Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City, Dubai

The Cranley Report

Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City

Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City, Dubai

Hotel Address

Dubai Festival City
P.O.Box 7189
Dubai
UAE

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Cranley Rating

Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City

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Hotel Summary

Category

Hotel

Hotel Opened

2008

Cranley Summary

Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City is situated on the banks of the Creek in downtown Dubai. There are 316 well appointed guest rooms and suites offering views over the city skyline. Within the hotel there are 2 restaurants, a lounge café and 24 hour room service. Leisure options include an outdoor 25m outdoor temperature controlled swimming pool, spa pools, 24 hour gym and access to Spa InterContinental in the adjacent InterContinental Dubai Festival City. The hotel is connected via an internal link to the Festival Centre, a world-class shopping centre with over 550 retail outlets, 90 restaurants and cafés, to a luxury marina via a waterfront promenade, and to two 18-hole championship golf courses located minutes away. Dubai attractions are within a 30 minute journey, including the Burj Al Arab, Burj Dubai, Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates and Wild Wadi. The Jumeirah Beach Park and Mamzar Beach Park are the closest beaches to the hotel.

Hotel Location & Layout

Location Description

Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City is adjacent to InterContinental Dubai Festival City located at the heart of Dubai Festival City’s shopping, dining, and entertainment district. The entrance is the first service road upon entering the hotel roundabout. To the left of the hotel, in an adjoining building, is The Event Centre, which connects Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City to InterContinental Dubai Festival City. To the back of the hotel is the luxury Marina where you can enjoy quiet walks along the creek and watch the boats go by. The hotel is also connected to the shopping centre. The hotel is approximately 10 minutes from the Trade Centre, Dubai International Airport and Dubai City Centre. The main tourist attractions, including the Burj Al Arab, Burj, Ski Dubai and Wild Wadi are within a 30 minute drive.

Airports
Distance	6 km
Airport Transfers	Chargeable taxi and limousine service available.

Cities and Sights
Distance	3 km
City/Sight Transfers	Chargeable taxi and limousine service available.

Layout Description

Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City is the first entrance you pass on entering the hotel roundabout. Upon arrival, guests are taken through the main entrance into an open plan lobby. To the left of the lobby are the lifts to the guest bedrooms and the corridor leading to the Business Centre and the Event Centre. Past the reception is the entrance to the Belgian Beer Café and to the back of the lobby is Mazar, the lobby cafe. There is outdoor seating with views of the waterfront area on the Mazar terrace and Belgian Beer Cafe terrace. Zaytoun restaurant, the gym and swimming facilities are located on the 5th floor. Guest rooms are located on floors 6 to 19 and are accessed via the lifts in the lobby.

Lobby & Guest Relations

Open Hours	24 hours
Languages Spoken	There are 52 nationalities working at the hotel. Languages spoken include Afrikaans, Arabic, Chinese, Czech, Dutch, English, French, German, Hindi, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Slovak, Spanish, Swahili, Tagalog.
Payment Methods	All major credit cards and cash accepted.
Foreign Exchange	24 hours All major currencies exchanged Exchange rates are commissionable.
Taxis Arranged	Public taxis are called by the doorman and there are often several waiting. Hotel taxis and cars are chargeable.
Tours Arranged	Al Futtaim Travel has an office in the InterContinental Dubai Festival City, two minutes walk away. Guests should direct requests to the Concierge who can facilitate arrangements for a full range of tours and tailor made packages which include: Abu Dhabi City Tours Al Ain City Tours Camel Riding Desert Safaris Dhow Tours Dinner Cruises Dubai City Tours Fishing Trips Liwa Full Day Safaris Night At The Races Oman Dhow Tour Sand Skiing Sharjah and Ajman City Tours Snorkelling or Scuba Diving Wadi Hatta or Hajar Mountains

Guest Relations	Standard services. Guests staying in suites are provided with a personal hotelier who will look after all requirements.
Concierge Services	The Concierge is on hand 24 hours a day and will assist guests with any arrangements including restaurant reservations, limousines, car rental, airport transfers.
Medical Facilities	On call doctors are available. Please contact reception for help. Staff are trained to administer first aid for minor incidents.
Parking	There are 634 complimentary dedicated spaces for the hotel, and direct underground access to 8000 spaces at the Waterfront Centre. Valet parking is available. The parking is controlled by access gates and parking is equipped with lights.

Cranley Comment

The lobby is open plan with a black and white marble reception desk and cream marble flooring. Dark red and brown tones are found throughout whilst the lobby lounge cafe is furnished with a diamond shaped red and gold carpet in addition to dark wood seats and tables. Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City offers standard Concierge and Guest Relations services and the 24 hour Business Centre which offers secretarial services, is located to the left of the lobby. Free wireless internet access is available for all guests throughout the public area. Whilst smoking is prohibited in all areas of the lobby and guest floors, guests can smoke outside on the lobby terrace. The lobby lounge cafe serves snack food 24 hours a day.

Shops & Amenities

Cranley Comment

Shops can be found only a few minutes walk away at the Festival Centre, a shopping centre with over 500 shops and 90 restaurants where guests will find everything from electronics, clothing, books, international stores and Arabic speciality shops. There is also a travel shop, flower shop and sundries shop located in the InterContinental lobby area next door.

Rooms, Suites & Villas

Number of Floors	19
Total Rooms	316
Elevators	3
Rooms per Elevator	105
Total Staff	1,200
Staff per Room	0

Check-in Time	14:00
Check-out Time	12:00
Late Checkout	Subject to availability and on request till 16:00. Chargeable.
Smoking Rooms	All bedrooms are non smoking.
Room Service	24 hours providing a range of breakfast, lunch and dinner options.
Laundry Service	A next day, same day and express laundry service and dry cleaning service is provided 7 days a week. Garments received by 09:00 will be returned by 18:00. Garments received after 09:00 will be returned the next day by 12:00. 3hr 'Express Service' is available on request from 09:00 - 16:00. Pressing service is available daily from 07:00 to 19:00. Overnight pressing is available 7 days a week with a guaranteed return by 07:30 the next day. 1hr pressing service is available.

Cranley Comment

The Crowne Plaza Festival City has 316 rooms, 18 of which are suites. All guest rooms and suites have been decorated in a contemporary style with a colour scheme of natural beige, cream and red. Solid wood furniture with a dark finish, together with is used to complement the decor. All rooms have views of the Dubai skyline or Dubai creek and are equipped with up-to-date electrical equipment and gadgets including touch-switch lights above beds, iPod docking stations and movable LCD screens so you can watch TV from anywhere in the room. The bathrooms within the guest rooms are particularly unusual as they are glass fronted allowing you to see in and out of them when the blinds are up. The two unique Bridal and CEO suites have additional pantries facilities, lounge and dining areas for entertaining.

Type of Room, Views & Facilities

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Superior	107	Garden	Electronic locking system Viewfinder spy hole Security chain Individually controlled air conditioning Work desk with lamp Desk level electrical outlet Electrical adapters available Power converters available Spare electrical outlet at desk Phone with voice mail Two-line phone World Link - power and phone/internet connector Direct dial phone with speaker High speed internet access (chargeable) 3 pin square British sockets 2 pin round European sockets 3 pin small round sockets Cable / satellite television Plasma colour television on movable stand CD / DVD player i-pod docking station with radio Complimentary morning newspaper delivered to room Coffee and tea making facilities Mini bar Fibre optic reading lights All lights can be controlled from bed side Double closet Suitcase stand Crib (on request) Large double glazed windows In room safe large enough for laptop Iron / ironing board Rollaway bed/cot Trouser press Turndown service (on request) Down duvet Hyper allergenic pillows Bathrobe Slippers Bathtub with fitted jet shower over Bidet Hairdryer Single vanity basin Bathroom scale Shaving / make up mirror Shaving point Telephone in bathroom Television speakers in bathroom Rollaway bed (on request and chargeable) 26 Interconnecting rooms	2 adults and 1 child under 12 yrs old	32 - 36

Cranley Comment

There are 93 Superior guest bedrooms with king size beds and 14 with twin beds, all of which have a city view aspect. Each Superior guest room is accessed via an electronic key card. On entry you will pass the bathroom and the large closet, opening into a large space where the sleeping area, sofa and desk are located. The décor is contemporary in natural browns and beige with deep mauve, red and blue touches for the bed throw and sofa. The large dark brown head board features prominently in the room and is complemented by the dark wooden desk. The bathroom has a large glass front allowing you to see in and out of the bathroom when the blind is up. There is a single vanity basin unit, a large bathtub with overhead shower, bidet and toilet in an open plan layout. The décor is contemporary with natural beige colours, a marble bath, dark marble surfaces and chrome fittings.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Deluxe	111	Creek	As for Superior Room 36 Interconnecting rooms	2 adults and 1 child under 12 yrs	32 - 36

Cranley Comment

There are 76 Deluxe guest bedrooms with king size beds and 35 with twin beds, all of which have a creek view aspect and are located on floors 6 to 14. Identical to the Superior room in layout and design, décor again is contemporary in natural browns and beige with deep mauve, light red and blue touches. The large window is the length of the back wall of the room with the seating area and desk in front allowing you to watch the boats on the creek. The blackout curtains also allow for complete privacy should you wish to keep the glass fronted bathroom blinds up. Crisp white linen covers the bed with a contrasting dark red throw and dark headboard. It is possible to watch television from anywhere in the room as the plasma television is on a movable stand and the latest iPod docking station allows you to listen to your own music if you bring your iPod with you.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Executive	60	Creek	As for Deluxe guest room. Interconnecting rooms: 20	2 adults and 1 child under 12 yrs	32 - 36

Cranley Comment

There are 40 Executive guest bedrooms with king size beds and 20 with twin beds, all of which have a creek view aspect and are located on floors 15-19. Identical to the Superior room in layout and design, the décor is contemporary in natural browns and beige. The open glass fronted bathroom is also contemporary with a beige marble bath and chrome tap fittings. The bathroom suite, towels, bathrobes and slippers are white, in keeping with the contemporary feel. This also follows into the bedroom where crisp white bedding covers the hyper allergenic pillows and down duvet. The bedroom space is split into a sleeping area, sitting area and workspace with complimentary magazines and newspapers provided for guests.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Executive Plus	20	Creek	As for the Executive guest room with the added benefit of: Extra space	2 adults and 2 children under 12 yrs	42

Cranley Comment

There are 46 Executive Plus guest bedrooms, all with creek view aspect. These rooms are identical in layout and design to the Executive guest bedrooms, with the added benefit of 8m² larger floor area, which can be used for additional child occupancy. The Executive Plus guest bedroom is accessed via an electronic key card. From the corridor leading into the main room area, you can access the large closet and the bathroom. In the main room area you will find a king size bed and space either side of it for roll away beds or cribs, which can be requested from the reception. In keeping with the other guest bedrooms, the two-seater sofa and workspace are located by the window. The décor is contemporary in natural browns and beige with deep mauve, red and blue touches for the cushions and bed throw. The bathroom is glass fronted with a white electric blind, controlled from the bathroom. There is a single vanity basin unit, a large bathtub with overhead shower, bidet and toilet in an open plan layout.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Superior One Bedroom Suite	16	Creek	As for the Executive Plus guest room with the added benefit of: Separate bedroom Extra space Large two seater sofa Glass top coffee table 2 armchairs Double vanity basin in bathroom Walk-in separate Rain Shower Separate Toilet Closet	2 adults and 2 children under 12 yrs old	87

Cranley Comment

There are 16 Superior One Bedroom suites with 14 king size beds and 2 with twin beds. At over double the size of the Executive Plus guest rooms, these suites offer a separate living space for entertaining or relaxing. Located off the bedroom, the living room is open plan with a large sofa and two armchairs in dark grey upholstery, featuring a low level glass top coffee table with a metal silver frame. Large framed pictures are contemporary with red and yellow colouring. In the corner of the room is a wooden top lamp table complete with lamp for delicate lighting. The bedroom is identical in layout and design to the Superior and Executive guest rooms and the television is again mounted on a movable stand making it easy for you to watch television from anywhere in the room. The bathroom is significantly larger, with an extra vanity basin. As with other guest bedrooms the bathroom has a glass front allowing you to see in and out of the bathroom.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Bridal Suite	1	Creek	As for Superior One Bedroom Suite with the added benefit of: Additional space Chaise Longue in bedroom Mirror above dressing table Double vanity basin Separate rain shower Walk-in wardrobe Dining table with 6 chairs Sideboard Separate lounge area 2 large sofas Coffee table 2 high level drinks tables 2 high-back arm chairs Pantry Guest toilet	2 adults and 2 children under 12 yrs old	124

Cranley Comment

There are two large suites at the Crowne Plaza Festival City which have been specially adapted. The Bridal Suite as the name suggests has been designed with honeymooners in mind. The entrance opens into a large living space with white and cream décor, where you will find separate lounge and dining spaces. The round white wood dining table with six high backed chairs is ideal for entertaining. Located next to the table is a white wood sideboard with storage space. The lounge area offers a variety of comfortable seating with two large round back sofas, large enough to recline on and two high backed armchairs. There is a central coffee table and two high level drinks tables either side of the sofas. The kitchenette is located to one side of the living area with coffee and tea making facilities, cutlery and utensils. To the other side of the living space you will find a large walk-in wardrobe leading to the bedroom. Decorated in white and cream, with natural dark wood touches, dark brown throws and cushions the bedroom has a dressing table area and a chaise longue for resting. The television is on a movable stand so that you can watch television from anywhere in the room. Off the bedroom is the bathroom with Jacuzzi, double vanity unit and separate rain shower with ample space for two guests to use at the same time.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
CEO Suite	1	Creek	As for Bridal Suite.	2 adults and 2 children under 12 yrs old	124

Cranley Comment

The CEO Suite is designed for corporate executives with space for entertaining and informal meetings. Identical in layout to the Bridal Suite, the CEO suite differs in functionality and décor. The living space has a large dark wood rectangular table with six high back chairs. Lounge seating is provided by two large sofas and two armchairs set up in a u-style with a large central coffee table. The décor is cream, gold and brown, making the room look more prestigious and official. The kitchenette is located to one side of the living area with coffee and tea making facilities, cutlery and utensils. To the other side of the living space you will find a large walk-in wardrobe leading to the bedroom. Decorated in gold, brown and cream, the bedroom features a large light wood dressing table and cream chaise longue for resting. The bathroom has black marble surfaces and two vanity basin units. There is also a separate shower room with rain shower.

Restaurants & Cafés

Number of Restaurants

Restaurant Comments

There are 3 food outlets offering a selection of dining options in the Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City. The Mazar lobby lounge is located on the lobby level and offers refreshments and pastries whilst the Belgian Beer Café, also on the lobby level, is open during lunch and dinner, and offers authentic European cuisine. Zaytoun, the eclectic all day dining restaurant, is located on the 5th floor and covers Arabic, Italian, French and Asian cuisines for breakfast, lunch and dinner. At the adjacent InterContinental Dubai Festival City, you will find five further restaurants and there is also a choice of over 90 food outlets at the Festival Centre, a few minutes away.

Belgian Beer Café

Restaurant Type	European Cafe
Restaurant Capacity	180 persons (140 indoor, 40 outdoor)
Opening Times	Open daily from 17:00 to 02:00 Open for lunch on Tuesday-Saturday from 12:00 to 15:00
Dress Codes	Casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	Smoking permitted
Children’s Facilities	The Belgian Beer Café can cater for children and offers suitable snack foods; however, it is not an ideal location for young children as this is a licensed bar and smoking is permitted.

Cranley Comment

Mazar is the lobby lounge located on the lobby level of Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City. Outside you will find a terrace with space for 30 guests. Indoors the lounge area is decorated with dark wood furniture, cream, red and beige upholstery and cushions with a large diamond patterned red, gold and cream carpet. The deck area is furnished with garden style furniture and umbrellas, with heaters for cooler evenings. Low level seating and tables make this an ideal place for quick refreshments, including freshly ground coffee and light snacks such as pastries or sweets. Many business travellers also use this area for informal meetings.

Mazar

Restaurant Type	Lobby Lounge
Restaurant Capacity	110 persons (80 indoors, 30 outdoors)
Opening Times	Daily 08:00 to 23:00
Dress Codes	Casual

Smoking Policy	Smoking permitted outside
Children’s Facilities	Children's snacks, fruit juices, soft drinks available. High chairs can be brought down from Zaytoun on request. The hotel staff are also able to heat baby food or bottles on request.

Cranley Comment

Mazar is the lobby lounge located on the ground floor of the Crowne Plaza Festival City. Outside you will find a terrace with space for 30 guests. Indoors the lounge area is decorated with dark wood furniture, cream, red and beige upholstery and cushions with a large diamond patterned red, gold and cream carpet. The deck area is furnished with garden style furniture and umbrellas, with heaters for cooler evenings. Low level seating and tables make this an ideal place for quick refreshments, including freshly ground coffee and light snacks such as pastries or sweets. Many business travellers also use this area for informal meetings.

Zaytoun

Restaurant Type	All day dining
Restaurant Capacity	160
Opening Times	Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 06:30 to 01:00. The buffet is refreshed between the following hours. Breakfast 06:30 to 10:30 Lunch 12:00 to 15:00 Dinner 18:00 to 22:00
Dress Codes	Casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	Non smoking
Children’s Facilities	There are a wide variety of children's favourites including cereals, pizza, burgers, fish fingers and chocolate desserts served as part of the buffet. Parents can choose from a variety of dishes that are part of the buffet or ask the chefs for specific requests.
Breakfast Options	Pastries Continental American Fruit Cereals

Cranley Comment

Zaytoun is located on the 5th floor of the Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City and offers eclectic all day dining. Contemporary with touches of Arabic art, Zaytoun is an open plan restaurant with lots to offer. The chefs prepare tempting cuisine from an East meets West approach and there is a wide choice of buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as an a la carte menu for in between. Food choices include Arabic mezze, pasta, curry, pizza, salad and fish, ensuring there is something for everyone. The layout is open plan with large open view kitchens where you can watch the chefs at work. Seating is broken into areas, allowing for more privacy. There is a range of larger dark wood tables, benches or chairs and two seater tables with chairs for more intimate dining. If you are travelling in a large group, guests can also reserve the private seating area at the back of Zaytoun.

Bars

Number of Bars

Belgian Beer Café

Bar Type	European Cafe
Bar Capacity	180 persons (140 indoor, 40 outdoor)
Opening Times	Open daily from 17:00 to 02:00 Open for lunch on Tuesday to Saturday from 12:00 to 14:00
Dress Codes	Casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	Smoking permitted
Admissions Policy	No admission policy

Cranley Comment

Located off the lobby and with a separate access from the hotel roundabout, the Belgian Beer Café offers an authentic European welcome. The bar is located in the centre of the room and is an enjoyable place to enjoy a quiet drink. Specialities include Trappist and Abbey Belgian beer and the litre glasses of Hoegaarden which shouldn't be missed. You can also order a choice of wines, spirits and Irish coffees.

Business & Event Facilities

Wireless Internet

Complimentary wireless internet is available in the Business Centre, function rooms and in the main building lobby.

In-Room Services

Chargeable high speed internet access via cable, which is billed to your room or paid online by credit card.

Business Centre

The Business Centre is located at lobby level on the walk-way towards the event centre. There are 3 PC's available for guests to use, which are located in the side room of the Business Centre. Daily newspapers and local business magazines are provided for guests.

Open 24 hours a day, providing the following facilities:
3 PCs with complimentary internet connection
Secretarial support
Photocopying
Faxing
Binding
Printing
Courier services

Meetings & Events

Venue	Size (m²)	Dimensions L x W x H (metres)
Al Baraha Ballroom	1104	54.5 x 20.5 x 5.2	900	500	1,000	600	162	170	350
Al Baraha 1	274	13.5 x 20.5 x 5.2	150	100	200	96	30	25	60
Al Baraha 2	278	13.5 x 20.6 x 5.2	150	100	200	108	48	54	72
Al Baraha 3	552	27.0 x 20.5 x 5.2	300	250	400	250	72	54	180
Al Ras Ballroom	1,373	61.5 x 26.0 x 5.2	1200	800	1,300	800	154	192	500
Al Ras 1	452	17.5 x 26.0 x 5.2	200	200	450	270	70	70	150
Al Ras 2	452	17.5 x 26.0 x 5.2	200	200	450	270	70	70	150
Al Ras 3	452	17.5 x 26.0 x 5.2	200	200	450	270	70	70	150
Al Amwaj Meeting Room	117	20.5 x 5.7 x 5.2	80	40	90	48	36	36	36
Al Amwaj 1	57	10.5 x 5.7 x 5.2	40	-	40	24	12	12	15
Al Amwaj 2	60	10.5 x 5.8 x 5.2	40	-	40	24	12	12	15
Al Waha Meeting Room	58	9.0 x 6.4 x 5.2	30	16	40	36	18	18	20
Al Waha 1	29	4.5 x 6.4 x 5.2	15	-	20	18	10	10	10
Al Waha 2	29	4.5 x 5.4 x 5.2	15	-	20	18	10	10	10
Al Rimal Meeting Room	56	10.0 x 6.0 x 5.2	30	16	40	36	22	18	20
Al Rimal 1	28	4.9 x 5.7 x 5.2	15	-	20	18	10	10	10
Al Rimal 2	28	4.9 x 5.8 x 5.2	15	-	20	18	10	10	10
Al Majlis Meeting Room	74	10.0 x 7.5 x 5.2	50	40	48	24	16	24	18
Al Khayma Meeting Room	62	7.0 x 8.5 x 5.2	40	30	40	24	18	18	18

Meeting facilities cover 3,800 square metres spread across two floors, making The Event Centre one of the largest event facilities in the UAE. It is located between the InterContinental Dubai Festival City and the Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City and is easily accessible from its own entrance or through the corridors that link both hotel lobbies to the centre.

The event centre is made up of five meeting rooms located on the lobby level as well as two ballrooms, one on the lobby level and one on the lower lobby level. The Igloo facility is accessed by a short walk from the back of the centre. The ballrooms can be divided into three smaller ballrooms and three of the meeting rooms (Al Amwaj, Al Waha and Al Rimal) can be broken into breakout rooms, providing a total of nine breakout rooms and six smaller ballrooms.

Cranley Comment

Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City has a range of options for the business traveller. The Business Centre is located to the left of the lobby and is open 24 hours, with 3 PC’s, complimentary internet connection, secretarial support, photocopying, faxing, printing, binding and courier services. In addition, there are substantial banqueting and conference facilities, which can cater for up to 1300 guests. All the latest AV equipment is available in all meeting rooms and is operated from within the room. Catering is provided by both the InterContinental and Crowne Plaza and can provide anything from snacks to fine dining. Wireless internet is available throughout.

Children’s Facilities & Clubs

Restaurant Facilities

See Restaurants

Children's Pool

See Pools

Babysitting service

The Crowne Plaza uses a local babysitting agency. Please ask the Concierge for details.

Cranley Comment

There is a children's splash pool provided on the the outdoor leisure deck, which is at a safe distance from the adult Olympic pool. Surrounding the pool area is a beautifully landscaped leisure deck. At Festival Centre you will find a children's play area and babysitting should you wish to go shopping without the children. The shopping centre has a 12 screen cinema complex, and a bowling alley. The hotel also offers an agency babysitting service.

Beaches

Al Mamzar

Location	5km
Description	Al Mamzar Park looks out over a blue lagoon to the Emirate of Sharjah on one side and the Gulf on the other side. It is open daily from 08:00 to 23:00 and there is a nominal entrance fee.
Private/Public	Public
Size/Frontage	The park is a peninsula, in excess of one hundred hectares, that extends into the Persian Gulf. There are five different beaches, all with their own amenities including refreshments and children's climbing frames and swings.

Facilities	A small charge is levied for a sun bed, umbrella and towels. Swimming pool under shade (separate charge) BBQ facilities Refreshments on sale Showers Children's playgrounds Amusement arcade Volleyball Football goals
Parking	There is complimentary parking outside the park and a nominal charge is levied to bring your car into the park.

Cranley Comment

The park offers sheltered public beaches, swimming pools, pleasant green spaces, and designated picnic and barbeque areas. An ideal place to spend an afternoon, the park also features a spacious amphitheatre and children's playground area.

Jumeirah Beach Park

Location	14km
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

Cranley Comments

The leisure deck is on the 5th floor and offers a beautifully landscaped area in the open air with all day sunshine. The deck is shared with the InterContinental Dubai Festival City but each hotel has its own pools, which all hotel guests can change between. Crowne Plaza features 3 separate pools, the Lap Pool, Spa Pool and Splash Pool, allowing guests to choose between relaxation and exercise. There are over 40 loungers in the area with umbrellas, cushions and towels provided by the hotel.

Lap Pool

Opening Times	07:00 to 22:00
Temperature	Temperature is controlled at 28 degrees celsius.
Depths	1.2m to 1.5m depth
Size	25m x 4.8m

Facilities	Showers Wooden sun loungers Cushions Towels Umbrellas
Safety	Lifeguard on duty from 07:00 to 22:00

Cranley Comment

The Lap Pool is 25m long, temperature controlled, and is designed to provide hotel guests with an exercise pool. Open 24 hours a day, it can be used for a morning or evening swim or to cool down if sunbathing. The area surrounding the pool is paved and showers, wooden sun lounges with white cushion covers and towels are provided.

Spa Pool

Opening Times	07:00 to 22:00
Temperature	Temperature is controlled at 32 degrees celsius.
Depths	0.9m
Size	9m x 3m

Facilities	As for Olympic Pool
Safety	A life guard is on duty from 07:00 to 22:00. Young children should not be left unattended in this pool.

Cranley Comment

There are 3 entrance sections to the Spa Pool, as the pool is divided into 3 areas. Located at the back of the sundeck and facing skyline views of Dubai, the Spa Pool is designed for relaxation. There are hand rails and large steps which guests can use to guide themselves into the water. The steps are also wide enough to sit on, which guests frequently do. Warmer than the Olympic Pool, the Spa Pool is the Crowne Plaza's answer to a Jacuzzi, however it is larger and offers more privacy with 3 individual areas.

Splash Pool

Opening Times	07:00 to 22:00
Temperature	The Splash Pool is not temperature controlled however, it heats up very quickly as it is in the sun most of the day and is very shallow.
Depths	Up to 0.4m
Size	15m x 5 m

Facilities	As Spa Pool with the additional benefit of: Child safety guidelines by pool.
Safety	Lifeguard on duty from 07:00 to 22:00

Cranley Comment

The Splash Pool is a safe distance from the adult pool and is surrounded on the open side by lounge seating making it easy for parents to watch their children. The splash pool has a slow incline up to a depth of 0.4 m with a small step. There are also bubble water jets lining the middle of the pool which can be activated to entertain children. A life guard is on duty from 07:00 to 22:00, but children should not be left unattended by parents.

Sports & Gym

Gym & Health Club

Opening Times	24 hours
Description	The Crowne Plaza gym facilities include: 3 Treadmills with interactive TV systems 1 Cardio Wave 1 Upright Bike 1 Shoulder Press Machine 1 Chest Press Machine 1 Leg Curl Machine 1 Abdominal Crunch Bench 1 Chrome Dumbbell set 1-10kg 1 Dumbbell set 4 – 26 kg Bottled water Towels

Cranley Comment

The Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City has a state-of-the-art 24 hour gymnasium with gym equipment to work all major muscle groups. Equipment in the gymnasium faces large windows with natural sunlight and views of Dubai. Staffed from 06:00 to 22:00, personal trainers are on hand to help with any equipment queries and offer personal training sessions. There is a reception bar, made of light wood near the entrance where you can collect towels. Staff will also provide refreshments, water in bottles and juices and there are several seats at the reception bar where you can relax after your workout. Guests should advise reception should they wish to use the gymnasium outside of staffed hours.

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	4km
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	4 km
Holes	18
Length/Par	7,250 Yards Par 72 sss 74

Facilities

Driving range
Practice areas

Spa

Cranley Comment

Spa InterContinental, on the 4th floor of the adjacent and connected InterContinental Dubai Festival City is available for Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City guests to use and can be charged to the guest room. The 700 square metre spa has five dedicated ladies’ and five dedicated gents’ treatment rooms, including two VIP couples suites. All rooms are equipped with private rain showers. The separate changing facilities have a sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi. The décor throughout the spa is modern yet tranquil with local touches and Arabian subtlety. The salon is also located in the spa.

Special Needs

Communal Areas

Within the hotel property internal access to food and beverage outlets, shops and event facilities are level and lifts are large enough to accommodate wheelchairs.

Rooms & Bathrooms

There are three specially adapted guest rooms at the Crowne Plaza Festival City. Each room has a king size bed and rooms are interconnected should guests be travelling with a helper. The guest rooms are adapted for wheel chair use with widened doors and wheelchair height spy holes. There are emergency cords in the bedroom and bathroom should guests require assistance. The bathroom has been equipped with a roll in rain shower and grab rails by the shower and toilet. There is a telephone within the bathroom which connects to Reception.

Restaurants & Catering

All restaurants are wheelchair accessible. The only area that proves to be a challenge is the Belgium Beer Cafe where steep stairs down to the toilets and up to the upstairs seating area will prove difficult for wheel chair users and visually impaired guests. The menus in each restaurant state whether dishes contain pork, nuts and alcohol and guests with other dietary requirements should enquire if dishes are suitable at the time of ordering. Chefs are able to cater for any special dietary needs.

Recreation Facilities

The gym and pools are located on the 5th floor of the hotel and are reached by lifts. Pools have grab rails and steps leading into them making it easier to access. The splash pool in particular has waist level water seats. All around the pool the flooring is even and there are lifeguards onsite to help during opening hours who are trained to help mobility impaired guests in and out of pools.

Visual & Hearing Aids

Each guest room within the hotel has slightly raised numbers; the lift buttons are also slightly raised. Door numbers are located to the left of the room doors at shoulder height and are raised making it easier for visually impaired guests to find and hotel staff are available to guide guests if required. The size of the print on menus vary. Assistance Dogs are welcome but guests who travel with these should notify the hotel of their intentions at the time of booking. Vibrating pillows and induction loops are provided.

Staff Assistance

Staff are trained in first aid and are on hand to give assistance when necessary although they are not fully trained in certain aspects of care. The hotel has five wheelchairs available. Requests for these should be made to Reception.

Cranley Comment

There are three specially adapted guest rooms at the Crowne Plaza. Grab rails are within reach and an emergency cord alerts staff should help be needed. Assistance dogs are welcome, however the hotel should be informed at the time of booking. Whilst the Belgium Beer Cafe is not fully accessible, the rest of the hotel is easily accessible as are facilities at the InterContinental. Lifts, corridors and restaurants are able to cater for mobility, visual and hearing impaired guests and the hotel staff are trained to assist.

Environment

Measures

Recycling
Energy Saving
Environmental Audits
Water Saving

Cranley Comment

The Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City works in collaboration with the InterContinental Dubai Festival City to recycle and conserve water and energy. Environmental policies are regularly audited.

Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City, Dubai, Report Details

First Review 17th December 2008

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