Habtoor Grand Resort Spa, Dubai

The Cranley Report®: Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa

Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa, Dubai

Hotel Address

Dubai Marina
PO Box 24454
Dubai
United Arab Emirates

Cranley Rating

Habtoor Grand Resort

Photo 1 of 33. Click to enlarge

Hotel Summary

Category

Resort Hotel

Hotel Opened	2005 (Re-opened after the addition of two large towers
Refurbishment	Continuous programme, with rooms, restaurants and bars refurbished on a regular basis out of season.

Cranley Summary

The Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa is located on its own beach, in the fast developing Marina area of Dubai and is close to Dubai 's Internet City / Media City. The majority of the Resort was rebuilt in 2005, retaining only the 2003 refurbished Resort Rooms within the extensive grounds. The new building consists of two towers which house the Tower Rooms and the Resort's signature restaurant on the 25th floor. It also has a three storey central area where the lobby, some of the restaurants, bars, cafes and spa are located. The infinity pool is on the third floor terrace. The Resort has a number of different room options and some of the restaurants are located in the grounds, adjacent to, or overlooking the main pool. There is a business centre, a variety of function rooms and high speed internet connections in every room to cater for the business traveller. Guests should be aware that the development in the Marina is continuing and whilst the Habtoor Grand is furthest away from most of the building work, there may be some noise disturbance from the Marina for the immediate future.

Hotel Location & Layout

Location Description

The Resort is located in the fast developing Marina area of Dubai, which is 28 km from Dubai International Airport. The Resort is situated on its own beach, next to the entrance to the Marina and overlooking the Palm Jumeirah. It is well located for tourist attractions, as it is only ten minutes away from the Wild Wadi, Ski Dubai and a number of shopping malls. For business travellers it is a 2 minute drive from the Internet and Media Cities and fifteen minutes from the Jebel Ali Freezone.

Airports
Distance	28 km
Airport Transfers	Complimentary for Club guests.

Cities and Sights
Distance	25 km
City/Sight Transfers	The hotel provides a complimentary shuttle bus which runs a couple of times a day.

Layout Description

The hotel is approached via an elevated drive with the reception on the first floor. The “Lobby Lounge” and the Al Dhiyafa restaurant are located at the back of the circular lobby. The remaining restaurants are located throughout the resort with three restaurants situated around the main pool with outside dining and another restaurant on the 25th floor. The more modern “Tower Rooms” are located in two towers on either side of the lobby and the more leisurely “Resort Rooms” are in the hotel grounds next to the swimming pool near the beach. The gym and spa are on the ground floor with the tennis courts and the children’s club located next to the swimming pool.

Lobby & Guest Relations

Open Hours	24 Hours
Languages Spoken	Arabic, English
Payment Methods	All major international credit cards and cash accepted
Foreign Exchange	Open 24 hours All major currencies exchanged.
Taxis Arranged	Taxi pool on standby
Tours Arranged	A variety of activities can be arranged including Tours of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Sharjah and Ajman, Dinner Cruises, Safaris 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	Nurse on duty between 08:00 and 18:00. A doctor can be called with 30 minutes notice
Parking	Complimentary valet parking

Cranley Comment

The lobby is approached by an elevated drive with guests entering the Resort at first floor level. The lobby is a circular, stylishly decorated room with an Arabian theme. It has an elaborate gold/bronze Arabian Oryx fountain as a centrepiece, set under a dome decorated with a desert mural. Around the fountain area are numerous sofas and armchairs for guests to relax in whilst enjoying a tea or coffee. The lobby stairs lead down to the spa and hotel grounds whilst the Al Dhiyafa restaurant is located at the back of the lobby. On either side of the lobby is a corridor that leads guests to the elevators of the two towers, where the majority of the hotel's rooms are situated.

Shops & Amenities

Description

Ladies Salon
Rivoli-Fine Watches
Pure Gold-Jewellery
Souvenirs
Carpet Shop
Beach Shop
Perfumery Shop
Diamond Lease- Car Rental
Jetset-Plane Charter

Cranley Comment

The hotel has several shops, selling a range of goods from jewellery to souvenirs, in a small arcade off the main reception area and there is a ladies beauty salon on the ground floor, close to the Underground bar. Near to the pool is a beach shop selling newspapers and beach/pool products. For those guests wanting more shopping, the hotel runs three times daily complimentary shuttle bus service to the Mall of the Emirates, Mercato Mall, Wafi City and five times daily to Burjuman Centre. Advance booking is recommended for these services.

Rooms, Suites & Villas

Number of Floors	25
Total Rooms	446
Elevators	6
Rooms per Elevator	74
Total Staff	850
Staff per Room	1.9

Check-in Time	14:00
Check-out Time	12:00
Late Checkout	Subject to availability
Smoking Rooms	Non-smoking rooms available
Room Service	24 hour room service
Laundry Service	Same day service. If collected before 10:00, it will be returned between 18:00 and 20:00. Express service available at a 50% surcharge for items required within 4 hours. 2 hour pressing service is available 24 hours.
Unique Features	Instead of a key or swipe card, room entry is made using a disc that is placed against an infra-red beam on the wall outside the room.

Club or Executive Facilities

There is a dedicated lounge for the exclusive use of Club Guests. It is open daily from 06:00 until midnight and children are allowed in until 18:00 after which it is adults only as alcohol is served. Male guests should note that shorts can only be worn during breakfast which lasts until 11:30.

Other facilities Club guests benefit from are:
Airport transfer by private car upon arrival and departure.
Full breakfast at Grand Club Lounge or Al Dhiyafa Restaurant from 06:00 to11:00
Afternoon tea at Grand Club Lounge from 15:00 to 17:00
Regular drinks at Grand Club Lounge from 18:00 to 20:00
Canapes at Grand Club Lounge from 18:00 to 20:00
Tea, coffee and soft drinks at Grand Club Lounge from 11:00 to midnight
Free internet for one hour per day; voucher will be available at the Business Centre
Daily international newspaper at Grand Club Lounge
Late check-out till 14:00

Cranley Comment

The Habtoor Grand has two distinct types of rooms; the Resort Rooms and Tower Rooms. The Resort Rooms were part of the original hotel and were refurbished in 2003, whilst the Tower Rooms are located within the two newly built towers. Tower Rooms tend to be more contemporary in design with an Arabian influence, whilst Resort Rooms have a more classic feel to them, with dark wood parquet flooring and furniture. All room types feature the same high quality amenities of LCD televisions/DVD players and luxury bathroom facilities. There are also Ambassador Suites, Presidential Suites, a Royal Suite and a Penthouse Suite located in the newly built towers with views over the Gulf. Where two children can be accommodated in a room, it is with one extra bed. A cot can also be added in each room type. Rooms do not feature tea/coffee making facilities, nor ironing boards and irons.

Type of Room, Views & Facilities

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Tower	187	99 Sea 88 Partial Sea	Individually controlled air conditioning High speed internet LCD TV DVD Mini bar Safe Hairdryer Armchair and foot rest Desk/Dressing Area Chaise longue Bathrobe Slippers Scales Luxury toiletries	2 Adults and 1 child under 12 on existing bed	40

Cranley Comment

Guests enter the room using a small disc instead of a key or a swipe card. The disc is held against an infra red panel outside the room. There is a small hallway which leads to a corridor housing the wardrobes, with the bathroom opposite. The bedroom is brightly decorated with an arabesque touch, to give a middle-eastern ambience. Tower Rooms are equipped with a DVD player and LCD television and furnished with an armchair and footrest, chaise lounge and a desk/dressing table, where there is a high speed internet connection. There is also a minibar and ample drawer space. The Tower Sea View rooms have a balcony, whereas the regular Tower Rooms do not. The well appointed en suite bathroom comes with a separate rain shower and a deep bath, as well as a bidet and wc. The bathrooms have a sliding door and different colour schemes, including blues and greens. They are spacious and very modern in design, with a stand-alone circular glass washbasin as a distinctive feature.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Tower Family	33	Partial Sea	As per the Tower room, but with the added benefit of having a larger lounge area. One extra bed can be added to accommodate a second child in the room.	3 Adults or 2 adults and 2 children under 12	50

Cranley Comment

Tower Family Rooms are located on the sides of the towers and are fitted out to the same specification as Tower Rooms for bedrooms and bathrooms. Tower Family Rooms however, have a larger square lounge to allow for families of four to be accommodated. These rooms do not have a balcony.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Grand Club	77	44 Sea 33 Partial Sea	As per the Tower room with the added benefit of use of the Club facilities.	2 Adults and 1 child under 12 on existing bed	40

Cranley Comment

Grand Club rooms have the same specification as Tower rooms, but with the addition of Club benefits which are detailed above, that are aimed toward the business traveller. Grand Club Sea View rooms have a balcony, whereas the partial sea view rooms do not have a balcony.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Grand Club Suite	37	Partial Sea	As per the Tower Room, but with the added benefit of being larger and: Separate lounge Two satellite televisions Two sofas Desk Club facilities One extra bed can be added to accommodate a second child in the room.	3 Adults or 2 adults and 2 children under 12	65

Cranley Comment

The Grand Club Suite comprises an entrance hallway leading to a small corridor housing the wardrobes and the bathroom entrance. The lounge and bedroom are separate rooms off the hallway and consist of a bedroom and lounge that are of a similar size to those in the Tower room. The lounge comes fitted with a three-seat and two-seat sofa set around a coffee table, a desk and a satellite television and DVD player housed in a cabinet. Grand Club Suites do not have balconies.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Resort	38	Hotel buildings	High speed internet Wireless internet Air conditioning Mini bar Safe LCD TV DVD Hairdryer Bathrobe Slippers Scales Luxury toiletries	2 Adults and 1 child under 12 on existing bed	35

Cranley Comment

These rooms have dark wood parquet flooring and wood furniture, bedding in a lighter colour and beige walls to provide a contrast. Resort Rooms are well appointed with good quality fittings, a LCD satellite television and a DVD player. The bathroom is smaller than the Tower room bathroom and has a combined bath shower with a toilet and bidet.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Resort Garden	52	Gardens/Pools	As per the Resort Room.	2 Adults and 1 child under 12 on existing bed	35

Cranley Comment

These rooms have the same specification as the Resort rooms, but with the benefit of having views across the gardens to the swimming pool.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Resort Studio	12	Gardens/Pools	As per the Resort Room.	2 Adults and 1 child under 12 on existing bed	40

Cranley Comment

The Resort Studios are similar to and decorated in the same style as the Resort rooms but benefit from being 5 square metres larger. Most of the rooms have a balcony or a terrace.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Resort Suite	2	Gardens/Pools	As per the Resort Room with the added benefit of being larger and having: Separate lounge Two balconies Bar Two satellite LCD televisions CD player WC Dining table for four 2 two-seat sofas 2 arm chairs Chaise lounge Jacuzzi Bath Separate shower One extra bed can be added to accommodate a second child in the room.	3 Adults or 2 adults and 2 children under 12	80

Cranley Comment

The Resort Suite is decorated in the same style as the Resort room, but with the benefit of having a separate lounge and WC. The lounge has a bar area with bar stools, a dining table that seats four, as well as sofas and armchairs. The lounge leads off to a balcony. The bedroom is a little larger than the Resort room bedroom and comes with a large en suite bathroom, that has a separate shower and Jacuzzi bath. The bedroom also has its own balcony.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Ambassador Suite	4	Sea	As per the Tower Room with the added benefit of being larger and with: Separate lounge/dining room Entrance hallway Separate bathroom Balcony WC 42 inch plasma screen TV DVD home theatre system Club facilities One extra bed can be added to accommodate a second child in the room.	3 Adults or 2 adults and 2 children under 12	140

Cranley Comment

Ambassador Suites are located in the newly-built towers and decorated in a modern contemporary design with an arabesque touch. These suites have a large lounge with dining table and large screen plasma television. Detailed wood Arabic panelling, which matches the design of the dining room chairs, separates the room from the hallway. At the end of the corridor is the master bedroom and opposite is the bathroom with a separate rain shower and large Jacuzzi bath.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Presidential Suite	2	Sea	As for the Ambassador Suite with the added benefit of being larger and with: Two en suite bedrooms Lounge area Separate television area Dining room Balcony Plasma satellite televisions Club facilities One extra bed can be added to accommodate a second child in the room.	4 Adults and 2 children under 12	250

Cranley Comment

Presidential Suites directly overlook the ocean and are situated at the top of the towers. The suites have two en suite bedrooms, with the master bedroom having a lounge and dressing area. In addition there is a lounge area, separate television area and a dining room. Presidential Suites are decorated in a contemporary Arabian design and equipped with luxury features. These suites also have panoramic windows offering stunning views over the Gulf.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Royal Suite	1	Sea	Luxuriously decorated and furnished Three en-suite bedrooms with lounge and dressing area for master bedroom Dining room WC Lounge TV lounge Terrace with seating Club facilities One extra bed can be added to accommodate a second child in the room.	6 Adults and 2 children under 12	500

Cranley Comment

The Royal Suite is located at the top of the tower and is a substantial size at 500 square metres. The suite has all the luxuries and facilities you would expect of a Royal suite. It is decorated in an Arabian theme with rich colours, soft furnishings, antiques and works of art throughout the suite. The master bedroom has its own lounge area, dressing area and luxurious bathroom. There is also a large formal lounge as well as a more intimate television room. The suite also has its own terrace and seating for al fresco dining at the top of the hotel, with stunning views over the Gulf and Palm Jumeirah island.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Penthouse Suite	1	Sea	Luxuriously decorated and furnished Substantial Entrance hall Three en-suite bedrooms Three lounges Dining room Kitchen WC Butler’s room Club facilities One extra bed can be added to accommodate a second child in the room.	6 Adults and 2 children under 12	600

Cranley Comment

The Penthouse is the highest specified accommodation at the Habtoor Grand Resort and comes with three en suite bedrooms, full kitchen, dining room, WC and three lounges. The penthouse is decorated in a similar theme to the Royal Suite and has antiques and works of art throughout the suite. It has outside dining with stunning views over the Arabian Gulf and Palm Jumeirah island.

Restaurants & Cafés

Number of Restaurants

Restaurant Comments

The Habtoor Grand Resort and Spa has a number of restaurant and snack options to suit most tastes and preferences. Al Dhiyafa is a 24 hour international restaurant serving a buffet for lunch and dinner, as well as being the main breakfast location for the resort. There is fine dining at The 25th, which is the Resort's signature restaurant and also at Mun Chi, whilst there is casual dining at Luciano’s Italian restaurant by the pool. There are also various cafes and an English style pub with food in a more informal environment.

Mun Chi

Restaurant Type	Thai Restaurant and Sushi Bar
Restaurant Capacity	Total of 186 of which 126 inside and 60 outside
Opening Times	Restaurant 12:30 to 23:00 Bar 12:30 to 01:30
Dress Codes	Casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	Non-smoking areas
Children’s Facilities	Children’s menu and high chairs available. Children not allowed in the bar area upstairs.
Breakfast Options	None

Cranley Comment

Mun Chi is located in a separate building between the swimming pool and the beach. The restaurant spans two floors, with the bar/cocktail lounge on the 2nd floor with background music. On the ground floor there is dining in an air conditioned environment or outside on a wood decked terrace. The outside dining area is surrounded by a floodlit stream with fountains, overlooking the gardens and the distant ocean. The gardens have many palm trees illuminated with small white lights to provide for a pleasant ambience. The restaurant serves authentic Thai dishes and Japanese Sushi.

25th Bar and Restaurant

Restaurant Type	French
Restaurant Capacity	Total of 125 of which 79 inside and 46 outside
Opening Times	Dinner 18:00 to 02:00
Dress Codes	Smart casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	Non-smoking areas
Children’s Facilities	Over 21’s only
Breakfast Options	None

Cranley Comment

The 25th is a very sophisticated higher fine dining restaurant with a cocktail bar that serves international cuisine with a French twist, set on the 25th floor. It is the signature restaurant of the Resort and offers fine a la carte dining from a distinctive menu, with a good choice of appetisers and entrees and a large selection of wines and champagne. The menu includes the finest wagyu beef, which comes from cattle that have been fed on beer and hand massaged! There are tables available both inside the spacious restaurant and outside on the terrace, with spectacular views of Jumeirah Palm Island, the pool and the beach. The terrace is not open during the peak summer months when it is too hot to sit outside. The restaurant has a resident jazz duo which provides mellow background music most nights.

Luciano’s

Restaurant Type	Italian
Restaurant Capacity	Total of 176 of which 42 inside and 134 outside
Opening Times	Lunch/Dinner 12:30 to 00:00
Dress Codes	Smart casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	Non-smoking areas inside
Children’s Facilities	High Chairs and children’s menu
Breakfast Options	None

Cranley Comment

Located at the opposite side of the swimming pool from Mun Chi, Luciano’s is a typical Italian restaurant, with home made pasta and pizzas, ideal for family dining. Outside after dark, the setting is very pleasant with views of the floodlit swimming pool and many palm trees illuminated with small white lights. Specials of the house include the carpaccio, seafood soup and insalata caprese for starters and for the main course the lasagne, spaghetti al fungi and the mixed seafood grill. The restaurant plays Italian background music to add to the ambience.

Grand Grill

Restaurant Type	Steak House
Restaurant Capacity	Total of 180 of which 100 inside and 80 outside
Opening Times	Lunch 13:00 to 16:00 Dinner 19:00 to 01:30
Dress Codes	Smart casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	Smoking area
Children’s Facilities	High chairs
Breakfast Options	None

Cranley Comment

The Grand Grill is located on the ground floor adjacent to the reception desk. It offers guests an international cuisine with a South African influence, which reflects the management team and the staff. It provides a real taste of South Africa that will appeal to afficionados of that country's finest steak and wines.

Al Dhiyafa

Restaurant Type	International
Restaurant Capacity	Total of 256 of which 178 inside and 78 outside
Opening Times	Open 24 Hours for a la carte with a buffet at the following times: Breakfast 06:00 to 10:30 Lunch 12:00 to 15:00 Dinner 19:00 to 22:30
Dress Codes	Smart casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	Non-smoking areas inside
Children’s Facilities	High chairs and children’s menu available. 1 to 4 years old eat free and 5 to 12 year olds are charged 50% for the buffet.
Breakfast Options	Full and comprehensive buffet selection with various cooking stations

Cranley Comment

Al Dhiyafa is an international restaurant set at the back of the lobby with seating inside as well as outside on a terrace with views over the tennis courts, gardens and ocean beyond. The restaurant is decorated in a modern Asian fusion style, with conventional ceiling fans and Asian style fans circulating the air. The restaurant is open 24 hours serving an a la carte menu and has a buffet at set times. The buffet has a different theme every day with a range of salad bars and an open kitchen preparing the hot dishes. On Fridays the restaurant has a 'sparkling Prosecco brunch' where you can enjoy live entertainment and sparkling wine with brunch from 12:00 to 16:00 except during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Al Naai Shisha Garden

Restaurant Type	Shisha Garden Café
Restaurant Capacity	50 outside
Opening Times	17:00 to 02:00
Dress Codes	Casual

Air-Conditioning	No
Smoking Policy	No non -smoking areas

Cranley Comment

Al Naai is an Arabic style cafe with seating outside. It is located at the back of the hotel, immediately adjacent to the main doorway that leads to the hotel grounds and the beach, as well as the entrance to the Elixir Spa. Al Naai serves a wide range of speciality coffees, teas and iced beverages and also provides a light bite in the form of home-made pastries and sandwiches.

The former Al Naai indoor café is being replaced by a Polo theme bar in Autumn 2007.

Al Basha

Restaurant Type	Lebanese
Restaurant Capacity	Total 100
Opening Times	Lunch 12.00 to 15.30 Dinner 19.00 to 02.00
Dress Codes	Smart casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Breakfast Options	N/A

Cranley Comment

This restaurant is opening in Autumn 2007, serving traditional Lebanese food in rustic but slightly trendy surroundings: Shisha display, low Arabic seating, decorative Arabic artefacts and display grills. The ambience is more casual during lunch and becomes upmarket in the night time.

Further updates will be provided closer to the opening date.

Al Majlis

Restaurant Type	Lobby lounge area
Restaurant Capacity	Approx 100
Opening Times	24 Hours
Dress Codes	Casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	No non-smoking areas
Breakfast Options	None

Cranley Comment

Al Majlis is a large open lobby lounge area, where there are numerous sofas and armchairs and guests can relax around the central Oryx fountain. Because of its location, the area is constantly busy but since it covers such a large area, it still provides a fairly relaxed environment, where guests can enjoy a variety of coffees and have afternoon tea with a range of pastries and cakes.

Bars

Number of Bars	5
Bar Comments

The Habtoor Grand offers guests a choice of bars, including some that are part of a restaurant. The hotel's signature restaurant, The 25th, has a sophisticated cocktail lounge, where a contemporary jazz duo perform most nights. For a more casual environment there is the Underground, which is a sports bar open to non residents, that's themed on a London underground station, with a mock train carriage as the bar itself. There are also two pool bars and a beach bar.

Multaka Lounge

Bar Type	Cocktail bar
Bar Capacity	Total of 92 being 66 inside and 26 outside
Opening Times	16:00 to 01:00
Dress Codes	Smart casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	No non-smoking areas
Admissions Policy	Over 21’s only

Cranley Comment

Multaka Lounge is a formal cocktail lounge, with seating inside the sophisticated bar area and outside on the terrace, although the views from there are restricted by the roof line. The lounge has a stylish bar with gold coloured sofas and chairs set around dark marble topped coffee tables, giving an overall modern contemporary but stylish feel to the area. Light snacks are served in the lounge. The outside terrace is not open during the peak summer months when it is too hot.

Underground

Bar Type	English style pub
Bar Capacity	140 Inside
Opening Times	12:00 to 03:00
Dress Codes	Smart casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	No non-smoking areas
Admissions Policy	Allowed up to 21:00, with children’s menu available

Cranley Comment

Underground is an English Pub, styled in the theme of a London underground station. The bar area is designed as an underground train carriage and the rest of the pub as underground tunnels with arched ceilings. The decor is all red brick walls and there is a grey stone floor. The pub is very much a sports bar, with many televisions on display, as well as large screens showing major sports events. For fans of English football, the Underground shows live Premier League matches. There is also a pool table and darts board. The bar has a food menu serving a large range of typical pub style dishes, such as fish and chips and an all day breakfast.

Horizon Bar

Bar Type	Pool Bar
Bar Capacity	28 seated but the outdoor area has vast terraces
Opening Times	08:00 to 20:00
Dress Codes	Casual and swimwear

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	No non-smoking areas
Admissions Policy	Over 21’s only

Cranley Comment

The bar is located next to the infinity pool, outdoors on the third floor terrace of the original building that sits between the two towers. The immediate bar area is shaded, with several stools at the bar. The bar serves a typical range of cocktails, as well as non-alcoholic drinks and milkshakes. It also serves a range of light snacks, including salads and sandwiches at the bar and also to the pool side sunbeds. All of the stylish furniture, including the tables, chairs, sunbeds and parasols are wooden, with padded covers for the chairs and sunbeds. Its location on the third floor with views over the Jumeirah Palm, makes it an ideal location for early evening in particular.

Al Manara Beach Bar

Bar Type	Beach Bar
Bar Capacity	120 outside
Opening Times	08:00 to 19:00
Dress Codes	Casual and swimwear

Air-Conditioning	No
Smoking Policy	No non-smoking areas
Admissions Policy	Children are allowed and there is a children’s menu

Cranley Comment

Al Manara is a beach bar located on the lawn just in front of the beach. It is an octagonal shaped bar with a straw roof and is set on wooden decking, where some of the guests can sit. There are stools next to the bar counter and a number of tables and chairs that go all the way round the bar. There are also a large number of tables and chairs, including some rustic wooden tables, on the adjacent lawn. The menu comprises light snacks, including sandwiches, salads and burgers and there are a range of cocktails and draught beers, as well as milkshakes and other soft drinks.

Main Pool Bar

Bar Type	Pool Bar
Bar Capacity	8 around the bar, but service is generally to the sunbed
Opening Times	08:00 to 20:00
Dress Codes	Casual and swimwear

Air-Conditioning	No
Smoking Policy	No non-smoking areas
Admissions Policy	Children's menu and high chairs available

Cranley Comment

The main pool bar as its name implies is located by the main pool and has an unusual shaded in-water seating area. As well as this swim-up facility, the bar serves guests at their sun beds and has some seating around the bar. There is a food menu serving typical poolside options such as grilled items, salads, sandwiches and ice creams. The bar serves a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Business & Event Facilities

Wireless Internet

Chargeable wireless access is available in all bedrooms and all public areas, including the lobby, poolside and on the beach. Access cards and passwords are available from the Business Centre.

In-Room Services

Hi-speed internet connection in all bedrooms. Passwords are available from the Business Centre. There are hourly, daily and weekly packages. Fax machines can be made available in rooms. All rooms have a writing desk and chair and ample electrical sockets.

Business Centre

The business centre is near to the main lobby and is housed in its own room. The centre has a reception desk to provide assistance and has three private glass cubicles each with a PC and printer. The centre provides general secretarial assistance, including photocopying, printing and faxing services. The centre has a couple of easy chairs for guests' reading use.

Meetings & Events

The Resort has substantial conference and meeting facilities located on the lower level, with its own ballroom entrance at the front of the hotel below the main entrance. The facilities allow for many different room configurations, ranging from 926 sq metres to 46 sq metres with an indoor capacity of up to 1100, depending on the function and the seating configuration. They can be Banquet, Theatre Style, Classroom, Boardroom, U Shape or Cocktail Reception. The Al Andalus Ballroom consists of 5 rooms with partitions and a pre-function room and can be divided in many different ways for smaller functions. Lobby Level Meeting rooms includes Al Maha 1+2 which can be utilised separately for smaller functions, Al Salat and Lou Loua boardrooms. . The extensive beach grounds also allow for outdoor functions for up to 3000 people.

Capacity:
Al Andalus Ballroom: 926 sq metres, holds up to 1100 Theatre,1000 Cocktail, 840 Banquet, 525 Classroom, 146 Boardroom, 128 U-Shape
Pre-Function Lobby: 580 sq metres, holds up to 1000 Cocktail
Al Salat: 98 sq metres, holds up to 80 Theatre, 100 Cocktail, 84 Banquet, 54 Classroom, 34 Boardroom, 35 U-Shape.
Al Maha 1+2: 92 sq metres, holds up to 80 Theatre, 100 Cocktail, 84 Banquet, 54 Classroom, 34 Boardroom, 35 U-Shape.
Lou Loua Boardroom: 53 sq metres, holds up to 18 Boardroom

The newly-built resort has all of the latest audio visual equipment. All types of catering can be arranged to meet client needs. Three new meeting rooms will open this November – Al Nakheel, Al Multaka, Al Mukthasar 1&2.

Cranley Comment

The Habtoor Grand Resort has extensive facilities to cater for conferences, meetings and banquets of all sizes. Using the Resort's outdoor pool, lawn or beach facilities, it can cater for up to 3000 people. The large Al Andalus Ballroom, which can be divided into a number of smaller rooms, is located on the ground floor, below lobby level and has its own separate entrance. It is also accessible from within the hotel. The conference rooms and the Lou Loua Boardroom are at lobby level. All meeting and function rooms are equipped with the latest audio-visual equipment and every type of catering option is available. The Resort offers a number of amenities for the business traveller, from high speed internet access in all bedrooms, to wireless connectivity in all rooms and public areas, together with a well located business centre at lobby level.

Children’s Facilities & Clubs

Restaurant Facilities	See Restaurants
Playground	The Resort has two children’s playgrounds. One is located near the swimming pool and tennis courts and consists of climbing apparatus. The second playground is located on the beach near the beach bar and also consists of a climbing frame.

Children's Pool

See Pools

Children's Club

The hotel runs the Junior Jungle Club for 4 to 12 year olds, where under 4’s can join in but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There are also evening activities for 10 to 15 year olds.

Entertainment

The Children's club runs a number of different activities each day for 4 to 12 year olds. Activities include games in the main swimming pool, on the beach and the beach lawn and range from sandcastle-making to colouring and painting.

Babysitting service

Provided by hotel staff with six hours notice.

Cranley Comment

The hotel is well suited for children, with almost all of the restaurants having a children’s menu. There is the Junior Jungle Club, which offers a programme of supervised activities throughout the day, both indoors and outdoors and which varies the activities from day to day. Activities take place in the pool, on the beach and the beach lawn to give the children some variety. As well as the organised events, there is a children’s fun pool with a slide and two separate play areas with climbing apparatus. The Resort also offers babysitting services.

Beaches

Habtoor Grand Beach

Location	Rear of the hotel
Private/Public	Private
Size/Frontage	75 metres by 75 metres

Facilities	Showers Toilets near the pool a few hundred yards away Plastic sunbeds and parasols Beach football and volleyball Beach bar
Safety	Lifeguards on duty

Cranley Comment

The resort’s beach is a private beach located a short walk from the pool and features a lawn area. There are a number of recreational activities on the beach including children’s climbing frame with swings and slides, two football goals and a beach volleyball net. At the base of the beach are a number of palm trees that separate it from the pool area and gives it a secluded feel. The beach overlooks the entrance to the Dubai Marina which is currently under construction and some daytime noise is apparent. Beyond the Marina, the new Palm Jumeirah development can be seen.

Pools

Cranley Comments

The Habtoor Grand has three swimming pools serving different needs. The main pool is located in the gardens and is a large irregular shape pool with a shaded swim-up bar. The pool is well served with amenities and has two restaurants with pool-side seating and has food available from the pool bar. Next to the main pool is the children’s pool which is designed as a fun pool for younger children with a slide and various water sprays. The hotel has one of the few adult-only pools in Dubai; the Infinity pool is located on the third floor with its impressive views and stylish setting.

Main Pool

Opening Times	08:30 to 19:30
Temperature	Temperature controlled at 30c
Depths	Max 1.50 metres Min 1.15 metres
Size	50 metres by 10 metres

Facilities	Wooden sunbeds with padded covers Wooden parasols with canvas shades Showers Toilets Changing facilities Pool bar
Safety	Lifeguards on duty

Cranley Comment

The resort has a substantial main pool with an irregular curved shape, set in a large terraced garden area with palm trees, flower beds and shrubs surrounding the pool. It has a shaded swim-up bar with in-pool seats and In the centre of the pool is a small feature island with a palm tree and an ornate bridge leading to it. Two of the Resort's restaurants, Luciano's and Al Basha, overlook the pool and have outdoor terraces. Although it is often too hot to use the restaurant terraces during the daytime, the pool is a nice backdrop for guests dining on the terraces in the evening.

Infinity Pool

Opening Times	08:00 to 20:00
Temperature	Temperature controlled at 30c
Depths	Max 1.50 metres Min 1.35 metres
Size	25 metres by 10 metres

Facilities	Wooden sunbeds with padded covers Wooden parasols with canvas shades Showers Toilets Changing facilities Circular bar
Safety	Lifeguard on duty

Cranley Comment

The Infinity pool is a very unusual pool set on the large third floor terrace and is for adults only. It has a rectangular shape with an ‘infinity’ design, where there is no apparent edge on the side facing the sea, with water cascading over its edge. Next to the pool is the infinity bar where guests can sit and enjoy cocktails in a cocktail style bar. As the pool is set on the third floor it has spectacular views over the Palm Jumeirah and the Marina.

Children's Pool

Opening Times	08:30 to 19:30
Temperature	Temperature controlled at 30c
Depths	Max 0.53 metres Min 0.5 metres
Size	6 metres by 12 metres

Facilities	As per the Main Pool
Safety	Lifeguard on duty

Cranley Comment

The children’s pool is located next to the main pool and is set against an artificial rock face. The pool has an irregular shape and is set at a depth suitable for younger children. The rock face has cascading water that falls into the pool where the children can play. There is a cave entrance with steps that leads to the top of a slide which takes children down to a circular pool set just above the main children’s pool.

Sports & Gym

Gym & Health Club

Opening Times	24 Hours
Description	The Fitness Centre/Gym is equipped with the following: 8 treadmills 2 rowing machines 4 bikes 3 cross trainers 2 steppers 19 resistance machines Free weights The gym has several large plasma screens as well as personal TV’s on the cardiovascular equipment. Personal trainers are available to assist guests. There is also an aerobic studio that can accommodate class sizes of 30 and 28 spinning bikes.
Size	Approximately 550 Sq metres

Cranley Comment

The gym is of substantial size and operates as a private members club for non guests. It is located next to the spa and overlooks the tennis courts. One side of the gym has mirrors and an internal facing glass wall, whilst the other side has floor to ceiling windows that allows a lot of natural light through. There is a substantial range of life fitness equipment and plasma screens on the walls and TV screens on the cardiovascular equipment. Next to the gym is a large studio where classes will are held.

Water Sport

Opening Times	09:30 to sunset
Description	Jet Ski, hobbie cat, water skiing, surfing, banana ride, wind surfing, cruises, fishing, parasailing, doughnut rides, knee boards, wake boards, body boards, kayaks and snorkelling equipment.

Cranley Comment

The water sports centre is open, subject to weather conditions, daily from 09:30 to 19:00. It is located on the beach and has a full range of activities from snorkelling to Hobbie cat and Jet Ski hire. Private tuition is available for a number of the activities.

Land Sport

Opening Times	Tennis: 07:00 to 22:00 (lessons 09:30 to 18:30) Squash: 09:30 to 18:30 (lessons 09:30 to 18:20)
Description	Two Floodlit Tennis Courts Two Squash Courts

Cranley Comment

The hotel has two floodlit hard tennis courts that are located just outside the gym and spa area, as well as two squash courts in a separate building at the back of the resort. Tuition is available for both sports by arrangement. The health club also organises fun tennis nights for those wanting to join in within an informal environment.

Golf

Emirates Golf Club

Description

This was the first grass course in the Gulf region when it opened in 1988. The club features two championship courses; the Majlis and the Wadi. The Majlis was the original course and was designed by Florida based designer Karl Litten. The Wadi opened in 1996 and was re-designed in 2007 by Nick Faldo. Despite a number of new courses, it still ranks as one of the best in Dubai. It has hosted the Dubai Desert Classic fifteen times for the last six years in succession.

Location	2 km
Holes	Majlis 18, Wadi 18
Length/Par	Majlis: 7,185 Yards par 72 sss 74 , Wadi: 7,263 Yards par 72 sss 74

Facilities

Teaching academy, two driving ranges (one of which is floodlit), pitching and chipping areas, fairway and greenside practice bunkers. Several bars and restaurants.

Montgomerie Dubai

Description

Covering more than 265 acres of landscaped turf, gardens and lakes, this spectacular golf course provides the player with undulating "links land" style fairways which challenge and intrigue all levels of player. Placement of the drive to the generous fairways remains the cornerstone of any good round. The flat landing area of each fairway can be challenging to find, but a rewarding adventure. With 14 lakes and 81 bunkers, The Montgomerie Dubai, the first and only example of the association between golfing great Colin Montgomerie and Desmond Muirhead, adds a distinctive variety to the golfing landscape of the region.

One of the signature holes is the par 5 fourth, dubbed the Snake hole for its saddleback fairway which doglegs towards the green, with 2 bunkers behind forming the eyes of the snake. Further on, the par 5 ninth, with water down the left, is a tough finish to the opening half. The par 3 thirteenth, a hole designed in the shape of the UAE, boasts a 360 degree teeing area around an island fairway and green, allowing for a completely different golf hole to be played every time. However, it is the par 5 eighteenth that offers a more classic test. At 656 yards it is a monster and, with water protecting the front of the green, it defies even the best player to hit the green in two.

Website: www.themontgomerie.com
Phone: +971 4 390 5600

Location	3 km
Holes	18
Length/Par	7396 Yards, Par 72, sss 75

Facilities

Driving range
Teaching academy
9 hole par 3 Academy course
5 star hotel accommodation
3 restaurants
Cigar lounge
Angsana Spa,
Fitness centre
Outdoor swimming pool
Extensive function areas.

Spa

Name of Spa	Elixir Spa
Opening Times	08:00 to 22:00

Facilities

Elixir Spa is an exclusive concept which incorporates authentic “Touch of Arabia” treatments with East – West holistic Spa Rituals, performed by experienced therapists. The Spa has 4 carefully designed Therapy Suites, traditional designed Ayurveda room, Rasul Mud chamber, Tropical Blitz airbrush sunless tanning room and a Nail Spa that includes a private pedicure and 2 manicure rooms. Additional facilities are private female and male relaxation lounges, Moroccan Sauna, Crystal Steam Bath, Experience showers – Tropical Rain & Cold Fog Showers.

Treatments include:
Elixir Dubai Spa - Spa Treatments
Massages and Body Treatments

Elixir Therapeutic Massage
Elixir Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage
Nuat Namman, Aromatherapy Massage
Samunprai, Thai Herbal Heat Energizer
Hot Stone Therapy
Reflexology
Abhyangam
Elixir Dead Sea Body Wrap & Scrub
Dry Flotation
Rasul Mud Bath
Saat, Complete Detox
Oxy - Contour
Detoxifying Backcial

Beauty Treatments
Ytsara Na, Tropical Fruit and Flowers Facials
Karin O2 Herzog Facials
Elixir Spa Manicure
Elixir Spa Pedicure
So-do Tropical Blitz airbrush tanning

Cranley Comment

The Elixir Spa is located on the ground floor of the resort, close to the gym and incorporates six treatment rooms for men and women with a full range of treatments. Many of the treatments are based upon traditional Arabian rituals and the signature treatments use natural products which have been sourced in Arabia. The spa has the usual array of saunas, steam rooms, relaxation rooms, a mud chamber and tanning salon, as well as a nail bar and pedicure room. It is well appointed in terms of the quality of the décor and fittings.

Special Needs

Rooms & Bathrooms	No specific special needs rooms, although the hotel can provide aids in rooms on request
Restaurants & Catering	Generally wheelchair accessible

Communal Areas	Flat marble surfaces with marble flooring. Lift access to all floors.
Recreation Facilities	The resort is situated in very large grounds and there are pathways which allow for wheelchair movement

Environment

Measures

Water Saving

Cranley Comment

The hotel encourages guests to help the environment and save water by using towels for more than one day .

Habtoor Grand Resort Spa, Dubai, Report Details

23 January 2006 (First Review)
23 August 2007 (Second Review)

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