Liwa Hotel, Abu Dhabi - Cranley Report

The Cranley Report®: Liwa Hotel

Liwa Hotel, Abu Dhabi

Hotel Address

P.O. Box 6450
Liwa
Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates

Cranley Rating

Hotel Exterior

Photo 1 of 26. Click to enlarge

Hotel Summary

Category	Resort Hotel
Awards Won	None

Hotel Opened	1999
Refurbishment	Converted to a hotel in 2001

Cranley Summary

The Liwa Oasis is a family resort hotel located on the edge of the Rub al Khali desert (also known as the Empty Quarter) 236 kilometres from Abu Dhabi. It was originally constructed as a Palace for a local Sheikh and was then converted into a hotel. It occupies an isolated position on top of a hill with views over the desert and also towards a neighbouring hill on which the sheikh’s new palace has been built. The hotel provides Standard Twin or Double Rooms and also Junior and Executive Suites. There are also three separate Villas located to one side of the hotel with each one having its own private swimming pool. For dining there are five restaurants and bars which all serve dishes from the same International menu. The leisure and sports facilities include a family swimming pool with swim up bar, a children’s pool, children’s playground and four floodlit tennis courts together with a volleyball court. There is also a dedicated health and fitness centre with a gym, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. The hotel gardens also have arabian fantasy tents and an area for barbecues. The hotel is primarily a leisure resort and there are no business facilities, there is however one function room which can be used for meetings and banquets. Despite its isolated position the Liwa Oasis is an ideal base for exploring the area and half or full day desert safaris are highly recommended.

Hotel Location & Layout

Location Description

The Liwa Oasis Hotel is located Approximately 200 Kilometres inland from Abu Dhabi International airport and the journey takes about 2 hours by car. Situated on top of a hill it overlooks the Rub al Khali desert (also known as the Empty Quarter).The nearest large town is Madinat Zayed which is 65 kilometres away however the small town of Mezaira’a is 6 kilometres away and has shops which provide basic amenities. Although the hotel is isolated it is in an ideal base for guests who want to explore this part of the Arabian Desert and half or full day desert safaris are highly recommended. Please also note there is only one petrol station in the area located on the main road in Mezaira’a.

Airports
Distance	200 km
Airport Transfers	Taxi

Cities and Sights
Distance	236 km
City/Sight Transfers	Taxi

Hotel Layout

Click here to view

Layout Description

The Liwa Oasis Hotel sits in isolation on top of a hill in the Rub al Khali desert. It is a modern hotel built in the shape of a crescent with accommodation arranged over two floors. There are also three separate villa’s situated to one side of the hotel. The large open plan lobby extends from the entrance to the rear of the hotel where you will find the main restaurant and café. From here you can exit the hotel and walk through the terrace to the swimming pool. Beyond the pool are gardens containing the children’s playground and arabian fantasy tents together with the tennis and volleyball courts. To the left of the swimming pool is the fitness and health centre which contains the gym, sauna and steam room. The Al Misyal bar is located on the first floor at the far right hand side of the building.

Lobby & Guest Relations

Open Hours	24 Hours
Languages Spoken	English, Arabic
Payment Methods	Major credit cards
Foreign Exchange	Major currencies
Taxis Arranged	Called on request

Guest Relations	Standard
Concierge Services	Standard
Parking	Complimentary valet parking

Cranley Comment

The Lobby is a large open space with mirrored pillars and numerous armchairs and coffee tables. There is also an area with low arabic seats and cushions. On entry to the hotel the reception desk is on the left hand side and to the right is a small gift shop and the lifts are located on either side of the lobby. Beyond the reception area is the Mezoon Restaurant on the left and the Al Rawaq coffee shop on the right. These both overlook the Terrace which is a casual outdoor restaurant and dining area.

Shops & Amenities

Description

Gift shop
Open 08.00 to 20.00

Cranley Comment

The hotel has one small gift shop which also sells toiletries. Outside the hotel is the nearby small town of Mezaira’a which has shops selling food, clothes and other essential supplies.

Rooms, Suites & Villas

Number of Floors	2
Total Rooms	65
Elevators	2
Rooms per Elevator	33
Total Staff	73
Staff per Room	1.1

Check-in Time	12.00
Check-out Time	12.00
Late Checkout	16.00 Subject to availability
Smoking Rooms	No rooms designated as non-smoking
Room Service	24 hours
Laundry Service	Items dropped off by 09.00 are returned by 18.00. Three hour express service up to 16.00 at a 100% premium.
Unique Features	None

Club or Executive Facilities

None

Cranley Comment

The Liwa Oasis Hotel has four types of accommodation. These comprise Standard Twin/Double Rooms, Junior and Executive Suites and separateThree Bedroom Villa’s. The Twin/Double Rooms have either a terrace or balcony and the Suites are all on the first floor with a balcony. The Suites also have a satellite TV in each room and all rooms have views of the desert. The Villa’s are separate from the hotel and have a greater level of privacy and each has its own private swimming pool. All rooms also benefit from having bathrobes and slippers and a large complimentary fruit basket on arrival.

Type of Room, Views & Facilities

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Twin/Double	22 twin, 36 doubles	58 Desert	Satellite television Individually controlled air conditioning Mini safe Tea and coffee making facilities Large complimentary fruit basket Direct dial telephone Round table and two chairs Writing desk and chair Combined bath and shower Hair dryer Bidet Bath robes and slippers Balcony or terrace with table and chairs	3 adults

Cranley Comment

The Twin/double Rooms come with either two Queen or one King sized bed.On entering the room the bathroom and wardrobe are either side of an entrance corridor that leads into the bedroom area. The room is designed in a contemporary style with a carpeted floor and light coloured walls, dark red curtains and dark wood headboard and furniture. The bathroom has a combined bath and shower and bidet and is decorated with white tiles on the floor and walls and has white sanitary ware. The large windows open onto a terrace or balcony with an additional table and chairs. Additional amenities include bathrobes and slippers and a complimentary fruit basket on arrival.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Junior Suite	2	Desert	As per Twin/Double Room plus Two armchairs Additional Satellite Television Separate Lounge/Dining area Dining table and chairs Two seat sofa Two armchairs	3 adults

Cranley Comment

The Junior Suite is a larger room and has the benefit of having a lounge/dining room separate from the lounge. This additional room has extra furniture including sofa’s, coffee table, satellite television and a dining table with chairs for eight persons. The décor is similar to the single/Double Room with its contemporary style with a carpeted floor and light coloured walls, dark red curtains and dark wood headboard and furniture The Suite also has a larger balcony with views over the desert and an outdoor table with four chairs.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Executive Suite	2	Desert	As per the Junior Suite plus: Small kitchenette with Two ring hob Fridge Crockery and cutlery	3 adults

Cranley Comment

The Executive Suite has more space than the Junior Suite which allows for an entrance hallway which leads into a larger combined dining area and lounge with additional chairs and cupboards. The dining table accommodates ten persons. It Executive Suite also benefits from having a separate small kitchen which has a two ring hob, fridge and cupboards with crockery and cutlery. The décor is similar to the Junior Suite with additional pictures and ornaments.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
3 Bedroom Villa	3	Desert	Three separate bedrooms Master bedroom has an en-suite bathroom Separate family bathroom Dining room with table and chairs for 10 persons Lounge with two sofas and four armchairs Coffee table Additional satellite television in the lounge Kitchen with Two ring hob Fridge/Freezer Crockery and cutlery	6 adults

Cranley Comment

The Three Bedroom Villas are self contained units located to one side of the hotel. They benefit from considerably more space which allows for a master bedroom with en-suite abthroom, two further bedrooms and a separate family bathroom. There is also a large lounge and dining area with three sofas, four armchairs and a dining table for ten persons. The separate kitchen has a two ring hob, fridge/freezer and crockery and cutlery. The Villas also have their own parking spaces outside and each one has its own private swimming pool measuring 6 metres by 4 metres. Decoration and furnishings are a similar contemporary style to the other rooms in the hotel.

Restaurants & Cafés

Number of Restaurants

Restaurant Comments

The Liwa Oasis offers guests a choice of five dining areas. The main restaurant is Mezoon which is located at the rear of the lobby on the left hand side and serves food from a large international menu. Directly opposite is Al Rawaq coffee shop which is also where breakfast is served. Outside the hotel is the Terrace which is an informal dining area and offers meals from the main menu. Next to the swimming pool is Nakheel which has a swim up bar and serves snacks and light meals. Back in the hotel on the first floor is Al Misyal Bar which also serves food from the main menu.

Mezoon

Restaurant Type	International
Restaurant Capacity	Total 60
Opening Times	07.00 to 22.00
Dress Codes	Smart casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	No designated non-smoking tables.
Children’s Facilities	High chairs available
Breakfast Options	A la Carte breakfast menu and full buffet option

Cranley Comment

The Mezoon restaurant is located at the rear of the hotel and overlooks the terrace and swimming pool. It has a light open area and is decorated with screen prints and pot plants. Open throughout the day it serves food from an extensive international menu. Guests can order many items ranging from the a la carte breakfast to snacks, sandwiches and main meals. Specialties include Veal Panee, Hammour Munier (local Gulf fish) and the Arabic mixed grill.

Al Rawaq

Restaurant Type	Coffee shop, snacks and breakfast.
Restaurant Capacity	Total 40
Opening Times	Breakfast 07.00 to 10.00 Lunch 12.00 to 15.00 Dinner 19.00 to 22.00
Dress Codes	Smart casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	No designated non-smoking tables.
Children’s Facilities	High chairs available
Breakfast Options	Continental, Oriental, American and the Liwa healthy breakfast.

Cranley Comment

Al Rawaq is located opposite the Mezoon restaurant and also overlooks the terrace and swimming pool. This is an informal café and coffee shop and is also the main location for breakfast. Guests can choose from several breakfast options including buffet, continental, American and the Liwa healthy breakfast. Guests can also order from the main menu as described for The Mezoon restaurant.

The Terrace

Restaurant Type	Informal outdoor dining area
Restaurant Capacity	Total 24
Opening Times	Breakfast 07.00 to 10.00 Lunch 12.00 to 15.00 Dinner 19.00 to 23.30
Dress Codes	Smart casual

Air-Conditioning	No
Smoking Policy	No designated non-smoking tables
Children’s Facilities	High chairs available
Breakfast Options	All options from the main menu

Cranley Comment

The terrace is located outside the rear of the hotel and overlooks the swimming pool. This is an informal open air dining area which tends to be used early in the morning or later in the evening due to the high temperatures experienced during the day. Guests have the same choice of breakfasts, snacks and main meals as described for The Mezoon restaurant.

Nakheel

Restaurant Type	Pool bar with swim up area
Restaurant Capacity	Total 10
Opening Times	08.00 To Sunset (approx 19.00)
Dress Codes	Swimwear and casual clothes

Air-Conditioning	No
Smoking Policy	No non-smoking tables
Children’s Facilities	None
Breakfast Options	All options from the main menu

Cranley Comment

Nakheel is a small circular building located to one side of the swimming pool and has stools around one half of the bar with a swim up bar in the pool on the other side. Guests can again order any meal from the main menu. The bar also provides a large range of non-alcoholic cocktails for children as well as the usual drinks and beverages.

Al Misyal

Restaurant Type	Bar and games room
Restaurant Capacity	Total 40
Opening Times	14.00 to 16.00 18.00 to 01.00
Dress Codes	Smart casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	No non-smoking tables
Children’s Facilities	None
Breakfast Options	None

Cranley Comment

Al Misyal is a bar and lounge located on the first floor at the far right hand side of the hotel. Occupying a circular room it has tables, chairs and stools at the bar for forty persons. It provides a full range of alcoholic beverages and again guests can order anything from the main menu apart from the breakfast options. The bar also provides a large TV, pool table, dart board and four local fruit machines which are played for tokens.

Bars

Number of Bars	1
Bar Comments

Liwa Hotel has one bar which also doubles as a late night Restaurant. Games and activities include Pool and Darts and food is available from the Meezon Restaurant menu. Children are not allowed in the bar.

Al Misyal

Bar Type	Bar and games room
Bar Capacity	Total 60 with (40 seated
Opening Times	14.00 to 16.00 18.00 to 01.00
Dress Codes	Smart casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	No non-smoking tables
Admissions Policy	over 21's only.

Cranley Comment

Business & Event Facilities

Wireless Internet

None

In-Room Services

Dial up Internet

Business Centre

The hotel does not have any business facilities

Meetings & Events

The Liwa Oasis has one function room located on the first floor available for conferences and banquets which can accommodate up to 150 persons and comes equipped with audio visual facilities including a sound system and projectors. It can be divided in to 2 separate rooms if required without reducing the capacity and it also has a large balcony which overlooks the swimming pool.

L, W, H, 20x10x9, 200sqm.

Cranley Comment

The Liwa Oasis is primarily a family resort hotel with limited business facilities. There is one function room which can be used for conferences and banquets; this also has a large balcony overlooking the swimming pool.

Children’s Facilities & Clubs

Restaurant Facilities	See Restaurants
Playground	Large children’s playground located beyond the swimming pool which has a range of swings, slides, climbing frames and a see-saw.

Children's Pool

See Pools

Babysitting service

Yes subject to staff availability.

Cranley Comment

The hotel does not have a club or organised events for children but does have a small children’s swimming pool located next to the main pool. There is also a large playground near the tennis courts which has several swings, slides and climbing frames. Children can also use a table football table which is located in the health centre.

Entertainment

Daytime Activities

Cranley Comment

The hotel does not organise any entertainment but guests have the use of four floodlit tennis courts and a volleyball court. There is also Al Misyal bar on the first floor serving cocktails and beverages which also has a pool table and dart board,

Pools

Cranley Comments

Liwa Hotel has two pools located in the gardens beyond the terrace at the rear of the hotel. These are a family pool and a small children's pool. The family pool is next to Nakheel bar which also has a swim up area to one side. There are sunbeds, parasols and showers around the pool and the area is surrounded by palm trees.

Family Pool

Opening Times	08.00 to 22.00
Temperature	Controlled at 29 degrees Celsius
Depths	Max 2.00 metres Min 1.10 metres
Size	30 metres by 8 metres

Facilities	Molded plastic sunbeds Parasols Towels Showers Drinks and snacks served from Nakheel bar
Safety	No Lifeguard at present but the hotel states that one will be hired within a month.

Cranley Comment

The Family Pool is located beyond the terrace at the rear of the hotel in the formal gardens. It has an irregular kidney shape and has a paved surround with sunbeds and parasols. There are open air shower stands placed around the pool and it is enclosed by lawns and palm trees. To one side of the pool is Nakheel bar with a swim up area for drinks and snacks whilst on the other side is the children’s pool.

Children's Pool

Opening Times	08.00 to 22.00
Temperature	Controlled at 29 degrees Celsius
Depths	Standard depth of 0.60 metres
Size	Circular, 8 metres across.

Facilities	Molded plastic sunbeds Parasols Towels Showers Toilet
Safety	No lifeguard at present but the hotel states that one will be hired within the next month.

Cranley Comment

The Children’s Pool is a small circular pool located next to the family pool. It has sunbeds and parasols available and is also shaded by palm trees.

Sports & Gym

Gym & Health Club

Opening Times	08.00 to 22.00, see below for further details.
Description	Saturday to Tuesday 08.00 to 12.00 Men only 12.00 to 18.00 Ladies only 18.00 to 22.00 Men only Wednesday to Friday 08.00 to 12.00 Ladies only 12.00 to 16.00 Men only 16.00 to 19.00 Ladies only 19.00 to 22.00 Men only 5 Resistance machines. Free weights. 1 Bike 1 Treadmill 1 Stepper.
Size	15 metres by 10 metres

Cranley Comment

The gym is located on the first floor above the sauna and steam rooms and is a curved semi-circular shape. There are separate changing rooms, toilets and lockers and it has modern equipment by Hi-Power and Pro Action. There is one large screen TV on the wall and the room has views over the desert.

Land Sport

Opening Times	08.00 to 22.00
Description	Four floodlit tennis courts Volleyball court
Capacity	20 adults

Cranley Comment

Guests have the use of four floodlit tennis courts which are located beyond the swimming pool and next door there is also a volleyball court. The hotel does not provide any coaching or other facilities.

Spa

Cranley Comment

There is no spa at the hotel.

Special Needs

Communal Areas

Wheelchair accessible

Rooms & Bathrooms

None

Restaurants & Catering

Wheelchair accessible

Recreation Facilities

Wheelchair accessible with paths leading to the Family Pool and children’s playground.

Cranley Comment

The hotel is not really suited for those with special needs.

Environment

Measures

Minimise Cleaning Materials
Water Saving

Cranley Comment

The hotel politely requests guests to minimize water usage. It also gives guests the option to not have towels replaced every day to minimize the use of detergents.

Liwa Hotel, Abu Dhabi, Report Details

26/07/2006

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