BACKGROUND Rosewood Hotels & Resorts made its debut in the UAE with the launch of its Abu Dhabi property in May 2013. The brand was established in 1979 and the first hotel opened in Dallas — Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek. Today the brand has made its presence in 14 countries worldwide.
WHAT’S IT LIKE? The first impression is that of a luxury living room. The lobby is designed with several sofa seating arrangements, and shelves lined with artefacts are interspersed among them. There is also a strong presence of art throughout the property.
WHERE IS IT? It is located on Al Maryah Island, which is Abu Dhabi’s new International Financial Center. Abu Dhabi International Airport is at a distance of 33km. The property is also connected to Galleria Mall by taking a lift from the hotel’s lobby level.
ROOMS On entering my Deluxe room, I was instantly wowed by the view of the Arabian Gulf. All accommodation categories. Within the 34-storey tower have a view of the water or of Abu Dhabi’s skyline. The room is plush and cosy. One can open the sliding doors from behind the bathtub such that it can be directly accessed from the bed. The turndown service had a thoughtful touch — a bottle and an empty glass placed on a tray that slides out from the bedside table, so as not to clutter it. The switch panels are located at the entrance foyer and on either side of the bed. All rooms include an iPad to control the temperature, lighting, curtains and in-room dining. Categories upwards of the Manor Club room have exclusive access to the Manor lounge. The breakfast options are fewer than those in Aqua, but there are plenty of customisable options.
FOOD AND DRINK Sambusek serves Lebanese cuisine and has a beautiful al fresco area that overlooks the gulf. GLO and Majlis are the poolside and lobby lounges respectively. Aqua has an international buffet, and Dai Pai Dong has a Cantonese menu. Bars on the property include Hidden Bar and Dragon’s Tooth.
MEETINGS The two ballrooms, two meeting rooms, four boardrooms and outdoor function space are spread across 1,655 sqm. All boardrooms have attached living rooms so as to create an informal setting in between meetings. The business centre has two iMacs and a boardroom for four people that can be booked at no cost by hotel guests.
LEISURE There is a spa with a hammam room, a swimming pool, a gym, yoga studio, and a salon where guests can unwind on the property.
VERDICT It is a cosy property designed to pamper both, the business and leisure traveller.
CONTACT
Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, P.O. Box 41184 Abu Dhabi, UAE; +971 2 813 5550; rosewoodhotels.com
Neha Gupta Kapoor
