The Metropolitan Hotel, Dubai

The Cranley Report

The Metropolitan Hotel

The Metropolitan Hotel, Dubai

Hotel Address

Metropolitan Hotel, Dubai
Sheikh Zayed Road
(PO Box 26666)
Dubai
United Arab Emirates

Cranley Rating

Photo 1 of 27. Click to enlarge

Hotel Summary

Category	Hotel
Awards Won	2007 Fish Market - Finalist What’s On Award 2006 Fish Market - Finalist Time Out Award

Hotel Opened	1979
Refurbishment	2008/2009 Aerobics Studio Rattle Snake 2007/2008 Summer Place restaurant 2006 4th floor guest rooms

Cranley Summary

The long established Metropolitan Hotel is located in the heart of the commercial district on Sheik Zayed Road close to the World Trade Centre Conference Centre and within easy access of Jebel Ali Free Trade Zone, Media and Internet Cities. The Hotel has 192 guest rooms and suites and a wide selection or restaurants that offer a range of cuisine including authentic Chinese to spicy Indian. The Italian restaurant serving many specialities including live fresh lobster and pizza has a terrace that overlooks the Fusion Garden, children’s play area and hotel bars. The hotel runs a complimentary shuttle service between the hotel, World Trade Centre, the shopping Mall of the Emirates and its sister Hotel Habtoor Grand Resort and Spa. Within the hotel there are modern conference facilities and a small Business Centre with an additional Internet café and a selection of shops located along the two small hotel shopping arcades. The swimming pool with ‘wet’ bar and terrace area are reached via the gym which is located at the rear of the hotel.

Hotel Location & Layout

Location Description

The hotel is located in the heart of the rapidly growing commercial district of Dubai's Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), close to the World Trade Centre exhibition halls, with easy access to Jebel Ali Free Trade Zone, Media and Internet Cities. The Metropolitan Hotel Dubai is also just a short drive from Safa Park in Dubai and the golden beaches of the Arabian Gulf. Guests are offered a complimentary shuttle service to their sister hotel Habtoor Grand Resort and Spa where there is a small charge for entrance. The complimentary shuttle bus also runs a regular service to the Airport and Mall of the Emirates.

Airports
Distance	19 km
Airport Transfers	Approximately 20 minutes in light traffic. Complimentary shuttle transfers

Cities and Sights
Distance	154 km
City/Sight Transfers	Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes in light traffic.

Layout Description

The entrance to the Metropolitan Hotel is found on an adjacent lane to Sheikh Zayed Road. The large double storey lobby area is richly furnished with oil paintings depicting images of the Gulf and there are a few classical seating areas. To the left as you enter the lobby is a Guest Relations desk, Reception desk and Cashier, The Oak Room Bar overlooks the lobby on the right and the restaurant lift and separate guest lifts are found in the corner of the lobby. The lobby lounge area is also found on the right and leads through to the Atrium and Al Saffa which also has a separate entrance and a few of the hotel shops. The Atrium conference rooms on the first floor are reached by escalator and the Meera conference room is found at the far end of the lobby on the ground floor. The Business Centre and a further corridor is on the left and leads to the Shopping Arcade and Don Corleone restaurant and Fusion Square. The pool and Dimension Health and Fitness Club are at the rear of the hotel. The hotel amenities are well sign posted throughout.

Lobby & Guest Relations

Open Hours	24 hours
Languages Spoken	English, Arabic, German, Hindi, Tagalog, and several other languages spoken.
Payment Methods	All major credit cards and cash accepted.
Foreign Exchange	24 hours All major currencies exchanged. Exchange rates are commissionable.
Taxis Arranged	Street taxis can be arranged on request. There can sometimes be a short wait.
Tours Arranged	A full range of tours and tailor made packages can be organised through the Concierge and Guest Relations to: 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	24 hours
Concierge Services	Concierge and Guest Relations are on hand 24 hours a day and will assist guests with any arrangements including restaurant reservations, limousines, car rental or airport transfers, at any time during a guest's stay.
Medical Facilities	Paramedics on duty 24 hours Staff are trained to administer first aid for minor incidents. A doctor is available 24 hours a day with a typical response time of within 20 minutes, according to the hotel.
Parking	Complimentary valet open air parking for 15 cars, the hotel has additional open air parking facilities.

Cranley Comment

The large double storey lobby area is richly furnished with oil paintings depicting images of the Gulf framed by dark wood feature Guest Relations desks below. There are a few classical seating areas with either leather upholstery or gold soft fabrics with low level coffee tables around the room. The two chandeliers hang from the expansive ceiling decorated to resemble the sky. Large classical columns are found on the corners of this irregular shaped grand room that is overlooked by a gallery on the 2nd floor. The Oak Room bar overlooks the lobby, lobby lounge, Atrium, Al Saffa, conference rooms, Business Centre and shopping arcades which all lead off from this area and are well sign posted and decorated in a similar flowing classical style.

Shops & Amenities

Description

Atrium:

Matrix Internet Café
09:00 to 01:00 7 days a week
Internet surfing packages can be charged to the hotel bill

Mini Mart (fresh fruit and vegetables, tinned and frozen items, tea, coffee, milk, personal items, and cigarettes)
09:00 to 22:00 Saturday to Thursday
09:00 to 00:30 Fridays

Trek Bikes (bicycle specialist)
09:00 to 19:00 Saturday to Thursday
Closed Fridays

Shopping Arcade:

Dannys Ladies Hairdressing Salon
09:00 to 19:30 Saturdays to Thursdays
16:00 to 19:30 Fridays

Dannys Gents Hairdressing Salon
09:00 to 19:30 Saturdays to Thursdays
16:00 to 19:30 Fridays

Swiss Palace (souvenirs)
Generally open Saturday to Thursdays

Sun City Tours (tour operator)
Generally open Saturday to Thursdays

Prince and Princess Boutique
Generally open Saturday to Thursdays

Al Afaf Jewellery
Generally open Saturday to Thursdays

Diamondlease Car Rental
Generally open Saturday to Thursdays

Cranley Comment

The Metropolitan Hotel has a selection of shops available within the hotel including a well stocked mini mart, it stocks a wide selection of items including batteries, pens, paper, sun oils etc. The Internet Café is hidden under the escalators in the Atrium. Surfing the net can be charged to the rooms. There is a gentlemen’s and ladies' hair dressers at the far end of the shopping arcade and several other shops that have erratic opening hours. There is also a large cinema complex next to the hotel. The hotel runs a complimentary shuttle service to the Mall of the Emirates and other larger shopping districts.

Rooms, Suites & Villas

Number of Floors	5
Total Rooms	192
Elevators	4
Rooms per Elevator	48
Total Staff	526
Staff per Room	2.7

Check-in Time	14:00
Check-out Time	12:00
Late Checkout	Subject to availability to 18:00 for Executive Club guests
Smoking Rooms	127 smoking rooms Superior - 64 Deluxe - 50 Executive - 13
Room Service	Full room service menu served 24 hours Selected speciality restaurant dishes from; Shahjan – 12:00 to 14:30 and 19:00 to 23:30 Don Corleone – 12:00 to 14:45 and 19:00 to 23:30 Summer Place – 12:00 to 14:45 and 19:00 to 23:30
Laundry Service	A next day, same day and express dry cleaning and laundry service is available. Laundry handed in before 09:00 will be returned on the same day. Dry cleaning handed in before 09:00 will be returned on the same day. Pressing is available between 07:30 to 21:30, seven days a week. Express laundry and dry cleaning services incur an extra charge. One hour pressing service is available between 07.30 to 21.00. All service are available on Fridays and Bank Holidays and incur an extra charge. Children’s clothes are charged at 50% of the normal rate. Shoe-shine service is available 24 hours (complimentary).

Club or Executive Facilities

The Executive Club, rooms and suites are located on the 5th floor of the Metropolitan Hotel. The Executive Club is open from 06:00 to 22:00 each day. Executive rooms feature an ‘Island Desk’ within the rooms and suites and guests may enjoy complimentary breakfast, light snacks and cocktails in the evening, complimentary transfers to Dubai Airport and late check-out facilities are available until 18:00 subject to availability.

Cranley Comment

The Metropolitan Hotel Dubai has 192 guest rooms and suites that are located in the original building, one of the first hotels to open in 1979. Although the hotel is located on the busy Sheikh Zayed Road the guest rooms are well sound proofed and offer guests all the amenities that are expected in a hotel of this size. The hotel guest rooms are classically furnished with gold and black soft furnishings complimented by dark wood furniture.

Type of Room, Views & Facilities

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Superior Room	67	34 Sheik Zayed Road 24 Atrium 9 Garden	Electronic locking system Viewfinder spy hole Security chain Individually controlled air-conditioning Work space/desk DDI Line Voice mail High speed internet access (chargeable) 3 pin square British sockets LCD television International Satellite TV Movie channels pay per view Radio/TV Floor to ceiling windows Energy saving light bulbs Double closet Full length mirror Safe Safety deposit boxes at Reception Mini-bar Turndown service Pillow menu En-suite bathroom Single vanity basin unit Bath tub with hand held shower over it Bathrobes Slippers Shaving point Hairdryer Bathroom scale Telephone in bathroom Metropolitan toiletries 12 Interconnecting rooms	2 Adults and 1 child	26.26

Cranley Comment

Superior Rooms at the Metropolitan Hotel are traditionally furnished with solid dark wood furniture and soft furnishings in gold with a hint of black. There are 66 double guest rooms and 26 twin guest rooms, each Superior Room has a double closet, built-in luggage rack, and long workstation/dressing table with internet connection, mini bar, television and large mirror above. The small seating area has either a 2 seater settee or 2 occasional chairs with a low level coffee table and large windows offering plenty of light. The en-suite bathrooms have a large mirror with single marbled vanity unit below, a bathtub with jet shower over it and Metropolitan toiletries.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Deluxe Room	93	49 Sheik Zayed Road 26 Atrium 18 Garden	As per the Superior Rooms with the added benefit of: Tea and coffee making facilities Fruit basket Complimentary (local) daily newspapers Sofa-bed (in some rooms)	2 Adults and 1 Child	26.26

Cranley Comment

Deluxe Rooms at the Metropolitan Hotel are traditionally furnished in the same way as Superior Rooms with solid dark wood furniture and gold with a hint of black soft furnishings. There are 51 double guest rooms and 17 twin guest rooms, each Deluxe Room has a double closet, built-in luggage rack, and long workstation/dressing table with tea and coffee making facilities, internet connection, mini bar, television and large mirror above. The small seating area has either a 2 seater settee, some with sofa bed or 2 occasional chairs with a low level coffee table and large windows offering plenty of light. The en-suite bathrooms have a large mirror with single marbled vanity unit below, a bathtub with jet shower over it and Metropolitan toiletries.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Executive Room	19	10 Sheik Zayed Road 9 Garden	As per the Deluxe Rooms with the added benefit of: Separate ‘Island’ work station Shaving/Make up mirror Executive Lounge facilities Complimentary breakfast, tea, coffee and evening cocktails Complimentary transfers to Dubai Airport Late check-out subject to availability	2 Adults and 1 Child	26.26

Cranley Comment

Executive Room guests at the Metropolitan Hotel have the additional benefit of access to the Executive Lounge on the 5th floor. The Executive Rooms are traditionally furnished in the same way as Deluxe Rooms with solid dark wood furniture and gold with a hint of black soft furnishings. There are 13 double guest rooms and 6 twin guest rooms. Each Executive Room has a separate built in ‘Island’ workstation with internet connection, a double closet, built-in luggage rack, and long dressing table with tea and coffee making facilities, mini bar, television and large mirror above. The small seating area has a 2 seater settee with a low level coffee table and large windows offering plenty of light. The en-suite bathrooms have a large mirror with single marbled vanity unit below, a bathtub with jet shower over it and Metropolitan toiletries.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Superior Suite	4	2 Sheik Zayed Road 2 Garden	As per the Executive Rooms with the added benefit of: Guest cloakroom Separate lounge/dining room Dining table with 4 chairs	3 Adults or 2 Adults and 2 Children	54

Cranley Comment

Superior Suites at the Metropolitan Hotel are traditionally furnished in the same way as Superior Rooms with solid dark wood furniture and gold with a hint of black soft furnishings. Each Superior Suite has the added benefit of a second entrance, guest cloakroom and separate living room with 2 settees, low level coffee table, television cabinet with additional television and a dining table with 4 chairs with large windows behind. The Superior Suite bedrooms have a double closet, built-in luggage rack, long workstation/dressing table with tea and coffee making facilities, internet connection, mini bar, television and large mirror above. The small seating area has 2 occasional chairs with a low level coffee table and large windows offering plenty of light. The en-suite bathrooms have a large mirror with single marbled vanity unit below, a bathtub with jet shower over it and Metropolitan toiletries.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Deluxe Suite	2	1 Sheik Zayed Road 1 Garden	As per the Superior Suite with the added benefit of: Guest cloakroom with Bidet Sofa-bed	3 Adults or 2 Adults and 2 Children	54

Cranley Comment

Deluxe Suites at the Metropolitan Hotel are traditionally furnished in the same way as Deluxe Rooms with solid dark wood furniture and gold with a hint of black soft furnishings. Each Deluxe Suite has the added benefit of a second entrance, guest cloakroom with bidet and separate living room with 2 settees one of which is a sofa bed, low level coffee table, television cabinet with additional television and a dining table with 4 chairs with large windows behind. The Deluxe Suite bedrooms have a double closet, built-in luggage rack, long workstation/dressing table with tea and coffee making facilities, internet connection, mini bar, television and large mirror above. The small seating area has 2 occasional chairs with a low level coffee table and large windows offering plenty of light. The en-suite bathrooms have a large mirror with single marbled vanity unit below, a bathtub with jet shower over it and Metropolitan toiletries.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Executive Suite	2	1 Sheik Zayed Road 1 Garden	As per the Deluxe Suite with the added benefit of: Separate ‘Island’ work station Hi-fi and speakers	3 Adults or 2 Adults and 2 Children	54

Cranley Comment

Executive Suites at the Metropolitan Hotel are traditionally furnished in the same way as Executive Rooms with solid dark wood furniture and gold with a hint of black soft furnishings. Each Executive Suite has the added benefit of a second entrance, guest cloakroom and separate living room with marble floors, 2 settees, low level coffee table, television cabinet with additional television and a dining table with 4 chairs with large windows behind. The Executive Suite bedrooms have a separate built in ‘Island’ workspace with Internet connection, double closet, built-in luggage rack, long dressing table with tea and coffee making facilities, mini bar, television and large mirror above. The small seating area has 2 occasional chairs with a low level coffee table and large windows offering plenty of light. The en-suite bathrooms have a large mirror with single marbled vanity unit below, a bathtub with jet shower over it and Metropolitan toiletries.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Duplex Suite	3	Sheik Zayed Road	As per the Executive Suite with the added benefit of: Entrance hall Storage area under stairs Larger separate lounge/dining room Hi-fi and speakers Master bedroom with sitting area Dressing area Bath tub with fitted rain shower over it	3 Adults or 2 Adults and 2 Children	110

Cranley Comment

Duplex Suites at the Metropolitan Hotel have a small entrance hall with a guest cloakroom with natural light leading off from this and stairs with an open under stair storage space leading to the master en-suite bedroom and dressing area. The décor and soft furnishings of the living room is soft peach and gold interspersed with dark wood furniture, free standing coffee table, a dining table with 4 high backed chairs and 2 settees. The upstairs en-suite bedroom has a walk through dressing area, leading from this is a master bedroom with corner seating area and low level coffee table, a black marble bathroom with natural light, a corner bath with rain shower over it and Metropolitan toiletries.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Presidential Suite	1	Sheik Zayed Road	As per the Duplex Suite with the added benefit of: Large entrance hall Large flat screen television DVD player Dining table with 8 chairs Separate jet shower Additional king-sized bedroom and en-suite bathroom	4 Adults	160

Cranley Comment

The Presidential Suite at the Metropolitan Hotel has an irregular entrance hall with archways leading to the large open plan living room and dining area that has marble floors, deep red and wooden clad walls and heavy soft furnishings. A polished table with seating for 8 people stands to the left of the room with a seating area and 2 large corner windows. Oversized settees and a coffee table are found to the right. Also leading from the entrance hall is the master en-suite bedroom, walk through dressing area and an additional en-suite guest bedroom.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Royal Suite	1	Sheik Zayed Road	As per the Presidential Suite with the added benefit of: Larger entrance hall Additional casual living room with bar Fax Dining table with 10 chairs Double vanity basin unit Dressing room	4 Adults	160

Cranley Comment

The Royal Suite at the Metropolitan Hotel has a central entrance hall that runs through the width of the suite. Leading off from the entrance and first area of the suite is a guest cloakroom, and to the left an additional guest bedroom. To the right there is an informal living room with corner seating and a bar with 3 high backed bar stools. The second open plan area of the Royal Suite has a large dining table for 10 to the left and a formal living area to the right with comfortable settees and a corner low level built in cabinet with large flat screen television. The third area of the suite has an entrance door that leads to the large master bedroom with a seating area to the right and large marbled bathroom with separate dressing room to the left. The décor of the suite is predominantly peach and gold with rosewood furniture.

Restaurants & Cafés

Number of Restaurants

Restaurant Comments

The Metropolitan Hotel Dubai has a selection of restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisines, locations and themes. Al Saffa enjoys a prime location leading off the lobby area with an additional seating area in the four story high Atrium. Coffee and teas can also be enjoyed in the lounge lobby. Don Corleone has a traditional Italian cosy ambiance with white washed walls, bright table linen and an additional outside terrace for alfresco dining. The A la carte menu offers fresh lobster, cheese fondues and pizza amongst other specialities. Both the Fish Bazaar and Summer Palace are located via a separate restaurant lift from the ground floor lobby, and offer views along Sheikh Zayed Road. The décor in each restaurant is both striking and upbeat and visually pleasing to the eye. Shahjahan is tucked away on the 2nd floor and is reached by the guest lift from the ground floor lobby area, a range of Indian Mughlai cuisine is served in a traditional ambiance.

Al Saffa – Atrium

Restaurant Type	International
Restaurant Capacity	100 Total (of which 40 inside and 60 in the Atrium)
Opening Times	Menu served 24 hours Buffet Breakfast 06:00 to 10:30 Buffet Lunch 12:00 to 15:00 Buffet Dinner 18:30 to 22:30
Dress Codes	Smart Casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	No smoking allowed.
Children’s Facilities	High chairs available. Smaller portions available.
Breakfast Options	Continental English Buffet A la carte

Cranley Comment

Al Saffa is found either by its main entrance leading off from the far end of the lobby on the right, or via the hexagonal lobby lounge area which takes you to the Atrium, where you can also dine in a slightly less formal setting. The four storey high ceiling offers natural light and is overlooked by the Atrium Shops and conference facilities on the first floor. Al Saffa serves an International A la carte menu 24 hours a day in classical comfortable surroundings with simply dressed, unpretentious tables ofset by the stone floors and mix of natural dark wood and cream walls. Although the A la carte menu runs 24 hours a day, a buffet is also served at breakfast, lunch and dinner time.

Don Corleone

Restaurant Type	Italian
Restaurant Capacity	120 Total (of which 60 inside and 60 on the terrace)
Opening Times	Lunch 12:30 to 15:00 Dinner 19:00 to 24:00
Dress Codes	Smart Casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	Designated smoking areas on the terrace.
Children’s Facilities	High chairs available. Smaller portions available.

Cranley Comment

Don Corleone is a popular Italian restaurant found to the right along the main shopping arcade within the hotel on the ground floor. With typical red check table cloths, terracotta floors, bistro style chairs and a small bar area within the restaurant, Don Corleone sets the perfect ambience for an Italian A la carte feast from live fresh Lobster to Pizza. Seating is also available on the covered Terrace overlooking Fusion Square, the hotels external, central food and beverage point with established trees and a children’s play area.

Fish Bazaar

Restaurant Type	Fish Market
Restaurant Capacity	70
Opening Times	Lunch 12:30 to 15:00 Dinner 19:00 to 24:00
Dress Codes	Smart Casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	No smoking allowed.
Children’s Facilities	High chairs available. Smaller portions available.

Cranley Comment

Fish Bazaar found on the 4th floor by a separate restaurant lift from the lobby offers guests interesting views along the busy Sheik Zayed Road and an unusual dining experience. The ‘Menu’ is a 'Market Stall’ set close to the entrance of the restaurant, Guests can choose from daily fresh fish which is sold by weight and then cooked in the Thai open kitchen to your requirements. The venue features a central fish pond with an Oriental bridge leading over it, bamboo furniture with colourful traditional umbrellas and woven shopping baskets hanging from the ceiling.

Summer Place

Restaurant Type	Chinese
Restaurant Capacity	100
Opening Times	Lunch 12:30 to 15:00 Dinner 18:00 to 24:00
Dress Codes	Smart Casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	No smoking allowed.
Children’s Facilities	High chairs available. Smaller portions available.

Cranley Comment

Summer Place, is on the 4th floor, reached by a separate restaurant lift from the lobby. It is a well established Chinese restaurant being the first to open in Dubai. The striking mix of the modern red and black décor with full height and width windows with large exterior bamboo wind chimes makes this a sophisticated place to dine on traditional favourites and Chefs' specialities. In keeping with the overall décor there is a small red bar area to the left of the restaurant and a curved area to the right where groups may dine in more privacy.

Shahjahan

Restaurant Type	Indian
Restaurant Capacity	40
Opening Times	Lunch 12:30 to 15:00 Dinner 19:00 to 24:00
Dress Codes	Smart Casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	No smoking allowed.
Children’s Facilities	High chairs available. Smaller portions available.

Cranley Comment

Shahjahan is situated on the 2nd floor of the hotel and is reached by the guest room lifts. The dark mahogany panelled room with four feature columns specialises in Mughlai cooking – the cuisine of royalty, with many subtle flavours. The distinctive shape of the room with a small serving bar allows for tables to be set around the perimeter with further seating in the middle, so there appears to be no ‘back of the restaurant’ although privacy remains intact. The restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner.

Bars

Number of Bars	5
Bar Comments

Guests at the Metropolitan Hotel and Apartments have a choice of five different bar locations that are situated in the main part of the hotel. The Oak Room overlooks the lobby and reception area and has a live classical pianist. It is open in the evenings for cocktails and a small selection of snacks. The circular pool bar has a swim up 'wet' bar and additional seating at the bar and on the deck. The Red Lion, Sky Bar and Rattle Snake are situated around Fusion Square and all enjoy open terraces, The Red Lion pub serves traditional British pub food and has popular 'Quiz' and 'Karaoke Evenings' as well as a 'Happy Hour'.

The Oak Room

Bar Type	Cocktail lounge
Bar Capacity	26
Opening Times	17:00 to 02:00
Dress Codes	Smart Casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	No smoking allowed.
Admissions Policy	No under 21’s.

Cranley Comment

The Oak Room overlooks the lobby area to the right as you enter the hotel. It has sumptuous chairs and low coffee tables, highly polished floors, and a baby grand piano with classical pianist in the evenings, makes this the perfect place to enjoy pre-dinner cocktails or a brandy after dinner in an English library surround. The Oak Room is only open in the evenings and serves a small selection of snacks.

Pool Bar

Bar Type	Pool Bar
Opening Times	08:00 to 17:00
Dress Codes	Casual

Smoking Policy

Smoking allowed.

Cranley Comment

Swim up to the circular ‘wet bar’, the Pool Bar which has shaded bar stools both in and out of the water. Completing the ‘P’ shape of this rectangular pool. Swimmers and bathers can enjoy hot and cold soft and alcoholic beverages and a light snack menu during the day either at the bar, or at wrought iron tables around the pool area that are mainly under shade.

The Red Lion

Bar Type	Pub
Bar Capacity	120 Total (of which 50 inside and 70 on terrace)
Opening Times	12:00 to 03:00
Dress Codes	Casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	Smoking allowed.
Admissions Policy	Under 21’s and children allowed on the terrace.

Cranley Comment

The Red Lion is a traditional English pub situated on the ground floor with a terrace that overlooks the Fusion Square garden, pond and children’s play area. The indoor area of The Red Lion has a ‘U’ shaped bar and both booth and round table arrangements. The weekly barbeques are popular on Thursday and Friday evenings, as are 'Quiz Nights' on Mondays, and 'Karaoke' on Tuesdays. Traditional pub food is served throughout the week and there is a daily 'Happy Hour' between 17:00 to 19:00!

Sky Bar

Bar Type	Alfresco Bar
Opening Times	19:00 to 03:00
Dress Codes	Smart Casual

Smoking Policy	Smoking allowed.
Admissions Policy	No under 21’s.

Cranley Comment

Sky Bar is a small circular futuristic looking open air bar, set on the edge of Fusion Square where you can enjoy cocktails or chilled beers on tap under the open stars and listen to laid back music in a relaxing atmosphere under the trees. The central circular bar area is surrounded by bar stools and teak garden tables and chairs which are bordered by a hedge and tropical bamboo walls.

Rattle Snake

Bar Type	Saloon Bar
Bar Capacity	130 Total (of which 90 inside and 40 on Terrace)
Opening Times	19:00 to 03:00 Dinner 19:00 to 23:30
Dress Codes	Casual

Smoking Policy	Smoking Allowed
Admissions Policy	No Under 21’s

Cranley Comment

Rattle Snake is an informal lively, late night hook up bar that serves a Tex Mex menu and late night barbeques. Spread over two floors, it resembles an American western style saloon bar, with the top floor offering views over the band and the busy bar area below. It is frequented by both regulars and passing trade!

Business & Event Facilities

Wireless Internet

Lobby
Chargeable, access card obtainable from Reception.

In-Room Services

High speed Internet connection
Chargeable, access card obtainable from Reception.

Business Centre

The Business Centre at the Metropolitan Hotel is located to the left of the lobby just passed the Reception desks. It is open 24 hours a day. In addition to the Business Centre there is an Internet Café located under the escalators in the Atrium where guests can also surf the net.

Computer workstations with internet connections
Meeting rooms
Conference rooms
Printer colour / black and white
Fax
Typing
Binding
Secretarial services
Translation services

Meetings & Events

The Metropolitan Hotel has 7 versatile event spaces (including a garden with established trees) which are suitable for banquets, conferences, lectures, business meetings and weddings.

Meera Suite;
is 170 square metres, with a ceiling height of 3.18 metres. No natural light is available. The Meera Suite can be configured as follows:
Theatre 120, Classroom 81, U Shape 52, Boardroom 52, Cabaret style 40, Banquet 120, Cocktail/Reception 180.
Located on the ground floor level it is easily accessible. There are ladies' and gents' facilities on the ground floor level.

Atrium Room 1;
is 74.13 square metres, with a ceiling height of 2.88 metres. Natural light is available. Atrium 1 can be configured as follows:
Theatre 48, Classroom 30, U Shape 26, Boardroom 28, Cabaret style 15, Banquet 30, Cocktail/Reception 40.
Located on the Mezzanine floor level it is easily accessible by escalators. There are ladies' and gents' facilities on the ground floor level.

Atrium Room 2;
is 64.63 square metres, with a ceiling height of 2.88 metres. Natural light is available. Atrium 2 can be configured as follows:
Theatre 48, Classroom 27, U Shape 25, Boardroom 24, Cabaret style 15, Banquet 30, Cocktail/Reception 40.
Located on the Mezzanine floor level it is easily accessible by escalators. There are ladies' and gents' facilities on the ground floor level.

Atrium Room 3;
is 41.89 square metres, with a ceiling height of 2.88 metres. Natural light is available. Atrium 3 can be configured as follows:
Theatre 20, Classroom 12, U Shape 14, Boardroom 14, Cabaret style 10, Banquet 20, Cocktail/Reception 20.
Located on the Mezzanine floor level it is easily accessible by escalators. There are ladies' and gents' facilities on the ground floor level.

Atrium Room 4;
is 36 square metres, with a ceiling height of 2.88 metres. Natural light is available. Atrium 4 can be configured as follows:
Theatre 20, Classroom 12, U Shape 9, Boardroom 12, Cabaret style 10, Banquet 20, Cocktail/Reception 15.
Located on the Mezzanine floor level it is easily accessible by escalators. There are ladies' and gents' facilities on the ground floor level.

Arcade Room;
is 34 square metres, with a ceiling height of 3 metres. Natural light is available. Arcade Room can be configured as follows:
Theatre 35, Classroom 18, U Shape 15, Boardroom 18, Cabaret style 10, Banquet 20, Cocktail/Reception 25.
Located on the ground floor level it is easily accessible. There are ladies' and gents' facilities on the ground floor level.

Fusion Square;
is an established garden with water feature. Located behind the hotel it can be configured as follows;
Banquet 300, Cocktail/Reception 500.
Located on the ground floor level it is easily accessible. There are ladies' and gents' facilities on the ground floor level.

Facilities and equipment for the Metropolitan Hotels business and conference rooms include:

High speed internet connection, modem lines, Wi Fi, air conditioning, telephone points, projector, television monitors, DVD player, VCR, flip chart and markers, whiteboard, lectern, microphone, dance floor, controls in room, dimmers.

Cranley Comment

The Metropolitan Hotel has a modern medium sized ballroom located on the ground floor with an additional separate access. Further bright meeting rooms are located on the Mezzanine level overlooking the Atrium. All the rooms are well equipped and offer various possibilities for all types of events. Fusion Square located behind the hotel is ideal for banquets and cocktails under the stars.

Children’s Facilities & Clubs

Restaurant Facilities	See Restaurants
Playground	There is a small play area with climbing frame situated in Fusion Square at the rear of the hotel that is overlooked by The Red Lion terrace. The water feature in the centre of the square has a fence around it.

Children's Pool

See Pools

Babysitting service

Hotel staff provide a chargeable babysitting service on request, 24 hours notice should be given to Reception.

Cranley Comment

The Metropolitan Hotel is family friendly despite having limited special facilities for children. There is a small children’s paddling pool within the pool area and a climbing frame under the trees within Fusion Square garden, overlooked by The Red Lion pub terrace, a popular spot for families at weekends. Next door to the hotel is a cinema complex that shows the latest movies.

Beaches

Habtoor Grand Beach

Location	Complimentary shuttle transfers 3 times a day
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 a children’s climbing frame, 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.

Jumeirah Beach Park

Location	Complimentary shuttle transfers 3 times a day
Description	Jumeirah Beach Park is a public beach open from 8:00 to 23:00. Visitors must pay a small charge to enter the beach area and sun loungers and parasols are available for hire. Visitors to the Jumeirah Beach Park should note that one day per week is designated as 'Ladies Only' day and they should check before visiting which day it is.
Private/Public	Public
Size/Frontage	The beach has a water frontage of about four hundred metres and is approximately twenty metres wide.

Facilities	Facilities include showers, toilets, snack bar, sun loungers and parasols for hire, a children’s adventure playground and a grass area with barbeques and straw parasols.
Safety	Lifeguards on duty.
Parking	There is a small charge to bring your car into the park or there is complimentary car parking available nearby.

Cranley Comment

The Jumeirah Beach Park is a public beach with a small charge for entry. The beach park has a large beach with lifeguards, sun lounger and parasol hire, toilet facilities and a snack bar for cold drinks and fast food refreshments. There is a grassed area and an area planted with trees, where barbeques are available for public use. There are football goals and beach volleyball facilities on the beach in addition to an adventure type playground to keep younger children entertained.

Pools

Pool

Opening Times	Pool 07:00 to 22:00 Dining 08:00 to 17:00
Temperature	Temperature is controlled at 29 degrees celsius
Depths	Main Pool Max: 1.8 metres Min: 1.0 metres Children’s Pool Max: 60 centimetres
Size	Approx 22m x 8m

Facilities	Plastic sun-beds Umbrellas Outside showers Swim up Pool Bar Terrace Towels Changing rooms/locker/showers within The Dimensions Health and Fitness Club
Safety	Lifeguards on duty during opening hours.

Cranley Comment

The swimming pool at the Metropolitan Hotel has a large sun deck area, sun loungers and sun umbrellas with a circular ‘wet’ bar that has seating both in and out of the water. Alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks are available, also salads, sandwiches, burgers and ice cream are served. The pool is located within The Dimension Health and Fitness club at the rear of the hotel, also has Jacuzzi, steam and sauna facilities. Towels are available form the Reception of the club. There is a very small children’s paddling pool next to the terrace area that is not covered but is mostly shaded from the surrounding buildings.

Sports & Gym

Gym & Health Club

Opening Times	06:00 to 24:00
Description	Dimension Health and Fitness Centre facilities include: 5 Treadmills 2 Stair Climbers 2 Power Pacer Bikes 2 Indoor Rowers 3 Recumbent bike seats Leg Extension Leg Curl Leg Press Inner & Outer Leg Machine Double Chest Bench Press Weight Assisted Chin-Up / Dip Abdominal Rotary Torso Supper Pull-Over Compound Rowing Smith Machine Bench Press Life Fitness Adjustable Bench Biceps Curl 4-Way Neck Cable Cross-over / Lat Pull Down Machine Vertical Leg Rest Stand Free weights Gym Aerobics Studio 2 Treatment/massage rooms Male and Female changing/locker rooms each with Jacuzzi Sauna Steam room Chinese Head, Body and Foot massage is available between 10:00 to 22:00 Children under the age of 16 may not use the gym, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.
Size	1 Medium sized gym and a separate studio which is under refurbishment

Cranley Comment

The Dimensions Health and Fitness Club at the Metropolitan Hotel is located at the rear of the premises in a separate building to both the hotel and the hotels apartments. The Health and Fitness club has its own dedicated reception area that leads to the separate changing facilities with lockers, showers a Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. The well equipped gym is on the ground floor with an additional Aerobics room upstairs due for refurbishment in 2008. There are 2 treatment rooms that can be booked for Chinese Massage. Towels for the pool and gym area are provided at the clubs reception.

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	10 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.

Special Needs

Communal Areas

Access around the hotel varies, The Oak Bar that overlooks the lobby has steps at the entrance. The entrance to the cloakrooms on the ground floor level is on a bend. The Atrium Meeting rooms located on the Mezzanine level are reached by escalator. There are steep steps at the entrance to the pool area which can be avoided if required. There are ramps leading to the apartments, Health and Fitness Centre and the entrance to the hotel and remaining restaurants are all on one level

Rooms & Bathrooms

There are no rooms for handicapped or disabled people at the Metropolitan Hotel. The standard rooms start at 26 square meters and have a seating area at one end. The bathrooms are a little on the small side and would not cope with wheelchairs.

Restaurants & Catering

Guests should notify the hotel at time of booking if any special dietary requirements are required. As most of the food is cooked to order any changes to the ingredients i.e. sugar, gluten, nuts can be accommodated. With the exception of The Oak Room which has steps leading to it, and the Rattle Snake, all other bar and restaurant areas are accessible with a wheelchair.

Recreation Facilities

There is an external ramp leading to the Dimension Health and Fitness Centre and locker rooms at the back of the hotel where the pool is. Entrance to the pool area is down approximately 8 steps, special arrangements to access the pool area can be made for guests who may find this a little challenging. The pool it self has ladders and steps for entry.

Visual & Hearing Aids

There are no Induction Loop or Braille facilities available at the Metropolitan Hotel. The hotel would be happy to assist guests in printing larger menus if required. Guests wishing to bring Assistance dogs should notify the hotel before hand as larger rooms will be allocated.

Staff Assistance

The hotel has staff who are trained in first aid on duty at all times, general assistance will be given if required.

Cranley Comment

The Metropolitan Hotel is fully aware that special mobility needs are poor. There are no adapted guest rooms and they hope to address this in the future. Most of the areas within the hotel are accessible but some assistance or special procedures may be required in areas such as the pool. No special equipment is available for the hard of hearing or the partially sighted, Assistance Dogs are welcome but guests should notify the hotel prior to arrival so that special provisions can be made.

Environment

Measures

Recycling
Energy Saving

Cranley Comment

Some environmental policies are already in place at the Metropolitan Hotel, energy saving light bulbs are found in the main hotel guest rooms.Bottles, plastic and paper waste are recycled where possible.

The Metropolitan Hotel, Dubai, Report Details

First Review - 18th May 2008

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