The welcome
Having lost our way because of roadworks just before Ras Al Khaimah, we arrive late, tired and hungry at 11pm, only to find a family checking in before us that must be staying for a month or be in possession of the largest travel wardrobe ever. However, they're very gracious in allowing us to check-in first - a smooth, almost soothing process once we are informed that room service is available 24/7. The friendly but prompt receptionist wastes no time in telling us all we need to know - where to find the restaurant, shisha cafe, pool, gym and spa as well as the quickest way to the beach. Armed with our free Wi-Fi password, we take the lift to our first-floor room, tempted to sink into one of the plush, abstract-art-facing couches in the well-lit corridor.
The neighbourhood
Located on a quiet street in the heart of RAK, the hotel is opposite the Hilton Resort & Spa - ideal if you fancy some music and pub grub at close quarters - and a short walk from the clean but quiet beach. Saqr Park and Ras Al Khaimah museum are also close by.
The room
Marketing itself as the only boutique offering in RAK, the hotel has 38 decorative suites in one-, two- and three-bedroom formats. We stay in a spacious, art-filled two-bedroom - perfect for a family or, as in our case, two couples. The master bedroom has ample wardrobe space, a four-seater balcony overlooking the pool and a dresser that I want to take home. The decent-sized guest room - also equipped with a television and wardrobe, but no en-suite washroom - is promptly allocated to our friends. The living area, though comfortable, is dwarfed by a gargantuan couch and armchair, plus a third television set and sculpture-filled entertainment unit. The fully stocked kitchen comes with a washing machine.
The scene
Quiet, despite great weather, with a few Emirati families lounging by the pool of the alcohol-free hotel. The director of Global Hotels Management, which oversees this nine-month-old property, an exceedingly pleasant man called M Hassan Masood who was staying at the same time, tells us the crowd is usually a mix of businessmen and holidaymakers - the hotel recently hosted the runners of the RAK half marathon. However, he adds that the bleak euro and rouble situation has affected RAK tourism quite severely.
The service
Comforting and friendly - it almost feels like a family-run establishment. From the ever-smiling doorman and lifeguard to the head waiter and general manager, the prompt and polite staff contribute the most to the hotel's boutique experience; they're always willing to stop for a chat and are very accommodating about late-night room-service requests.
The food
All meals are served at the award-winning Pakistani restaurant Bundoo Khan - with a buffet lunch (Dh75) and an à la carte dinner on offer. The intimate decor is all gleaming wood furniture and low-hanging lamps, while the succulent kebabs and biryanis are cooked to perfection and come in hearteningly large portions. Try the lamb shorba (Dh30) at Bundoo Khan and the finger food at Front Page Cafe, which also has a pool table and does a mean watermelon-and-mint shisha (Dh35).
Loved
The Balinese massage (Dh250) at the hotel's chic O2 Spa was luxurious and long. Also, the massive outdoor Jacuzzi adjoining the temperature-controlled pool.
Hated
Breakfast was nothing special - mainly breads and eggs.
The
verdict
The friendly vibe and fabulous food render this a perfect - and affordable - boutique option for a weekend getaway with family or, better yet, like-minded friends.
The
bottom
line
Double rooms at Ramada Hotel & Suites (
; 07 205 8888) start from Dh500 per night, including breakfast and taxes.
pmunyal@thenational.ae
