This year for our Anniversary, we wanted to do something
special, without breaking the bank. It just so happened that Reuben had an
important golf game on the same day, so it was of to Dubai for the weekend. We
usually book through Booking.com and Roland stumbled on the Ramada Jumeirah Hotel. We had previously stayed in the Ramada Abu Dhabi and had a good
experience, so we figured it would be a good one to try. The Ramada Jumeirah is
a four-star hotel and they market themselves as ideally situated for both
business and leisure travellers. The Jumeirah beaches, City Walk Mall, Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa are just a short 10-minute drive away. We were looking forward to spending some
relaxing together, as it would be our first weekend trip since December.
As we pull up to the hotel, we don’t know what to expect. We’ve
been in a few hotels around the UAE and usually the service at the door gives
you a fair impression of the overall service of the hotel. We stop and start getting
out. At first, there’s no one around but soon someone’s there with a trolley to
get your luggage and offer to valet park your car. A young lady open’s the door
for us and we step into the huge lobby. The décor is dark wood with gold accents.
There are sofas to the left and a coffee bar, The Atrium Café, to the right. A
beautiful gold background highlights the front desk with staircases on both
sides leading to a bar on the mezzanine floor. The service at the front desk
was efficient but I wouldn’t say it was friendly. I think it has a lot to do
with the fact that it’s a city hotel. Beach hotels have a more friendly and
relaxed feel to it. Ramada hotels are
part of the Wyndham Rewards Program so be sure to have your number handy. You collect points to get free deals in all
their affiliate hotels. You’ll also find the Ginger restaurant on the left of
the lobby, which serves Pan-Asian cuisine. We got the half-board option, that
meant we’d enjoy breakfast and dinner at the CuiSines all-day dining restaurant,
situated just behind the coffee shop. Overall, first impressions were mixed: I think
the décor needs a bit of updating and the staff needs to learn to smile more.
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| The front desk is the first thing you see |
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| The Atrium Café |
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| Hanging out in the lobby |
We got a room on the fourth floor. We had a view of the city
skyline, including the famous Burj Khalifa. The hotel is surrounded by loads of
new apartment buildings, but it didn’t obscure much, and the night time view is
the best, when you can see Burj Khalifa light up in the distance. The room was
a good size and it was clean. The bathroom had a tub and a shower with marble
flooring. The room had all the amenities you’d expect: tv, mini-bar, water, tea
and coffee, hair-dryer, safe etc. When we had a request, the front desk sent
someone promptly to see to it and housekeeping sent us some more towels. We got
settled and after a quick shower, we were ready for dinner.
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| In the hallway |
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| Down the hall - photo taken by Reuben |
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| Another one by Reuben |
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| Bathroom |
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| Shower and Bath |
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| Burj Khalifa in the distance |
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| Beautiful Skyline |
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| Reuben enjoyed his camera |
This was the part that I was looking forward to the most. Our
previous stay at the Ramada Abu Dhabi, we really enjoyed the buffet and CuiSines
did not disappoint. We walked into BBQ night and a lovely selection of hot food,
along with the regular salad and desert bar. The staff in this restaurant is a
stark difference to the hotel’s front desk. They were extremely friendly and accommodating.
We got to know a few of them as it seemed that everyone worked a double-shift on
the weekend. The ambience was low-key, and it seemed to melt away the stresses
of the day, as we came directly after work. This buffet set the tone for the
rest of our experience at the hotel. It would turn out to be relaxing and fun.
The next day we would enjoy an Asian-themed night, with a good selection of Chinese
food. But, it was the breakfast buffet that topped them all: the variety of fruit,
breads, and hot food was amazing. We met chef Henry, who has been working at
the Ramada for seven years, at the omelette station. He made the omelette exactly
how we wanted it. The breakfast caters to many and it is a good start to the
day. Again, the friendly staff added to the relaxed atmosphere.
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| A little family time |
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| Steak dinner |
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| The Pena Cota was delicious |
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| Chef Henry |
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| Best omelette around |
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| Fruit and Yoghurt |
In between breakfast and Reuben’s golf game, we visited the
rooftop pool.
We were surprised by the size of the pool where we found tourist
enjoying the morning sun. The pool is surrounded by pool chairs and there’s a
bar for your drinking needs. On the other end you’ll find a fairly good size
gym that looks out over the pool. I must say, we came all ready for a few good
workouts, but that pool was too inviting and eventually we just gave into its
advances. The pool is big enough though to put in a few laps, and that’s exactly
what we did. Towels are provided, and the life-guard was pleasant and lent a
hand opening our umbrella. You could see Burj Khalifa off in the distance as a
reminder that you’re in one of the most famous cities in the world. We didn’t
want to leave for Reuben’s golf tournament, but we had too. We’d be back first thing
the next morning. The plan was to do a bit of sight-seeing and exploring but
opted for that pool instead. We lounged around until it was time to check out.
Nothing better than a bit of fun in the water and reading a book that inspires
pool-side conversation.
It wasn’t a bad way to spend our 20th Anniversary:
thanks to some good food, friendly restaurant staff and decent pool area. The
Ramada is good value for money and I would definitely go back.
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Thanks to Roland (my DH) who took a million of these pics to get the perfect one : )
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Truthfully, it would not have mattered where we spent our anniversary weekend. We are so grateful for the 20 years God has blessed us with. We have come to understand that time is short and to make the most of it and to cherish each other more than ever.
❤ Always
Leazille
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It is a privilege to share my adventures with you.
Which holiday destination is your family's favourite?
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