Waldorf Astoria Ras al Khaimah

The name, a statement. The brand, pure luxury. The Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah. In June we spent five nights in this five star hotel in the Arabian Gulf. In the summer months, when it's really hot in the United Arab Emirates, you can't beat the value for money. So why travel to overcrowded and poorly run hotels in the Mediterranean when I can be treated like royalty here for the same price? You can find out whether the luxury is right in our hotel rating.

Arrival and check-in

After one of our suitcases didn't find its way to Dubai, we first had to shop at Lufthansa's expense on our first day. In the hope that the suitcase would come the next day, we bought at least the essentials. We then started our approximately one-hour drive from Dubai to the Waldorf Astoria Ras al Khaimah. After we left Dubai and the Emirate of Sharjah, the highway became pleasantly empty. The sand mountains piled up to the left and right of the three-lane road and we occasionally saw smaller groups of dromedaries.

As we approached the Waldorf Astoria Ras al Khaimah, we already got a first impression of the pompous design of the luxury hotel. The entrance portal alone, which is several floors high, amazed us. We parked the car and were immediately greeted by the bell boy. After our suitcases were unloaded, we used the free valet parking service and our rental car disappeared into an underground garage.

In the lobby of the hotel, we immediately noticed the large grandfather clock. Small groups of seats are nicely arranged around them. The reception is spacious and we were greeted very friendly by the staff. While all the formalities were being taken care of, we were offered a welcome drink. Thanks to Hilton Diamond Status, we received an upgrade from a Family Classic Room to a King Grand Junior Suite with sea view and balcony.

What are the rooms like (King Grand Junior Suite) at Waldorf Astoria Ras al Khaimah?

After checking in, we were warmly welcomed by Michele, our personal concierge. She escorted us through the very spacious hallways to our suite on the fifth floor. Our King Grand Junior Suite was approximately 107 square meters. In general, all rooms in the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah have a floor area of ​​at least 56 square meters.

Hallway, bathroom and walk-in closet

Directly inside the massive front door was a hallway of light-colored marble. The first door on the left led to the bathroom. In this one, the black marble dominated the picture. In addition to a double sink with a large mirror, there was also a bathtub, a rain shower and an extra separate toilet with a bidet. Small details like a fresh rose or the amenities from Salvatore Ferragamo rounded off the positive overall impression.

From the hallway, we entered the walk-in closet via a double French door. With plenty of storage space for clothes and shirts, small items of clothing and plenty of storage space, you should be able to accommodate everything. Even suitcases can be easily stowed here. A large mirror with a dressing table and a small armchair completed the room.

living and sleeping area

Continuing down the hall we entered the bedroom with a king-size bed and a large TV. There was a large table lamp on one of the bedside tables and an iHome clock radio on the other.

The living area adjoins the bedroom. There was a seating area with a sofa and armchair, a sideboard with a minibar and a desk. On this was also a welcome greeting from the hotel. Especially our son was happy about the nice gesture.

I would like to conclude the room tour with the balcony with sea view. Unfortunately, during the day it was much too warm for us to be comfortable on the balcony for a long time.

Overall we were very happy with our suite. The mixture of oriental design, e.g. B. with the typical door arches, and the modern accessories is very successful. We particularly liked the lighting concept with lots of indirect light. However, the furniture is a bit worn in one corner or the other, or it wasn't built with quite the dedication to quality that one might be used to in Germany.

How is the food at Waldorf Astoria Ras al Khaimah?

In contrast to Dubai, Ras al Khaimah does not yet offer as many good options for eating out. The Waldorf Astoria Ras al Khaimah is also a good 30 minutes' drive from the city centre. For this reason we booked half board for our stay. For us, this meant a breakfast and dinner buffet in the Qasr Al Bahar restaurant. The ambience there is noble, but reserved. All seats are equipped with armchairs or sofas, so the atmosphere was very comfortable.

Breakfast

Breakfast is served from 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. (Friday and Saturday until 11:30 a.m.). We were always there shortly before 9 a.m. and always got a seat without waiting. Around 9:30 a.m. it got more crowded and there was also a queue from time to time. If the seating capacity in the Qasr Al Bahar restaurant is no longer sufficient, there is an alternative restaurant next door.

We found the offer at the breakfast buffet to be extremely extensive. There were a variety of salads, as well as warm Western, Arabic and Asian dishes. Egg dishes, including my beloved Eggs Bendict, were freshly prepared. There were also enough of our son's favorite food, American pancakes, as well as tasty French toast and muffins. The offer was rounded off by various sweet pastries, all kinds of bread (also gluten-free), cornflakes, yoghurt and fresh fruit.

You could help yourself to the large selection of juices. The coffee specialties were served at the table. Drinks were included with breakfast.

dinner

The evening buffet is served between 18:00 and 22:30. As with breakfast, we were seated without a long wait. However, during peak hours, between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., a small line can form at the entrance.

The dishes were attractively prepared, the selection was large and rich. There was a large salad bar with various mixed salads and a small island with salad ingredients to put together yourself. When it came to the selection of bread, we were able to choose from many varieties, from light bread to grain bread and pretzels. The appetizers were complemented by cheese and antipasti. During our five day stay there were various theme nights serving Asian, European, American, Mediterranean and Russian food. The selection of vegetables, rice and meat was large. Indian food with freshly baked naan was available for every evening buffet. Freshly sliced ​​fish, turkey, lamb or pork were also served at a small counter.

The selection of desserts was overwhelming, as we are used to from the Arab countries. In addition to small pastries and dates, there were all kinds of cakes and pieces of cake. Also fruit puree, pudding and yoghurt. Fresh fruit salads and different delicious ice cream flavors every evening.

It tasted very good to us, even if one or the other dish was a bit overcooked or the poultry was a bit dry. The food selection for children could be improved in the future. In other hotels, like this DoubleTree Marjan Island, there was e.g. B. an extra children's buffet. Nonetheless, we always found something to eat for our son. The drinks for the evening buffet were not included in the arrangement.

The service at the Qasr Al Bahar restaurant was a bit slow in places, causing the tables not to be set again quickly enough on some evenings. However, everyone was always very friendly and courteous. As always, our son was well received by the waiters and all sorts of jokes were made. The dress code was smart casual and we got the impression that some guests didn't understand the meaning of the term.

What does the Waldorf Astoria Ras al Khaimah offer for recreation?

The hotel building was originally planned as a palace for the ruling family of Ras al Khaimah. With this background knowledge, we understood why all public areas are designed in such a pompous way. The design and style of the 1930s are certainly a matter of taste, but we found the overall concept of the Waldorf Astoria Ras al Khaimah to be very consistent.

Pool

Our goal for this vacation was to just lounge lazily on the lounger by the pool or beach. The pool area of ​​the Waldorf Astoria Ras al Khaimah was perfect for this. The hotel has two pools, which integrate very well into the tropical design of the hotel complex.

For hotel guests without children, there is an adult-only pool in a separate area.

The second pool, with its more organic shape and different water depths, is suitable for everyone. There is also a separate children's pool. We particularly liked that the children's pool was covered with a large sun sail. Our son, who spent most of the day in the water, was always well protected in the shade. Incidentally, both pools are cooled so that the water temperature was only around 30 °C even when the outside temperature was 48 °C. Both pools have plenty of sun loungers or even cabanas. Pool service includes pool towels and a large bowl of bottled water on ice cubes at regular intervals.

Strand

The transition from the pool area to the hotel's 350 meter wide beach was largely seamless. Also here there were enough beach chairs and umbrellas, which were available free of charge. Unfortunately, an outside temperature of 46 °C was far too warm for our original plan of letting our son play in the white sand. So we were only for a short time on the beach or swimming in the 33 °C warm sea.

Business Center

In addition to several PCs and an iMac, a printer was also available in the well-equipped business center on the second floor of the hotel. There was also a cozy seating area where you can have a quiet conversation with other guests.

Service

The service at the Waldorf Astoria Ras al Khaimah exceeded our expectations for a five star hotel. Every member of staff, from the bar to room service, was always friendly and had time for a quick chat. The poolside service alone, with iced water and different smoothies or ice cream 3 to 4 times a day, was great. Our very special thanks to Akram from the pool bar!

Turndown service was performed every night while we were eating. The beds were turned down, a bottle of water placed by the bed and classical music turned on. A constant program every evening!

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