Al Raha Beach Hotel, Abu Dhabi

The Cranley Report®: Al Raha Beach Hotel

Al Raha Beach Hotel, Abu Dhabi

Hotel Address

Al Raha Corniche
PO Box 38616
Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates

Cranley Rating

Al Raha Beach Hotel

Photo 1 of 39. Click to enlarge

Hotel Summary

Category	Resort Hotel
Awards Won	Awaiting information.

Hotel Opened	2005
Refurbishment	2008 Bodylines Wellness and Spa 2008 Vita Bar 2007 Enigma – discothèque/nightclub opened 2007 Sevilla 2007 Al Manzil

Cranley Summary

Al Raha Beach Hotel is Abu Dhabi’s first luxury boutique hotel. It is located in a premier position on the Al Raha Corniche which is 10 km from Abu Dhabi Airport and 25 km from Abu Dhabi City Centre and the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, and only just over an hour from Dubai’s Jumeirah district. Al Raha Mall connects directly to the hotel and there are only a few other buildings nearby. The well appointed hotel has a man made beach with a variety of guest rooms and suites starting at 55²m and a number of sizable beach villas. Its main infinity pool is stylishly laid out with landscaped gardens and has an adjacent children’s water playground and pool. Guests staying in Villas also have their own exclusive infinity pool. The hotel has a small Spa with a range of massages and treatments. The main restaurant Sevilla serves an a La carte menu and a themed buffet each evening, priding itself on its attentive service. In addition, there are also three other restaurants where lighter options available. Although the hotel is aimed toward the discerning leisure traveller there are also comprehensive banqueting facilities for functions and events.

Hotel Location & Layout

Location Description

Al Raha Beach Hotel is located on the Al Raha Corniche, an undeveloped piece of the coast line a short distance from the airport and 25 km from Abu Dhabi on the road to Dubai. Its position is unique as it has the benefits of being just an hour from the tourist beach areas of Dubai, with attractions like the Wild Wadi Water Park, and only 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi City Centre. Despite being close to the airport there is no discernable noise as it is not located near the flight path. The ADNEC Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre is within easy reach being only 30km away. For sports enthusiasts, it is 5 minutes from the Sheraton Golf Course where a European Tour Event is played each year and is only 10 minutes from the Al Ghazal Sand Golf Course, home of the world sand golf competition. For horse enthusiasts, the hotel is just ten minutes from the race course.

Airports
Distance	10 km
Airport Transfers	Taxi transfers approximately 10 minutes in light traffic.

Cities and Sights
Distance	25 km
City/Sight Transfers	Abu Dhabi taxi transfers are approximately 20 minutes in light traffic. A complimentary hotel shuttle bus runs between Abu Dhabi city centre and the hotel, frequency depends on time of year.

Layout Description

The hotel has 110 rooms and 24 villas. The main hotel is quite compact, whilst still offering guests ample grounds for relaxing, either around the pool, along the lawn or on the beach. The hotel rooms either overlook the sea or look in-land. Leading off from the elevated lobby ground floor area are the conference facilities, function rooms, Sevilla restaurant, boutiques, Black Pearl Cocktail Bar and Mozart café. Guest rooms located on this level are found down two long wide corridors off to the left and right of the lobby and start with the number 1, implying that they are on the first floor. Body and Soul Health Club, gym, squash courts and the Elie and Jean beauty salon are located on the lower ground floor basement level. There is a reception area here with access to the pools. Bodylines Wellness and Spar, also located on the lower ground basement level, is currently under refurbishment. The villas are located to the left if one faces the hotel and have their own private beach, pool and clubhouse which are solely available to villa guests. The ballrooms have their own entrance and the hotel also has a discreet VIP entrance to ensure privacy, if required.

Lobby & Guest Relations

Open Hours	24 Hours
Languages Spoken	English, Arabic, Russian, German
Payment Methods	All major international credit cards and cash accepted
Foreign Exchange	Open 24 hours. All major currencies exchanged. Exchange rates are commissionable.
Taxis Arranged	Street taxis can be arranged on request. There can sometimes be a short wait.
Tours Arranged	A full range of tours can be organised to include: Abu Dhabi City tours Al Ain City tours Camel Riding Desert Safaris Dhow tours Dinner Cruises Dubai City tours Fishing trips Liwa full day safaris Night at the Races Sand Skiing Sharjah and Ajman City tours Snorkelling or Scuba Diving Wadi Hatta or Hajar Mountains

Guest Relations	The Guest Relations desk is to the left of the reception.
Concierge Services	The Concierge, to the right of the reception, is on hand 24 hours a day and will assist guests with restaurant reservations, limousines, car rental or airport transfers during their stay.
Medical Facilities	Nurse on duty six days a week (Friday off). Doctor on duty Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 15:00 to 18:00. During other times a doctor can be called with 15 minutes notice.
Parking	Complimentary valet underground parking for 500 cars

Cranley Comment

The Al Raha Hotel has an elevated ground floor lobby entrance. The lobby area has both, high triple and double story ceilings creating a feeling of space and opulence. It is decorated in stylish dark woods and a combination of marble and colourful mosaic flooring. The front desk Reception area is on right hand side and the Mozart café is opposite, on the left. The Sevilla restaurant stretches across the back of the lobby and has panoramic windows which let natural daylight into the lobby whilst providing views of the beach and Gulf. There are some guest rooms located down long wide corridors off to the left and right of the lobby that start with the number 1, implying that they are on the first floor.

Shops & Amenities

Description

Donat Deli
10:00 to 21:00 7 days a week
Gift Shop
10:00 to 21:00 7 days a week
Kashmir Boutique
12:30 to 14:00 Saturday to Thursday, Friday closed
Five Stars Gallery
11:00 to 20:00 Saturday to Thursday, Friday 15:00 to 20:00
Jewellery Shop
12:00 to 20:00 Thursday to Saturday, Friday Closed
Prayer Room

Elie and Jean: hair and beauty salon situated on the lower ground floor basement level is open daily from 10:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 20:00 offering hairdressing, styling, make up, manicures, pedicures and waxing

Cranley Comment

The hotel has a small range of boutiques and shops located on the ground floor to the right of the lobby. The Donet Deli sells homemade cakes and fine coffee and the gift shop sells a range of chocolate, tobacco, newspapers and a small selection of personal items; while the other outlets mainly sell gifts, jewellery and collectables. Elie and Jean hairdressers is located on the lower ground floor basement level. There is also a direct passage leading to the entrance of Al Raha Mall from the hotel. Within the Mall there is a selection of shops and food outlets. The hotel provides a complimentary shuttle service into Abu Dhabi’s Marina and Main malls which is approximately 20 minutes by car

Rooms, Suites & Villas

Number of Floors	3
Total Rooms	134
Elevators	7
Rooms per Elevator	19
Total Staff	335
Staff per Room	2.5

Check-in Time	14:00
Check-out Time	12:00
Late Checkout	Up to 16:00, subject to availability
Smoking Rooms	17 Non-smoking rooms available
Room Service	24 Hours 06:00 to 12:00 Breakfast 12:00 to 23:00 Lunch and Dinner 23:00 to 06:00 Night Menu 24 Hours Kiddies Corner Picnic Baskets should be ordered 12 hours in advance
Laundry Service	Clothes handed in before 10:00 will be returned the same day. Express Laundry/Dry Cleaning and 1 hour pressing Service incurs an additional cost.
Unique Features	Guest may pre order additional items to be stocked in their mini bars prior to their stay. Each guest room and suite has a 24 hour personalised butler service to assist guests during their stay. The large flower arrangements in the guest rooms are changed on a daily basis. The impressive beach villas have a dedicated clubhouse, swimming pool and beach. The Clubhouse is located next to the pool and features a lounge area as well as the Al Manzil cafe.

Cranley Comment

The hotel has an impressive range of rooms and suites which are all sizable, 17 of which are interconnecting. The Deluxe Rooms start at 55sqm and have very large bathrooms with bath and large separate shower. The Royal Suites are spread over 400sqm. Rooms either have a Gulf view with a balcony or an inland view, of which the majority do not have a balcony. The rooms are decorated in rich colours and good quality furniture and fittings. The rooms also employ electronic controls for lighting, power and air conditioning. Guest rooms starting with number 1 are located on the ground floor lobby level, rooms starting with 2 are on the first floor and rooms starting with 3 are on the second floor. All the suites are located on the third floor.

In addition to the rooms in the hotel there are a number of two, three and four bedroom villas which are stylishly fitted out and have their own exclusive swimming pool, beach and clubhouse and are located a couple of hundred meters from the main hotel but enjoy all the hotels facilities including room service.

Type of Room, Views & Facilities

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Deluxe	35	Sea view	Electronic locking system Viewfinder spy hole Security Chain Individually controlled air-conditioning 2 Work space/desks High speed Internet access Voicemail DDI line Large flat screen television Satellite TV Movie channels In room video games – on request DVD player – on request Radio/alarm CD Player – on request I-pod docking station – on request Dimmer switches Energy saving light key card switches Sofa and one chair Cot – on request Roll out bed – on request Interconnecting rooms to Deluxe Doubles Large safe suitable for laptop Safe Mini-bar Tea and coffee making facilities Prayer mat En-suite bathroom Bath tub with fitted shower over it and separate hand held shower Large separate jet shower Bidet Bathrobes Slippers Beach shoes Shaving point Shaving mirror Retractable drying cord Hairdryer Bathroom scale Telephone Luxury Etro Milano toiletries Balcony and 2 chairs	2 Adults and 1 cot	55

Cranley Comment

Deluxe Rooms are of a substantial size at 55sqm and have Ocean views. The guest rooms have an entrance hallway which leads into the room with the bathroom leading from the far end of the room so they have the benefit of natural light. Rooms are decorated in a contemporary style with rich colours. The bedroom has ample space for an extra bed and ,in addition to a desk and chair, there is also a separate vanity table and chair and a comfortable seating area with sofa, chair and coffee tables and an additional table with chairs on the balcony. Some Deluxe guest rooms are interconnecting. The bathroom has marble flooring and marble walls with a deep bath, as well as a spacious glass shower and luxury Etro Milano toiletries.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Superior	64	Inland View	As per the Deluxe Room with: Garden view and no balcony	2 Adults and 1 cot	65

Cranley Comment

Superior Rooms are larger than Deluxe at 65sqm but have inland views. The guest rooms have an entrance hallway which leads into the room with the bathroom leading from the far end of the room so they have the benefit of natural light. Rooms are decorated in a contemporary style with rich colours. The bedroom has ample space for an extra bed and in addition to a desk and chair there is a separate vanity table and chair and a comfortable seating area with sofa, chair and coffee tables. Some Superior guest rooms are interconnecting. The bathroom has marble flooring and marble walls with a deep bath, as well as a spacious glass shower and luxury Etro Milano toiletries.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Executive Suite King	4	2 Sea view 2 Inland View	As for Deluxe and Superior rooms with the added benefit of: Entrance hall Separated living area Additional sofa and 2 chairs Cordless Phones Infer-red television/internet keyboard connection Additional flat screen TV DVD Player Larger (sea facing only) balcony	2 Adults and 1 cot	100

Cranley Comment

Executive Suite King are situated on the third floor close to the indoor pool. They are of a studio design with the large bedroom living area being separated by a tall dark wood cabinet housing 2 large flat screen televisions one on either side that leaves an open gap on either side of the cabinet to create a semi enclosed partition. The room is decorated in the same style as the two previous guest rooms and has additional furniture in both the living and bedroom area. The bathroom has marble flooring and marble walls with a deep bath, as well as a spacious glass shower and luxury Etro Milano toiletries. There are four Executive Suites Kings in total, two of which have a sea view and the other two having an inland view.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Diplomatic Suite	2	Inland View	As per the Executive Suite with the added benefit of: A dining area Large living space	2 Adults 1 child with extra bed	200

Cranley Comment

The 2 Diplomatic Suites are located on the third floor close to the indoor swimming pool and spa both have inland views and do not have balconies. They are large ‘L’ shaped rooms with ample living space the King sized bed is opposite the bathroom and close to the entrance of the Suite. The Suites are decorated in shades of reds, with a bold bedspread. The lounge area is also decorated in reds but with a plain coloured three seat sofa, table and beige armchairs.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Royal Suite	5	Sea view	As per the previous suites with the added benefit of being larger and with: 2 separate entrances Entrance hall Guest Cloakroom Separate lounge area Separate dining room Large dining table with 10 chairs 1 Master en-suite bedroom with large sitting area 1 Guest en-suite bedroom with large sitting area Jacuzzis Separate rain showers Two balconies including a private balcony off the master bedroom Separate kitchen Fridge/freezer Microwave Hob 1 Maids en-suite bedroom	4 Adults and 3 Children	400

Cranley Comment

The Royal Suites are the premier accommodation in the main hotel covering a spacious 400²m. The suites comprises 2 separate entrances and long hall way, guest cloakroom, a large lounge that can accommodate 15 guests comfortably, and a dining room with a circular table for 10 people. The en-suite master bedroom incorporates a lounge area and separate dressing area and an additional second en-suite bedroom with seating area. There is also a single en-suite maids room and separate kitchen with fridge, microwave and hob. The Royal Suites have been decorated, as the name implies, to a very high specification with use of rich colours and interesting design features on the walls and ceilings. The Royal Suites also benefit from use of the indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and gym located on the third floor which can be booked exclusively.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Two Bedroom Villa	10	Inland View	Two Bedroom Villa have the added benefit of all the standard hotel guest room facilities and: Private boomed access with security guard Single garage with electric door Large entrance hall Guest Cloakroom Separate Lounge (downstairs) Separate Dining room (downstairs) Dining table with 8 chairs (downstairs) Large fully equipped kitchen (downstairs) Maids en-suite room (downstairs) Separate Salon and dining table with 4 chairs (upstairs) Kitchenette (upstairs) Master En-Suite with bath and separate rain shower Guest En-suite bedroom Balconies Private terrace and small garden Use of the private villa pool, beach and club house	4 Adults and 4 Children	440

Cranley Comment

Two Bedroom Villas are located in the secure private boomed area to the left of the hotel. The two bedroom villas are positioned on the highest level which is closest to the road so have an obstructed sea view as the 3 and 4 bedroom villas leading towards the sea are in front of them. Each separate building has two private villas which comprise of a ground floor separate entrance, hall, large kitchen, lounge or Majilis room, dining room, guest cloakroom, kitchen, single garage with electric door and 1 maids room. The first floor has 2 en-suite bedrooms (master bedroom with its own lounge area) an additional separate salon, balcony kitchenette. The villas have all been finished to a very high specification and are well suited to guests looking for privacy, as they have use of a dedicated pool, clubhouse and beach for villa guests only. Guests are also able to use all the adjoining additional hotel facilities.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Three Bedroom Villa	6	Inland View	As per the Two Bedroom Villa with the added benefit: Larger individual plot Additional en-suite bedroom Double Garage with electric door	6 Adults and 6 Children	576

Cranley Comment

Three Bedroom Beach Villas are similar to the Two Bedroom Villas but are not attached to one another as they each have their own individual plots. The 3 bedroom villas have an additional en-suite bedroom on the ground floor with the basic layout remaining the same as the 2 bedroom villas and comprise of a large marbled entrance hall, kitchen, lounge or Majilis room, dining room, guest cloakroom, en-suite bedroom, double garage and maids room downstairs. With two en-suite bedrooms (master bedroom with its own lounge area) separate salon with kitchenette located upstairs. These villas are positioned on a level higher than the Four Bedroom Villas, which are nearer the sea, meaning the Three Bedroom Villas have partial views of the ocean. The villas have all been finished to a very high specification and enjoy all the standard benefits of the hotel guest rooms so are well suited to guests looking for privacy, as they also have the use of a dedicated pool, clubhouse and beach for villa guests only.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Four Bedroom Villa	8	Sea view	As per the Two Bedroom Villa with the added benefit: An additional en-suite bedroom Villa located next to the beach	8 Adults and 8 Children	576

Cranley Comment

The Four Bedroom Beach Villas are similar to the Three Bedroom Villas and are also not attached to one another as they each have their own individual plots. The 4 bedroom villas have an additional en-suite bedroom on the first floor with the basic layout remaining the same as the other two villa sizes. They comprise of a large marbled entrance hall, kitchen, lounge or Majilis room, dining room, guest cloakroom, en-suite bedroom, double garage and maids room downstairs. With 3 en-suite bedrooms (master bedroom with its own lounge area) separate salon with kitchenette located upstairs. These villas are positioned on lowest level and have views over the ocean. The villas have all been finished to a very high specification and enjoy all the standard benefits of the hotel guest rooms so are well suited to guests looking for privacy, as they also have the use of a dedicated pool, clubhouse and beach for villa guests only.

Restaurants & Cafés