

Rooms, Suites & Villas

Number of Floors	5
Total Rooms	110
Elevators	2
Rooms per Elevator	55
Total Staff	250
Staff per Room	2.3

Check-in Time	14:00
Check-out Time	12:00
Late Checkout	Subject to availability
Smoking Rooms	The 4th floor is a designated non-smoking floor
Room Service	24 hours
Laundry Service	Sameday service for drop-off by 09:00. There is also an Express Service (2 hour service)

Cranley Comment

The 2 glass lifts which take guests to their rooms in the hotel offer pleasant views of the atrium. Rooms and Suites are located in the main hotel building and all have balconies or terraces. There are 4 Deluxe Suites per floor, which have 2 terraces each, whilst the 2 Executive Suites are specifically suited to families. Chalets are located opposite the main hotel building at the opposite end of the pool and all have their own poolside terrace. 10 New luxury Villas located in a new extension adjacent to the Chalets were completed in 2006 and are also to be found on the poolside.

Type of Room, Views & Facilities

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Standard	74	37 Pool 37 City	Satellite TV Airconditioning Safe Minibar Working desk with mirror Coffee facilities Hairdryer Bathroom scale Balcony	2 Adults + 2 children	40

Cranley Comment

Standard rooms can either have a King size bed or 2 Queen beds and guests are advised to request their preference when booking. Rooms are decorated with light wood furniture and blue carpets and there are green drapes with a matching green bed valet. Standard Rooms are furnished with a working table complete with high speed internet connection and two armchairs with a coffee table. Bathrooms have tiled flooring and a bathtub with overhead shower and bidet. Standard Rooms have balconies with either Al Ain city views or pool views and have 2 outside chairs.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Deluxe Suite	16	8 Pool 8 City	As per the Standard Room with the added benefit of being larger and with: Kitchennette with sink Separate Lounge area Additional satellite TV Dining table with 4 chairs Guest WC 2 Balconies	2 Adults + 2 children	80

Cranley Comment

Deluxe Suites are one bedroom suites with a separate lounge area and separate bedroom. Suites have a kitchennete and guest WC and are decorated with blue carpets, light wood furniture and green drapes. The living area is furnished with a 2 seat sofa, 2 arm chairs, a glass table, working desk complete with high speed internet, satellite TV and a dining table with 4 chairs. The bedroom has a King size bed, satellite TV and a chaise long. Bathrooms have tiled flooring, a bathtub with overhead shower and a bidet. Deluxe Suites all have two large 16 square metre terraces, one leading from the bedroom and one from the lounge area. Some overlook the pool and some the City and are each furnished with a plastic table and 4 to 6 chairs. Deluxe Suites can be interconnected to a Standard Room with 2 Queen beds to create larger accommodation for families.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Executive Suite	2	City	As per the Deluxe Suite with the added benefit of being larger and with: Large fully equipped Kitchen Large dining table Large master bedroom Additional twin bedroom and bathroom Additional satellite TV (only 1 smaller balcony)	4 Adults + 2 children	98

Cranley Comment

Executive Suites are ideal family accommodation with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a separate lounge area, large kitchen with a large fridge and 2 plate stove and guest WC. Suites are decorated with blue carpets, light wood furniture and green drapes. The living area is furnished with a 2 seat sofa, 2 arm chairs, a glass table, working desk complete with high speed internet, satellite TV and a large rectangular dining table with 4 luxury chairs. The large master bedroom has a King size bed, satellite TV and and an en-suite bathroom with tiled flooring, a bathtub and overhead shower and bidet. The second bedroom has twin beds with a satellite TV, dressing table and its own wardrobe. The additional bathroom is situated off the hallway and has a bathtub with overhead shower. Guests should note that Executive Suites have one small balcony, which overlooks a roof.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Chalet	8	Poolside	Private driveway and entrance Fully Equipped Kitchen Lounge room with satellite TV and dining table Chalets have either one or two bedrooms, each with a satellite TV High speed internet connection Minibar Safe Airconditioning Garden poolside terrace	2 Adults (1 Bed Chalet) and 4 Adults (2 Bed Chalet) + 2 children	120

Cranley Comment

Chalets have their own private driveway and entrance and are situated at the rear of the pool. There is a choice of either a one bedroom one bathroom chalet or a two bedroom two bathroom chalet. Chalets are decorated with casual rattan furniture and tiled flooring and has a kitchen equipped with a fridge, stove and dishwasher. The living room is furnished with a 2-seat sofa, 3 side tables, satellite TV and a dining table with 6 chairs. The main bedroom has a King size bed, rattan chair, minibar, satellite TV, dresser table and side cabinets. The en-suite bathroom is similar to those of the rooms and suites in the main hotel building and has a bathtub with overhead shower and bidet. The two bedroom chalet's additional bedroom has 2 double beds, a satellite TV, minibar and dresser table. The additional bathroom is located off the hallway and has a bathtub with overhead shower. All Chalets have garden terraces overlooking the poolside.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Villas	10	Pool	Parking space Equipped luxury Kitchen Guest WC Living Room Two en-suite bedrooms Separate step-in shower Jacuzzi	6 Adults + 2 children	140

Cranley Comment

The new Villas are luxury 2 and 3 bedroom villas laid out over two floors. At its entrance each Villa has a parking space and a water feature beside the main door. There is a fully equipped Kitchen with dark wood cabinets and a marble guest WC on the ground floor together with the lounge area that walks out onto the garden terrace and poolside. A marble staircase leads to the upper level, where there are two ensuite bedrooms (and a 3rd smaller bedroom). The master bedroom's en-suite bathroom looks into the bedroom through an open glass window and has a separate step-in shower, bathtub and Jacuzzi. The additional bathroom is also laid out in marble.

Restaurants & Cafés

Number of Restaurants

Restaurant Comments

Al Ain Rotana offers several dining and entertainment venues starting with the casual Atrium Lounge in the lobby area serving snacks and pastries. Also benefitting from an open and light casual atmosphere is the Gardinia restaurant leading out from the lobby area, where the hotel's breakfast is served as well as buffet and a-la-carte options for the rest of the day. For speciality dining there is the Lebanese Min Zaman restaurant with a pleasant outside terrace area for evening dining with shishas and live entertainment. For a South Sea experience there is the Trader Vic's with its dark wood harbour style layout and live entertainment.

Trader Vic's

Restaurant Type	French Polynesian
Restaurant Capacity	Total 95 (Restaurant and Bar)
Opening Times	Lunch: 12:30 to 03:30 Dinner: 19:30 to 23:30 Bar: 12:30 to 1:00am
Dress Codes	Smart Casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	Non-smoking tables available
Children’s Facilities	Children's menu available during the day. High chairs available. No children are allowed in the bar area from 19:00
Breakfast Options	No

Cranley Comment

Trader Vic's is a well known franchised French Polynesian restaurant offering exotic cuisine and cocktails reminiscent of the South Seas. The restaurant has a pleasant ambience created by a South Sea décor of wood, items from the harbour and typical seafaring craft, aquarians and a Mai Tai Bar. Centered around its Chinese oven, Trader Vic’s features imported speciality suaces and spices, with seafood being a speciality dish. There is also an outside terrace area. Happy hour is from 19:00 to 21:00 and there is live entertainment from 21:00 to 02:30 in the morning.

Min Zaman

Restaurant Type	Lebanese
Restaurant Capacity	Total 130 (95 Restaurant and 35 Terrace)
Opening Times	18:00 to 02:30 (03:00 over weekends)
Dress Codes	Smart Casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	Min Zaman is a smoking restaurant and offers shishas
Children’s Facilities	No children are allowed
Breakfast Options	No

Cranley Comment

Min Zaman is a traditional but sophisticated styled Lebanese restaurant with a pleasant outside evening terrace area. It offers authentic Arabic cuisine such as hot and cold mezzeh for starters and mixed grills as a main course with fruit cuts and Arabic sweets for dessert. The restaurant offers nightly live entertainment with a one-man show, belly dancer and singer on a rotating basis to provide a full nightly programme of entertainment. On the terrace a mini Min Zaman menu is served together with a shisha selection.

Gardinia

Restaurant Type	International
Restaurant Capacity	85 Inside