LOOKING out of place isn’t always a negative - and for the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ajman it makes the arrival all the more memorable.
After passing plenty of low-rise and rather fairly forgettable architecture en route, spotting the elegant facade of this luxury hotel is a pleasant surprise.
In fact, the design suggests it has landed from somewhere like France or Italy rather than an evolving district in the UAE’s smallest emirate.
The hotel, just off the E11 that links the city with the rest of the country, is a part of an ambitious, similarly sculpted leisure development that stretches an entire street.
There you will find a batch of variously themed nightclubs one side, and a branch of the Irish pub/dining chain McGettigan’s on the other.
But this Radisson offers plenty to tempt its guests to stay in-house as refreshed F&B opportunities seek the attention of your day and after dark hours.
The hotel, just off the E11 that links the city with the rest of the country, is a part of an ambitious, similarly sculpted leisure development that stretches an entire street.
There you will find a batch of variously themed nightclubs one side, and a branch of the Irish pub/dining chain McGettigan’s on the other.
But this Radisson offers plenty to tempt its guests to stay in-house as refreshed F&B opportunities seek the attention of your day and after dark hours.
The lobby is a statement of intent that rivals plenty of showboating Dubai hotels.
An abundance of natural light fills the spacious arrival hall, set in an atrium flanked by guest room corridors as you look up... to have you reaching for that first Instagram shot.
Once checked in via one of the illuminated marble desks, a glass lift whisks guests to accommodation levels that include a mix of room categories.
Our street-facing suite comprised a cosy lounge with flatscreen TV, two sofas, coffee table, mini bar and coffee/tea-making area and additional toilet.
Through the doorway, a substantial bedroom easily swallows an indulgent king-size bed and a work desk facing plenty of wardrobe space, home to those all important fluffy robes.
The bathroom is also sizable, with a full-size tub at one end and two basins the other. To the side lies a toilet and a walk-in rain shower, both in separate glass-fronted cubicles.
An abundance of natural light fills the spacious arrival hall, set in an atrium flanked by guest room corridors as you look up... to have you reaching for that first Instagram shot.
Once checked in via one of the illuminated marble desks, a glass lift whisks guests to accommodation levels that include a mix of room categories.
Our street-facing suite comprised a cosy lounge with flatscreen TV, two sofas, coffee table, mini bar and coffee/tea-making area and additional toilet.
Through the doorway, a substantial bedroom easily swallows an indulgent king-size bed and a work desk facing plenty of wardrobe space, home to those all important fluffy robes.
The bathroom is also sizable, with a full-size tub at one end and two basins the other. To the side lies a toilet and a walk-in rain shower, both in separate glass-fronted cubicles.
So far, so welcoming.
Certain room categories give access to the Business Class Lounge, facing lifts on the third floor.
This quiet area offers plenty of different seating or meeting options, a selection of books and papers to read while you enjoy breakfast or the refreshments served at lunchtime or early evening.
Head beyond the lounge and there’s contrast again when you pass through the entrance of Mazaj Bar.
Occupying the roof of the hotel ballroom, this area has undergone a dramatic change to become a charismatic terrace hangout reminiscent of Morocco, both in colour, decor and vibe.
More than a shisha stop, the terracotta and blue theme and subtle lighting reveals intimate alcove seating areas, a trendy central bar and a pool table area for more animated entertainment.
Certain room categories give access to the Business Class Lounge, facing lifts on the third floor.
This quiet area offers plenty of different seating or meeting options, a selection of books and papers to read while you enjoy breakfast or the refreshments served at lunchtime or early evening.
Head beyond the lounge and there’s contrast again when you pass through the entrance of Mazaj Bar.
Occupying the roof of the hotel ballroom, this area has undergone a dramatic change to become a charismatic terrace hangout reminiscent of Morocco, both in colour, decor and vibe.
More than a shisha stop, the terracotta and blue theme and subtle lighting reveals intimate alcove seating areas, a trendy central bar and a pool table area for more animated entertainment.
Talking of which, Mazaj Bar now hosts live entertainment, including a belly dancer, Wednesday to Saturdays from 10pm onwards. Indulge the recently introduced new menu and you may not seek to emulate her manoeuvres latter.
The laidback essence extends to the ground floor where the hotel’s original lounge bar has recently been transformed into a 1920’s Great Gatsby-era Jazz Lounge - the only jazz-themed bar in Ajman, by all accounts.
Food here is courtesy of a tapas-style menu compiled from Far East, Middle East and European influences. To underline the venue theme, new mixologist Manoj conjures signature cocktails from the 1920s.
A refreshed menu was also on its way for Italian restaurant Filini, but judging by the moreish arancini, branzino all' acqua pazza (seabass) delicious in its rustic simplicity and cioppino, an Italian-style seafood stew brimming with goodies and flavour - plus realistic wine prices - enjoyed during our visit, new chef Luca - an Italian native - has some an authentic options in mind.
Decor and furnishing is a mix of playful and trendy with the feel of a modern European eatery and the open kitchen with roaring pizza oven will keep you entertained between bites.
The laidback essence extends to the ground floor where the hotel’s original lounge bar has recently been transformed into a 1920’s Great Gatsby-era Jazz Lounge - the only jazz-themed bar in Ajman, by all accounts.
Food here is courtesy of a tapas-style menu compiled from Far East, Middle East and European influences. To underline the venue theme, new mixologist Manoj conjures signature cocktails from the 1920s.
A refreshed menu was also on its way for Italian restaurant Filini, but judging by the moreish arancini, branzino all' acqua pazza (seabass) delicious in its rustic simplicity and cioppino, an Italian-style seafood stew brimming with goodies and flavour - plus realistic wine prices - enjoyed during our visit, new chef Luca - an Italian native - has some an authentic options in mind.
Decor and furnishing is a mix of playful and trendy with the feel of a modern European eatery and the open kitchen with roaring pizza oven will keep you entertained between bites.
If you want to keep your culinary options broader - or have a variety of tastes in your party - across the way the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, Larder, delivers good salads and a cross-cultural mix of mains, all beside some colourful and hard to resist desserts.
With a reasonably priced vino list here as well, and plenty of space, this is a family-friendly experience that also operates a lunch and broad breakfast setting, including Emirati dishes.
For more casual refreshments, you have two very different locations.
Across the lobby, the Almas coffee lounge oozes stylish lighting and seating areas and a selection of drinks, wraps and cakes to take away or tuck into there. One floor up, meanwhile, the Pool Deck Bar offers a decent selection of snacks and larger plates as well as soft, hot and alcoholic drinks.
Although a venue in its own right - complete with table tennis - it also serves the pool area, via a dedicated seating area or at your lounger or cabana.
With a reasonably priced vino list here as well, and plenty of space, this is a family-friendly experience that also operates a lunch and broad breakfast setting, including Emirati dishes.
For more casual refreshments, you have two very different locations.
Across the lobby, the Almas coffee lounge oozes stylish lighting and seating areas and a selection of drinks, wraps and cakes to take away or tuck into there. One floor up, meanwhile, the Pool Deck Bar offers a decent selection of snacks and larger plates as well as soft, hot and alcoholic drinks.
Although a venue in its own right - complete with table tennis - it also serves the pool area, via a dedicated seating area or at your lounger or cabana.
Here lies another major positive for the Radisson, a rectangular pool befitting a much larger hotel, ideal for lane swimming or simply cooling off.
Flanked by the property’s mix of modern glass and European-flavored architecture, you can grab as much sun or shade as you like, or enjoy bubbles in your glass or in the outdoor jacuzzi.
And when all that is said and done, a modest-sized but equipment-packed gym - served by steam rooms and saunas - is available for working off lunch or ushering in an appetite for dinner.
And if you crave some seafront action, the hotel operates a shuttle to Coral Beach Resort where, for a small fee, you can enjoy that Sharjah hotel's facilities.
DETAILS:
RADISSION Blu Hotel, Ajman first opened in November 2017 and has recently embarked on replenishing and refurbishing some existing restaurants, bars and lounges by giving them a 2020 makeover, led by General Manager Francisco Giles.
"We have had a fantastic start to 2020 and seen a substantial increase in our occupancy levels, maintained a healthy rate and offered very good value for our rooms and food and beverage outlets," he adds.
TO find more on room rates and availability click on https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-ajman
Flanked by the property’s mix of modern glass and European-flavored architecture, you can grab as much sun or shade as you like, or enjoy bubbles in your glass or in the outdoor jacuzzi.
And when all that is said and done, a modest-sized but equipment-packed gym - served by steam rooms and saunas - is available for working off lunch or ushering in an appetite for dinner.
And if you crave some seafront action, the hotel operates a shuttle to Coral Beach Resort where, for a small fee, you can enjoy that Sharjah hotel's facilities.
DETAILS:
RADISSION Blu Hotel, Ajman first opened in November 2017 and has recently embarked on replenishing and refurbishing some existing restaurants, bars and lounges by giving them a 2020 makeover, led by General Manager Francisco Giles.
"We have had a fantastic start to 2020 and seen a substantial increase in our occupancy levels, maintained a healthy rate and offered very good value for our rooms and food and beverage outlets," he adds.
TO find more on room rates and availability click on https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-ajman
BEYOND THE RADISSON:
THE hotel is well placed for several area attractions, including Emirates Hospitality Centre, an events and conventions space directly behind, bars such as the Thirsty Horse and McGettigan’s, and several nightclubs.
WITHIN walking distance, Ajman Boulevard includes some good sport and leisure outlet stores, just across from Ajman City Centre Mall, which also offers a cinema. More bargains can be had at China Mall, 7km away.
FOR history buffs, Ajman Pearl Journey is a cultural edutainment experience examining the pearling industry in the Arabian Gulf region, while Ajman Museum is a restored fort filled with artefacts.
AND fans of the little white ball can get their fairway fix at Al Zorah Golf Club, set beside striking mangroves and created by the famed Nicklaus Design group, while Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club is a little further away.
AL Zorah Natural Reserve - a vibrant ecosystem made up of mangroves, turquoise lagoons and sandy beaches - is home to nearly 60 species of bird including pink flamingo, egret and heron.
THE hotel is well placed for several area attractions, including Emirates Hospitality Centre, an events and conventions space directly behind, bars such as the Thirsty Horse and McGettigan’s, and several nightclubs.
WITHIN walking distance, Ajman Boulevard includes some good sport and leisure outlet stores, just across from Ajman City Centre Mall, which also offers a cinema. More bargains can be had at China Mall, 7km away.
FOR history buffs, Ajman Pearl Journey is a cultural edutainment experience examining the pearling industry in the Arabian Gulf region, while Ajman Museum is a restored fort filled with artefacts.
AND fans of the little white ball can get their fairway fix at Al Zorah Golf Club, set beside striking mangroves and created by the famed Nicklaus Design group, while Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club is a little further away.
AL Zorah Natural Reserve - a vibrant ecosystem made up of mangroves, turquoise lagoons and sandy beaches - is home to nearly 60 species of bird including pink flamingo, egret and heron.