Waldorf Astoria Ras al Khaimah

The name, a statement. The brand, pure luxury. The Waldorf Astoria Ras al Khaimah. In June, we spent five nights at this five-star hotel on the Arabian Gulf. In the summer months, when it's really hot in the United Arab Emirates, the value for money is simply unbeatable. So why travel to overcrowded and poorly managed hotels in the Mediterranean when I can be treated like a king here for the same price? Find out if the luxury is worth it in our hotel review.

Arrival and check-in

Since one of our suitcases didn't make it to Dubai, we had to do some shopping on Lufthansa's dime on our first day. Hoping the suitcase would arrive the next day, we bought at least the essentials. Then we started our approximately one-hour drive from Dubai to the Waldorf Astoria Ras al Khaimah. After leaving Dubai and the Emirate of Sharjah, the highway became pleasantly empty. Sand dunes rose up on either side of the three-lane road, and we occasionally saw small groups of camels.

As we approached the Waldorf Astoria Ras al Khaimah, we got our first glimpse of the luxury hotel's opulent architecture. The entrance portal alone, spanning several stories, left us in awe. We parked the car and were immediately greeted by the bellboy. After unloading our luggage, we used the complimentary valet parking service, and our rental car disappeared into an underground garage.

In the hotel lobby, the large grandfather clock immediately caught our eye. Small seating areas are attractively arranged around it. The reception area is spacious, and we received a very friendly welcome from the staff. While all the formalities were being taken care of, we were offered a welcome drink. Thanks to our Hilton Diamond status, we received an upgrade from a Family Classic Room to a King Grand Junior Suite with an ocean view and balcony.

What are the rooms (King Grand Junior Suite) like at the Waldorf Astoria Ras al Khaimah?

After check-in, we received a very warm welcome from Michele, our personal concierge. She escorted us through the spacious hallways to our suite on the fifth floor. Our King Grand Junior Suite was approximately 107 square meters. Generally, all rooms at the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah have a minimum floor area of 56 square meters.

Hallway, bathroom and walk-in closet

Immediately beyond the massive front door was a hallway with light marble flooring. The first door on the left led to the bathroom, where black marble dominated. Besides a double vanity with a large mirror, there was also a bathtub, a rain shower, and a separate toilet with a bidet. Small touches like a fresh rose and Salvatore Ferragamo toiletries completed the overall positive impression.

We entered the walk-in closet from the hallway through French double doors. With ample storage space for dresses and shirts, smaller items of clothing, and plenty of shelving, everything could easily be accommodated. Even suitcases could be stored here without any problems. A large mirror with a vanity and a small armchair completed the room.

Living and sleeping area

Continuing down the hallway, we entered the bedroom with a king-size bed and a large television. A large table lamp sat on one of the nightstands, and an iHome clock radio on the other.

The living area was adjacent to the bedroom. It contained a seating area with a sofa and armchair, a sideboard with a minibar, and a desk. A welcome note from the hotel was also placed on the desk. Our son was particularly pleased with this kind gesture.

I'd like to conclude the room tour with the balcony overlooking the sea. Unfortunately, it was far too hot for us to spend much time relaxing on the balcony during the day.

Overall, we were very satisfied with our suite. The blend of oriental design, such as the typical arched doorways, and modern accessories was very successful. We particularly liked the lighting concept with its abundance of indirect light. However, in one or two places, the furniture is already showing some wear, or perhaps the build quality wasn't quite as meticulous as one might expect in Germany.

What is the food like at the Waldorf Astoria Ras al Khaimah?

Unlike Dubai, Ras al Khaimah doesn't yet offer as many good dining options. Furthermore, the Waldorf Astoria Ras al Khaimah is a good 30-minute drive from the city center. For this reason, we booked half-board for our stay. This meant a breakfast and dinner buffet at the Qasr Al Bahar restaurant. The ambiance there is elegant yet understated. All seating is provided by armchairs or sofas, creating a very comfortable atmosphere.

Breakfast

Breakfast is served from 6:30 am to 11:00 am (until 11:30 am on Fridays and Saturdays). We always arrived just before 9:00 am and were always seated without any waiting. Around 9:30 am it got busier and a queue occasionally formed. If the seating capacity in the Qasr Al Bahar restaurant is insufficient, there is an alternative restaurant next door.

We found the breakfast buffet to be extremely extensive. There were various salads as well as hot Western, Arabic, and Asian dishes. Egg dishes, including my beloved Eggs Benedict, were freshly prepared. There was also plenty of our son's favorite, American pancakes, as well as delicious French toast and muffins. The selection was rounded out with various pastries, all kinds of bread (including gluten-free options), cornflakes, yogurt, and fresh fruit.

Guests could help themselves to a wide selection of juices. Specialty coffees were served at the table. Drinks were included with breakfast.

Dinner

The evening buffet is served between 6:00 PM and 10:30 PM. As with breakfast, we were seated without a long wait. However, during peak times, between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM, a small queue can form at the entrance.

The food was attractively presented, and the selection was large and plentiful. There was a large salad bar with various mixed salads, as well as a small island with salad ingredients for self-assembly. The bread selection offered a wide variety, from white bread to whole-grain bread and pretzels. The appetizers were complemented by cheese and antipasti. During our five-day stay, there were several themed evenings featuring Asian, European, American, Mediterranean, and Russian cuisine. The selection of vegetables, rice, and meat was extensive. Indian food with freshly baked naan was available at every evening buffet. Freshly sliced fish, turkey, lamb, or pork was also served at a small counter.

The selection of desserts was, as we've come to expect from Arab countries, overwhelming. Besides small pastries and dates, there were all sorts of cakes and slices of tart. There was also fruit compote, pudding, and yogurt. Fresh fruit salads and different delicious ice cream flavors every evening.

We enjoyed our meals very much, even though one or two dishes were a bit overcooked or the poultry was a little dry. The children's menu could be improved in the future. In other hotels, such as the DoubleTree Marjan Island, For example, there was a separate children's buffet. Nevertheless, we always found something for our son to eat. Drinks were not included in the package for the evening buffet.

The service at the Qasr Al Bahar restaurant was a bit slow at times, so on some evenings the tables weren't reset quickly enough. However, everyone was always very friendly and attentive. Our son, as always, was well received by the waiters, and they made all sorts of jokes. The dress code was smart casual, and we got the impression that some guests weren't familiar with the meaning of that term.

What does the Waldorf Astoria Ras al Khaimah offer for relaxation?

The hotel building was originally planned as a palace for the ruling family of Ras al Khaimah. Knowing this, we understood why all the public areas are so lavishly designed. The 1930s design and style are certainly a matter of taste, but we found the overall concept of the Waldorf Astoria Ras al Khaimah very harmonious.

pool

Our goal for this vacation was simply to laze on a lounger by the pool or on the beach. The pool area at the Waldorf Astoria Ras al Khaimah was perfect for this. The hotel has two pools that blend seamlessly into the tropical design of the resort.

For hotel guests without children, there is a separate area with a pool exclusively for adults.

The second pool, with its more organic shape and varying depths, is suitable for everyone. There's also a separate children's pool. We especially appreciated that the children's pool was covered by a large sunshade. Our son, who spent most of the day in the water, was therefore always well protected in the shade. Both pools are cooled, so even with an outside temperature of 48°C, the water temperature was only around 30°C. There are plenty of sun loungers or even cabanas at both pools. Pool service includes bath towels and a large bowl of iced water at regular intervals.

Beach

The transition from the pool area to the hotel's 350-meter-wide private beach was largely seamless. There were also plenty of sun loungers and parasols available free of charge. Unfortunately, the outside temperature of 46°C was far too hot for our original plan of letting our son play in the white sand. Therefore, we only spent short periods of time on the beach or swimming in the 33°C sea.

Business Centre

The well-equipped business center on the hotel's second floor offered several PCs, an iMac, and a printer. There was also a comfortable seating area where guests could have quiet conversations with each other.

Service

The service at the Waldorf Astoria Ras al Khaimah exceeded our expectations for a five-star hotel. Every member of staff, from the bar to room service, was consistently friendly and always had time for a quick chat. The poolside service alone, with ice-cold water and a variety of smoothies or ice cream three to four times a day, was superb. A very special thank you to Akram at the pool bar!

Every evening, while we were at dinner, the so-called turndown service was carried out. The beds were made, a bottle of water was placed by the bed, and classical music was played. A consistent program every single night!

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