Aloft Al Ain is - perhaps surprisingly considering the rate at which hotels appear across the country - only the second Aloft in the UAE.
Visitors to the first, beside Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, will confirm a signature design-led, sophisticated mix of colour, artwork and relaxed cool.
And with 10 new Aloft properties set to open across the Middle East over the next five years, Al Ain can lay claim to helping lead the way.
The use of bold colours in the décor around communal areas, as well as designer furniture and fittings, steers a positive mood that extends into the hotel international all day dining restaurant.
Olive Tree serves up a variety of international cuisines, bathed in generous natural light from windows giving a view onto a square formed by the stadium, hotel and other buildings incorporating apartments and other dining destinations in this evolving part of town.
Hotel food and beverage options also include re:fuel - a 24 hour grab and go snack bar – while the interior stylists have also been busy in the signature W XYZ bar and The Rooftop, Al Ain’s first lounge.
There’s also a 24 hour fitness centre on the same level to work off indulgence or prepare for a day sight-seeing some of the area’s popular attractions.
Aloft Al Ain’s 175 guest rooms and suites continue the urban-influenced design theme, with energetic styling, large walk-in showers and SPG Keyless in operation. For the tech-minded among you, that is the industry’s first truly mobile check-in system where guests can utilize their mobile phone as a room key.
We’re glad we did, of course, as the rooftop pool offers prime lounging opportunities, including cabanas and plenty of spots in which to lie back or sit.
“We are excited to bring not only a new venture, but a new experience to the beautiful city of Al Ain,” says Andreas Plum, Aloft Al Ain General Manager.
“The hotel guarantees a vibrant experience for local residents and travellers into the city with its distinctive sense of style, innovative programming and buzzing social scene.”
Slightly further, you’ll find Wadi Adventures at the foot of Jabel Hafeet, adding a visual thrill to a facility that can be as relaxed or as daring as you demand.
While the centre offers loungers beside its manmade ‘beach’ and wave-blessed pool, among the big draws are the whitewater rapids that test stamina and teamwork, while delivering fun and a soaking as you navigate the torrent in a raft.
You can get an overview of the course if you zip line across the current from the Airpark.
Here you can also test climbing and balance skills over 18 obstacles and recharge the adrenaline on a three-seater swing with friends or family.
Back at the Aloft Al Ain, meanwhile, for those of you with business in mind, the hotel is close to Al Ain Convention Centre and also features four on-site meeting spaces equipped with state-of-the-art A/V equipment and fast and free WiFi – the latter also available to leisure guests.
DETAILS:
FOR more infor, prices and availability at Aloft Al Ain, visit www.alofthotels.com.
GO to www.visitabudhabi.ae for details of visitor attractions in Al Ain.
AND for summer opening times and prices at Wadi Adventure, click on www.wadiadventure.ae
OWNED by Abu Dhabi-based developer Al Qattara Investments, Aloft Al Ain is an integral part of the city's iconic 500,000 sqm, Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium mixed-use development which also consists of more than 600 residential units, commercial buildings and a culinary hub with a range of restaurants and cafes.
CEO Kareem Nagy adds: “The development has been conceptualised and built to become the new heart of Al Ain.
“Aloft Al Ain is set to energise the local community and also brings an urban sophistication to the food and beverage scene in the city.”