Long Weekend in Park Rotana Abu Dhabi

I have been singing praises for Rotana Hotels and Resorts since the very first time Ed and I had a staycation in a Rotana property. It was at The Cove in Ras Al Khaimah two years ago that we experienced sweet escape in its truest sense! From then on, the word staycation became synonymous with Rotana in our world. We became such big fans that we often search for a Rotana property every time we plan for a weekend trip.

It is amazing and pretty much a delight for us to find a hotel brand that we trust near the places we wanted to visit; like Yas Island Rotana near Yas Waterworld, Fujairah Rotana Resort and Spa between the Hajar mountains and the Indian Ocean. It's definitely an icing on the cake! :)

And recently, we discovered Park Rotana; another Rotana property near a prime attraction! It is adjacent to Khalifa Park, a short drive from the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and just a few kilometers away from Sheikh Zayed Bridge - a gateway to the capital of the UAE. 

Park Rotana in Abu Dhabi

Park Rotana's glass door was opened for Ed and I at half past five on a Thursday afternoon. Just like its exterior, the hotel lobby has a modern-minimalist design. The front desk was busy, yet I was not surprised as it was a day before the weekend in the UAE. Upon checking-in, I noticed that the hotel caters to a mixed crowd; men with briefcases, men with children, travelers young and old! 

I guess what makes Park Rotana ideal for all types of guests is its location. It is situated in between Abu Dhabi's business and leisure zones. It stands within a sprawling complex along with Park Arjaan by Rotana, The Residences and twofour54 office building.  

Thankfully, the front desk was well-staffed. We were immediately and warmly attended although it was a busy hour. And in less than 15 minutes, Ed and I were already taking the elevator to the third floor where our home for our long weekend awaits.

Parkafe - lobby lounge cafe at Park Rotana 

welcome tea at the hotel lobby

An unparalleled view of Khalifa Park greeted us at the third floor lobby. I immediately thought it would be wonderful to wake to the lush view of greenery for two days; hence I quietly wished that the keycard on my hand is for a hotel room with an unobstructed view of the park. 

Much to my delight, it is! We had a premium room with a sweeping view of Khalifa Park, a comfortable king bed that immediately called out my name, a spacious bathroom with fluffy robes and complete toiletry set. There's no bath tub, but it doesn't make the room less perfect. There's a rainfall shower head anyway, so it's all good! :)

a view of Khalifa Park from Park Rotana

elegant 36 sqm premium room

The view that I wished for!

white robe and walk-in shower

The room is wonderful. I couldn't ask for anything more, but surprisingly, there's more! :) A special welcome treat has been waiting for me to arrive. I found a tray of luscious french macarons, social media icon-topped chocolates with a personal welcome greeting in the mini bar! 

I know for a fact that Rotana has a way of making their guests feel extra-special. I couldn't exactly remember how many occasions we have spent in a Rotana property, but on all those times, a staff would bring a cake with a special greeting without us asking for it! 

The hospitality is impeccable; it often leaves me surprised and speechless. And it happened once again at Park Rotana! 

a sweet surprise from Park Rotana

fresh fruits for the husband, french macarons and chocolates for me ;)

Usually, I would just throw my bags in the hotel room and go somewhere; be it in a hotel facility or in a neighboring attraction. But then I found our room too cozy that I chose to draw the curtains, tuck myself into bed, watch the sunset through the window and browse some magazines! I didn't want to move until dinner time! 

My dream destination is on the cover! Two Rotana properties will open their doors in Istabul soon! Woohoo! :) 

I guiltlessly spoiled my lazy bones too much that it was only the next day, after breakfast, that I decided to see the recreational facilities. Park Rotana has a well-manicured courtyard with a massage cabana, hammocks and daybeds surrounding the temperature controlled pool. We also found a billiard pool, a tennis court, a fully equipped gym with a professional fitness instructor and a Spa where signature massage treatments are offered

To stretch out the well-rested muscles, Ed and I went for a swim and had a game of table tennis... my first ever table tennis game! No joke!  :) 

playground and tennis court at Park Complex

the open-air massage cabana

a game of table tennis with the husband   

billiard pool by the swimming pool

The focal point of the courtyard is the temperature controlled swimming pool. It was extra-inviting even on a hot summer morning as it was kept in the shades of three tall structures; Park Rotana, Park Arjaan and The Residences. Apparently, we enjoyed the pool much longer than we thought we would! 

temperature controlled pool at Park Complex

Kids Pool 

In the afternoon, Ed and I joined four other hotel guests in the complimentary shuttle to major attractions in Yas Island; Yas Beach, Yas Links, Yas Mall, Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld. 

Exclusive shuttle service spells out convenience to me! There's a pick up and drop off at 10 in the morning; ideal for those who are heading to the beach, the golf course and the theme parks. The second trip departs the hotel at 5 in the afternoon; great for those who want to go to the mall for some shopping! 

There is no shuttle service to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque - a prime tourist destination in the UAE, but it's merely 5 kilometers away from the hotel and taxis are readily available. If only it wasn't too hot, Ed and I would even dare to reach it by foot.  

  

shuttle service to Yas Island: details at Rotana's official website.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque 

Park Rotana is also famous for its restaurants. We saw a hip crowd heading to Cooper's - a British Gastro Pub and well-dressed couples off to a dinner date perhaps in Teatro - Park Rotana's signature restaurant and bar. On the other hand, families and friends gather in Ginger - Park Rotana's all day dining restaurant. 

We were on a 3 days/2 nights half board stay, so Ginger was our dining destination for five different times. We never felt jaded though as it was a whole new dining experience every time! I couldn't sum it all up in one paragraph; hence I'm sharing why Ginger hits the spot at any time of the day in a separate blog post - Ginger All Day Dining at Park Rotana!      

a sneak peek on Ginger's impressive buffet ;)

What more can I say? Rotana never disappoints and Park Rotana has set the bar higher! If you have stayed in a Rotana property before, I know you quite understand the rave! ;)

Location:

Park Rotana

Khalifa Park Road

Abu Dhabi

To book a stay or to know more about Park Rotana, please check out their official website.

Disclosure: I was invited to stay at Park Rotana. Although it was complimentary, this post is sincerely written and all opinions are my own.  

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