The Cranley Report

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City Centre Hotel by Sofitel
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    
City Centre Hotel by Sofitel, Dubai
Hotel Address
Deira City Centre Shopping Mall
P.O. Box 61871
Dubai
UAE
 

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Cranley Rating

Centre Hotel by Sofitel: Click to magnify
Photo 1 of 14. Click to enlarge
Hotel Summary
Category Hotel
Hotel Opened
 1998
Cranley Summary
The City Centre Hotel by sofitel is adjoined to the Deira City Shopping Centre complex and is situated in the Deira City Centre where ‘old’ meets ‘new’. There are a range of elegant guest rooms, suites and adjoining rooms to choose. The open mezzanine floor has a range of international restaurants and bars and they offer a menu of themed evenings throughout the year. The hotel has an extensive conference and banqueting area and also a ballroom with a range of meeting rooms, all leading from the conference reception area. The Sofitel Hotel has its own Lifestyle Health Club with a roof top swimming pool with stunning views over Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. The hotel is ideally located and has facilities for both the business and leisure traveller.
Hotel Location & Layout
Location Description
The hotel is located between Dubai International Airport and Deira; the old Dubai. Its location gives guests easy access to the array of shops and restaurants in Deira as well as the World Trade Centre conference facility which is just across the Creek. There are two golf courses within three km and horse racing at Nad Al Sheba. The hotel has direct access from its second floor to the City Centre shopping mall as well as into the neighboring City Bowling Alley.
Airports
Distance 3 km
Airport Transfers Taxi Transfers
Cities and Sights
Distance 3 km
City/Sight Transfers Taxi Transfers
Layout Description
Sofitel Hotel enjoys a contemporary design and has a front entrance leading directly into the lobby where the reception desks, shopping outlets and a rear entrance to the car park can be found. An entrance on the 2nd floor links directly into Dubai City Shopping Centre and Bowling Alley. The restaurants and bars are all situated on the open mezzanine level. The hotel has a rooftop swimming pool and bar and an adjoining health club and gym.
Lobby & Guest Relations
Open Hours
 24 hours
Languages Spoken Arabic, English, French, Russian, Indonesian
Payment Methods Major credit cards
Foreign Exchange 24 hours - all major currencies
Taxis Arranged Limousine transport and street taxis are available.
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 Guest Relations Desk
Concierge Services
 standard
Medical Facilities Doctor on call 24 hours
Trained first aid staff
Parking Complimentary valet parking
Cranley Comment
Guests arrive to check in at the reception desk which is located in the Lobby Lounge area. The lobby is decorated with an ornate chandelier and a model dhow in the centre area and there is an open staircase leading to the open mezzanine level. The Le Café lounge is situated in the lobby, serving a range of teas, coffees and pastries and is open 24 hours. There are 3 check-in desks, a concierge desk and guest relations desks in the lobby and ample seating area with porters to take care of luggage and arrange taxis.
Shops & Amenities
Description
La Beauty
Open: 10:00 to 22:00

Rimal Salon
Open: 10:30 to 14:00 & 17:30 to 19:30

Safa Journals & Prints
Open: 08:00 to 24:00

Avis Office
Open: 08:00 to 13:00 & 15:00 to 19:00
Cranley Comment
La Beauty is situated on the 6th floor offering a range of ladies hairdressing services and hair products. Rimal is a gents hairdressing salon situated in the lobby area and offers a range of cutting, beard trimming and treatments. Safa is a lobby shop selling newspapers, magazines, guide books, a range of toiletries, perfumes, local gifts and other essentials. The Avis office has a range of self-drive cars and chauffer driven cars available but guests are advised to make advanced reservations where possible.
Rooms, Suites & Villas
Number of Floors 11
Total Rooms 318
Elevators 4
Rooms per Elevator 80
Total Staff 280
Staff per Room 0.9
Check-in Time 15:00
Check-out Time 12:00
Late Checkout Subject to availability on request.
Smoking Rooms 3 non-smoking floors
Room Service 24 hours
Laundry Service Yes
Club or Executive Facilities
Executive floors are located on floors 9,10 and 11 with access to the Executive Lounge which is on the 10th floor. The Executive Lounge is furnished in traditional style with dark furniture and formal paintings and has floor to ceiling windows with stunning views of the Creek and the famous Dubai Creek Golf Club with its lush green fairways. Guests staying in qualifying rooms enjoy the following services: Complimentary american breakfast, VIP airport pick-up and drop-off, private check-in service from 07:00 to 23.00, open private bar 10:00 to 22:00, high speed internet access, refreshments throughout the day, selection of mini sandwiches & canapés throughout the day, multi-lingual secretarial services and 2 hrs complimentary use of the board room.
Cranley Comment
The rooms are accessed via a central lift shaft into light airy corridors. Sofitel have a range of luxury guest rooms, suites and adjoining rooms that have floor to ceiling windows with views over Dubai City or Dubai Creek and Golf Club. All rooms have an internet connection, bathrobes and in-room amenities.’ Guests staying on the Executive floor have use of the Executive lounge and the exclusive guest room Accor. The “my bed” service is available in the executive rooms and suites. Sofitel have dedicated non smoking rooms and floors.
  Type of Room, Views & Facilities
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Standard 98

City, Creek & Creek Golf Club

Safe
Mini Bar
Interactive Satellite TV
Bathrobe
High speed internet access (6th to 11th floors)
Complimentary Newspaper
Toiletries
Hairdryer

Complimentary Breakfast in the La Cite International Brasserie

City Plus Card offering 20% discount at hotel restaurants after 19:00 and selected Deira City Centre stores

 2 adults 29
Cranley Comment
Rooms are furnished in light wood and have floor to ceiling windows with views of the City and Creek. Rooms have a long desk/vanity unit with a mirror and have ample mirrored wardrobe space and drawers. The bathrooms have overhead showers and ornate marble washbasin and vanity area.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Deluxe 99

City, Creek & Creek Golf Club

As per the standard rooms plus:
Double bathrobes
VIP in-room amenities.

 2 adults 33
Cranley Comment
Deluxe Rooms are the same layout as the Standard rooms, but are larger and guests staying in these rooms have the additional benefit of a welcome drink voucher, VIP in-room amenities and double bathrobes.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Family 4

City, Creek & Creek Golf Club

As per standard rooms

 2 adults and 2 children 35
Cranley Comment
Family rooms are furnished in light wood with floor to ceiling windows enjoying views of the City and Creek. Rooms have a long desk and vanity unit with mirrors and ample mirrored wardrobe space and drawers. The bathrooms have overhead showers and ornate marble washbasin and vanity area. Family rooms are decorated in a contemporary style with ample desk area for the business traveler and an area with chairs and coffee table. There is a sofa bed that can sleep 2 children.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Superior 6

City, Creek & Creek Golf Club

As per standard rooms plus:
Double bathrobes
VIP in-room amenities

2 adults 33
Cranley Comment
Superior Rooms are furnished in light wood and have floor to ceiling windows with views of the City and Creek. They have a long desk and vanity unit with mirrors and ample mirrored wardrobe space and drawers. The bathrooms have overhead showers and ornate marble washbasin and vanity areas. Guests staying in these rooms have the added benefit of a more spacious room, VIP in-room amenities and double bathrobes. Superior Rooms are more spacious, with a sofa, and have superior décor and additional touches.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Executive 96

City, Creek & Creek Golf Club

As per standard rooms plus:
Facilities of the Executive Lounge:
Safe
VIP in-room amenities
High speed internet access
Dates and fruit basket in room
Tea and coffee making facilities
Exclusive gift of Roger Gallet Perfume
Fax machine

 2 adults 30
Cranley Comment
Rooms are furnished in light wood and have floor to ceiling windows with views of the City and Creek. They have a long desk and vanity unit with mirrors and ample mirrored wardrobe space and drawers. The bathrooms have overhead showers and ornate marble washbasin and vanity area. Guests staying in executive rooms have full use of the Executive Lounge with all its office and computer facilities. Complimentary light snacks and beverages are served throughout the day and there is an open bar in the evening. The executive club rooms are spacious and have the benefit of the special ‘my bed’ with feather pillows and duvet.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Junior Suite 8

City, Creek & Creek Golf Club

As per executive rooms.

 2 adults 48
Cranley Comment
Junior Suites are open plan and furnished in light wood with a separate desk complete with fax and computer terminal. The lounge area has corner floor to ceiling French windows leading to a private balcony and has floor to ceiling curtains that separate the bedroom from the lounge. The bedroom has a floor to ceiling window and corner mirrored vanity unit. The bathroom has a walk-in shower and ornate marble washbasin and mirrored vanity areas. Guests staying in the Junior Suites enjoy the facilities and services of the Executive Lounge.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Executive Suite 6

City, Creek & Creek Golf Club

As per executive rooms

 4 adults 67
Cranley Comment
Executive Suites have 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a separate lounge. The suites are furnished in a contemporary style in light wood with floor to ceiling windows. The principle bedroom features a dressing and vanity area and the principle bathroom has an ornate marble washbasins/vanity area which features a separate shower and separate wc. The lounge has French windows leading to a private balcony. Guests staying in the executive suites have full use of all the facilities in the Executive Lounge.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Presidential Suite 1

City, Creek & Creek Golf Club

As per executive rooms plus:
Walk in shower
Kitchenette
Serparate lounge
Separate WC
Baclony

 4 adults 141
Cranley Comment
The Presidential Suite has a separate lounge/dinning room and a kitchenette and is furnished in modern minimalist style dark wood. The principle bedroom has a walk-in shower and separate wc. The lounge is furnished in traditional style with dark furniture and formal paintings and has floor to ceiling French windows leading to the balcony with stunning views of the Creek and the Dubai Creek Golf Club with its lush green fairways. Guests have full use of the Executive Lounge with all its facilities including soft drinks and light snacks throughout the day and serving alcohol from 19:00.
Restaurants & Cafés
Number of Restaurants
 3
  Le Cafe  
Restaurant Type Lounge Café
Restaurant Capacity Total 40 (Inside and Outside)
Opening Times 24 hours
Dress Codes Casual
Air-Conditioning Yes
Smoking Policy Non-smoking areas
Children’s Facilities No
Breakfast Options Tea, coffee and pastries
Cranley Comment
Le Café is situated in the Lobby and has a patisserie serving a range of teas, coffees, soft drinks, light snacks, pastries and cookies. It is furnished in keeping with lobby style with leather chairs and sofas on marble floors and between marble pillars.
  La Cite  
Restaurant Type International
Restaurant Capacity Total 135 inside
Opening Times 06:00 to 01:00
Dress Codes Smart casual
Air-Conditioning Yes
Smoking Policy Non-smoking area
Children’s Facilities High chairs and children’s menu
Breakfast Options Breakfast buffet with cooking stations
Cranley Comment
La Cite is an International restaurant and offers themed international evenings serving a range of foods from the a la carte menu. It is decorated in a theme of an international shipping liner with large porthole shaped windows and has stunning views overlooking the city, Dubai Creek and Dubai Golf Club. The restaurant opens directly onto the mezzanine floor and is shaded by tropical plants.
  La Villa  
Restaurant Type European/Italian
Restaurant Capacity Total 70, 40 Inside, 30 terrace
Opening Times Lunch: 12.30 to 15:00
Dinner: 19:30 to 01:00
Dress Codes Smart
Air-Conditioning Yes
Smoking Policy Non-smoking area
Children’s Facilities No
Breakfast Options No
Cranley Comment
La Villa restaurant is decorated in the style of an Italian Villa with frescos and offers a menu of pastas and a fine range of European dishes. At lunch time the chef prepares a buffet where guests can enjoy a range of freshly cooked pastas, a variety of main courses and a good range of deserts. In the evenings guests can choose from the a la carte menu. La Villa has themed evenings serving raclette, a dish from the mountain regions of Europe.
Bars
Number of Bars
 3
  Martini Lounge  
Bar Type European Themed Bar
Bar Capacity Total 60
Opening Times 12:00 to 01:00
Dress Codes Smart Casual
Air-Conditioning Yes
Smoking Policy Non-smoking area
Admissions Policy Children allowed
Cranley Comment
European themed cocktail bar decorated in a European style with a stone water feature, potted urns and open trellis arches. The wooden ceiling features ceiling fans and martini themed paintings adorn the walls. The bar is decorated with frescos and offers guests the opportunity to sit on high chairs at the bar or enjoy a drink at the intimate tables. The bar serves a range of more than 50 specialty Martinis, classic cocktails, wines and spirits and offers a light snack menu which includes Tori, Nachos, smoked salmon and other snacks while enjoying the piano music in the evenings.
  Churchill's  
Bar Type Englisg Pub
Bar Capacity total 100 inside
Opening Times 12:00 to 02:00
Dress Codes Smart Casual
Air-Conditioning Yes
Smoking Policy No non-smoking area
Admissions Policy Over 21's only
Cranley Comment
Decorated in the style of an old English Pub with a carved wooden bar, ornate mirrors and decorated with old photographs, paintings and drawings of Winston Churchill. The pub offers a range of light snacks, salads, sandwiches, deserts and an extensive range of draft beers. There is a snooker room with 2 snooker tables furnished in traditional leather furniture.
  Calypso  
Bar Type Pool Bar & Grill
Bar Capacity Total 28
Opening Times 10:00 to 21:00
Dress Codes Casual/Swimwear
Air-Conditioning Yes
Smoking Policy No-non-smoking area's
Admissions Policy Children’s menu
Cranley Comment
The Calypso Grill is situated by the roof top swimming pool on the 6th floor. It’s a circular bar where guests can sit on high stools around the bar-top or in the separate outside eating area. The bar area is decorated with an underwater feature fresco. Barbecue lunch is served every Friday from midday to 15:00.
Business & Event Facilities
Wireless Internet Wireless internet is available in all public areas of the hotel. Charge cards can be purchased from reception.
In-Room Services High speed internet
Interactive TV
Desk working area
Business Centre
The business centre is equipped with the following facilities: 6 Computer Terminals, Printers, Photocopier, Fax
Meetings & Events
10 meeting rooms are available as well as a common pre-function room, a spacious ballroom for up to 500 guests and partition capability for adjusting size. Available equipment includes:

Flipchart, Podium with light, OHP Nobo 490, Laser Printer, Nokia TVs: 21 inch and 24 inch, VCR Hitachi Pro System, Electric Board: Panasonic, Slide Projector: Kindermann, Slide Projector: Kodak 35, Barcodata 2100 Multimedia projector, Epsom Emp 7250 Multimedia projector, Dell computer, Toshiba Laptop, Standard Screen: 1.75m, Giant Screen: 3m x 3m, CD Player, Tape recorder, Handheld Microphone: ShureSM 58, Stand Microphone: Crown LM300A, Conference Flat Microphone: Crown PZN 30D, 2 Cordless Microphones: Shure SM.58 Lapel Microphone: Shure LX-1
Cranley Comment
The meeting and banqueting facilities are based on the 2nd floor. There is a pre-meeting reception area with access to all the meeting rooms. The facilities are multi functional and can be divided into various configurations to accommodate conferences and meeting requirements. From the Banqueting area there is direct access onto the City Centre Bowling Alley and City Centre Shopping Arcade.
Children’s Facilities & Clubs
Restaurant Facilities See Restaurants
Babysitting service
A baby sitting service is available on request.
Beaches
  Jumeirah Beach Park
     
Location 6km
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
  Rooftop Pool  
     
Opening Times 07:00 to 22:00
Temperature Teperature controlled at 30c
Depths Max 1.8m, Min 1.6m
Size 22 metres long
Facilities Luxury sun loungers and tables with sunshades. Bar area serving salads, Barbecue meals, sandwiches, ice cream and desserts, hot and cold drinks, beverages and alcoholic drinks from 11:00 to 21:00
Safety Lifeguard on duty
Cranley Comment
Situated on the 6th floor, the roof top swimming pool has planted areas surrounded by sun loungers. The Calypso bar has a circular serving area and is decorated with underwater frecos, serving a light menu of snacks and hot & cold beverages.
Sports & Gym
  Gym & Health Club  
Opening Times
 06:30 to 23:00
Description Studio offering a range of classes including classic aerobics, cardio pump, basic step, circuit training, core/balance, ABS solution and kickboxing.

Gym equipment includes:
3 Running machines
2 Free Runners
6 Bicycles
17 Resistance machines
Free weights

Sauna
Steamroom
Size Large
Cranley Comment
The Gym is situated in the Lifestyle Health Club with ladies and gents changing rooms and separate ladies and gents steam room and sauna. The gym is well equipped with a good range of equipment and guests are encouraged to have a complimentary assessment by the resident personal trainer. Located at rooftop level with ceiling to floor windows guests can appreciate the stunning views of Dubai Creek and Dubai Creek Golf Club and Yacht Club.
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 Adjacent to the hotel
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.
Special Needs
Communal Areas
Wheelchair access available
Rooms & Bathrooms
3 rooms available with disabled facilities
Restaurants & Catering
Wheelchair access available
Cranley Comment
Disabled access is available throughout the hotel but there is no direct access for disabled guests to the shopping arcade or bowling alley. These would have to be approached via the main arcade entrance or through the car park adjoining the hotel.
Environment
Measures
 Recycling
Energy Saving
Community Service
Cranley Comment
The hotel is a member of the Emirates Environmental Group. There is a recycle programme for collecting paper, cans and cardboard and the hotel is involved in the nationwide clean-up campaign. Staff are trained in environmental awareness and the hotel installed water saving devices and water saving showerheads in 2004. In 2006 they will be establishing a collection centre for plastic bottles and other plastic.
City Centre Hotel by Sofitel, Dubai, Report Details
5 January 2006
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