The Cranley Report®: Liwa Hotel
Hotel Summary Restaurants & Cafés Beaches Special Needs
Location & Layout Bars Pools Environment
Lobby & Guest Relations Business & Event Facilities Sports & Gym Report Details
Shops & Amenities Children’s Facilities & Clubs Golf    
Rooms, Suites & Villas Entertainment Spa    
Liwa Hotel, Abu Dhabi
Hotel Address
P.O. Box 6450
Liwa
Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
 
Cranley Rating

Hotel Exterior: Click to magnify
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
Tours Arranged Standard wording to be collected from another report
Guest Relations Standard
Concierge Services
 Standard
Medical Facilities None on site, however local hospital is only five minutes away.
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
 5
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