This is a story about a weekend stay, and review of Oryx Grand Hotel, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi.
Winter sun in the UAE is a refreshing treat that draws tourists from across the world. On a breezy December weekend, my partner and I ventured to Al Ain to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. We were excited to explore the city, indulge in its activities, and enjoy a cozy stay at the renowned 4 star rated Hotel Oryx Grand.
Location
The hotel is nestled atop Jebel Hafeet– second highest mountain ranges in the UAE. It’s located in Al Ain, in the eastern part of the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
How to Reach
You can go by car, or take a public transport bus to Al Ain central bus station and then a taxi to the hotel. Here is the route map.
The Journey
Driving up to the hotel was an adventure in itself. The road curved sharply, winding through the mountain landscape, offering breathtaking views of Al Ain sprawled below us. With every hairpin turn, the excitement grew, and soon enough, we arrived at hotel Oryx Grand Al, where the stunning backdrop of Jebel Hafeet greeted us with open arms.
First Impressions
Walking into the hotel lobby, we were instantly enveloped by its warm and inviting ambiance. The space was airy, brightly lit, and filled with an energy that made us feel right at home. As we checked in, the staff greeted us with genuine smiles, making the entire process smooth and effortless.
Quick Tip for you
It’s worth noting that the hotel requires hard copies of the Emirates ID for check-in, so don’t forget to pack it for everyone in your group. After receiving room keys, we were ready to settle in.
Room & view
The spaciousness of the room was apparent immediately after stepping in. It had a Juliet balcony that offered a stunning panoramic view of Jebel Hafeet mountains and the water in the pool. The sight of Al Ain city in the distance, bathed in the soft winter light, was absolutely mesmerizing.
The room was quiet and peaceful – ideal for a good night’s sleep. The bed was soft and comfortable, and we woke up feeling truly rested. Though we didn’t need air conditioning or heating due to the mild winter temperatures, the room maintained a perfect balance of comfort.
Inside the room, a small pantry corner with an electric kettle made it easy to brew a quick cup of tea or coffee. There was also a cozy reading nook, complete with a lamp and a coffee table, perfect for relaxing while soaking in the view.
One small hiccup was that chairs had some stains on them. A simple fix with chair covers could easily address this. The bathroom, on the other hand, was pristine, stocked with fluffy towels and premium toiletries.
Dining
The hotel restaurant offered an array of dishes, from traditional Arabic breakfasts to international favorites. Room service was swift, and the food arrived piping hot – delicious and satisfying after a busy day of exploring. In addition, there is an outdoor restaurant. But it was not open on that weekend.
Outdoors
The following morning, we ventured outside to enjoy the hotel’s lush gardens. The area was filled with vibrant flowers and plants, and there were plenty of photo opportunities to capture the scenery.
At night, the gardens transformed, their beauty amplified by the soft glow of the lights, with guests enjoying late-night strolls well past midnight.
Amenities
There are plenty of indoor amenities for both adults and kids. They include a gym, badminton court, pool table, carrom board, trampolines and more, all available for a small fee.
The hotel pool area was lively, bustling with families enjoying the sun. Kids were playing in the outdoor play area.
In the basement floor, there is a small gift shop where you can buy gifts and necessary things you missed to bring in. That actually happened to us; we had forgotten to pack outdoor flip-flops.
Bicycles are available on rent if you want to go mountain biking.
On weekends and special occasions, the hotel hosts live entertainment events, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Unforgettable Service
What truly made our stay memorable was the level of service. We were impressed by the staff at the reception, who were always quick to assist. And the housekeeping team did an outstanding job keeping the room spotless.
But there was one small detail that made a big impact. After checking in, we made tea in our room, but decided to skip sugar. After tea, we took a few moments to unwind and enjoy the beautiful vista. Then headed out to explore the nearby attractions.
The next morning, while making tea, we found something thoughtful – the housekeeping team had placed sugar-free sweeteners next to new tea bags! They had noticed we didn’t use sugar the day before, and had given an alternative without us even asking. That level of attentiveness was a lovely surprise and truly elevated our experience.
Nearby Attractions
Oryx Grand is close to popular places like the Mubazzarah Train Tour, Green Mubazzarah Lake, Mini Train-Hot Spring, and Jebel Hafeet Hot Springs Garden. If you feel like shopping, Bawadi Mall is also nearby.
Final Thoughts
Our time at Hotel Oryx Grand was nothing short of wonderful. From the stunning location atop Jebel Hafeet to the exceptional service, everything about the hotel exceeded our expectations. We left with happy memories and already planned to return, this time bringing along some friends and their families.
The hotel’s family-friendly vibe and affordability make it an ideal choice for both couples and families alike. It’s the perfect getaway for anyone seeking a peaceful retreat with easy access to nearby tourist spots.
Comment your thoughts below if you have stayed, or are planning a stay in the hotel. 🌞
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