The Cranley Report®: Capitol 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    
Capitol Hotel, Dubai
Hotel Address
Al Mina Road
PO Box 33228
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
 
Cranley Rating

Capitol Hotel: Click to magnify
Photo 1 of 17. Click to enlarge
Hotel Summary
Category Hotel
Hotel Opened
 1998
Refurbishment November 2005:
- Bazerkan Lebanese Restaurant
2004:
- Xanadu Night Club
Cranley Summary
The Capitol is a city centre hotel geared toward both the leisure and business traveller. Its location in Bur Dubai gives it easy access to all areas of Dubai including only 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport. The hotel benefits from offering a choice of different room configurations with good quality furnishings and state of repair, as well as having 4 restaurants and a bar, one of which was refurbished in November 2005. The hotel offers guests a full gym and a rooftop pool with spectacular views over the Sheikh Zayed Road development. The Capitol also has a night club, live entertainment in a number of the restaurants and a business centre.
Hotel Location & Layout
Location Description
The hotel is located near the customs building in Bur Dubai, just across the Creek from Deira. Its location means it is about fifteen minutes from Dubai International Airport and 20 minutes from Jumeirah Beach to which the hotel runs a shuttle service. Major shopping centres such as the Mall of the Emirates are fifteen minutes away. Very near to the hotel is an array of electrical and computer shops, the Meena Bazaar with its gold, clothing and electronics stores and authentic restaurants ranging from Iranian to Gujarati. The Dubai museum is also very close, as well as Sheik Rashid's original home that is now a tourist attraction.
Airports
Distance 6 km
Airport Transfers Taxi
Cities and Sights
Distance 2 km
City/Sight Transfers Taxi
Layout Description
On entering the hotel there is a spacious entrance lobby with marble flooring and a high ceiling that gets higher in stepped increments. In the middle of the lobby is a feature spiral staircase leading to the mezzanine level where the Atrium café and boutiques are located. To the left side of the staircase is the guest relations desk and entrance to the Chinese restaurant. Behind the staircase is the reception desk. The business centre is located on the first floor whilst the rooms are on the first to fourth floors. On the roof level is the gym, pool and Lebanese restaurant.
Lobby & 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 From a taxi pool
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
Medical Facilities A doctor can be called in 20 minutes who speaks Arabic and English
Parking Complimentary undercover parking
Cranley Comment
Guests enter the hotel into a spacious entrance lobby with marble flooring and a high ceiling. On either side of the lobby are blue leather arm chairs and sofas set around coffee tables and a small counter serving dates, chocolates and drinks. In the middle of the lobby is a feature spiral staircase leading to the mezzanine level where the Atrium café and boutiques are located. To the left side of the staircase is the guest relations desk and entrance to the Chinese restaurant. Behind the staircase is the reception desk.
Shops & Amenities
Description
Newsagents/Gift Shop: Open from 09:30 to 15:00 and 17:30 to 21:00
Men’s Hairdressers: Open from 10:00 to 20:00 (closed on Fridays)
Ladies Salon: Open from 10:00 to 21:00 (closed on Fridays)
Car Rental: Open from 09:00 to 21:00 (closed on Fridays)
Jewellery Boutique: Open from 09:00 to 17.00 (closed on Fridays)
Cranley Comment
The shops and amenities are located on either side of the Atrium café and consist of separate salons for men and ladies, a jewellery boutique selling fine jewellery as well as an independent car rental outlet and a general newsagent/gift shop which stocks a range of merchandise. In addition to these there are a number of shopping malls a short drive away from the hotel.
Rooms, Suites & Villas
Number of Floors 5
Total Rooms 168
Elevators 3
Rooms per Elevator 56
Total Staff 160
Staff per Room 1
Check-in Time 14:00
Check-out Time 12:00
Late Checkout Subject to availability
Smoking Rooms Non-smoking rooms available on each floor
Room Service 24 Hours
Laundry Service Same day if dropped off before 09:00
Cranley Comment
The rooms at the Capitol are generally in a good state of decoration due to a continual rolling program of renovation resulting in rooms being redecorated on average every 18 months. Standard Rooms can either have an internal atrium view or an external view and guests are therefore advised to state their preference when booking. Suites, whilst having the same blue carpeting and wallpaper as Standard Rooms, have higher quality walnut furniture, slightly larger bathrooms as well as a combined separate lounge and dining room.
  Type of Room, Views & Facilities
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Standard-single 56

External over the Bur Dubai skyline

24 Hour Room service
Satellite TV
Individually controlled air conditioning
Mini bar
High speed internet
Safe box
2 Phones
Hot water jug
Wall mounted hairdryer
Newspaper
VCR on request

 3 Adults or 2 Adults and 2 Children under 12 37
Cranley Comment
Standard Single Rooms feature a queen bed, two armchairs, a coffee table, a desk/dressing table and a 21 inch satellite television. The rooms are decorated in two styles; a deep burgundy carpet with matching curtains or blue carpets with matching curtains. Both decor styles feature light gold/beige wallpaper with light wood furniture. The bathroom has a marble counter in speckled light brown and black design with a recessed white sink. All bathroom types feature a combined bath and shower, a bidet and a hairdryer.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Standard-double/twin 68

44 External over the Bur Dubai skyline
24 Internal atrium

As per the Standard Single room with the added benefit of being larger and with:
Extra bed

3 Adults or 2 Adults and 2 Children under 12 50
Cranley Comment
Standard Double and Twin Rooms have the same facilities, decor and furniture as Standard Single Rooms. The rooms however either have a king size bed or a twin configuration with two single beds and are larger at 50 square metres. A number of the rooms have internal views over the atrium and guests are therefore advised to state their preference when booking.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Executive single/double/twin 28

External over the Bur Dubai skyline

As per the Standard Room with the additional benefit of:
Sofa bed
Bathrobe
Slippers
Fresh fruit basket/juices/dates every day
Complimentary shaving kit/toiletries

 3 Adults or 2 Adults and 2 Children under 12 50
Cranley Comment
Executive Rooms have similar decor to Standard Rooms having either deep burgundy carpets and matching curtains or blue carpets and curtains, with both decor types featuring light gold/beige wallpaper with light wood furniture. The bathrooms have marble counters in a speckled light brown and black design with a recessed white sink. All bathroom types feature a combined bath and shower, bidet and a hairdryer. Executive Rooms additionally have a sofa bed and other luxuries such as a bathrobe and slippers, a shaving kit and toothbrush, whilst also being replenished daily with fresh fruit, dates and juices.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Falcon 8

External over the Bur Dubai skyline

As per the Executive Room with the added benefit of being larger with:
Separate lounge
Additional Satellite TV
3 Phones
Hot water jug
Scales
Wall mounted clothes dryer

 3 Adults or 2 Adults and 2 Children under 12 69
Cranley Comment
Falcon Suites have one king size bed and the same amenities as Executive Rooms, but with the added advantage of additional space and a higher grade of walnut furniture. Guests enter the Suite through the lounge/dining area, which has a deep red carpet. It is furnished with a three seat sofa, a coffee table and a walnut dining table with a glass top. Falcon Suites also have a standalone desk. A small inner hallway separates the lounge/dining room from the bedroom. The bathroom is also located off the hallway, which is about 20% larger than the bathrooms of the Standard and Executive Rooms. The bathroom has the same facilities as the Executive Room’s bathroom with the addition of scales. The bedroom is furnished with walnut furniture including an armchair and footrest, coffee table and dressing table.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Emiri 8

External over the Bur Dubai skyline

As per the Falcon Suite with the added benefit of being larger and with:
Separate WC
32 inch satellite television

 3 Adults or 2 Adults and 2 Children under 12 92
Cranley Comment
Emiri Suites have the same layout as Falcon Suites with a separate lounge and bedroom joined by an inner hallway and the bathroom located off the hallway. Emiri Suites however have the additional benefit of having a separate WC and a lounge that is 23 square metres larger than the Falcon Suite’s lounge. The suites are decorated in a similar style as Falcon Suites with walnut furniture.
Restaurants & Cafés
Number of Restaurants
 4
Restaurant Comments
The Capitol offers guests a choice of 4 dining options; Imperial Gardens is a classic Chinese restaurant with authentic décor, Bazerkan is a newly refurbished Lebanese restaurant on the roof terrace, Henry J Bean’s is a classic American restaurant and Atrium Café is an international restaurant where breakfast is served to hotel guests. The Xanadu night club and Savage Gardens restaurant/bar also offer dining.
  Imperial Gardens  
Restaurant Type Chinese
Restaurant Capacity 70 Inside
Opening Times Lunch: 12:30 to 15:30
Dinner: 18:30 to 00:30
Dress Codes Casual
Air-Conditioning Yes
Smoking Policy Non-smoking area
Children’s Facilities High chairs
Breakfast Options No
Cranley Comment
The restaurant is decorated in authentic Chinese style with dark wood and Chinese artifacts. On entering the restaurant there is a central staircase with an ornate wood balast rail which leads to three private dining rooms, with additional open plan seating on the ground floor. The restaurant serves a classic range of Chinese dishes.
  Bazerkan  
Restaurant Type Lebanese
Restaurant Capacity 130 Inside
Opening Times Lunch: 11:00 to 16:00
Dinner: 20:00 to 03:00
Dress Codes Smart casual
Air-Conditioning Yes
Smoking Policy Non-smoking area
Children’s Facilities High chairs
Breakfast Options No
Cranley Comment
The Bazerkan was refurbished in November 2005 and has been decorated to a very high standard with marble flooring and marble effect walls. The restaurant has hand painted murals depicting Lebanese scenes such as the old Souk market and coastal areas by artists from Lebanon to ensure authenticity. In addition to the murals there are also Venetian statues around the restaurant to add a historic perspective. Elsewhere there are Arabian style windows with hand painted gold detail on the cornices. Entertainment is provided every night from 21:30 with Lebanese singers and belly dancing as well as a DJ. Whilst the restaurant seats 130 it can be expanded using the outside pool terrace for functions. The restaurant serves classic Lebanese dishes and serves pool guests during the day.
  Henry J Bean’s  
Restaurant Type American
Opening Times 12:00 to 02:00
Dress Codes Casual
Air-Conditioning Yes
Smoking Policy Non-smoking area
Children’s Facilities High chairs available. Children under 6 eat for free and from ages 7 to 12 are charged 50%
Breakfast Options Non-smoking areas
Cranley Comment
The restaurant is part of the global franchise and is therefore decorated in keeping with other Henry J Bean’s restaurants with wood flooring, wood tables and chairs and American memorabilia on the walls with old sign posts and advertising hoardings. The restaurant is situated on two floors with the mezzanine level overlooking the dance floor. It has a number of TV’s on the walls showing sports events and a pool table near the bar. The restaurant hosts a number of theme nights and has a dance floor in front of a small stage where a DJ and live band play in the evenings.
  Atrium Coffee Shop  
Restaurant Type Atrium Coffee Shop
Restaurant Capacity International Cuisine
Opening Times Open from 06:00 to 02:00 for a la carte

Breakfast: 06:00 to 11:00
Lunch: 12:00 to 16:00
Dinner: 19:00 to 23:00
Dress Codes Casual
Air-Conditioning Yes
Smoking Policy Non-smoking areas
Children’s Facilities Children’s menu, high chairs, Children under 6 eat free
Breakfast Options Buffet and a la carte
Cranley Comment
Whilst called the Atrium coffee shop, the venue is in fact a full service restaurant offering a buffet at each of the main meals, as well as an a la carte menu option. It is located on mezzanine level at the rear of the hotel with views over the hotel lobby. It has a very high ceiling, lending a spacious feel to the restaurant. The décor is baronial/medieval with parquet flooring and wood panelled walls and ceilings.
Bars
Number of Bars
 1
  Savage Gardens  
Bar Type Latin American Night Club/Restaurant/Bar
Bar Capacity 86 Inside
Opening Times 19:00 to 03:00
Dress Codes Smart Casual
Air-Conditioning Yes
Admissions Policy Over 21's only
Cranley Comment
Savage Gardens is a bar/night club/restaurant venue with dining overlooking a dance floor and stage. It is decorated in a forest theme with a large artificial tree that doubles as structural support, whilst the mezzanine floor has a wood ballast rail with a log effect. Around the dance floor are chairs with leopard skin type coverings to add to the jungle theme. At the front is a stage where a band performs six nights a week starting at 22:00.
Business & Event Facilities
Wireless Internet No
In-Room Services Chargeable High speed Internet connection
Business Centre
The business centre is open from 09:00 to 21:00. It is located on the first floor within the central atrium with views over the Atrium cafe below, while the glass pyramid roof three floors above lends the centre a spacious feel together with natural light. The business centre comprises of a receptionist, 4 work stations with PC’s and internet access and 3 work stations without PC’s as well as a relaxing lounge area with four sofas. The business centre provides photocopying, faxing, scanning, courier and general secretarial services as well as high speed internet connection for guests with their own notebooks.
Meetings & Events
Banqueting facilities are available on the pool terrace next to the Bazerkan Restaurant and can accommodate up to 350 persons.
Cranley Comment
The hotel benefits from having a dedicated business centre located on the first floor with secretarial support. The centre has a number of internet connected computers with printing facilities. Whilst the hotel does not have wireless connectivity all rooms have high speed internet connectivity. There are also banqueting facilities for up to 350 available.
Children’s Facilities & Clubs
Restaurant Facilities See Restaurants
Babysitting service
Provided by hotel staff with 4 hours notice
Entertainment
  Evening Activities  
Xanadu Night Club Xanadu is an Arabic night club and restaurant located at the front of the hotel with a separate entrance. It is open from 21:00 to 03:00 and has live music as well as a DJ. There is also an a la carte dinner menu available.
Beaches
  Jumeirah Beach Park
     
Location 5 km
There is a complimentray shuttle bus once a day
Description Jumeirah Beach Park is a public beach open from 8:00 to 23:00. Visitors must pay a small charge to enter the beach area and sun loungers and parasols are available for hire. Visitors to the Jumeirah Beach Park should note that one day per week is designated as 'Ladies Only' day and they should check before visiting which day it is.
Private/Public Public
Size/Frontage The beach has a water frontage of about four hundred metres and is approximately twenty metres wide.
Facilities Facilities include showers, toilets, snack bar, sun loungers and parasols for hire, a children’s adventure playground and a grass area with barbeques and straw parasols.
Safety Lifeguards on duty.
Parking There is a small charge to bring your car into the park or there is complimentary car parking available nearby.
Cranley Comment
The Jumeirah Beach Park is a public beach with a small charge for entry. The beach park has a large beach with lifeguards, sun lounger and parasol hire, toilet facilities and a snack bar for cold drinks and fast food refreshments. There is a grassed area and an area planted with trees, where barbeques are available for public use. There are football goals and beach volleyball facilities on the beach in addition to an adventure type playground to keep younger children entertained.
Pools
  Roof Pool  
     
Opening Times 07:00 to 24:00
Temperature Temperature controlled at 28c
Depths Max: 2.3 metres
Min: 1.2 metres
Size Maximum of 15 metres by 10 metres
Facilities Molded plastic sun loungers
Wood parasols
Arabic style low level sofas
Cane tables and chairs
Pool bar
Showers
Changing facilities
Safety Lifeguard on duty
Cranley Comment
The rooftop pool has an irregular shape and is enclosed on three sides by the fitness centre’s walls. A terrace area surrounds the pool with the far side having five blue low level Arabic sofas seating up to 10 persons with shade provided by blue sail canopies. The sofas provide an ideal place for guests to relax and enjoy excellent views over the Sheikh Zayed Road development. The pool also has its own snack bar serving drinks and Lebanese dishes from the Bazerkan restaurant that flanks the pool terrace or alternatively guests can order from the room service menu.
Sports & Gym
  Gym & Health Club  
Opening Times
 07:00 to 24:00
Description The gym is equipped with Techno gym equipment:
2 Treadmills
1 Stepper
2 Bikes
6 Resistance machines
Free weights
TV

The following facilities are offered:
Massage
Sauna
Steam room
Solarium
Showers and locker room
Size Medium
Cranley Comment
The gym is located on rooftop level adjacent to the pool and is 13.7 metres by 6.4 metres in size. It has wood flooring with mirrors on three sides and a window. The gym has a range of equipment with a wall mounted television, while a fitness programme tailored to guests’ needs can be developed through consultation with the gym manager. Within the changing rooms are a sauna and steam room and outside of the changing rooms is a masage facility for basic massages.
Golf
  Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
Description
Opened in 1993 and extensively re-modelled in 2005, the course is set next to Dubai Creek, close to the city centre and Dubai International Airport. The championship course was re-designed by Thomas Bjorn and is set in undulating fairways lined with palms, attractive water hazards and shrubbery that give it a tropical and secluded feel despite being close to the city centre. The complex also features a nine hole floodlit par-three course. The course was voted in November 2005 as one of the top 100 world courses to play and hosted the Dubai Desert Classic in 1999 and 2000.
Location 5 km
Holes Two Courses: 18 Hole and 9 Hole
Length/Par 18 Hole Course: 6,839 Yards Par 71 sss 72
Facilities The centrepiece clubhouse is designed in the shape of a Dhow, making this one of Dubai’s landmark buildings. There is a golf academy with high tech studio, double ended driving range, six PGA qualified professionals and a comprehensive pro shop.
  Four Seasons Golf Club Dubai
Description
Opened in February 2005 the Four Seasons Golf Club Dubai continues to receive rave reviews about its design, condition and playability. This is a Robert Trent Jones II designed course, neighbouring the banks of the Dubai Creek and is only 2 minutes from Dubai Airport. The Four Seasons Golf Club provides a challenging round for seasoned golfers and assures recreational players a memorable experience. It features extensive use of water with 11 lakes and several smaller ponds with stunning views across the impressive Dubai Skyline.
Location 8 km
Holes 18
Length/Par 7,250 Yards Par 72 sss 74
Facilities Driving range
Practice areas
Special Needs
Communal Areas
The lobby area is generally flat with ramps where necessary to make it wheelchair friendly.
Rooms & Bathrooms
There is one room for special needs.
Restaurants & Catering
Access to Imperial Gardens and Henry J Beans is restricted.
Cranley Comment
The hotel has one special needs room which together with the ease of access around the hotel makes it a reasonably special needs friendly environment.
Environment
Cranley Comment
No specific policies in place
Capitol Hotel, Dubai, Report Details
6 January 2006
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