The Cranley Report

®
®

Mirfa 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    
Mirfa Hotel, Abu Dhabi
Hotel Address
P.O.Box 77123
Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
 

-->

Cranley Rating

Mirfa Hotel: Click to magnify
Photo 1 of 20. Click to enlarge
Hotel Summary
Category Hotel
Awards Won MENA 2006 Travel Awards
Nominated for Best 4 star leisure hotel.
Hotel Opened
 2003
Cranley Summary
Mirfa Hotel is a boutique hotel with 50 rooms. The hotel is located in the remote small town of Mirfa which is 140 km west of Abu Dhabi city, giving it a pleasant feel of seclusion. It is set in 2 square km of landscaped grounds with shrubs, plants and trees as well as grassed areas. The hotel is situated on the waters edge though swimming is not allowed by the municipality because of the deep water. There is a swimming pool with an adjacent toddlers/children’s pool as well as a children’s playground with a large variety of apparatus. For sports and recreation there are two tennis courts and two basketball/volleyball courts both of which are floodlit as well as a compact gym. The hotel has dining options in the restaurant and sports bar and there is the Oriental Café for shisha and drinks al fresco. For night entertainment there is an Arabic nightclub which is frequented by locals as well as hotel guests. The Mirfa hotel prides itself on its location and value for money when compared to city centre hotels.
Hotel Location & Layout
Location Description
Mirfa Hotel is located in the west of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, 140 km from the city centre. The hotel is located in its own grounds overlooking the ocean but without use of the beach due to the deep water. The hotel benefits from its peaceful location away from the hustle of the city centre hotels and is easily reached from Abu Dhabi by dual lane highway with relatively little traffic to cause delay. There is almost nothing around the hotel other than desert, offering guests isolation and tranquillity. A particular feature of the hotel is its gardens with pathways meandering between flower and shrub beds.
Airports
Distance 100 km
Airport Transfers Taxi
Cities and Sights
Distance 140 km
City/Sight Transfers Taxi
Layout Description
The hotel is a small hotel with 50 rooms and an interesting design, as when viewed from the back of the hotel it resembles a Falcon with its wings spread. The main hotel amenities are located at the centre of the hotel with the rooms located on the two wings. Guests arrive at the ground floor which is on the first floor because of the elevated drive. The lobby overlooks the restaurant and pub which are set in an atrium that rises to the top of the hotel. At the rear of the hotel are the sports courts, swimming pools and children’s playground. The Oriental Café is set above the beach at the back left side of the hotel gardens.
Lobby & Guest Relations
Open Hours
 24 hours
Languages Spoken English and Arabic
Payment Methods All major credit cards accepted
Foreign Exchange All major currencies exchanged
Taxis Arranged Taxi’s called on request
Tours Arranged Desert Safari’s, Sir Bani Yas Island excursion
Guest Relations Standard Services
Concierge Services
 Car hire
Medical Facilities Doctor called with 30 minutes notice
Parking Complimentary parking available.
Cranley Comment
The hotel lobby overlooks the atrium at the rear of the hotel with the Sports Bar and Al Manara restaurant on either side of the ground floor below the lobby. The front desk is on the right of the lobby with the bell desk on the opposite side. Also located off the lobby is the children’s playroom and gift shop. At the rear of the lobby are several salmon pink sofas.
Shops & Amenities
Description
Al Dhafra Gift shop: Open daily from 10:00 to 22:00
Sells a range of basic necessities, children’s toys and Chinese styled pictures and gifts.
Cranley Comment
The hotel is a boutique style hotel and has one small shop located in the lobby. Guests can purchase their basic requirements at the shops in Mirfa although for more substantial shopping guests will need to venture to Abu Dhabi.
Rooms, Suites & Villas
Number of Floors 4
Total Rooms 50
Elevators 2
Rooms per Elevator 25
Total Staff 67
Staff per Room 1.3
Check-in Time 13:00
Check-out Time 12:00
Late Checkout 15:00 subject to availability
Smoking Rooms No non-smoking rooms
Room Service 24 hours
Laundry Service Same day service if dropped off by 10:00
Cranley Comment
There are three types of rooms; Deluxe Rooms, which are the majority of the rooms, 4 Executive Suites with a separate lounge and en-suite bedroom and 2 Royal Suites, of which one is a one bedroom and the other a two bedroom suite. The Deluxe Rooms are decorated in a different colour scheme on each floor whilst the Suites are decorated in richer, darker colours. The Suites are located on the higher floors affording them panoramic views over the Gulf although all rooms enjoy a clear view of the sea. All rooms either have a balcony or a grass terrace if they are on the ground floor and the rooms come with either a double bed or two single beds.
  Type of Room, Views & Facilities
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Deluxe Rooms 44

Seaview

Satellite television
Air conditioning
Safe
Dial up internet
Tea and coffee making facilities
2 Seat sofa and coffee table
Desk/Vanity Unit
Combined bath/shower
IDD telephone
4 channels of in-house stero music
Bidet
Hairdryer
Shaving mirror

2 Adults and 2 children under 11 or 3 adults at an additional charge 40
Cranley Comment
Deluxe Rooms either have a balcony or a patio and grass terrace if they are located on the ground floor and are well sized at 40 sqm. On entering the room there is an entrance hallway off which is a dressing area with wardrobes that lead to the en-suite bathroom. The bedrooms are decorated in different colour schemes on each floor and include a pink, blue and beige scheme. Deluxe Rooms are furnished with a sofa and coffee table and there is a plastic table with chairs on either the balcony or the patio. The bathrooms have white sanitary wear and pink floor tiles with very pale pink wall tiles, whilst the bath has a stand-up shower and hand shower. Given the room's size there is ample space for a third bed for two young children. The rooms come with either a double bed or two single beds.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Executive Suites 4

Seaview

As per the Deluxe Room with the added benefit of being larger and:

Lounge with:
Round dining table for 8
2 Seat sofa
3 Comfortable armchairs
Satellite television with DVD
Stereo system

Kitchen with:
2 Ring hob
Kettle
Fridge
Sink

WC

Bedroom with:
2 Armchairs
Desk with chair
Satellite television

Bathroom as per Deluxe Room

 2 Adults and 2 children under 11 or 3 adults at an additional charge 90
Cranley Comment
Executive Suites are two room suites with a separate lounge and separate bedroom which has an en-suite bathroom. There is also a small kitchenette and WC. Entrance is into the lounge, with the kitchenette and WC located off the lounge. A door leads into the bedroom which has an en-suite bathroom as well as a wardrobe and dressing area. Executive Suites are decorated in an Arabic theme with rich colours and benefit from having a balcony off the lounge as well as the bedroom. As well as having extra space, Suites benefit from additional amenities such as music systems, DVD players and larger televisions.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
One Bedroom Royal Suite 1

Seaview

Lounge:
Large lounge
Large satellite television & DVD
6 Two seat sofas
4 Armchairs
5 Coffee tables
2 Balconies

Dining room:
12 Person dining table

Bedroom:
Dressing table
3 Seat sofa
2 Balconies
Large satellite television

Bathroom:
Shower
Bath with shower

 2 Adults and 2 children under 11 or 3 adults at an additional charge. 166
Cranley Comment
The one bedroom Royal Suite is sizable at 166 sqm and has an entrance hall which leads to all the other rooms. The suite benefits from having an oversize lounge which leads into the dining room to create an L shape, giving it a double aspect over the front and back of the hotel. The lounge has ample furniture and has two balconies whilst the dining room seats 12 comfortably with views over the gardens at the front of the hotel. The bedroom is also a substantial size and has a large en-suite bathroom with separate shower and dressing area. The suite is decorated in rich colours.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Two Bedroom Royal Suite 1

Seaview

Lounge and Dining Room as per the one bedroom Royal Suite.

Master bedroom:
Dressing table
Satellite television
Sofa
Balconies
En-suite bathroom

Second bedroom:
Twin single beds
Satellite television
En-suite bathroom

 4 Adults and 2 children under 11 or 6 adults with an additional charge for more than 4 adults 166
Cranley Comment
The Two Bedroom Royal Suite has the same size and layout as the one bedroom Royal Suite with the exception that the master bedroom and en-suite bathroom has been converted into two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. Despite this the bedrooms are of ample size and this is more a reflection of the size of the master bedroom in the one bedroom suite. The room has the same décor as the other Royal Suite and is ideal for families, with two single beds in the second bedroom.
Restaurants & Cafés
Number of Restaurants
 1
  Al Manara  
Restaurant Type International
Restaurant Capacity Total 66 inside
Opening Times Open from 06:30 to 22.30
Breakfast buffet 06:30 to 10:30
Lunch buffet 13:00 to 15:30
Dinner buffet 19:00 to 22:30
Dress Codes Casual
Air-Conditioning Yes
Smoking Policy Separate non-smoking tables
Children’s Facilities Children’s menu
Children under 11 pay 50% of the full price
Children under 5 eat for free
Breakfast Options Buffet with live cooking stations on a Friday
Cranley Comment
The Al Manara restaurant is located on the ground floor opposite the Sports bar. The restaurant’s specialty is the buffet which is served three times a day and guests can also choose from an al a carte menu. The restaurant’s location provides guests with views of the hotel’s pools and gardens with the ocean beyond. Dining is casual with a number of tables in the open, as well as several in private bedouin style tents for guests who want more intimacy.
Bars
Number of Bars
 2
  Sports Pub and Lounge  
Bar Type Sports Bar
Bar Capacity Total 56 all inside
Opening Times 12:00 to 00:00
Dress Codes Casual
Air-Conditioning Yes
Smoking Policy No non-smoking areas
Admissions Policy Over 21’s only
Cranley Comment
The Sports Pub and Lounge is located on the ground floor of the Atrium and has a three floor high ceiling. It faces the ocean with the front having a floor to ceiling glass wall that gives it the feel of a conservatory. The pub has a casual environment and features a bar at one end with bar seating, armchairs and tables throughout the venue and has a stage located at the front where a live band plays six nights a week from 19.00. There is also a plasma screen showing the latest sports events and a darts board. The pub serves a range of beers, cocktails and mocktails as well as a selection of snacks such as spring rolls, samoosas, chicken wings and beef burgers.
  Oriental Cafe  
Bar Type Al Fresco Cafe
Bar Capacity Total 40 outside
Opening Times 19:00 to 00:00
Dress Codes Casual
Air-Conditioning No
Smoking Policy No non-smoking tables
Admissions Policy Children allowed
Cranley Comment
The Oriental Café is located on the edge of the hotel grounds overlooking the ocean. It is an open air bar which serves a small range of beers, soft drinks and coffee as well as a range of Shisha. There are plastic tables and chairs for seating set on a patio that is surrounded by ornate fencing. The cafe is a short stoll through the gardens from the main hotel and benefits from being near the children's playground so adults can keep an eye on their children from the Cafe.
Business & Event Facilities
Wireless Internet No wireless internet is yet available
In-Room Services Chargable dial up internet
Business Centre
The hotel has an internet café Click@Mirfa as opposed to a business centre. The internet café is located in a dedicated room next to the front desk and has three computer terminals, three coffee tables and chairs and a café counter where guests can purchase tea, coffee and soft drinks from 10:00 to 00:00. Access to the internet is chargeable.
Meetings & Events
The hotel has a choice of meeting venues equipped with audio visual technology and an in-house co-ordinator to ensure events are run seamlessly. The principle rooms and occupancy are:

Conference Hall 88 sqm
U shape 23
Meeting Room 40
Oval shape 12

Meeting Room One 93 sqm
Banquet 16
Reception 25
Boardroom 14
Classroom 20
Theatre 25

Meeting Room Two 119 sqm
Banquet 60
Reception 100
U Shape 26
Boardroom 24
Classroom 34
Theatre 80

Majilis 300 sqm
Banquet 100
Reception 150

Gardens
Banquet 200
Reception 300

The Meeting rooms and Majilis room have panoramic views of the Gulf and hotel grounds for a pleasant backdrop with all rooms decorated in rich colours.
Cranley Comment
The hotel is principally a leisure hotel but has conference facilities to host corporate or social events. One of the features of the hotel is the grounds which are ideally suited to an outside event because of the lawn areas and slightly elevated position over the Gulf providing a pleasant backdrop. Additionally, whilst there is not yet high speed internet connection there is a Cyber café with an ISDN connection to the internet.
Children’s Facilities & Clubs
Restaurant Facilities See Restaurants
Playground Children’s playground set on sand with a range of equipment including slides, see-saws and climbing frames.
Children's Pool See Pools
Games Room There is a games room located off the lobby which is suited to toddler aged children and features drawing tables, a TV and soft furniture.
Babysitting service
Babysitters can be arranged with 12 hours notice.
Cranley Comment
The hotel is well catered for children, with its substantial playground, children’s pool and activity room. In addition the size of the rooms means that two children under 11 can be accommodated in the adult’s room if they wish. Children under 11 receive a 50% discount off food whilst those under 5 eat for free.
Entertainment
  Daytime Activities  
Outdoor Activities
 Table tennis table
Table football table
Large sized chess set
Six hole putting green
  Evening Activities  
Shahrazad Night Club The hotel has an Arabic nightclub called Shahrazad. It is located near the Oriental Café and is open from 18:00 to 02:30 daily. The club features nightly entertainment with a live band and belly dancing.
Pools
  Main Pool  
     
Opening Times 09:00 to Sunset
Temperature Heated in winter to 29c
Depths Max: 2.5m
Min: 1.3m
Size Medium
Facilities Plastic sun beds
Parasols
Showers
Toilets
Towels
Pool bar
Safety No life guards on duty
Buoyancy aids
Cranley Comment
The main pool is located at the rear of the hotel and overlooks the ocean. The pool is designed in an ‘S-shape’ with an arched bridge straddling the centre of the pool. At one end is a swim-up bar serving drinks to guests in and around the pool. The pool has a patio surround and further back are substantial lawns where guests can relax and children can play. The children’s pool is next to the main pool so parents can supervise their children whilst still relaxing around the main pool.
  Children's Pool  
     
Opening Times 09:00 to Sunset
Temperature Temperature controlled at 28c

Depths Standard depth of 60 cm
Size Kidney shape Max 11.6m by 5.6m
Facilities Plastic sun beds
Parasols
Showers
Toilets
Towels
Pool bar
Safety No life guards on duty
Buoyancy aids
Cranley Comment
The children’s pool is located adjacent to the main pool and is a small kidney shaped pool ideal for younger children. The pool has steps at one end and is a constant 60cm deep. Given it’s location it shares all the facilities of the main pool.
Sports & Gym
  Gym & Health Club  
Opening Times
 09:00 to 21:00
Description The gym is equipped with the following:

2 Treadmills
1 Bike
1 Rowing machine
3 Resistance machines
Free weights
Wall mounted television
Men’s and ladies changing rooms
Sauna and steam room in the men’s changing rooms
Size 14 metres by 6 metres
Cranley Comment
The gym is located on the ground floor of the hotel and consists of an internal room with floor to ceiling mirrors on three sides. There is a range of equipment as listed above and gym staff provide personal training. There are separate changing facilities for men and women but only saunas and steam room for men.
  Land Sport  
Description Two floodlit hard court tennis courts
Two floodlit hard court volleyball/basketballl courts
1,800 metre jogging track
Cranley Comment
The hotel has a range of activity or sporting facilities or options that include the floodlit tennis courts and the floodlit volleyball/basketball courts. There is also a fun six hole putting green.
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 115km
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 100km
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
Special Needs
Communal Areas
Wheelchair access
Rooms & Bathrooms
No special needs rooms are available
Restaurants & Catering
Wheelchair access
Recreation Facilities
Wheelchair access
Cranley Comment
Whilst the hotel has no special needs rooms, the hotel is accessible for wheelchair users as there is a lift and ramp alternatives are available for most stairways. Throughout the gardens of the hotel there are paved level pathways.
Environment
Cranley Comment
No environmental policies in place
Mirfa Hotel, Abu Dhabi, Report Details
21 May 2006
Home I Back | Cranley reference: 100169 | Quick link: http://www.cranley.com/?100169