Al Raha Beach Hotel

The huge lobby at the Al Raha is a spectacular space, though some of its glitzy touches -- including golden-hued ceiling panels --have a dated feel. The tiled floor has an intricate pattern in bright colors; the ceiling has a large panel of colorful patterned glass; and the walls have elaborate wood paneling. There's also a large, wood-paneled reception desk decorated with a swirly pattern that's mimicked in the dizzying, multicolored carpeting. A cluster of basic beige and brown chairs sits beside a huge palm tree. The hotel has a relaxed, vacation feel, with action centering on the outdoor pools and beach, where guests lounge underneath thatched umbrellas or on stylish woven chairs shaded by palm trees. Some business travelers stay here, but it mainly attracts couples and families with young children; kids are warmly welcomed in the hotel's restaurants. 

Situated between Yas Island and downtown Abu Dhabi, the hotel is slightly isolated. The only local attraction is the small Al Raha Mall next door, so this property wouldn’t suit guests wanting to explore on foot. There’s also a distinctive disc-shaped office building nearby, which makes for an interesting focal point from the beach! Guests can reach Yas Marina, the Formula One racetrack, Yas Waterworld, and the Ferrari theme park in about 10 to 15 minutes. Abu Dhabi Airport is about 15 minutes by car, and Zayed National Museum is within a 30-minute drive. The hotel also provides free shuttles to Abu Dhabi’s major shopping malls. 

Rooms in the hotel’s main building are enormous, with lackluster decor that includes beige carpeting, simple wood furniture, and bed runners and curtains in shades of orange and green. Those in the newer wing are smaller, but have a slightly more modern design, complete with industrial-style lamps and wood-paneled walls with circular cutouts. All are air-conditioned and have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, minibars with free mineral water, safes, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Some have balconies with Gulf views. Beds are very large and have Egyptian cotton sheets. Cribs and connecting rooms are available for families. There are nice, high-tech touches like magic glass mirrors, and bedside digital displays that control air-conditioning, lighting, and alarms. Marble bathrooms are very large and elegant, with granite sinks, separate walk-in showers, and deep tubs. 

Most guests prefer the pools to the private beach, which is somewhat narrow and lacks sweeping views -- a small creek and concrete wall appear in the distance. There are plenty of comfortable, modern sun loungers and cabanas, though -- complete with call buttons for waiter service. The large outdoor pools are excellent, and set in immaculately maintained gardens with palm trees and fountains. There are also a separate children’s pool with waterslides, plus two indoor pools. The full-service spa has treatment rooms, a sauna, and steam room; massages on the beach can be arranged, and there’s a hair salon, too. Drinks are served at the beach bar, swim-up bar, and poolside bar, plus there’s a stylish Irish pub and an Arabian lounge-bar. Dining options include five restaurants: the Sevilla buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; Azur, a fine-dining, poolside Mediterranean restaurant; 24-hour Cafe Mozart for modern European food; La Piscine for international dishes on the beachfront; and Black Pearl for snacks and drinks. Separate children’s menus are available at all the restaurants, with the exception of Black Pearl. The kids' club is free, as is Wi-Fi in some public areas. Business travelers can make use of the conference space and seven spacious meeting rooms.