IT’S true that the Abu Dhabi hotel scene has become a more populous affair in recent times.
But some established hospitality hide-outs are offering value that is hard to beat - and the Hala Arjaan by Rotana is high among them...literally.
But some established hospitality hide-outs are offering value that is hard to beat - and the Hala Arjaan by Rotana is high among them...literally.
NEW resolutions of fitness to one side for a moment, some of us still need a potent incentive to climb aboard those running machines.
And if great views are among your inspirational touch-points the treadmills and static bikes at Bodylines gym in the Hala Arjaan by Rotana tick a major box.
And if great views are among your inspirational touch-points the treadmills and static bikes at Bodylines gym in the Hala Arjaan by Rotana tick a major box.
This central Abu Dhabi address makes the most of its position and highest floor, not least by giving us reluctant joggers a good distraction while burning off our festive layer.
Of course, jogging is a pleasure rather than a necessity to some folk, but it doesn’t hurt to have a view.
And that extends to the Hala’s top floor pool area, right beside the aforementioned gym, sauna and steam room.
This temperature-controlled dip - or lane-swimming session - comes with another panorama of the surrounding area, to many miles off-island on a clear day.
The pool is flanked by loungers, mostly shaded, and a pleasant seating area, all serviced by the Aquarius Pool Cafe, which offers snacks and mocktails - this being a dry hotel.
Of course, jogging is a pleasure rather than a necessity to some folk, but it doesn’t hurt to have a view.
And that extends to the Hala’s top floor pool area, right beside the aforementioned gym, sauna and steam room.
This temperature-controlled dip - or lane-swimming session - comes with another panorama of the surrounding area, to many miles off-island on a clear day.
The pool is flanked by loungers, mostly shaded, and a pleasant seating area, all serviced by the Aquarius Pool Cafe, which offers snacks and mocktails - this being a dry hotel.
The Hala is among several overnight options operated by homegrown hospitality brand Rotana on and off-the main island of Abu Dhabi.
Closest among them at a 10-minute stroll is the much larger Beach Rotana, linked to Abu Dhabi Mall and offering ample opportunity to broaden your culinary horizons should you desire.
The extensive range of restaurants includes trendy over-water venue Finz, the excellent Rodeo Grill steakhouse, vibrant American-Japanese outlet Benihana and upscale Indian eatery Indigo.
That said, the Hala is occupies a prime spot beside Hamdan Street, in the Al Zahiyah (formerly Tourist Club) area, for striking out anywhere within the capital, with Al Maryah Island’s up-market Galleria Mall a bridge away and lots of other ground-level on-street dining opportunities within walkable distance.
If you wish to stay closer to your temporary home, of course, The Gallery is Hala’s all-day dining restaurant.
Closest among them at a 10-minute stroll is the much larger Beach Rotana, linked to Abu Dhabi Mall and offering ample opportunity to broaden your culinary horizons should you desire.
The extensive range of restaurants includes trendy over-water venue Finz, the excellent Rodeo Grill steakhouse, vibrant American-Japanese outlet Benihana and upscale Indian eatery Indigo.
That said, the Hala is occupies a prime spot beside Hamdan Street, in the Al Zahiyah (formerly Tourist Club) area, for striking out anywhere within the capital, with Al Maryah Island’s up-market Galleria Mall a bridge away and lots of other ground-level on-street dining opportunities within walkable distance.
If you wish to stay closer to your temporary home, of course, The Gallery is Hala’s all-day dining restaurant.
Situated on the mezzanine level, it offers a varied selection of lunch and dinner choices and plenty of fresh fruit and good eggs served by cheery, attentive staff at breakfast.
Above that, the hotel offers 166 rooms across six categories on 19 floors, with suites working well for longer term guests - or families seeking greater privacy during their stay.
Staying in the latter, we enjoyed a spacious lounge with several seating options, supported by a practical kitchenette for meal preparation and a dining table with chairs for four.
Floor to ceiling windows deliver plenty of natural light and a widescreen TV with numerous channels. There's another widescreen in the bedroom, although a sumptuous bed brought sleep before the remote control was even touched.
Above that, the hotel offers 166 rooms across six categories on 19 floors, with suites working well for longer term guests - or families seeking greater privacy during their stay.
Staying in the latter, we enjoyed a spacious lounge with several seating options, supported by a practical kitchenette for meal preparation and a dining table with chairs for four.
Floor to ceiling windows deliver plenty of natural light and a widescreen TV with numerous channels. There's another widescreen in the bedroom, although a sumptuous bed brought sleep before the remote control was even touched.
A large walk-in rain shower occupied one end of a stylish black and grey tiled marble en-suite bathroom for a reviving start to the day.
While the Hala is up against some newer high-end hotel names on its doorstep, this Rotana combines easy-going comforts with travel budget-friendly room rates.
It's something general manager Nadim El Zyr confirms is working in his favour.
The property has been proving “an attractive product” for both tourists, relocating expats, executives visiting the financial institutions across the bridge on Al Maryah Island, plus visiting oil and gas experts.
Perhaps not surprising when a classic king suite, including breakfast, costs Dh412 (with taxes) based on an advanced booked and paid January 29 stay.
While the Hala is up against some newer high-end hotel names on its doorstep, this Rotana combines easy-going comforts with travel budget-friendly room rates.
It's something general manager Nadim El Zyr confirms is working in his favour.
The property has been proving “an attractive product” for both tourists, relocating expats, executives visiting the financial institutions across the bridge on Al Maryah Island, plus visiting oil and gas experts.
Perhaps not surprising when a classic king suite, including breakfast, costs Dh412 (with taxes) based on an advanced booked and paid January 29 stay.
If you want to go even cheaper, then a classic king studio costs Dh299.
You can pay a little more for positioning, depending on the view you seek, such the ocean and Corniche only a short distance away.
All in all, Hala Arjaan by Rotana isn’t the most lavish of the Rotana hotels or its breakfast the most sumptuous - but for a great value stay in a strategically located hotel with genuinely friendly staff, it’s hard to go wrong.
DETAILS:
FIND Hala Arjaan by Rotana, a four star property, on the corner of 10th Street, Abu Dhabi.
TO find out more about room rates and to book a stay, click on http://www.rotana.com/arjaanhotelapartments/unitedarabemirates/abudhabi/halaarjaanbyrotana
You can pay a little more for positioning, depending on the view you seek, such the ocean and Corniche only a short distance away.
All in all, Hala Arjaan by Rotana isn’t the most lavish of the Rotana hotels or its breakfast the most sumptuous - but for a great value stay in a strategically located hotel with genuinely friendly staff, it’s hard to go wrong.
DETAILS:
FIND Hala Arjaan by Rotana, a four star property, on the corner of 10th Street, Abu Dhabi.
TO find out more about room rates and to book a stay, click on http://www.rotana.com/arjaanhotelapartments/unitedarabemirates/abudhabi/halaarjaanbyrotana