The Cranley Report

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City Centre Residences 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 Residences by Sofitel, Dubai
Hotel Address
Deira City Centre Shopping Mall
PO Box 61871
Dubai
UAE
 

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Cranley Rating

City Centre Residences by Sofitel: Click to magnify
Photo 1 of 18. Click to enlarge
Hotel Summary
Category Apartment Hotel
Hotel Opened
 1998
Cranley Summary
The City Centre Residence by sofitel is located next to the City Centre Hotel and adjoins the City Centre Shopping Centre complex and is situated near Deira City Centre. The one, two and three bedroom suites are located over eleven floors and have their own entrance, front desk and concierge facilities. Guests of the suites have access to all the hotel facilities which include a range of bars and international restaurants which offer themed evenings throughout the year. Located in the middle of the Hotel and Suites is the Lifestyle Health Club with a roof top swimming pool with stunning views over Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. The suites are ideally located and have facilities for both the business and leisure traveller.
Hotel Location & Layout
Location Description
The Suites are 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 kilometers 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 direct access into the neighboring City Bowling Alley.
Airports
Distance 3 km
Airport Transfers Taxi
Cities and Sights
Distance 3 km
City/Sight Transfers Taxi
Layout Description
The Suites have there own entrance set back from the main road. Guests enter the lobby area where there are some sofas to relax at and a front desk to check guests in and out. The lift bank is next to the front desk. All the retaurant and bar facilities are located at the adjoining Sofitel hotel which can be accessed via the connecting roof top pool or a short two minute walk.
Lobby & Guest Relations
Open Hours
 24 hours
Languages Spoken Arabic and English
Payment Methods All 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 Standard
Concierge Services
 Standard
Medical Facilities Doctor on call 24 hours
Trained first aid staff
Parking Complimentary valet parking
Cranley Comment
The residences have a dedicated reception desk but guests can also take advantage of the facilities of the main hotel.
Shops & Amenities
Description
Located at the Hotel:

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: 8:00 to 24:00

Avis Office
Open: 8:00 to 13:00 & 15:00 to 19:00
Cranley Comment
La Beauty is situated on the 6th floor of the hotel and offers a range of ladies hairdressing services and hair products. Rimal is a gents hairdressing salon situated in the lobby area of the hotel and offers a range of cutting, beard trimming and treatments. Safa is the hotel 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 112
Elevators 2
Rooms per Elevator 56
Check-in Time 15.00
Check-out Time 12.00
Late Checkout Subject to availability
Smoking Rooms Non-smoking rooms available
Room Service 24 hours
Laundry Service Same day return if dropped off before 09.00
Cranley Comment
The Apartments come in one, two and three bedroom’s and are all decorated in the same style with light wood parquet flooring and carpeted bedrooms. They come with a satellite television in the lounge and master bedroom but not the additional bedrooms in the two and three bedroom options. Each room type has a separate kitchen area with washing machine and cooking facilities. The higher suites naturally have the better views over the city centre and creek golf course with the lower rooms overlooking the top of the shopping mall.
  Type of Room, Views & Facilities
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
One Bedroom 26

City View

Separate bathroom
Lounge/dinning room
Kitchenette
Washing machine
Dinning table for four
2 satellite televisions
Complimentary newspaper
Iron and ironing board
Safe
Hairdryer

 3 Adults or 2 Adults and 2 Children under 12
Cranley Comment
The One Bedroom Suite comprises of a lounge/dinning area, separate bathroom, open plan kitchen and a bedroom. The lounge is fitted with parquet flooring and dark wood contemporary furniture and has a dinning table and four chairs as well as a two seater sofa, armchair, coffee table and satellite television. The kitchenette has white units and tiling on the walls and floor and comes with a hob, microwave, fridge and washing machine. The bathroom hs white sanitry wear and comprises of a combined shower and bath, as well as a bidet. The bedroom is carpeted and has a dressing table and mirror.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Two Bedroom 49

City View

As per the one bedroom plus:
Additional bedroom
Entrance hallway

 5 Adults or 3 Adults and 2 Children under 12
Cranley Comment
The Two Bedroom Suite comprises of a lounge/dining area, separate bathroom, open plan kitchen and two bedrooms. The lounge is fitted with parquet flooring and dark wood contemporary furniture and has a dinning table and four chairs as well as a two seater sofa, armchair, coffee table and satellite television. The kitchenette has white units and tiling on the walls and floor and comes with a hob, microwave, fridge and washing machine. The bathroom has white sanitry wear and comprises of a combined shower and bath, as well as a bidet. The bedrooms are carpeted and has dressing tables and mirrors.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Three Bedroom 27

City View

As per the one bedroom plus:
Two additional bedrooms
Entrance hallway
Additional bathroom
WC

 7 Adults or 5 Adults and 2 Children under 12
Cranley Comment
The Three Bedroom Suite comprises of a lounge/dinning area, master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, separate bathroom, WC, open plan kitchen and two further bedrooms. The lounge is fitted with parquet flooring and dark wood contemporary furniture and has a dinning table and four chairs as well as a two seater sofa, armchair, coffee table and satellite television. The kitchenette has white units and tiling on the walls and floor and comes with a hob, microwave, fridge and washing machine. The bathroom comprises of a combines shower and bath, as well as a bidet and has white sanitary wear. The master bedroom is carpeted and has a dressing table and mirror.
Restaurants & Cafés
Number of Restaurants
 3
  Le Cafe  
Restaurant Type Lounge Café
Restaurant Capacity 40 (Inside and Outside)
Opening Times 24 hours
Dress Codes Casual
Air-Conditioning Yes
Smoking Policy Non-smoking area
Children’s Facilities None
Breakfast Options None
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.
  La Cite  
Restaurant Type International
Restaurant Capacity Total 135 inside
Opening Times 18:00 to 1:00
Dress Codes Smart Casual
Air-Conditioning Yes
Smoking Policy Non-smoking areas
Children’s Facilities High chairs and Children’s menu
Breakfast Options Full buffet breakfast
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 Mezzanine Terrace
Opening Times Lunch: 12.30 to 15:00
Dinner: 19:30 to 1:00
Dress Codes Smart
Smoking Policy Non-smoking areas
Children’s Facilities None
Breakfast Options None
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 inside
Opening Times 12:00 to 01:00
Dress Codes Smart
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 English Pub
Bar Capacity Total 150 inside
Opening Times 12:00 to 02:00
Dress Codes Smart Casual
Air-Conditioning Yes
Smoking Policy No non-smoking areas
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 150 inside
Opening Times 10:00 to 21:00
Dress Codes Casual/Swimwear
Air-Conditioning Yes
Smoking Policy No non-smoking areas
Admissions Policy Children’s menu available
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 Lobby only
In-Room Services Dial up only.
Business Centre
The business centre in the hotel 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 of the hotel. 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 ideally with six hours notice.
Entertainment
  Evening Activities  
Cranley Comment
See bars and restaurants
Beaches
  Jumeirah Beach Park
     
Location 6 km
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 Top Pool  
     
Opening Times 07:00 to 22:00
Temperature Temperature controlled at 30c
Depths Max 1.8m Min 1.6m
Size 22m 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
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
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.
Spa
Cranley Comment
See gym/healthclub
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 Residences 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 Residences by Sofitel, Dubai, Report Details
19th Janaury 2006
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