In a cosmopolitan place where describing everything with superlatives is the norm, a highly recommended hotel in Dubai has to step it up a notch with unparalleled hospitality, impeccable service, remarkable facilities, yet pocket-friendly rates that even the most frugal tourist could consider. Dubai for the many, usually means the tallest building in the world, the longest unmanned Metro, the biggest shopping malls, the most future-forward lifestyle, the most luxurious and the most inviting, world-class-hotels in the Middle East! By the volume of options of accommodation around, why do you need to consider staying in Al Ghurair Rayhaan Hotel by Rotana when in Dubai?
The view of Dubai at the living room of my 17th-floor-Deluxe Suite in Al Ghurair Rayhaan Hotel by Rotana.
The other side of Dubai seen from my suite’s bedroom.
Hotel lobby. Minimalist yet elegant and stylish. Enormous but not intimidating.
I was fortunate to experience a 2-night staycation-review upon the generous invitation of Al Ghurair Rayhaan Hotel by Rotana last October 7th to 9th, 2015. And below are my personal reasons why I highly recommend Al Ghurair Rayhaan Hotel to anyone visiting Dubai, and to all UAE residents as well.
LOCATION AND ACCESSIBILITY
The location and accessibility of Al Ghurair Rayhaan Hotel can’t be topped. It is located at the heart of Deira where Dubai Metro rail station is just a stone’s throw away. With accessibility to Union Metro Station that serves as one of the central hub to all lines of the Metro, hotel guests can easily move from Dubai International Airport to business center, famous landmarks, tourist spots and shopping malls. Did I mention that Al Ghurair Shopping Centre is just situated at the ground floor of the hotel?
In-Room welcome treats. Fresh fruits and Arabic sweets with warm and friendly welcome note.
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
The Corner Deluxe Suite that was provided to me as my home for 2 nights and 3 days, with early check in and late check out time, was notably massive at 111.6 square metres! It comes with spacious and impressive living room, with glass windows that offer the priceless scenic view of Deira, Dubai Creek and the iconic, Burj Khalifa. Wifi access is fast and complimentary. There’s a toilet for guests, and a separate oversized and overwhelming toilet and bath that’s incredibly spotless! The bedroom has clean lines and classy interiors, apparently put together for a restful sleep and memorable stay.
Walk-In-Closet
The toilet and bath is simply divine.
THE 24/7 IN-ROOM-DINING-SERVICE AND COMPLIMENTARY BREAKFAST
The room rates come with complimentary breakfast at Liwan All-Day-Dining Restaurant where local and international buffet breakfast is offered on a daily basis. It is also noteworthy that a family-friendly menu at reasonable and affordable cost for In-Room-Dining Service is available for 24 hours, 7 days a week! In one of my mornings, I opted to eat breakfast and lunch inside my suite, then I sampled breakfast at Liwan Restaurant the following day.
American Breakfast from the In-Room-Dining menu. Too perfect and healthy to jump start a day!
My alter-ego and travel buddy, @gelothebear on Instagram was happy!
Late Lunch via In-Room-Dining Service : basket of bread and lime and mint.
My choice of entree : Porterhouse Steak, medium well served with blanched veggies, mac and cheese.
Luscious and delish, Toblerone cake for dessert!
Burp! 🙂
LIWAN ALL-DAY-DINING RESTAURANT
Situated on the 3rd floor where the hotel lobby is, Liwan Restaurant offers a wide variety of tasteful local and international cuisines on a well-presented buffet spread. From the health-conscious to the hard-to-pleased-kiddos, to those with huge appetite and even those with discriminatory taste buds, there’s something flavourful and tasteful at Liwan for everyone!
My breakfast at Liwan Restaurant.
Then my lunch at Liwan Restaurant.
Tender and well-marinated Roasted Lamb at the Carving Station.
The Dessert Department in Liwan is certainly not to be missed! Always make room for dessert!
Sweets and cappuccino to end a satiating meal!
SHAYAN PERSIAN RESTAURANT
Besides In-Room-Dining service and Liwan Restaurant, I was fortunate to expose my palates again to the authentic Persian cuisine from the menu of Shayan Restaurant, located at the 3rd floor of Al Ghurair Rayhaan Hotel by Rotana. Shayan is an obvious tribute and dedicated to those people who favor Arabic and Persian dishes, that are quite logical to taste when visiting Dubai.
If you must know, it was not my first time to dine at Shayan, as I and my blogger-friends were already invited before to preview Shayan’s Iftar offering. Expectedly, the food, the service, the interiors of Shayan Restaurant complement the entire gastronomic experience that any guests deserve.
Here’s a visual feast of Shayan Restaurant and what I had for dinner during my staycation.
Complimentary mezzeh served with piping hot Arabic bread.
Chicken Soup.
Kashk E Bademjan : Fried eggplant mixed with special aged curd, seasoned with traditional spices.
Kabab Karchang : Flame broiled lobster with lime juice and Persian spices.
Makhloot : Persian iced noodles and Bastani ice cream.
FACILITIES : BODYLINES LEISURE AND FITNESS CLUB AND SWIMMING POOL
To keep In-house-guests to the pink of their health, the hotel offers free access and use of hotel’s state-of-the-art facilities and recreational services in Bodylines Leisure and Fitness Club and swimming pool.
ZEN SPA : TWO THUMBS UP!
And to complete the relaxing staycation experience, another must-try facility in Al Ghurair Rayhaan Hotel by Rotana is their Zen Spa. From various types of massages to facial and skin treatments, guests may avail of Zen Spa offering at surprisingly reasonable rates. I decided to have 30-minute facial treatment for men, 30-minute-feet-and-leg-reflexology, plus I ended it up with soothing steam bath and sauna prior taking shower and cooling everything down. It was an amazing experience! Totally relaxing and highly recommended! If you’re in Dubai, or any emirates within UAE, go try Zen Spa and let me know of your own experience.
The reception area of Zen Spa.
Men’s changing room at Zen Spa.
Couple Room. One of the treatment rooms inside Zen Spa.
Jacuzzi, Steam Bath, Sauna and Shower Room.
Relaxation Room of Zen Spa.
FAMILY FRIENDLINESS
With permission to invite them over to my suite’s spacious and elegant living room during my last night at Al Ghurair Rayhaan Hotel by Rotana, I was the most thankful staycation-er to have been visited by a bunch of friendly souls whom I reckon as my extended family in UAE. Don’t we look so stress-free and happy? Stay and check in at Al Ghurair Rayhaan Hotel by Rotana in Deira, Dubai and feel that happy-vibe yourself!
I have stayed in several hotels around the world and I must admit, my 2-night-staycation at Al Ghurair Rayhaan Hotel by Rotana has been by far, one of the most remarkable and absolutely memorable! I am grateful for the chance to enjoy a special time for myself, plus I got to spend and share few hours of that special moments with my closest friends. Cliche as it may sound, the entire staycation experience provided me priceless memories of being home away from home!
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For more details about Al Ghurair Rayhaan Hotel by Rotana, its restaurants, services and facilities, kindly visit their website at https://www.rotana.com/arjaanhotelapartments/unitedarabemirates/dubai/alghurairarjaanbyrotana
Disclaimer : Although the 2-night-staycation was invitational and complimentary, this entire review was never influenced by anyone, not even the sponsors themselves.
Special thanks to Mr. Ferry Trinidad for the invitation.
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