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	2007 “5 Star Deluxe Hotel” - TUV Nord Certificate GmbH “TUI Holly 2007” - World of Tui: This hotel was voted favourite holiday resort globally by TUI guests 2006 “Best 5 Star New Hotel for the year 2006” - MENA Travel Awards

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

Cranley Summary

Al Raha Beach Hotel is Abu Dhabi’s first luxury boutique hotel. It is located10 km from Abu Dhabi Airport, 20 km from Abu Dhabi City Centre and just under an hour from Dubai. 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 and club house. 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 are available. The hotel is aimed towards the discerning leisure travellers, but business travellers will also find a comprehensive banqueting facilities for functions and events.

Hotel Location & Layout

Location Description

Al Raha Beach Hotel is located on the Al Raha Corniche is 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 30 km away. For sports enthusiasts, it is 5 minutes from Yas Island where the F1 racing takes place for the first time this year (2009) and the hotel is also only 10 minutes from the Al Ghazal Sand Golf Course and 10km from Abu Dhabi Golf course. For horse enthusiasts, the hotel is just 10 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. Body and Soul Health Club, gym, squash courts and the Extreme Ladies' Beauty Salon are located on the lower ground floor basement level. There is a reception area here with access to the pools. The villas are located to the left of 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, German Russian
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	Standard service
Concierge Services	The Concierge 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	There is a nurse on duty six days a week (Saturday to Thursday) and a 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, according to the hotel.
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. It is decorated in stylish dark woods with a combination of marble and colourful mosaic flooring. The front desk reception area is on the right hand side and Mozart Café is opposite, on the left. Sevilla restaurant stretches across the back of the lobby and has two storey windows which let natural daylight into the lobby whilst providing views of the beach and the Gulf. Guest rooms are located down long wide corridors coming off from the left and right of the lobby. Unusually numbers start with 1 on the ground floor.

Shops & Amenities

Description

Gift Shop
10:00 to 21:00 7 days a week
Jewellery Shop
12:00 to 20:00 Thursday to Saturday, Friday Closed
Travel Shop
10:00 to 18:00 7 days a week
Extreme Ladies Beauty Salon
10:00 to 20:00 7 days a week
Gents Salon
10:00 to 20:00 7 days a week

Prayer Room

Cranley Comment

The travel shop can be found next to the Business Centre down the corridor left from the lobby. A small range of boutiques and shops can be found on the ground floor to the right of the lobby. 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. Extreme Ladies Beauty Salon is located on the lower ground floor basement level and offers hairdressing, make-up, manicures, pedicures and waxing. 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 are approximately 20 minutes by car.

Rooms, Suites & Villas

Number of Floors	3
Total Rooms	134
Elevators	7
Rooms per Elevator	19
Total Staff	324
Staff per Room	2.4

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	Guests 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 1st floor and rooms starting with 3 are on the 2nd floor. All the suites are located on the 3rd floor.

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

Type of Room, Views & Facilities

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Deluxe	64	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 32” Plasma 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 toiletries: Quercus from Penhaligon’s of London Balcony and 2 chairs 12 Interconnecting Rooms	2 adults and 1 cot	55

Cranley Comment

Deluxe rooms are of a substantial size at 55sqm and have views of the gardens and the gulf. The guest rooms have a small entrance hallway which leads into the room with many of the bathrooms 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 in addition to a desk and chair, there is also a separate vanity table with chair and a comfortable seating area with sofa, chair and coffee tables plus 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 Quercus toiletries from Penhaligon’s of London.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Superior	35	Inland View	As per the Deluxe room with: Garden view and no balcony 03 Interconnecting Rooms	2 adults and 1 cot	65

Cranley Comment

Superior rooms are larger than Deluxe at 65sqm but have inland views. As with the Deluxe rooms, the Superior 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 again decorated in a contemporary style with rich colours, giving them a traditional Arabic feel. The bedrooms have ample space for an extra bed and also benefit from an additional desk, chair and separate vanity table and chair, as well as 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 Quercus toiletries from Penhaligon’s of London.

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: Large entrance hall Separate living area Additional sofa and 2 chairs Cordless phones Infrared television/internet keyboard connection Additional flat screen TV DVD Player Larger balcony in the sea-facing suites	2 adults and 1 cot	100

Cranley Comment

Executive Suite King are situated on the 3rd 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 Quercus toiletries from Penhaligon’s of London. 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 3rd 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 size bed is opposite the bathroom and close to the entrance of the suite. The suites are decorated in rich shades of reds, with bold bedspreads and curtains. 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 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 02 Interconnecting Rooms	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 comprise 2 separate entrances and long hallway, 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 maid's 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 3rd 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 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 area to the left of the hotel. The Two Bedroom Villas are positioned on the highest level which is closest to the road and have an obstructed sea view as the 3 and 4 bedroom villas are between them and the beachfront. Each separate building has two private villas which comprise a ground floor separate entrance, hall, large kitchen, lounge or Majilis room, dining room, guest cloakroom, kitchen, single garage with electric door and 1 maid's room. The 1st floor has 2 en-suite bedrooms (master bedroom with its own lounge area) and an additional separate salon with balcony and 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. Most villas are rented on annual or long-term lease.

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 Villas are similar to the Two Bedroom Villas but are not attached to one another as they each have their own individual plots. The Three 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 a large marbled entrance hall, kitchen, lounge or Majilis room, dining room, guest cloakroom, en-suite bedroom, double garage and maids room downstairs. Upstairs there are a further two en-suite bedrooms (master bedroom with its own lounge area) and a separate salon with kitchenette. 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 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 Four Bedroom Villas have an additional en-suite bedroom on the 1st floor with the basic layout remaining the same as the other two villa sizes, but with larger rooms. 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) and a separate salon with kitchenette located upstairs. These villas are positioned on the lowest level and have views overlooking the gulf and gardens. 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

Number of Restaurants

Restaurant Comments

The hotel has 4 restaurants and 1 café offering guests a variety of dining and light bite options. The main restaurant is the Sevilla located at the rear of the lobby where there is a themed buffet most evenings and a la carte cuisine is also available. La Piscine, next to the pool, serves lunch and a la carte 'Al Fresco' dinner in the evenings. Lighter options are available at Al Manzil in the villa complex and Café Mozart serves homemade cakes and cream teas in the lobby. Azur is the newest edition and provides a Mediterranean setting for lunch and evening dining.

Sevilla Restaurant

Restaurant Type	International All Day Dining
Restaurant Capacity	Total 120, (80 inside, 40 outside)
Opening Times	A la Carte 07:00 to 23:00 Buffet breakfast 07:00 to 11:00 Buffet lunch 12:30 to 16:00 Buffet dinner 19:00 to 23:00
Dress Codes	Smart casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	Separate non-smoking areas
Children’s Facilities	Children's menu available Children below 11 receive a 50% discount from the buffet price Children below 5 eat complimentary from the buffet when dining with their parents High chairs available
Breakfast Options	Full buffet breakfast with live cooking stations

Cranley Comment

This all-day dining restaurant is located at the back of the lobby and has two story windows with views overlooking the gardens, the pool and the Gulf. The restaurant is decorated in a light, bright, uncluttered manner with dark wood ceilings and matching pillars. There is a large buffet area at one end with live cooking stations, where International cuisines are prepared and served and a live musician plays background music at peak times. Sevilla is host to theme nights, which includes Gourmet Traveller on Saturday, Tuesday and Fridays, Sunday Roast, Monday’s Middle Eastern Souk, Wednesday’s Asian Spice Market and Thursday’s Fisherman’s Catch of the Day. On Fridays, there is a special family brunch from 13:00 to 16:00 followed by a carvery in the evening. A la carte options are also available. Guests can choose to dine inside with the benefit of air conditioning or outside on the terrace where a glass balcony ensures uninterrupted pool and ocean views. This area can also be extended to seat 250 guests for special occasions.

Café Mozart

Restaurant Type	Cafe
Restaurant Capacity	Total 40 (inside)
Opening Times	07:00 to 00:00
Dress Codes	Casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	No non-smoking areas
Children’s Facilities	Children's menu available High chairs available
Breakfast Options	Homemade cakes, cream teas, Danish pastries and light bites are served with tea and coffee

Cranley Comment

Café Mozart brings a little bit of Austrian culture to the hotel and is located in the lobby, with seating in the café and in the lobby area. The café offers a range of light refreshments including specialist coffees, a range of hot chocolates, teas, cold drinks and non-alcoholic fresh fruit cocktails and juices. There is also a light food menu available which includes pastries, cakes and finger sandwiches and creatively presented specialist deserts. In keeping with the Austrian theme there are a selection of cookies and truffles to taste.

La Piscine

Restaurant Type	International Cuisine
Restaurant Capacity	Total 60 (outside)
Opening Times	10:00 to 02:00
Dress Codes	Casual/swimwear (07:00 to 20:00) Smart Casual (20:00 to 23:00)

Air-Conditioning	No
Smoking Policy	No separate non-smoking areas
Children’s Facilities	Children's menu available High chairs available
Breakfast Options	None

Cranley Comment

La Piscine is the hotel's pool restaurant and bar which serves a range of snacks during the day that include salads and sandwiches and a few sizable Chefs' seasonal a la carte dishes. At lunchtimes and evenings there is also a charcoal BBQ which has a more varied a la carte choice in the evenings. The restaurant/bar is located to the side of the Main Pool and has a number of tables and chairs on the terrace which are set under palm trees with views over the pool and the Gulf. During the evening the terrace is transformed with lights to create a pleasant ambience. Shisha (Hubbly Bubbly) is served from 17:00 to 00:30 either on the terrace or in The ShishaTent on the beach.

Al Manzil

Restaurant Type	Light snacks
Restaurant Capacity	Total 40, (20 inside, 20 outside)
Opening Times	07:00 to 22:00
Dress Codes	Casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	Separate non-smoking tables
Children’s Facilities	Children's menu available High chairs available
Breakfast Options	Continental Breakfast

Cranley Comment

Al Manzil is located next to the Villa Pool. Whilst the pool itself is for the exclusive use of villa guests, Al Manzil is open to all residents and is a short walk from the hotel along a pleasant boardwalk. The café has a club house feel to it, being a low rise building with a lounge and plasma television on one side and the café area to the other. Guests can dine inside with the benefit of air-conditioning or outside on the terrace overlooking the pool and Gulf. The menu offers a range of light snacks such as hot and cold sandwiches and salads together with soft and alcoholic drinks.

Azur

Restaurant Type	Mediterranean
Restaurant Capacity	Total 92, (52 inside, 40 outside)
Opening Times	Lunch 12:30 to 16:30 Dinner 18:30 to 23:00
Dress Codes	Smart Casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	Non-smoking inside and smoking outside
Children’s Facilities	Children's menu available High chairs available
Breakfast Options	No breakfast options

Cranley Comment

Azur is located on the lower ground level and is accessed by a bridge to the left of the Health Spa. There is wooden garden seating outside with romantic lantern lighting. Inside you will find a Mediterranean themed restaurant with open kitchen and low lighting. Light brown patterned tiles, pale blue pastels, table cloths and pictures of Mediterranean seaside resorts add to the ambience. The menu is a wide selection of Mediterranean favourites including seafood, pasta and pizza. Unique to this restaurant is the 3 year old parmesan cheese which is specially flown in for guests to try as well as the Friday Bubbly Brunch which offers a choice of over 45 tapas dishes to try.

Bars

Number of Bars	4
Bar Comments

Al Raha Beach Hotel has a varied range of bars. During the day LA Piscine is a ‘wet’ swim up and ‘dry’ bar located at the main pool, but in the evening it transforms into a sparkling romantic setting on the water's edge. Black Pearl located to the right of the ground floor lobby level serves cigars, cocktails and light bites in a relaxing environment with light live music in the evenings. Enigma, the latest edition to the Al Raha portfolio, is a large 5,000 sqm discothèque/nightclub with its own entrance at the front of the hotel.

Black Pearl

Bar Type	Piano Bar
Bar Capacity	Total 60
Opening Times	18:00 to 02:00
Dress Codes	Smart casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	No non-smoking areas
Admissions Policy	No children allowed

Cranley Comment

Black Pearl is an elegant piano bar located at the ground floor lobby level of the hotel. It is a sophisticated bar with comfortable seating overlooking the hotel grounds and ocean. All seating is inside in an air-conditioned environment. The bar serves a range of cocktails, wines and other alcoholic drinks and cigars. Entertainment is provided six nights a week from 21:00 onward with a live band.

La Piscine Bar

Bar Type	Beach Front Pool Bar
Bar Capacity	150
Opening Times	10:00 to 00:30
Dress Codes	Casual Smart Casual after 18:00

Air-Conditioning	No
Smoking Policy	No non-smoking areas
Admissions Policy	Children welcome

Cranley Comment

La Piscine is located at the Main Pool and has two functions, providing a casual bar during the day where refreshing beers, cocktails and mocktails are served either at the 'wet' bar or on dry land. Then in the evening it transforms into a romantically lit elegant beachfront setting which is used for entertaining hotel guests with lavish BBQ's or for private functions. Shisha tents are found at La Piscine so guests can enjoy a truly authentic Arabic experience.

Organic Food Co. Bar

Bar Type	Health Bar
Bar Capacity	8
Opening Times	10:00 to 22:00
Dress Codes	Casual and Sportswear

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	Non-smoking
Admissions Policy	Children Welcome

Cranley Comment

The Organic Food Co. Bar is located on the lower ground floor next to the aerobics studio and provides light refreshments for the hotel guests. The health bar is set out like a bar with 2 separate bar standing areas and 2 low level chairs and seating for guests wishing to enjoy relax after exercising. Refreshments include juices, soft drinks and water.

Enigma

Bar Type	Night Club Discothèque
Bar Capacity	600
Opening Times	22:00 to 03:00 Thursday, Friday and Saturday only.
Dress Codes	Smart

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	Smoking allowed
Admissions Policy	Adults over 21 only

Cranley Comment

The Al Raha Beach Hotel opened Enigma in November 2007. Occupying 5000²m of floor space with double ceiling height and its own separate entrance, this is the second largest club in the UAE and a welcome addition to the Abu Dhabi nightlife scene. The circular dance floor is surrounded by bar counters and bright seating arrangements. There is a viewing gallery, cigar counter, two separate bars where light bar snacks are also served and a VIP room. The DJ, is in an elevated position and has all the latest audio and visual equipment to hand.

Business & Event Facilities

Wireless Internet

Complimentary wireless internet is available in the:
Lobby area
Café Mozart
Sevilla Restaurant
Black Pearl
Enigma
Meeting rooms
Ballrooms
Business Centre

In-Room Services

Complimentary
High Speed Internet connection

Business Centre

The Business Centre is located on the ground floor of the hotel and is a small glass fronted room that is open 24 hours. A receptionist is on duty six days a week from 10:00 to 19:00 to provide support and help. The Business Centre has two computer workstations with high speed internet connections, a printer, scanner and fax. A full range of secretarial services is also available.
Computer workstations with internet connections
Meeting rooms
Conference Rooms
Audio facilities
Printer colour / black and white
Fax

Meetings & Events

Venue	Size (m²)	Dimensions L x W x H (metres)
Abu Dhabi Grand Ballroom	924	42.0 x 22.0 x 5.5	800	500	800	500	120	175	200
Abu Dhabi	682	31.0 x 22.0 x 5.5	400	300	600	300	80	129	120
Al Ain	242	11.0 x 22.0 x 5.5	200	120	150	80	40	45	65
Al Mass	143	15.0 x 9.5 x 3.0	-	-	-	-	30	-	-
Zumrrod	84	15.0 x 5.6 x 3.0	-	-	-	-	20	-	-
Yaqoot	81	15.0 x 5.4 x 3.0	-	-	-	-	25	-	-
VIP Room	58	9.1 x 6.4 x 3.0	-	-	40	18	20	11	-
Fairooz	58	9.1 x 6.4 x 3.0	-	-	40	18	20	11	-
Sapphire	46	8.5 x 5.3 x 3.0	-	-	-	-	10	-	-

The Al Raha Beach Hotel houses a number or Ballrooms, conference and meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 700 guests. Many of the rooms also have pre-function reception rooms or their own dedicated entrances at the front of the hotel, making them ideal for VIP conferences, meetings, weddings and private functions.

Abu Dhabi Grand Ballroom;
Located on the ground level it is easily accessible either via the hotels main entrance or its own separate entrance. There are ladies, gents and disabled toilet facilities on the ground floor level. Abu Dhabi Grand Ballroom is licensed for civil weddings.

Abu Dhabi Ballroom;
Located on the ground level it is easily accessible either via the hotels main entrance or by a separate entrance. There are ladies, gents and disabled toilet facilities on the ground floor level. Abu Dhabi Ballroom is licensed for civil weddings.

Al Ain Ballroom;
Located on the ground level it is easily accessible either via the hotels main entrance or by a separate entrance. There are ladies, gents and disabled toilet facilities on the ground floor level. Al Ain Ballroom is licensed for civil weddings.

Al Mass Meeting Room;
There is no natural light available in this room. There are ladies, gents and disabled toilet facilities on the ground floor level.

Zumrrod Meeting Room;
Thee is no natural light in this room. Located on the ground level it is easily accessible. There are ladies, gents and disabled toilet facilities on the ground floor level.

Yaqoot Meeting Room;
Located on the ground level it is easily accessible. There are ladies, gents and disabled toilet facilities on the ground floor level.

VIP Room;
There is natural light in this room. Located on the ground level it is easily accessible either via the hotels main entrance or its own separate entrance. There are ladies, gents and disabled toilet facilities on the ground floor level.

Fairooz room;
There is natural light in this room. Located on the ground level it is easily accessible either via the hotels main entrance or its own separate entrance. There are ladies, gents and disabled toilet facilities on the ground floor level.

Sapphire Meeting Room;
Located on the ground level it is easily accessible. There are ladies, gents and disabled toilet facilities on the ground floor level. There is no natural light in this room.

Cranley Comment

The hotel offers facilities for business travellers and for conventions. There is a Business Centre with two workstations with complimentary high speed internet access. Complimentary wireless internet is also available in the conference and meeting rooms and in the public areas on the ground floor and high speed broadband internet access in the rooms. There is a flexibly designed ballroom with chandeliers that can cater for functions of different sizes as well as a number of smaller meeting rooms.

Children’s Facilities & Clubs

Restaurant Facilities	See Restaurants
Playground	There is a comprehensive water playground for young children located next to the main pool and additionally, for guests staying in the villas, there is a dry playground next to the Villa Pool.

Children's Pool	See Pools
Games Room	The dedicated Games Room is located inside the hotel on the lower ground floor and is mostly in use during the summer months. The walls are decorated with cartoon characters such as Superman and there are plenty of games and climbing frames to keep young children entertained.

Children's Club

The Gazelle Kids Club Is complimentary and is located in a dedicated room near the children’s pool. It caters for children in separate age groups of 3 to 6 and 7 to 12 years of age. For the younger group, entertainment includes games, children’s movies, drawing, dancing, fun in the children’s pool and face painting. For the older children, activities include football, volleyball, canoeing and boogie board competitions. Children are supervised by a dedicated team. The club is open seven days a week from 10:00 to 19:00.

Entertainment

Entertainment is organised at the Gazelle Kids Club.

Babysitting service

A babysitting service is not always available. It is advisable to check with the Concierge well in advance.

Cranley Comment

The hotel is very child friendly with dedicated facilities for children including the Gazelle Kids Club, a wet play area and beach. In addition, children dine at discounted prices in the main restaurant and children’s menus are available across the restaurants. Guest rooms are also very spacious to allow children to share their parents' room. There is also a Saturday kids cooking class that was introduced earlier this year where young hotel guests and young visitors enjoy learning to cook from hotel chefs.

Entertainment

Daytime Activities

Marina & Boating Club

Al Raha Beach Hotel has its own private marina with a selection of boats that can be hired by the hour or by the day for cruising and fishing excursions.

Water Sports and Beach Volley Ball

There are a number of water sports available and a volley ball pitch on the beach

Complimentary Shuttle Service

A complimentary shuttle service runs between Al Raha Beach Hotel, Marina Mall and Abu Dhabi Mall. Times do vary depending on the time of year.

Cranley Comment

Day time entertainment activities at the Al Raha Beach Hotel centre around the sea and the beach. For the more lively, there is beach ball volley ball and various motorised boating activities i.e. water skiing and jet skiing or you can hire kayaks and windsurfing boards from the attendants on the beach below La Piscine restaurant and bar. A complimentary shuttle service runs also between Al Raha Beach Hotel and Abu Dhabi. Times do vary depending on the time of year.

Evening Activities

Enigma Night Club

Enigma opened in November 2007 and is the second largest nightclub in the UAE covering 5,000²m. The modern club features all the latest technology and has a large dance floor and VIP areas. It is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only, from 22:00 to 03:00 and is restricted to over 21yr olds.

Black Pearl Piano Bar

Black Pearl Bar located to the right of the lobby is open from 18:00 to 02:00. Cocktails and Malt Whiskeys are a speciality enhanced by live entertainment in relaxing surroundings.

Cranley Comment

Enigma is a large popular Discothèque Night Club with its own separate entrance to the right of the hotel. It is double story in height with VIP lounges, a large dance floor and the latest in audio and visual equipment. It is open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 22:00 to 03:00. Dress should be appropriate. The Pearl Bar is located just off the lobby and has live relaxing background music at night.

Beaches

Al Raha Beach

Location	Rear of the Hotel
Private/Public	Private
Size/Frontage	Two areas approximately 350m by 30m

Facilities	Sun loungers Parasols Towels Showers Beach butler service
Safety	Lifeguards on duty
Parking	Complimentary

Cranley Comment

The man made beaches are split into two sections with a dedicated part for the villa guests and a section for hotel guests. The beach is located right next to the pool which means that guests can sit on the beach or around the pool and enjoy the facilities of the pool or beach. The beach looks out towards a small island and has clear views.

Pools

Cranley Comments

The hotel has one main infinity pool which is open to all guests and is located to the rear of the hotel near the beach. Next to the pool is the young children’s play pool with a rubber mat at the bottom and comprehensive climbing frames and slides. In addition, there is another infinity pool for the exclusive use of villa guests which is located next to the villas and Al Manzil café. On the 3rd floor of the hotel there is an indoor pool, plunge pool and Jacuzzi for over 18's located at Beauty and Soul.

Main Pool

Opening Times	08:00 to 22:00
Temperature	Temperature controlled at 27 degrees celsius
Depths	Max 1.7m Min 1.0m
Size	Maximum 40m x 40m

Facilities	Plastic sun beds Mattresses Parasols Towels available from the Body and Soul reception Showers Toilets La Piscine Pool Bar and Restaurant
Safety	Lifeguards on duty

Cranley Comment

The main hotel pool is located at the rear of the hotel by the beach. It is an infinity pool with a wood deck and sand stone paving around the pool and is set in pleasant landscaped gardens with palm trees and flower beds. There are also palm trees set on islands in the pool to break up the expanse of water from a visual perspective. The pool benefits from being elevated about 20 foot above sea level, providing poolside guests with good views of the ocean. Another feature of the pool is a stream with fountains located between the pool and the hotel, providing guests relaxing by the pool with the gentle sound of water in the background. Additionally, next to the main pool is the children’s activity pool which allows parents to sit by the main pool but still be able to watch their young children.

Children's Play Pool

Opening Times	10:00 to 18:00
Temperature	Temperature controlled at 27 degrees celsius
Depths	Max 40 cm Min 0 cm
Size	Approx 10m x 20m

Facilities	Plastic sun beds Mattresses Parasols Towels available from the Body and Soul reception Showers Toilets La Piscine Pool bar
Safety	Lifeguards on duty Special soft surface

Cranley Comment

The Children’s Play Pool is actually a water playground rather than a swimming pool. It consists of a large activity frame set in very shallow water with various water jets and rain showers for children to play with. The frame itself has slides, bridges and climbing walls. A limited amount of shading is provided by the palm trees that surround the play area.

Villa Pool

Opening Times	08:00 to 22:00
Temperature	Temperature controlled at 27 degrees celsius
Depths	Max 1.7m Min 1.0m
Size	T shaped - Max 16 m x 26 m

Facilities	Plastic sun beds Mattresses Parasols Showers Toilets Drinks and food served from the Al Manzil restaurant
Safety	Lifeguards on duty

Cranley Comment

The Villa Pool is located next to the Al Manzil restaurant and in front of the beachfront villas. The pool is for the exclusive use of villa guests. The pool is designed in a T-shape with the narrowest part being nearest the sea with an infinity design. The pool is set in a garden area with palm trees and flower beds providing a pleasant contrast. Immediately next to the pool is the beach, so guests have the best of both, right next to each other.

Indoor Pool - 3rd Floor

Opening Times	09:00 to 21:00
Temperature	Temperature controlled at 28 degrees celsius Plunge pool temperature controlled at 21 degrees celsius
Depths	Max 1.7m Min 1.0m
Size	Max 15 m x 15 m

Facilities	Reception area Towels Sauna Steam room Jacuzzi Changing rooms Sun loungers Mattresses Tables and chairs Massage room
Safety	No lifeguard on duty

Cranley Comment

The Indoor Pool is located on the 3rd floor and is square based with a Jacuzzi in the pool. There is also a small shallow plunge pool located next to it. The skylight in the ceiling provides some natural light and other facilities include a massage, sauna and steam room. The Indoor Pool is only for the use of over 18's.

Sports & Gym

Gym & Health Club

Opening Times	07:00 to 22:00
Description	The main gym within the Al Raha hotel is located on the lower ground floor basement level at Body and Soul Health Club. The changing facilities have showers, sauna and a steam room. H²K shampoos and toiletries are complimentary. The gym facilities include: 11 Resistance machines 3 Treadmills 2 Cross trainers 3 Bikes 1 Rowing machine Free weights Personal training Aerobics studio Star Trac and Nautilus Equipment Separate men's and ladies' changing rooms Separate men's and ladies' steam room and sauna
Size	Gym 30m x 12m Aerobic studio 8m x 12m

Cranley Comment

The gym is located on the lower ground basement level of the hotel within the Body and Soul Health Club. It has floor to ceiling mirrors on one side and on the opposite side it has floor to ceiling windows that overlook the Gulf, the main pool and the ornate stream that runs along the back of the hotel. The gym floor is sprung and is equipped with the latest Nautilus resistance machines and Star Trac cardio vascular equipment. In addition to the machines there are ample free weights. The aerobics studio which overlooks the gym, is accessed via the main gym. There is personal training available and 2 large plasma screens on the wall.

Guests staying in suites on the 3rd floor may also use the smaller gym located on the 3rd floor at Beauty and Soul which has its own changing facilities, showers, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, indoor swimming pool and plunge pool.

The Original Fitness Co. is also holding exclusive classes at the Al Raha Beach Hotel with Boot Camp Fitness taking place every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and there is a new Original Food Co. Health bar serving refreshments next to the Aerobics studio.

Water Sport

Opening Times	09:00 to 18:00 (sundown)
Description	Regular Trip (Al Dhana Dhow) Sindbad Dhow Full Day Dhow Trip Sunset Cruise on Sindbad Dhow Fishing Speedboat Diving Motor Boat Hire Water Skiing Wind Surfing Banana Boat Kayak Doughnut Wake boarding

Cranley Comment

The Water Sports Centre is located on the waters edge just below La Piscine Bar and Restaurant. Guests can hire equipment and tuition is given for wind surfing and water skiing. The Al Raha also boasts its own marina that is located near to the villas and has a selection of boats for hire and day charters, fishing trips etc. Guests should contact the Recreation Reception at Body and Soul for bookings.

Land Sport

Opening Times	07:00 to 22:00
Description	Two squash courts open from 07:00 to 22:00 which are located in the Health Club on the lower ground basement level of the hotel. Beach volley ball is also available.

Cranley Comment

There are two glass backed squash courts located on the lower ground floor basement level of the hotel within the Body and Soul Health Club area. Bookings should be made through the health club reception. Beach volley ball is also available. The hotel also offers intensive exercise programs with its new bootcamp, allowing both hotel guests and staff to participate and keep fit.

Golf

Abu Dhabi Golf & Equestrian Club

Description

The Course at the Abu Dhabi Golf and Equestrian Club is set in the middle of the racing circuit. It is an open course with most of the features being provided by water and the backdrop is impacted by the floodlights for the race course. Potential players should note the course is closed early when there is a race meeting and should therefore check the opening hours before turning up to play.

Location	14 km
Holes	18
Length/Par	6,365 yards, par 70, SSS 70

Facilities

Practice area
Tuition
Tennis courts
Swimming pool

Al Ghazal Golf Club

Description

Al Ghazal Golf course opened in 1997 and presents an exciting challenge to the novice and the experienced golfer. Instead of greens there are browns. These are created by compacting rolled and treated sand and, as the players quickly discover, they give an extremely true putting surface. The front nine holes (par 35) are based around an archaeological site which was once an old coast line. The back nine (par 36), which have recently been developed, present a great challenge. Be careful of the water on the 11th! Located next to Abu Dhabi International Airport Al Ghazal Golf Club is regarded as the leading desert golf course in the world. The course is also home to The Abu Dhabi World Sand Golf Championship.

Location	8 km
Holes	18 Sand course
Length/Par	6,711 Yards Par 71

Facilities

3 tennis courts
2 utility courts used for basketball, volleyball and five-a-side football
Swimming pool
Gym
Sauna
Jacuzzi
Steam room

Spa

Name of Spa	Body and Soul Spa
Opening Times	09:00 to 21:00

Facilities

3 Treatment Rooms
Sauna
Steam bath
Jacuzzi
Swimming Pool
Plunge Pool
Changing facilities
Complimentary H²K products in changing rooms

Treatments include:

Massages:
Heated Stone
Balinese
Thai
Shiatsu
Aromatherapy
Lymphatic
Reflexology
Relaxing Massage
Massage of choice

Facials:
Products used – Sundari
Detoxifying
Supplifying
Beautiful Eyes

Body Treatments:
Herbal Body Polish
Firming Body Wrap
Body Scrub

Cranley Comment

The Body and Soul Spa is located on the 3rd floor of the Al Raha Beach Hotel, there are three treatment rooms, separate changing rooms with sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi. The treatment rooms are located around the Indoor Pool and plunge pool area. There is also a small gym that overlooks the pool area with 1 treadmill, 1 bicycle, 4 resistance machines and 1 television screen.

The Bodylines Wellness and Spa located on the lower ground floor basement level within the Body and Soul Health Club area is under refurbishment at the time of the review. Please check with the hotel for the opening date.

Special Needs

Communal Areas

The entrance to the Al Raha Beach hotel is accessible via a small step or by the ramp adjacent to it. All areas within the hotel are accessible to wheelchair users by either a ramp/slope or lift but some of the dining and bar areas are on two levels. There is one lavatory for disabled use, in the hotel, to the right of the hotel lobby on the ground floor, which has two grab rails. The hotel has its own wheelchair for use if required. Assistance dogs are not welcome.

Rooms & Bathrooms

There are no specially adapted rooms at the Al Raha Beach Hotel. However all the rooms and bathrooms with separate showers are very spacious.

Restaurants & Catering

All the restaurants at Al Raha Beach Hotel are accessible by ramp or are on level ground. Sevilla Restaurant, Café Mozart and the Pearl Black Bar are on split levels, making some areas inaccessible to wheelchair users.

Recreation Facilities

The Main Pool and Villa Pool is accessible to wheelchair users via the lift to the lower ground floor basement level. The Hotel Gym at Body and Soul is also on the lower ground basement level. The pool, gym and two treatment rooms at Beauty and Soul on the 3rd floor are up a flight of stairs, however a treatment room is also available by the entrance to Beauty and Soul.

Visual & Hearing Aids

There are no special provisions in place for the partially sighted or the hard of hearing. Assistance dogs are not welcome.

Staff Assistance

The staff are able to offer some assistance to guests if required.

Cranley Comment

The hotel has ease of access for guests who are mobility challenged and there are wheelchairs available on loan for guests that require them. All the rooms and bathrooms with separate showers are very spacious but they are not specially adapted. Assistance dogs are not welcome.

Environment

Measures

Recycling
Energy Saving
Beach Cleaning
Minimise Cleaning Materials

Cranley Comment

The hotel has energy saving key card light switches in all the guest suites and rooms. Guests are encouraged to re-use towels to save water and energy through written notices in the bathrooms. The hotel uses environmentally friendly detergents and the dry cleaning uses processes based on latest environmental research. Paper waste is generally recycled.

Al Raha Beach Hotel, Abu Dhabi, Report Details

Third Review 22nd October 2009

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