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Revisiting an old favourite

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Hilton Garden Inn Ras Al Khaimah

If you have known one of the first hospitality properties of Ras Al Khaimah like I have, expectations naturally go up when you hear a new hotel has taken its place. Specially when Hilton Garden Inn comes with the promise of ‘Life’s better at the garden’. From the outside, the building may still look the same, but a completely transformed experience awaits guests once they step inside.

A redesigned reception, new fit out and vibrant colours for part of our first impression, and these continue to scale up throughout the guest journey thereafter. The lobby is spacious with lounge options and has The Pavilion Pantry, a convenience mart that offers quick bites and beverages in addition to ready-to-cook meals, ideal for microwave or refrigeration.

The breakfast spread is impressive and the staff at hand quite congenial. That means, a feast is in store every time you step into the Garden Grille restaurant, the all-day dining outlet. Their waffles are served DIY style, ensuring a little adventure is in store as one take up on the task of garnishing the waffles with an assortment of toppings.

We will definitely stop by the Garden Bar for more good times with friends and associates, the newly styled interiors featuring a central island and a terrace overlooking the creek makes for a fabulous after-work setting, as does the tasty cocktail and mocktail line up.

A large pool with shaded areas helps during the peak of summer. The nicely equipped Pool Bar features cabana styled seating, with views of the creek and the pool – a perfect shisha slash chit chat venue.

Rooms offer garden or pool view, with the creek overlooking on the western side of the property. The design overhaul has been so comprehensive that there is nothing to remind of the old hotel except the views, the bed, amenities and layout are refreshingly relaxing. The new tv sets have a big presence in the rooms, 43-inch HDTVs that they are.

The all-new facilities are open 24 hours, including the complimentary fitness centre, business centre and guest laundry room, these definitely add up to the fresh experience. Hotel guests can even enjoy complimentary access to the pools and private beach at Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa, just 5 minutes’ drive away.

Being next-door to the premium shopping destination Al Naeem Mall meant we could literally walk out of the pool in to the mall. The property’s creekside access gives a chance for guests to go for canoe rides, something we intend to explore on our repeat visit.  

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