The Hotel: Aloft is Starwood’s baby ‘W’ brand: stylish without the sting and growing faster than any sister brand. This particular Aloft is built over Abu Dhabi's vast ADNEC conference venue, with just over 400 rooms, and is unusual in that it is larger and offers restaurants – something necessary in the Middle East where so much business is done in Western hotels.
The Check-in: Check-in is one floor up in a lift, after you’ve passed the sea of oversize bean bags in dazzling colours in the ground floor entrance. The reception lobby buzzes with a pool table, more bean bags and casually-dressed receptionists. Check-in was quick and efficient.
The Room: Uber-stylish and cavernous room with oversize bedhead, flatscreen TV, good size desk with waist-high ports and desk light, chaise longue, laptop-size safe, iron and ironing board, real hangers and ample storage. Views are over the marina or Sheikh’s palaces across the river. The bathroom was glorious, with huge walk-in shower and separate toilet area and mean-sized Bliss amenities.
The Business: There are three boardrooms for up to 40 people; anything larger is easily accommodated by ADNEC. Wonderful outdoor event space on its 5th floor pool level for 500 banquet style or 800 for a stand-up reception. Free internet area behind lobby.
The Facilities: On the lobby level there is the funky xyz bar, a Grab ’n’ Go breakfast area, and the light-filled Dine restaurant with fabulous daily buffet. Splash – an expansive pool area planted with olive trees – Arabic café and cosy cocoon seats are on the 5th floor. The rooftop Re:lax open-air terrace and floor-to-ceiling windowed bar on the 12th floor is a cool spot with resident DJ. The Re:charge gym adds a sauna and steam room this month (May).
THE VERDICT: A really enjoyable stay in a colour and light-filled space, efficiently run and well-priced.
THE DETAILS: Room only price from £75. Tel: +971 (2)654 5000, www.aloftabudhabi.com Gillian Upton
