The Cranley Report

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Al Hamra Fort Hotel and Beach Resort
Hotel Summary Restaurants & Cafés Beaches Special Needs
Location & Layout Bars Pools Environment
Lobby & Guest Relations Business & Event Facilities Sports & Gym Report Details
Shops & Amenities Children’s Facilities & Clubs Golf    
Rooms, Suites & Villas Entertainment Spa    
Al Hamra Fort Hotel and Beach Resort, Ras Al Khaimah
Hotel Address
P.O. Box 1468
Ras Al Khaimah
United Arab Emirates
 

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Cranley Rating

Al Hamra Fort Hotel and Beach Resort: Click to magnify
Photo 1 of 53. Click to enlarge
Hotel Summary
Category Resort Hotel
Awards Won None
Hotel Opened
 1996
Refurbishment Construction of the hotel Villa's in 2000
Cranley Summary
The Al Hamra Fort Hotel and Beach Resort is a large resort hotel set in approx one and a half square kilometres of grounds and is bordered on one side by its own private beach. The hotel has a secluded position and is seventy five kilometres north of Dubai in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. Accommodation in the hotel consists of Deluxe Rooms, Suites and a number of separate Villa's in the grounds. The Al Hamra Fort Hotel offers guests a choice of five restaurants including Al Shamal with an international menu, Al Jazeera featuring Lebanese cuisine and Don Camillo which is an Italian Trattoria. There is also a separate bar called the Sirocco and for late night entertainment there is the Malibu nightclub. For leisure activities there are three swimming pools, a children's supervised club, an outdoor jacuzzi and two tennis courts. The hotel is also constructing a new golf course which is due to open early in 2007. There is also a wide variety of water sports on offer to guests including water skiing, windsurfing, laser sail boat and catamarans. Within the hotel grounds there is a separate complex known as the Al Hamra Village which has it's own rooms, restaurant and pool and is located approx four hundred metres from the beach.
Hotel Location & Layout
Location Description
The Al Hamra Fort Hotel and Beach Resort is located 25 Kilometres from Ras Al Khaimah city and is 75 kilometres north of Dubai. The hotel is set in large secluded grounds and overlooks the Gulf with a private beach stretching 1.5 kilometres along the coast. Nearby attractions include the historic city of Ras Al Khaimah with its Gold and Spice Souk, the camel farm and racetrack and the Khatt Village with its famous hot springs. There is also a complimentary shuttle bus to the main shopping area in Dubai.
Airports
Distance 30 km
Airport Transfers Taxi
Complimnetary hotel shuttle bus
Cities and Sights
Distance 75 km
City/Sight Transfers Complimentary shuttle bus to the main shopping area.
Hotel Layout Click here to view
Layout Description
The hotel consists of a main three storey building and villas in the grounds. The main building is in the shape and style of an old fort with accommodation on the upper two floors. On the ground floor are the lobby, reception desk and the hotel shops including a jewellers and a gift shop. At the rear of the lobby on the right is the Sirocco Bar and to the left are the Al Shamal Restaurant and the entrances to Don Camillo Italian Trattoria and the Seafood Market Restaurant. On the right hand side of the hotel on the ground floor is the gym and health centre. At the rear of the lobby is the exit to the hotel grounds with swimming pools on either side, tennis courts to the right and Le Chalet Restaurant to the left. The beach is approximately 100 metres from the rear of the lobby. To the left of the hotel is a separate building which contains the Al Jazeera restaurant, children's club and Malibu nightclub. In front of this building in the gardens are the villas.
Lobby & Guest Relations
Open Hours
 24 Hours
Languages Spoken English and Arabic
Payment Methods All major credit cards
Foreign Exchange All major currencies
Taxis Arranged Called on request
Tours Arranged The Al Hamra Hotel can organise a wide range of tours and excursions including,

Desert safari with dinner
Dhow cruise with dinner
Ras Al Khaimah
Khatt hot springs
East coast trip to Khorfakkan
Al Ain City and Hajar Mountains
Dubai City tour
Guest Relations Standard
Concierge Services
 Car rental desk
Medical Facilities Doctor on call 24 hours with thirty minutes notice
Parking Complimentary car parking
Cranley Comment
The hotel lobby is a large open area which extends from the front to the rear of the hotel with exits to the gardens and beach. The reception desks are located on the right hand side with seating areas of wooden chairs and sofas extending to the rear exits. To the left of the lobby are the Al Shamal restaurant and the entrances to Don Camillo Trattoria and the Seafood Market Restaurant. To the rear of the lobby on the right is the entrance to the Sirocco lounge bar.
Shops & Amenities
Description
The Al Hamra Fort has three retail outlets located in the lobby area at the front of the hotel. These are:
The Gift Shop which sells a range of souvenirs and general items and is open daily from 09.00 to 21.00 except Friday when it is open from 10.00 to 19.00.
Kohimaran Oriental Carpets which sells a range of Persian Rugs and is open daily 09.00 to 21.00.
Damas Jewellers which sells a range of Gold and Diamonds and is open daily 09.00 to 22.30.
Cranley Comment
The Hotel has three shops selling souvenirs, general items, jewellery and Persian Rugs. In addition there is a courtesy shuttle buses to the main shopping area of Ras Al Khaimah City which is 20 Kilometres away and to Dubai's shopping malls. Departure and pickup timings vary depending on season and are available from the concierge desk.
Rooms, Suites & Villas
Number of Floors 3
Total Rooms 266
Elevators 2
Rooms per Elevator 133
Total Staff 400
Staff per Room 1.5
Check-in Time 14.00
Check-out Time 12.00
Late Checkout 17.00 subject to availability
Smoking Rooms Non-smoking rooms are available
Room Service 24 hours
Laundry Service Items dropped off by 09.00 are returned within 24 hours. A three hour express service is also available at an extra charge.
Cranley Comment
The Al Hamra Fort Hotel and Beach Resort has several room options available. In the main hotel building are the Deluxe Rooms and several types of suites. In the gardens are the separate villas which contain the Superior and Arabesque Rooms. All the rooms are spacious with the Deluxe Rooms starting at 50 sqm and all rooms except the Honeymoon and Ambassador Suites have a balcony or terrace and all have either sea or garden views. There is also a separate complex within the grounds known as Al Hamra Village with standard rooms which are not covered in this report.
  Type of Room, Views & Facilities
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Deluxe Rooms 75

Sea View

Satellite television
High speed internet connection
Minibar
Individually controlled air-conditioning
Desk and chair
Sofa and coffee table
Safe
Bath
Separate shower
Bidet
Bathrobe and slippers
Balcony or terrace

 2 adults 50
Cranley Comment
The Deluxe Rooms are spacious at 50 sqm and come with either a balcony or terrace. The decor is modern with ample natural light from the large picture window. The living and bedroom areas are partly divided by wooden screens with the living area having separate sofa, armchair and coffee table. The bathrooms have white tiling and benefit from a separate bath and shower.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Honeymoon Suite 2

Sea View

As per the Deluxe Room plus:
Larger living area
Additional armchairs and table
Additional television
These suites do not have a balcony or terrace.

 2 adults 70
Cranley Comment
The Honeymoon Suites have the same style of decor and furnishings as the Deluxe Rooms with the decor being modern with ample natural light from the large picture window. The living and bedroom areas are partly divided by wooden screens with the living area having separate sofa, armchair and coffee table. The principle benefit of the Honeymoon Suite is the extra sqm in the lounge area of the room which allows for additional seating and another television. These suites have sea views but do not have a balcony or terrace.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Ambassador Suite 2

Sea View

As per the Deluxe Rooms plus:
Separate living area
Dining table and chairs
Additional Television
These suites do not have a balcony or terrace.

 2 adults 75
Cranley Comment
The Ambassador Suites are fifty percent larger than the Deluxe Rooms and have the principle benefit of having a separate lounge and bedroom. The suites are also furnished with a more luxurious feel with tiled floors and Persian rugs. The bathrooms have white tiling and benefit from a separate bath and shower. These two suites have sea views but no balconies.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Diplomat Suite 2

Sea View

As per the Ambassador Suite plus:
Balcony with sea view
Table and chairs on balcony

 2 adults 80
Cranley Comment
The Diplomat Suites are very similar to the Ambassador Suites with a separate lounge and bedroom and are furnished in the same style with a luxurious feel with tiled floors and Persian rugs. The bathrooms have white tiling and benefit from a separate bath and shower. The key difference from the Ambassador Suite is that these two suites benefit from having a balcony with a table and chairs and a sea view.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Royal Suite 2

Sea View

As per the Diplomat Suite plus:
Considerably larger floor area
Small Kitchenette
Large dining area
Dining table and chairs
Bathroom with walk-in bath
Separate shower room
Large sun deck with sun loungers and sea views
Jacuzzi on the sun deck

 2 adults 120
Cranley Comment
The Royal Suites are very large at 120 sqm with the extra space allowing for dining and lounge areas in the living room and a small kitchenette. The bathroom is also spacious with a large walk-in bath and a separate shower room. There are stairs in the living area which lead to a rooftop sundeck which has impressive views of the sea and gardens. The sundeck also has sun loungers and parasols and a Jacuzzi.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Villa Superior Rooms 164

72 Sea View
92 Garden View

As per the Deluxe Rooms

 2 adults 53
Cranley Comment
The Villa Superior Rooms are separate from the main hotel and are located in the gardens close to the beach. Decor and furnishings are very similar to the Deluxe Rooms and all have a balcony or terrace with sea or garden views.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Villa Arabesque Rooms 19

Sea View

As per the Superior Rooms

 2 adults 54
Cranley Comment
The Arabesque Rooms are all on the first floor of the Villa's located in the hotel gardens. These are slightly larger than the Superior Rooms and they all benefit from having a balcony with sea view. The Villa's are close to the beach and a short walk away from the main hotel building.
Restaurants & Cafés
Number of Restaurants
 5
Restaurant Comments
The Al Hamra Fort Hotel and Beach Resort offer guests a choice of five dining options. To the left of the lobby is Al Shamal which is the main international restaurant for breakfast lunch and dinner. Also located in the main building and overlooking the terrace are Don Camillo, an Italian style trattoria and the Seafood Market, a South East Asian fish restaurant. Outside the hotel next to the sunset pool is Le Chalet with an A la carte grill menu and Mongolian Barbecue and to the left of the hotel is Al Jazeera which is an Arabic style restaurant specialising in Lebanese cuisine.
  Al Shamal Coffee Shop  
Restaurant Type International
Restaurant Capacity Total 386, 86 Indoors, 300 Outdoors
Opening Times Daily 07.00 to 23.00
Dress Codes Smart casual
Air-Conditioning Yes
Smoking Policy Non-smoking tables
Children’s Facilities High chairs
Breakfast Options Full International buffet breakfast
Cranley Comment
The Al Shamal is the hotel's main international restaurant which provides extensive buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests can dine inside or on a large outdoor terrace overlooking the gardens. The restaurant offers special theme nights each day of the week and these include, on Mondays an international buffet with Japanese Sushi Bar, on Tuesdays a Chinese style buffet and Friday is an Indian curry night.
  Don Camillo  
Restaurant Type Italian trattoria
Restaurant Capacity Total 85
Opening Times Daily 19.00 to 23.00
Dress Codes Smart casual
Air-Conditioning Yes
Smoking Policy Non-smoking tables
Children’s Facilities High chairs
Breakfast Options None
Cranley Comment
To the left of the lobby at the rear of the hotel is located Don Camillo Restaurant. This is an Italian style trattoria with a relaxed atmosphere and is open in the evenings for dinner. Don Camillo has a wide variety of traditional Italian dishes ranging from antipasti to several pasta meals with the speciality being Champagne Drunken Lobster, which is oven roasted and served with caviar sauce.
  Seafood Market  
Restaurant Type South East Asian Fish
Restaurant Capacity Total 100
Opening Times Daily 19.00 to 23.00
Dress Codes Smart casual
Air-Conditioning Yes
Smoking Policy Non-smoking tables available
Children’s Facilities High chairs
Breakfast Options None
Cranley Comment
The Seafood Market Restaurant is located next to Don Camillo and specialises in seafood cooked in a South East Asian style. The restaurant features a live seafood display where guests can choose their meal and also the style of cooking which includes Stir-fried, Roast and Tandoori. Featured dishes include the Premium Caspian Sea Caviar and Tom Yum Goong, a spicy Shrimp dish.
  Al Jazeera  
Restaurant Type Lebanese
Restaurant Capacity Total 160
Opening Times Breakfast 07.00 to 10.00
Dinner 19.00 to 00.00
Dress Codes Smart casual
Air-Conditioning Yes
Smoking Policy Non-smoking tables
Children’s Facilities High chairs
Breakfast Options Full international buffet breakfast
Cranley Comment
The Al Jazeera Restaurant is located to the left of the hotel in a separate building and close to the garden villa's. It is open for breakfast with an International buffet for guests staying in the villa rooms and in the evenings is a traditional Arabic restaurant. The menu features a range of A la carte Lebanese delicacies and the restaurant also provides Arabic entertainment with belly dancing and shisha pipes.
  Le Chalet  
Restaurant Type A la carte grill and Mongolian Barbecue
Restaurant Capacity Total 128
Opening Times Daily 09.00 to 00.00
Dress Codes Smart casual
Smoking Policy Non-smoking tables
Children’s Facilities High chairs
Breakfast Options None
Cranley Comment
Le Chalet Restaurant is located in the hotel gardens, next to the Sunset Pool. This is a casual restaurant which has a range of snacks, sandwiches and light meals available during the day for guests relaxing by the pool. In the evenings Le Chalet also offers a full A la Carte Grill Menu and features a Mongolian Barbecue with live cooking stations.
Bars
Number of Bars
 1
Bar Comments  
The Al Hamra Fort Hotel and Beach Resort has a lounge bar called Sirocco located at the rear of the hotel lobby. In addition there is the Malibu Nightclub which is in a separate building to the left of the hotel and adjacent to Al Jazeera Restaurant and is detailed in the entertainment section of this report.
  Sirocco Lounge Bar  
Bar Type Lounge Bar
Bar Capacity Total 66 persons
Opening Times 16.00 to 02.00
Happy hour 18.00 to 20.00
Dress Codes Smart Casual
Air-Conditioning Yes
Smoking Policy No non-smoking tables
Admissions Policy No children allowed
Cranley Comment
The Sirocco Lounge Bar is a square shaped intimate bar located on the ground floor with views over the hotel grounds. A full range of alcoholic beverages are available together with a small snacks menu. The Sirocco Lounge has live entertainment in the evenings with a four piece Filipino band playing popular music.
Business & Event Facilities
Wireless Internet Wireless internet available in the lobby area
In-Room Services High speed internet connection
Business Centre
The hotel does not have a business centre but photocopying and secretarial services are available on request.
Meetings & Events
The hotel has three small rooms available for meetings and conferences.

Meeting room A, 64 sqm, max capacity 20 persons.
Meeting room B, 39 sqm, max capacity 10 persons.
Meeting room C, 39 sqm, max capacity 10 persons.
Cranley Comment
The Al Hamra Fort and Beach Resort is primarily a leisure hotel and has limited business facilities. Three rooms are available for meetings and conferences and wireless internet access is available in the lobby area.
Children’s Facilities & Clubs
Restaurant Facilities See Restaurants
Children's Pool See Pools
Children's Club
The resort has a children's club located in a separate building close to the sunset pool. The club is open daily from 10.00 to 19.00 and provides professional supervision for young children. Numerous activities are available including face painting, games, slides and T.V. and videos.
Babysitting service
Baby sitting service is available with 24 hours notice.
Cranley Comment
The Al Hamra Fort Hotel and Beach Resort is family oriented with many activities and facilities for children. There is a dedicated children's club which is open daily with professional supervision. A separate children's pool, mini golf course and supervised water sports including swimming, windsurfing and sailing lessons.
Entertainment
  Daytime Activities  
Cranley Comment
The hotel has a range of activities during the day including:
Two Tennis courts
Crazy golf course
Children's face painting
Beach Volleyball
Beach Football
A full range of water sports.
  Evening Activities  
Malibu Discotheque The Malibu is an over 21's night club and disco located next to Al Jazeera Restaurant in a separate building to the left of the hotel. Occupying a circular building, Malibu has a dance floor and bar on the ground floor with an additional bar and seating arranged around a balcony on the first floor. Catering primarily for younger guests it has live music and a DJ playing contemporary songs. The dress code is smart casual and is open from 21.30 to 23.30 with a happy hour from 21.30 to 23.30.
Cranley Comment
In addition to the Malibu disco detailed above the hotel has a live four piece Filipino band playing popular music in the Sirocco bar and Arabic music and Belly dancing in the Al Jazeera Restaurant.
Beaches
  Al Hamra Fort Hotel and Beach Resort Beach
     
Location Rear of the hotel.
Description Private beach extending for approx 1.5 kilometres along the Gulf coast.
Private/Public Public
Size/Frontage 1.5 kilometres in length
50 metres in depth
Facilities Sunbeds
Parasols
Towels
Toilets
Beach bar serving snacks and drinks
Showers
Safety Lifeguard on duty
Parking The Al Hamra Fort private beach extends for 1.5 kilometres along the gulf coast and also encompasses a small lagoon to the right of the hotel. There is a small beach side bar serving snacks and drinks during the day. Areas of the beach are set up for beach volleyball and football. Having a westerly aspect the beach has spectacular sunsets in the evening.
Pools
Cranley Comments
There are three swimming pools at the hotel. The Sunrise Pool is located to the right of the hotel grounds with a small children's pool attached and also a circular outdoor jacuzzi. The Sunset pool is next to Le Chalet Restaurant and close to the beach. All the pools are temperature controlled and have lifeguards on duty.
  Sunrise Pool  
     
Opening Times 08.00 to 20.00
Temperature Temperature controlled at 26 degrees
Depths Min 1.40 metres
Max 1.95 metres
Size Infinity Shape, Max 20 metres by 12 metres
Facilities Sunbeds
Parasols
Towels
Showers
Toilets
Separate jacuzzi
Safety Lifeguard on duty
Cranley Comment
The Sunrise pool is located to the right of the terrace at the rear of the hotel. Enclosed by palm trees and shrubs it is surrounded by sunloungers and parasols and enjoys pleasant views over the lagoon. Adjacent to the pool on a raised terrace is a circular outdoor jacuzzi.
  Sunset Pool  
     
Opening Times 08.00 to 20.00
Temperature Temperature controlled at 26 degrees
Depths Min 1.40 metres
Max 1.95 metres
Size Oval Shape, Max 25 metres by 12 metres
Facilities Sunbeds
Parasols
Towels
Showers
Toilets
Drinks and snacks available from Le Chalet restaurant
Safety Lifeguard on duty
Cranley Comment
The Sunset Pool is located at the rear of the hotel, next to Le Chalet Restaurant and close to the beach. Set in the pleasant gardens it has a large rock feature to one side and a central platform for diving. Drinks and snacks are available all day from Le Chalet restaurant.
  Children's Pool  
     
Opening Times 08.00 to 20.00
Temperature Temperature controlled at 26 degrees
Depths Standard depth of 0.60 metres
Size Half moon shape, Max 10 metres by 7 metres
Facilities As per the Sunrise Pool
Safety Lifeguard on duty
Cranley Comment
The Children's Pool is a small half moon shaped paddling pool attached to the Sunrise Pool. There is a canopy over the pool providing shade for young children with other facilities being shared with the Sunrise pool.
Sports & Gym
  Gym & Health Club  
Opening Times
 08.00 to 21.00
Description 3 Treadmills
2 Bikes
2 Steppers
1 Rowing machine
4 Resistance machines
Vibrafit whole body vibration machine
Free weights and dumbbells
Balancing balls
Yoga mats
Size Square room, 12 metres by 12 metres
Cranley Comment
The fitness centre is located to the right of the hotel with views of the gardens and sunrise pool. A square room with lots of natural light it is well stocked with modern equipment by Technogym and Vibrafit and there are televisions mounted on the walls. The gym has its own toilets and changing rooms and there are also separate saunas for men and women.
  Water Sport  
Opening Times
 08.00 to 18.00
Description Water Skiing
Windsurfing
Water boarding
Kayaking
Surfbiking
Jet Skiing
Catamarans
Sail Boats
Banana Boats
Fishing
Cranley Comment
The Al Hamra Fort has an extensive range of watersports on offer from either the main beach or at a small lagoon to the right of the hotel. The motorized sports such as Surfbiking and Jet Skiing are chargeable by the half hour and swimming lessons are also available.
  Land Sport  
Opening Times
 08.00 to 22.00
Description Two floodlit tennis Courts
Mini golf course
Beach volleyball
Beach football
Cranley Comment
The Al Hamra Fort hotel and Beach Resort has a range of sports activities available for adults and children. The tennis courts and mini golf are located to the right of the hotel, beyond the sunrise pool and beach football and volleyball are also available on the main beach.
Golf
  Al Hamra Golf Club and Resorts
Description
The first taste of an eighteen hole “links” course in the Middle East built along the shores and rolling waves of the Arabian Gulf. Designed by renowned Swiss Golf Course Architect Peter Harradine the golf course is shaped around a large open lagoon with four sub lagoons all inter-connected. The front nine measuring 3,559 yards plays ‘Out’ away from the clubhouse, whilst the back nine measuring 3,708 yards returns back ‘In’ around the lagoon. The result is a 7,267yard Par 72 Championship Golf Course. Originally planned to be built on the flat salt flats bordering the waters edge – some 5 million cubic meters of sand and expert shaping has created an undulating golf course where levels rise and fall from plus one to plus eight meters above sea level. In keeping with tradition and style of links golf the course features humps, hollows and pot bunkers unique to golf in this region. In addition Al Hamra Golf Club features a nine hole Par 3 Academy course with holes ranging from 60 yards to 110 yards and features a salt water lake designed to test even the novice golfers nerve.
Location 0 km
Holes 18
Length/Par 7,042 yards, Par 72, SSS 74
Facilities 9 hole floodlit par 3 course
350 yard floodlit driving range
PGA tuition
Academy
Gym
Restaurant
  Tower Links Golf Club
Description
Tower Links Golf Clubis located in Ras Al Khamiah, 45 minutes north of Dubai has become one of the top golfing venues in the UAE. It is situated in a unique environment encompassing a mangrove reserve and against the backdrop of the Hajar Mountains. The course is a challenging 18 hole, par 72 golf course with four tees: Championship, men, seniors and ladies, therefore providing tee-off opportunities for all standards of play. . The club possesses a range of facilities enabling golfers to improve their standard of play. The back nine holes and practice facilities are fully floodlit for night play.
Location 10 km
Holes 18 holes
Length/Par Par 72, 7,200 yards
Facilities Fully stocked professionals shop
Teaching academy with PGA professionals, indoor swing analysis centre and short game zone.
Restaurant
Spa
Gym
Spa
Name of Spa Body Sense
Opening Times 09.00 to 22.00
Facilities
Massage room
Anti ageing clinic
Separate saunas for men and women
Changing rooms and showers
Vibrafit sessions.

Treatments include

Aromatherapy Massage
Shiatsu Massage
Asian Massage
Body polish aromatic scrub
Vibrafit exercise sessions
Cranley Comment
The health centre and spa is located to the right of the hotel and close to the sunrise pool. Facilities include a massage room, anti ageing clinic and separate saunas for men and women. A range of massage treatments are available and also a Vibrafit machine for body toning and improved circulation.
Special Needs
Communal Areas
Wheelchair accessible
Rooms & Bathrooms
Wheelchair accessible
Restaurants & Catering
Wheelchair accessible
Recreation Facilities
Wheelchair accessible
Cranley Comment
The hotel does not have any rooms specially adapted for those with special needs; however the hotel is fully accessible by wheelchair with ramps and sloping paths in the public areas and gardens.
Environment
Measures
 Recycling
Beach Cleaning
Water Saving
Cranley Comment
The hotel has water and energy saving measures in place and also uses recycled water on the hotel grounds.
Al Hamra Fort Hotel and Beach Resort, Ras Al Khaimah, Report Details
01/10/2006
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