Ras Al Khaimah is a perfect getaway for an exciting staycation. Nomad Naved spent a couple of nights at the Ras Al Khaimah Hotel to bring you this report...
Located atop a plateau in the centre of the city, the Ras Al Khaimah Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in the emirate and has been a popular destination for local, regional and international tourists visiting Ras Al Khaimah.
I visited the hotel after nearly 20 years and found the place as comfortable and cosy as it was when I had last stayed at this property – the only difference being that the rooms have now been refurbished and wear a much more modern and contemporary look. The hotel swimming pool area too has been upgraded and redesigned and looks much more busy now.
The Ras Al Khaimah Hotel has always been known as a popular city-based resort and an ideal base from which to experience and explore Ras Al Khaimah’s many tourist attractions. From the moment you drive up the hotel porch, and walk around the property you get a feeling of living in a world of contrasts – from the bright and vibrant atmosphere in the restaurants, courtyard and public areas to the seclusion, peace and serene atmosphere of the three floors of guest accommodation which offer a wide range accommodation options from the budget-friendly deluxe rooms to the super luxurious Presidential Suites. All in all, the hotel has 93 rooms and suites which includes:
- 48 Superior Rooms
- 30 Deluxe Rooms
- 2 Super Deluxe Rooms
- 4 Executive Suites
- 1 Ambassador Suite
- 1 Julphar Suite
- 1 Diplomatic Royal Suite
- 2 Handicapped Rooms
- 2 Presidential Suites
The property is very popular with both locals and tourists because of its historic character, green courtyard with pool, fine dining venues, modern comforts and its typically Arabic flair.
During my visit, I stayed in a Deluxe Room, which was organized as a compact living space with high-pitched ceilings, featuring a kingsize bed, a separate sitting area and a desk. The elegant ensuite bathroom was equipped with a shower cube and double vanity. Large glass windows provided an excellent view of the front lawns and parking areas, creating a direct connect with the landscape.
The property is just a short 15-minute drive to the city’s main shopping and tourist areas, the RAK Corniche and the city centre, yet its serene and tranquil ambience feels a far cry from the hustle and bustle of town areas.
As I walked around the hotel, I noticed that both in its public areas and hotel’s main building, there’s a striking balance between rustic elegance and modern luxury. Adjacent to the hotel’s swimming pool is the Arabic style air-conditioned tented restaurant named Shahrazad, which offers a stunning outdoor settings with magnificent views. Here, guests can enjoy a light meal or refreshing juices while soaking up the excellent views across the terrace.
The Awtar Restaurant located adjacent to the hotel lobby offers delicious meal choices. Each morning, it’s also the venue for an excellent buffet breakfast.
Those seeking pure relaxation can head over to the first class wellness center, the TCM Spa, which offers Chinese, Thai and Korean massages and treatments. Therapies based on traditional rituals or massage techniques can all be performed by highly trained therapists. Indoor squash courts, tennis courts, sauna and steam rooms, and a well-equipped fitness room complete the hotel’s spa facilities.
Hospitality At Its Best
Special mention here of the friendly and co-operative staff at the hotel that go out of their way to make you feel at home. Some of the staff members have been working at the hotel for over 20 years and are proud to be able to serve you. The genuine hospitality on display by most of the friendly staff members surely makes you feel comfortable and relaxed. No doubt, the hotel gives priority in training and retaining its staff members – always a positive indicator for any commercial entity!
Best Time To Visit
The cooler winter months are obviously the best time to visit the UAE and Ras Al Khaimah. However, you can visit Ras Al Khaimah at any time of the year and launch exploratory trips to the nearby tourist attractions like Jebel Jais.
As the property is built on a natural plateau, the lush and verdant gardens of the hotel attract a wide variety of bird life throughout the year.
Undoubtedly, the hotel is one of the best staycation options in Ras Al Khaimah as it offers a perfect getaway from the rigours of city life by offering you a chance to flavour the pleasures of resort living at an affordable and budget friendly tag.
How To Get There
Ras Al Khaimah Hotel is located just 22 kilometres from the Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, which is served by major airlines and is just an hour’s drive from Dubai International Airport. The picturesque Jebel Jais is 60 kiolmetres away from the hotel and offers a memorable one-hour drive to the peak of Jebel Jais – UAE’s highest mountain.
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