A FEW eyebrows may well have been raised when Rotana opened a third hotel within metres of two others in its portfolio.
Either way, the arrival of the Pearl Rotana Capital Centre seems to be proving popular among the leisure and business audience alike.
And rightly so…
And rightly so…
ABU Dhabi hospitality brand Rotana may be a modest player when compared to some of its global rivals.
But the homegrown group delivers surprising variety across its expanding network of hotels.
One of its most recent additions demonstrates this by effectively going up against two other hotels in the Rotana family, positioned right next door in the Capital Centre district.
While Centro is the firm’s three star offering and Arjaan a four star dry hotel with a different look again, Pearl Rotana is a four star majoring on modern luxury finishes and a very executive-friendly lean.
But the homegrown group delivers surprising variety across its expanding network of hotels.
One of its most recent additions demonstrates this by effectively going up against two other hotels in the Rotana family, positioned right next door in the Capital Centre district.
While Centro is the firm’s three star offering and Arjaan a four star dry hotel with a different look again, Pearl Rotana is a four star majoring on modern luxury finishes and a very executive-friendly lean.
What all three properties have in common is their handy positioning for the convention crowd that flocks into Abu Dhabi throughout the year.
Placed a short walk from ADNEC – Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre – the Pearl Rotana and pals benefit from thousands of short stay guests flying in for the likes of ADIPEC and other major internationally significant gatherings.
For the new kid amid the blocks, this is prime custom, not least with its mix of meeting rooms and the airy Club Rotana Lounge.
For those not familiar, this is an exclusive area dedicated to guests staying on the Club Rotana executive level, offering complimentary drinks and snacks at various times during the day.
With stunning views across the Arabian Gulf and towards the Corniche skyline, this is a prime spot in which to unwind, read the papers or hold less formal business meetings in a dedicated space.
Placed a short walk from ADNEC – Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre – the Pearl Rotana and pals benefit from thousands of short stay guests flying in for the likes of ADIPEC and other major internationally significant gatherings.
For the new kid amid the blocks, this is prime custom, not least with its mix of meeting rooms and the airy Club Rotana Lounge.
For those not familiar, this is an exclusive area dedicated to guests staying on the Club Rotana executive level, offering complimentary drinks and snacks at various times during the day.
With stunning views across the Arabian Gulf and towards the Corniche skyline, this is a prime spot in which to unwind, read the papers or hold less formal business meetings in a dedicated space.
Those views extended to our Club Rotana Room, with deep windows facing out to sea and giving the generous space lots of light.
Fresh, stylish décor, a sumptuous bed and a spacious bathroom are modern without being cold.
There’s a desk at which to work and a sofa from where you can take in a large TV.
Head one floor further up and well-equipped gym is also bathed in light with the treadmills offering a distracting view out to sea.
There’s a sauna and steam room for post workout and a pool with loungers and a grassed area for relaxation. Up here is also where you will find the Aquarius Pool Bar (10am until sunset).
The modern yet warm finish of the rooms touches the rest of the hotel, its public areas a mix of modern and traditional colours, materials and furniture, combining with artistic flourishes to give an up-do-date feel without abandoning comfort and location.
Fresh, stylish décor, a sumptuous bed and a spacious bathroom are modern without being cold.
There’s a desk at which to work and a sofa from where you can take in a large TV.
Head one floor further up and well-equipped gym is also bathed in light with the treadmills offering a distracting view out to sea.
There’s a sauna and steam room for post workout and a pool with loungers and a grassed area for relaxation. Up here is also where you will find the Aquarius Pool Bar (10am until sunset).
The modern yet warm finish of the rooms touches the rest of the hotel, its public areas a mix of modern and traditional colours, materials and furniture, combining with artistic flourishes to give an up-do-date feel without abandoning comfort and location.
The arrival of Pearl Rotana also brings more food and beverage choice to the Capital Centre district.
Most notably, perhaps, is The Warehouse, an industrial-themed wine and tapas bar with a lively menu small plates selection inspired by the sharing ethos.
Judging by the weekend crowd, word about The Warehouse has already spread well beyond the business community.
With a resident DJ in situ, the lively atmosphere was constantly refreshed with new faces during our Thursday night visit where food highlights included a range of flatbreads and jars & pots, such as the Lebanese sujouk, spicy tuna poke tacos and maple glazed smoked duck.
The sliders seem to be a hit here as is the speciality sausage by the metre, while cheese fondue promises messy times.
The drinks list is extensive and imaginative with a broad roster of global wines, international beers and tempting sangrias led by some cunning vino cocktails, such as the reviving Elixir and Basicletta.
Most notably, perhaps, is The Warehouse, an industrial-themed wine and tapas bar with a lively menu small plates selection inspired by the sharing ethos.
Judging by the weekend crowd, word about The Warehouse has already spread well beyond the business community.
With a resident DJ in situ, the lively atmosphere was constantly refreshed with new faces during our Thursday night visit where food highlights included a range of flatbreads and jars & pots, such as the Lebanese sujouk, spicy tuna poke tacos and maple glazed smoked duck.
The sliders seem to be a hit here as is the speciality sausage by the metre, while cheese fondue promises messy times.
The drinks list is extensive and imaginative with a broad roster of global wines, international beers and tempting sangrias led by some cunning vino cocktails, such as the reviving Elixir and Basicletta.
Check out the different theme nights and a generous happy hour for deals on food and fluids. The Warehouse is open 4pm-1am daily.
Another key Pearl Rotana food venue is Dino’s Bistro Italiano, which follows a largely traditional Italian cuisine path with fun flourishes, such as its flower-laden bicycle on arrival and persuasive neon signs.
A big place with a stylish sit-up bar, we enjoyed the venue’s Weekend Brunch. Done table service style on Friday and Saturday, you choose which of the Italian staples you want, including good pizza and pasta, while trying not to fill up on some stunning bread, dips and antipasti placed while you wait.
There’s plenty of seating in and out and a private dining area, again with business groups or family functions in mind. Dino’s also serves a business lunch during the week.
These two outlets give diversity to Pearl Rotana’s offering, but also offer reasons for non-convention customers to visit.
Another key Pearl Rotana food venue is Dino’s Bistro Italiano, which follows a largely traditional Italian cuisine path with fun flourishes, such as its flower-laden bicycle on arrival and persuasive neon signs.
A big place with a stylish sit-up bar, we enjoyed the venue’s Weekend Brunch. Done table service style on Friday and Saturday, you choose which of the Italian staples you want, including good pizza and pasta, while trying not to fill up on some stunning bread, dips and antipasti placed while you wait.
There’s plenty of seating in and out and a private dining area, again with business groups or family functions in mind. Dino’s also serves a business lunch during the week.
These two outlets give diversity to Pearl Rotana’s offering, but also offer reasons for non-convention customers to visit.
Add in all-day dining restaurant Saffron, and it has a lot of bases covered, as hotel General Manager Karim Nahas confirms.
“The variety of food and beverage outlets cater for both business and leisure visitors alike,” he says.
“Due to its location, Pearl Rotana caters primarily to the business and conference sector, being a few steps away from ADNEC the hotel is at an advantage when it comes to citywide events.
“Additionally, its location on Khaleej Al Arabi Street provides easy access to most of the attractions in the city, whether on Yas Island or city centre.”
And that spells good news for leisure guests who can usually benefit from competitive rates during weekends and other non-convention times.
DETAILS:
PEARL Rotana Capital Centre rooms start at AED451, plus taxes, for a standard room.
DINO’S brunch happens noon weekends until 4pm (last orders 3.30pm for brunch and a la carte). Dinner is 6pm-11pm.
LIGHT meals, snacks and beverages can also be enjoyed in the Chai Lobby Lounge (7am-12am).
ALL three restaurants feature on the Abu Dhabi 2019 Entertainer app, with regular and monthly offers, including the Dino's weekend brunch. The Warehouse also appears on the current Cheers Abu Dhabi app.
TO check reservations or to book a table at one of the three restaurants, go to:
https://www.rotana.com/rotanahotelandresorts/unitedarabemirates/abudhabi/pearlrotana