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The Cranley Report®: Renaissance Hotel Dubai
Renaissance Hotel Dubai, Dubai
Hotel Address
Salah Al Din Road
(PO Box 8668)
Deira
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Contact Details
Telephone: +971 4 262 5555
Fax: +971 4 269 7358
E-mail
Email hotel's reservation Desk
Cranley Rating

Renaissance Hotel Dubai: Click to magnify
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Hotel Summary
Awards Won MENA Travel Awards 2008
Platinum Best Price Value Hotel
'What's On' 2007
Favourite International Speciality Restaurant Winner - Spice Island.
Favourite European Speciality Restaurant Runner Up - Sails.
Hotel Opened
1992
Refurbishment The hotel has an ongoing programme of refurbishment. During 2008, the conference and banqueting facilities, the hotel entrance and the Club Lounge were all totally refurbished.
Cranley Summary
Renaissance Hotel in Dubai is located off the main Abu Baker Al Siddique Road, near the centre of Deira which is the heart of Dubai’s original business district. Its location gives it good access to the airport as well as Dubai's financial centre, shopping malls and world class golf courses. New meets old at Renaissance Dubai, as the city's new metro system will run right past the hotel. There are 281 guest rooms and suites located on six floors, with the Club lounge and executive rooms being situated on the top floor and the pool and fitness club located on a fourth floor roof terrace. The hotel has two main restaurants, including the award-winning Spice Island, which serves a range of different cuisines. There is a sophisticated sports bar showing major sporting events and a Polynesian cocktail bar with a live band playing six nights a week. The hotel has comprehensive banqueting facilities on the ground floor, with a range of conference and meeting rooms, including the Al Thuraya Ballroom. The large pillarless ballroom is a popular venue for weddings and the hotel's USP is its bridal lift that enables private access from bedroom to ballroom.
Location & Layout
Location Description
Renaissance Dubai is situated on a side street off the main Abu Baker Al Siddique Road, near the centre of Deira which is the heart of Dubai’s original business district with its ancient Arabic heritage and culture. It is a twenty minute walk to Dubai Creek and the souks, whilst the Dubai Creek and Al Badia world-class golf courses are also close by. Guests can visit the Creek promenade which extends from the Corniche, allowing visitors to stroll along the Arabian Gulf coast.
Airports
Distance
9 km
Airport Transfers
Chargeable shuttle bus or limousine transfers
Taxi transfers available
Cities and Sights
Distance
2 km
City/Sight Transfers
Taxi transfers available
The hotel also runs a complimentary shuttle bus to Deira four times a day.
Layout Description
Renaissance is a city centre hotel which has the conference and banqueting facilities on the ground floor. The lobby and front desk services are located on the mezzanine level, which is accessed via an escalator or lift. On the lobby level, as well as the front desk and concierge facilities are the two restaurants, Spice Island and Sails, together with Tiki Bar, Harry’s Place Sports Bar, the Aquarium Café and the business centre and lobby shops. The rooms are located on the next six floors with the Club Lounge being on the top floor. The health club and swimming pools are located on the fourth floor.
Lobby and Guest Relations
Open Hours
24 hours
Languages Spoken English, Arabic and several other languages are spoken
Payment Methods All major international credit cards and cash accepted
Foreign Exchange All major currencies exchanged
Taxis Arranged Street taxis are arranged on request
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
Concierge Services
Standard
Separate Car Rental Desk in the Lobby
Medical Facilities A doctor can be called in within 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the time of day.
Parking 24 hour complimentary valet parking in the hotel's underground car park. An overspill facility exists in the car park at the rear of the hotel. There are 132 spaces in the underground car park and 235 spaces in the multistorey building.
Cranley Comment
The lobby is located on the mezzanine level and is accessed via the escalators or lift from the street level. At the top of the escalators, the front desk is on the left, with the lobby café, business centre, sports bar and shops straight ahead. On the left hand side of the front desk are the lifts and there are a number of casual sofas opposite. Continuing past the lifts are Tiki Bar, Sails restaurant and Spice Island restaurant. The lobby is set in an atrium and has a small water feature, which gives the whole lobby area a feeling of spaciousness and tranquility.
Shops & Amenities
Description
Danny's Gents Salon - open daily from 09:00 to 20:00
Danny's Ladies Salon - open daily from 09:00 to 20:00
The ladies salon also provides make up, pedicures, manicures, waxing, and facials.
Handicraft Gallery - open Saturday to Thursday from 09:00 to 20:00 and from 16:00 to 20:00 on Fridays, selling pashminas and souvenirs.
Domani's Gift Shop - open Saturday to Thursday from 09:00 to 20:00 and from 16:00 to 20:00 on Fridays, selling a range of gifts and essential items.
Cranley Comment
The hotel has ladies and men's hair salons and two shops located on the mezzanine lobby level, but it also provides complimentary shuttle services four times a day to Deira City Centre, where the shopping choice is extensive. There are additional complimentary shuttle services to the shopping centres at Lamcy Plaza on Saturdays and Wednesdays and to the Sahara Centre on Mondays and Wednesdays. For guests looking for even more choice, the vast Mall of the Emirates is a 30 minute taxi journey away.
Rooms, Suites & Villas
Number of Floors 6
Total Rooms 281
Elevators 4 (which operate to all guest floors. There is also 1 elevator that operates between the ground floor and the mezzanine level only.)
Rooms per Elevator 70
Total Staff 350
Staff per Room 1.2
Check-in Time 15:00
Check-out Time 12:00
Late Checkout Subject to availability at an additional charge.
Smoking Rooms There are 181 smoking rooms, which includes the whole of the 1st and 5th floors.
The 2nd and 6th floors are half smoking and half non-smoking.
The 3rd and 4th floors are entirely non-smoking.
Room Service Available 24 hours
Laundry Service Items collected by 11:00 are returned same day by 18:00.
Items picked up between 11:00 and 13:00 will be returned by 18:00 for a 50% surcharge.
A four hour express service is available 24 hours a day at 100% surcharge.
50% surcharge on Fridays and Public Holidays.
Unique Features Ice machines on each floor
Club or Executive Facilities
There is a Club Lounge open daily from 06:00 to 00:00 located on the sixth floor for executive and suite guests. The lounge, which has been renovated in 2008 is divided into two areas. It has a large flat screen television, with a sofa and armchairs, as well as a desk with a PC in one part. That area also has a toilet facility. The main area consists of a coffee bar style lounge with a light wooden flooring, tables and smart designer chairs in red. The Club Lounge provides complimentary tea, coffee, soft drinks, pastries and fruit throughout the day. It also serves Continental breakfast from 06:00 to 10:30 and hot and cold hor's d'oeuvres and cocktails from 18:30 to 22:30. The lounge is available to guests in Club and Suite rooms and entry is gained through a sliding door, using their keycard. Club and suite guests have their own reception desk on 6th floor, which is open from 08:00 to 00:00.
Cranley Comment
The Renaissance hotel has several room types to choose from, including Royal and Presidential Suites which each have four bedrooms when connected to their adjoining rooms. The other rooms and suites with the exception of those Suites, are all decorated in the same contemporary European style, with light wood furniture, green based carpets and gold curtains. Some of the Executive suites have a small kitchenette and there are small differences between rooms in other categories, with some having fitted wardrobes and some being free standing. All of the rooms are furnished and decorated to a high standard. All of the rooms have views over the city, with some of the views being of old Deira, with its traditional housing and living conditions.
Type of Room, Views & Facilities
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Deluxe 203

City

Air conditioning
Satellite television
High speed internet connection
Tea and coffee making facilities
Iron and ironing board
Minibar
Safe
King size bed
2 Bedside tables and lamps
Writing desk/ dressing table and chair
Two armchairs with coffee table
Bath with attached shower
WC and bidet
Bathrobe
Slippers
Hairdryer in the bathroom
Scale
Magnifying mirror

3 Persons 32
Cranley Comment
The Deluxe Room is designed in a contemporary European style with a small entrance hallway, off which is the ensuite bathroom. Opposite the bathroom is a double wardrobe with mirrored sliding doors and a wall mounted safe. The room itself has a king size bed, a working area with a desk, two armchairs and a coffee table and a television cabinet facing the bed. The walls are decorated in a light gold colour and there are gold curtains and a green based carpet. The furniture is a light ash colour to match. The bathroom comprises a combined bath and shower as well as a bidet. The hairdryer is fixed in the bathroom and there is a large magnifying mirror.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Club 41

City

As per the Deluxe Room with the added benefit of:
Larger bathroom
Separate shower
Access to the Club facilities described above.

3 Persons 32
Cranley Comment
The Club Room is the same physical size as the Deluxe Room but is laid out with a larger bathroom that has a corner bath and a separate walk-in shower. The extra space has been created by having stand alone wardrobes in the room itself, rather than the mirrored wardrobes that are in the entrance hallway of the Deluxe Room. It also has a separate unit that contains the tea and coffee making facilities, as well as the ironing board and iron. The room otherwise has the same décor as the Deluxe Room, but with a tiled rather than carpeted entrance hall and it has the same in room facilities. The Club Rooms are all located on the sixth floor and have their own reception desk.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Executive Suite 21

City

As per the Club Room with the added benefit of:
Separate lounge diner
Additional Satellite television
Dining table and 4 chairs
Four person sofa
CD Player
Guest bathroom
Complimentary limousine airport transfers

4 Persons 50
Cranley Comment
The Executive Suites are two room suites which are located on the corner of the building, giving them an unusual layout which adds interest to the design of the room. The bedroom is as described under Deluxe Rooms, with a small entrance hallway, off which is the ensuite bathroom. Opposite the bathroom is a double wardrobe with mirrored sliding doors and a wall mounted safe. The room has a king size bed, a working area with a desk and two armchairs and a coffee table. The television cabinet faces the bed. The walls are decorated in a light gold colour and there are gold curtains and a green based carpet. The furniture is a light ash colour to match. The bathroom comprises a combined bath and shower as well as a bidet. The hairdryer is fixed in the bathroom and there is a large magnifying mirror. The adjoining lounge area has a four seater sofa facing a TV cabinet with satellite television. Further around the room is a circular dining table with four chairs and there is a guest toilet discreetly located in an alcove.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Junior Suite 6

City

As per the Executive Suite with the added benefit of:
Two desks with high speed internet connection
Two seat sofa in the bedroom
Two seat sofa in the lounge
Armchair in the lounge

4 Persons 42
Cranley Comment
The Junior Suite comprises two rooms; a separate lounge and bedroom with a guest toilet in the lounge and an ensuite bathroom in the bedroom. The Junior Suite is effectively two Deluxe Rooms in terms of space and the layout of the bedroom. The lounge has ample seating, coffee tables, a satellite television, and the benefit of a guest bathroom and working desk with high speed internet connection. The décor of the Suite is similar to the other room types.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Two Bedroom Suite 7

City

As per the Junior Suite with the added benefit of:
An additional ensuite bedroom

4 Persons 63
Cranley Comment
The Two Bedroom Suite is the Junior Suite that is connected via the lounge to another Deluxe Room. The room therefore shares all the features of the Junior Suite plus a Deluxe Room, which are both described above and creates a two bedroom, two bathroom suite with a living room and guest toilet. The second bedroom comes only with two queen beds and is therefore ideally suited to families with children.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Presidential Suite 2

City

As per the Club Room with the added benefit of:
Kitchenette with minibar and hob.
Separate lounge and dining room
Dining table for six persons
Guest toilet
CD/DVD/VHS player
Separate shower
Satellite television in the bedroom
CD player in the bedroom

4 Persons 83
Cranley Comment
The Presidential Suite represents one of the two luxury accommodation types in the hotel with the other being the Royal Suite. The Suite has a large lounge/dining room with an open plan kitchenette that features a mini bar and hob. The lounge itself has a corner television cabinet and a sofa and three armchairs whilst the dining area has a dark wood table and six armchairs. The bedroom comes with a chaise longue and an ensuite bathroom that features a separate shower. It is decorated in a more elaborate style than the other rooms, with rich coloured furnishings and higher quality furniture.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Royal Suite 1

City

As per the Presidential Suite with the added benefit of:
Duplex design
Additional en suite bedroom
Study area
Large screen television
Piano

6 Persons 316
Cranley Comment
The Royal Suite is a duplex design with the master bedroom and study area upstairs, which is accessed via a spiral stairway. The lounge has an interesting feature in that it has an open plan ceiling to the floor above to give a real sense of space. On the ground floor is a large lounge/dining room with sofas that can comfortably accommodate six persons, a good quality dark wood dining table that seats eight guests and a small kitchenette. The second bedroom is en suite and has a king bed. Like the Presidential Suite, the Royal Suite has been decorated in a similarly lavish style and can connect to two Deluxe Rooms making it a four bedroom suite.
Restaurants & Cafés
Number of Restaurants
3
Restaurant Comments
Renaissance has two international restaurants and a lounge serving light snacks, cakes and pastries. In addition, food is available from the hotel's main bar, Harry's Place and also from the pool bar. All of them, with the exception of the pool bar, are located at lobby level. Spice Island is the hotel's signature restaurant and has a largely Asian and oriental theme, where it features an award-winning buffet with an array of dishes from a number of countries. Sails Restaurant offers both an a la carte and a buffet selection. Sails Restaurant and Harry's Place both offer an 'Eat Drink Balance' menu with low fat, low carb and low cholestrol options.
  Spice Island  
     
Restaurant Type International Restaurant
Restaurant Capacity 200
Opening Times Dinner 19:00 to 23:30
Friday Family Brunch 12:00 to 15:00
Dress Codes Smart casual
Air-Conditioning Yes
Smoking Policy No smoking allowed
Children’s Facilities Children's menu
Children under 6 have complimentary buffet
Children between 6 and 12 pay 50%
Breakfast Options None, except during Ramadan, when it is used as the breakfast venue.
Cranley Comment
The award-winning Spice Island restaurant is located on the lobby level next to the Tiki Bar and has the same décor theme as the bar, with the use of bamboo on the ceiling and around the restaurant and with wooden floors. The restaurant has a large buffet selection with live cooking stations and it features cuisine from a number of different countries; Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Italian, Indian, Thai, Arabic and Mongolian. The food is displayed and cooked on various ‘islands’ located around the restaurant. Some of the food is ready prepared, but some is cooked to order in front of the guest. Three different dining packages are available at all-inclusive prices, involving either soft drinks, regular brand alcoholic beverages or the 'Premium Experience' with more expensive alcoholic beverages. The Friday brunch also offers packages with or without alcoholic drinks and includes fun activities for children.
  Sails  
     
Restaurant Type Mediterranean
Restaurant Capacity 80
Opening Times Breakfast 06:00 to 11:00
Lunch 12:00 to 15:00
Dinner 19:30 to 23:30
Dress Codes Smart casual