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The Cranley Report®: Al Ain Rotana
Al Ain Rotana, Abu Dhabi
Hotel Address
Sheikh Zayed Road
PO Box 1210
Al Ain
United Arab Emirates
Contact Details
Telephone: +971 3 754 5111
Fax: +971 3 754 5444
E-mail
Email hotel's reservation Desk
Cranley Rating

Al Ain Rotana: Click to magnify
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Hotel Summary
Category Hotel
Awards Won 2005 MENA Best Restaurant Awards
2nd Prize - Trader Vic's
Hotel Opened
 1999
Refurbishment 2006:
- 10 New Villas Completed
- Work on a new wing extension of 100 rooms and a Spa to commence (expected to complete in 2 years)
- 18 Month Refurbishment Programme to commence (refurbishing 10 rooms at a time)
Cranley Summary
Al Ain Rotana is located in the bustling Sheikh Zayed Road in the town centre of Al Ain. The hotel is a unique water and leisure oasis in the Al Ain desert and features standard rooms with balconies enjoying mostly city and pool views, deluxe rooms with 2 large terraces each and individual poolside chalets and villas with their own private driveway entrances. There is a choice of casual coffee shop style snacks in the Atrium Lounge, casual dining in the open airy Gardinia restaurant, specialist Lebanese dining at the Min Zaman restaurant and its pleasant outdoor terrace, and the French Polynesian South Seas style Trader Vic's. The hotel houses a night club, Cafe des Rois, said to be the only night club in Al Ain. The Bodylines health and fitness centre offers a well equipped gym, aerobics studio, 2 internal squash courts, pool table, massage rooms and 2 external tennis courts. Business travellers enjoy wireless internet access from almost all common areas including the poolside. The Zakher Ballroom is an impressive venue for functions, conferences and other events held in Al Ain. Guests should note the comprehensive refurbishment and extension programme being planned for the Al Ain Rotana.
Location & Layout
Location Description
In the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the Al Ain Rotana is located in the bustling Sheikh Zayed Road in the town centre of Al Ain. The hotel is centrally located close to the commercial and business districts. Guests can walk to Khalifa main street where there is an array of shops and stores. The hotel is a 7 minute taxi drive from Al Ain Mall, the largest mall in Al Ain, a 10 minute drive from the Al Ain Zoo and a 20 minute drive from the Al Ain sand golf course, a 15 minute drive from Al Ain Airport, less than an hour in normal traffic from Abu Dhabi Airport and approximately 1 hour 20 minutes from Dubai Airport.
Airports
Distance
 40 km
Airport Transfers
 Taxi Transfers
Cities and Sights
Distance
 160 km
City/Sight Transfers
 Taxi Transfers
Layout Description
On entering the spacious lobby, one finds Guest Relations and Thrifty Car Hire desks directly ahead. The internal entrance to Trader Vic's restaurant is to the immediate left and the Atrium Lounge cafe occupies the centre of the lobby area. To the right is the Reception check-in desk. Also on the ground floor are the Ladies and Men's Salons and the Novelty Shop, a stairway leading down to the Cave des Rois night club and doors leading to the Paris Gallery and Zakher Ballroom centre. The Gardinia restaurant is past the Business Centre at the back of the lobby, and further along the outside terrace is the entrance to the Min Zaman restaurant. Rooms and Suites are located in the main hotel building from the first floor upward. Chalets have their own private vehicle entrance and are located separately in the grounds of the hotel at the rear end of the swimming pool. The new Villas are located next to the Chalets and also have their own separate vehicle entrance. The Bodylines gym, aerobics studio, tennis courts and squash courts and located at ground level with separate entrances.
Lobby and Guest Relations
Open Hours
 24 hours
Languages Spoken English & Arabic
Payment Methods All major credit cards and cash accepted
Foreign Exchange All major currencies exchanged
Taxis Arranged Taxis arranged on request
Tours Arranged A variety of activities can be arranged including Tours of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Sharjah and Ajman, Dinner Cruises, Safari's to the Desert, Wadi Hatta or Hajar Mountains, a Night at the Races, Camel Riding, Sand Skiing, Snorkelling or Scuba Diving.
Guest Relations Standard Services
Concierge Services
 Standard Services
Guest Relations desk
Thrifty Car Hire desk
Medical Facilities Doctor on call 24 hours, expected to arrive within 20 to 30 minutes
Parking There are over 200 parking spaces available outside the hotel, of which about half are shaded spaces. The new Duplex Chalets each have their own parking space.
Cranley Comment
On entering the hotel, one immediately gets a sense of space, light and quiet relaxation. External light through the main entrance and a light beige marble decor throughout the lobby enhance the sense of spaciousness. Adding to this openess is a central atrium that runs the full height of the hotel from which the rooms lead on the various levels. The hotel reception, guest relations and various amenities can be found in the lobby, and the Atrium Lounge serving pastries, snacks and cake. In fact most of the hotel's facilities are accessed from the lobby area, including two of the restaurants, the business centre and night club.
Shops & Amenities
Description
Rashad Beauty salon for ladies offers a range of hairdressing services, manicures, pedicures, waxing, facials, tattoos, electrolysis, threading and bridal preparation: Open 09:00 to 22:00

Salon Prestige for men offers standard barbershop services: Open 10:30 to 14:00 and 16:30 to 22:30

Al Atlal Novelty and bookshop sells cigarettes, gifts, newspapers, novelties, chocolates: Open 09:00 to 24:00

Paris Gallery houses a number of outlets selling top brand perfurmes, watches, make-up, accessories and optical amenities. It also houses the Grand Cinema, which has 4 cinema screens: Open 10:00 to 22:00.
Cranley Comment
There are separate ladies and mens salons located on ground level in the hotel as well as a novelty shop selling newspapers, cigarettes, gifts and chocolates. Al Ain Rotana also houses the Paris Gallery with shops selling top brand amenities as well as 4 large cinema screens known as the Grand Cinema. Guests who wish to shop further are only a 7 minute taxi drive away from Al Ain's largest mall, the Al Ain Mall.
Rooms, Suites & Villas
Number of Floors 5
Total Rooms 110
Elevators 2
Rooms per Elevator 55
Total Staff 250
Staff per Room 2.3
Check-in Time 14:00
Check-out Time 12:00
Late Checkout Subject to availability
Smoking Rooms The 4th floor is a designated non-smoking floor
Room Service 24 hours
Laundry Service Sameday service for drop-off by 09:00. There is also an Express Service (2 hour service)
Cranley Comment
The 2 glass lifts which take guests to their rooms in the hotel offer pleasant views of the atrium. Rooms and Suites are located in the main hotel building and all have balconies or terraces. There are 4 Deluxe Suites per floor, which have 2 terraces each, whilst the 2 Executive Suites are specifically suited to families. Chalets are located opposite the main hotel building at the opposite end of the pool and all have their own poolside terrace. 10 New luxury Villas located in a new extension adjacent to the Chalets were completed in 2006 and are also to be found on the poolside.
Type of Room, Views & Facilities
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Standard 74

37 Pool
37 City

Satellite TV
Airconditioning
Safe
Minibar
Working desk with mirror
Coffee facilities
Hairdryer
Bathroom scale
Balcony

 2 Adults + 2 children 40
Cranley Comment
Standard rooms can either have a King size bed or 2 Queen beds and guests are advised to request their preference when booking. Rooms are decorated with light wood furniture and blue carpets and there are green drapes with a matching green bed valet. Standard Rooms are furnished with a working table complete with high speed internet connection and two armchairs with a coffee table. Bathrooms have tiled flooring and a bathtub with overhead shower and bidet. Standard Rooms have balconies with either Al Ain city views or pool views and have 2 outside chairs.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Deluxe Suite 16

8 Pool
8 City

As per the Standard Room with the added benefit of being larger and with:
Kitchennette with sink
Separate Lounge area
Additional satellite TV
Dining table with 4 chairs
Guest WC
2 Balconies

 2 Adults + 2 children 80
Cranley Comment
Deluxe Suites are one bedroom suites with a separate lounge area and separate bedroom. Suites have a kitchennete and guest WC and are decorated with blue carpets, light wood furniture and green drapes. The living area is furnished with a 2 seat sofa, 2 arm chairs, a glass table, working desk complete with high speed internet, satellite TV and a dining table with 4 chairs. The bedroom has a King size bed, satellite TV and a chaise long. Bathrooms have tiled flooring, a bathtub with overhead shower and a bidet. Deluxe Suites all have two large 16 square metre terraces, one leading from the bedroom and one from the lounge area. Some overlook the pool and some the City and are each furnished with a plastic table and 4 to 6 chairs. Deluxe Suites can be interconnected to a Standard Room with 2 Queen beds to create larger accommodation for families.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Executive Suite 2

City

As per the Deluxe Suite with the added benefit of being larger and with:
Large fully equipped Kitchen
Large dining table
Large master bedroom
Additional twin bedroom and bathroom
Additional satellite TV
(only 1 smaller balcony)

 4 Adults + 2 children 98
Cranley Comment
Executive Suites are ideal family accommodation with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a separate lounge area, large kitchen with a large fridge and 2 plate stove and guest WC. Suites are decorated with blue carpets, light wood furniture and green drapes. The living area is furnished with a 2 seat sofa, 2 arm chairs, a glass table, working desk complete with high speed internet, satellite TV and a large rectangular dining table with 4 luxury chairs. The large master bedroom has a King size bed, satellite TV and and an en-suite bathroom with tiled flooring, a bathtub and overhead shower and bidet. The second bedroom has twin beds with a satellite TV, dressing table and its own wardrobe. The additional bathroom is situated off the hallway and has a bathtub with overhead shower. Guests should note that Executive Suites have one small balcony, which overlooks a roof.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Chalet 8

Poolside

Private driveway and entrance
Fully Equipped Kitchen
Lounge room with satellite TV and dining table
Chalets have either one or two bedrooms, each with a satellite TV
High speed internet connection
Minibar
Safe
Airconditioning
Garden poolside terrace

 2 Adults (1 Bed Chalet) and 4 Adults (2 Bed Chalet) + 2 children 120
Cranley Comment
Chalets have their own private driveway and entrance and are situated at the rear of the pool. There is a choice of either a one bedroom one bathroom chalet or a two bedroom two bathroom chalet. Chalets are decorated with casual rattan furniture and tiled flooring and has a kitchen equipped with a fridge, stove and dishwasher. The living room is furnished with a 2-seat sofa, 3 side tables, satellite TV and a dining table with 6 chairs. The main bedroom has a King size bed, rattan chair, minibar, satellite TV, dresser table and side cabinets. The en-suite bathroom is similar to those of the rooms and suites in the main hotel building and has a bathtub with overhead shower and bidet. The two bedroom chalet's additional bedroom has 2 double beds, a satellite TV, minibar and dresser table. The additional bathroom is located off the hallway and has a bathtub with overhead shower. All Chalets have garden terraces overlooking the poolside.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Villas 10

Pool

Parking space
Equipped luxury Kitchen
Guest WC
Living Room
Two en-suite bedrooms
Separate step-in shower
Jacuzzi

 6 Adults + 2 children 140
Cranley Comment
The new Villas are luxury 2 and 3 bedroom villas laid out over two floors. At its entrance each Villa has a parking space and a water feature beside the main door. There is a fully equipped Kitchen with dark wood cabinets and a marble guest WC on the ground floor together with the lounge area that walks out onto the garden terrace and poolside. A marble staircase leads to the upper level, where there are two ensuite bedrooms (and a 3rd smaller bedroom). The master bedroom's en-suite bathroom looks into the bedroom through an open glass window and has a separate step-in shower, bathtub and Jacuzzi. The additional bathroom is also laid out in marble.
Restaurants & Cafés
Number of Restaurants
 4
Restaurant Comments
Al Ain Rotana offers several dining and entertainment venues starting with the casual Atrium Lounge in the lobby area serving snacks and pastries. Also benefitting from an open and light casual atmosphere is the Gardinia restaurant leading out from the lobby area, where the hotel's breakfast is served as well as buffet and a-la-carte options for the rest of the day. For speciality dining there is the Lebanese Min Zaman restaurant with a pleasant outside terrace area for evening dining with shishas and live entertainment. For a South Sea experience there is the Trader Vic's with its dark wood harbour style layout and live entertainment.
  Trader Vic's  
     
Restaurant Type French Polynesian
Restaurant Capacity Total 95 (Restaurant and Bar)
Opening Times Lunch: 12:30 to 03:30
Dinner: 19:30 to 23:30
Bar: 12:30 to 1:00am
Dress Codes Smart Casual
Air-Conditioning Yes
Smoking Policy Non-smoking tables available
Children’s Facilities Children's menu available during the day. High chairs available. No children are allowed in the bar area from 19:00
Breakfast Options No
Cranley Comment
Trader Vic's is a well known franchised French Polynesian restaurant offering exotic cuisine and cocktails reminiscent of the South Seas. The restaurant has a pleasant ambience created by a South Sea décor of wood, items from the harbour and typical seafaring craft, aquarians and a Mai Tai Bar. Centered around its Chinese oven, Trader Vic’s features imported speciality suaces and spices, with seafood being a speciality dish. There is also an outside terrace area. Happy hour is from 19:00 to 21:00 and there is live entertainment from 21:00 to 02:30 in the morning.
  Min Zaman  
     
Restaurant Type Lebanese
Restaurant Capacity Total 130 (95 Restaurant and 35 Terrace)
Opening Times 18:00 to 02:30 (03:00 over weekends)
Dress Codes Smart Casual
Air-Conditioning Yes
Smoking Policy Min Zaman is a smoking restaurant and offers shishas
Children’s Facilities No children are allowed
Breakfast Options No
Cranley Comment
Min Zaman is a traditional but sophisticated styled Lebanese restaurant with a pleasant outside evening terrace area. It offers authentic Arabic cuisine such as hot and cold mezzeh for starters and mixed grills as a main course with fruit cuts and Arabic sweets for dessert. The restaurant offers nightly live entertainment with a one-man show, belly dancer and singer on a rotating basis to provide a full nightly programme of entertainment. On the terrace a mini Min Zaman menu is served together with a shisha selection.
  Gardinia  
     
Restaurant Type International
Restaurant Capacity 85 Inside
Opening Times Breakfast Buffet: 06:00 to 11:00
Lunch Buffet: 12:30 to 15:30
A la carte menu: 15:30 to 19:30
Dinner Buffet: 19:30 to 23:30
Dress Codes Casual
Air-Conditioning Yes
Smoking Policy Non-smoking tables available
Children’s Facilities High chairs are available. Children under the age of 12 pay 50% of the full price
Breakfast Options Breakfast Buffet