Last weekend saw our little family packing up our overnight bags and heading off to the capital. Located in the heart of the financial hub of Abu Dhabi, Capital Centre Arjaan by Rotana seems to be an unlikely choice for a family getaway. With offices and convention centres a stone’s throw away, the hotel has a regular influx of business guests. However, much to our delight, the property also proved to be a nest of comfort as a home away from home.
Staying at Capital Centre Arjaan by Rotana starts from as low as AED 299 per night. The hotel has a number of ‘Escape’ packages geared towards non-business guests, and we decided to try out their Romantic Package. This included the following:
- In-room breakfast or buffet breakfast at Tamarind all-day dining restaurant
- One hour massage treatment for two at Bodylines Fitness & Wellness Club
- Complimentary upgrade to the next room category (we got upgraded to the Suite!)
- Complimentary in-room WiFi
- 20% off food and beverages and laundry services during your stay
- 24-hour check-in and check-out
- You can even opt to book a private candlelight dinner by the pool or a private dinner in the room with rate starting from just AED 180* per person. The day we got there, it was far too windy on the terrace where the pools are located, so we decided to stay in and indulge in order-ins.
After a long, hectic week of work, I was looking forward to a quiet, chilled out break. Given Capital Centre Arjaan by Rotana is located in a business hub, this area is very quiet and peaceful over the weekends.
If you really do want to go out and get your retail fix, Mushrif Mall and Boutik Mall are both a 15 minute’s drive away. If you just want the essentials, the hotel has its very own mini mart, or you can walk 5 minutes to Carrefour Market like we did, to stock up on our midnight snacking 🙂
Capital Centre Arjaan by Rotana is a quick, smooth process. I have to give special mention to a gentleman at the desk by the name of Rogerio (I hope I got his name right!). He was super friendly, and went out of his way to make us feel welcome.
The Suite at Capital Centre Arjaan by Rotana
We were upgraded to the Suite. Spacious, flooded with natural lighting and complete with all the modern-day amenities, our room really was a home away from home.
Upon entering the room, my eyes went directly to the comfy-looking L-shaped sofa. This was to be my cozy little nook for most of our stay. This living space is made complete with a 40 inch smart TV, a separate working desk for the busy executive (by the way, the room is equipped with 24-hour high-speed WIFI!), and in a corner is a dining table that easily accommodates a group of four.
Fancy cooking up your own quick and healthy meal when on a staycation? At Capital Centre Arjaan by Rotana, the Suite has its very own compact, fully equipped kitchen. From pots, pans, plates, glasses and even a very professional looking Chef’s knives set, all you need is a quick bout of grocery shopping to whip up a meal of your own.
The kitchen includes an electric kettle and complimentary tea and coffee. They have also kept aside a few jars of assorted lollies and dry fruit that can be paid for later when checking out.
The kitchen even has a washing machine! This has to be a first… I have never seen a washing machine in a hotel room in the UAE! This Suite is definitely ideal for a long stay.
The Suite includes a small toilet, but the actual bathroom here is an absolute treat! The bathtub is shaped like a mini boat, and its depth turns a long soak into a ritual of sorts. Add to the fact that the bathroom lighting can be dimmed down… all you need is some mood music on Podcast to complete the experience!
Bathroom amenities include the basic toothpaste, shampoo, shower gel and soap although I always prefer to carry my own. The bath towels are generously large, soft and snug, and more can be ordered in from room service.
Moving on into the bedroom, the Queen sized bed may be a bit too snug for a family of three (my little one decided to go all independent on us, and snuggled up on the L-shaped sofa in the living space). The bedroom has a smaller 32-inch TV, and a full-sized mirror that makes the room appear larger than it is.
The Suite at Capital Centre Arjaan by Rotana is very beautifully designed, and every inch of space is used practically, making the area look becomingly large and welcoming.
At the Pool
At Capital Centre Arjaan by Rotana, they have two swimming pools – a baby pool for under 5’s, and an adult pool that is ideal for doing a few laps.
The pools are located on the second floor of the building, right under clear blue open skies.
A lifeguard is on duty at all times, and the area is dotted with reclining beach chairs.
We were fortunate enough to have the entire area all to ourselves! I guess it was a little too windy, and the rest of the hotel guests were lounging indoors.
Balinese Massage at Bodylines
Bodylines is a chain of health and fitness centres that are found in every branch of Rotana. As a part of our Romantic Package, Hubby and I got treated to a one-hour session of full-body massage each.
We both ended up choosing the Balinese Massage (worth AED 300 for a 1 hour session), and my masseuse is a Balinese herself.
The sole premise of a Balinese Massage is to invigorate the body and promote energy flow without restraints. If you are looking for a relaxed massage that will put you into a deep snooze, this is definitely not for you! Go for the Swedish or Hot Stone alternative.
The Balinese Massage can be excruciatingly painful. Body parts that have not been kneaded and ploughed are brought back to life. A fragrant lemongrass oil is used for the massage, adding a depth of aromatherapy to the experience.
With the Balinese Massage, you enjoy the benefits a few minutes after the session. Muscles have been pulled, every nook and cranny kneaded with firm, precise accuracy.
I headed to the sauna right after, allowing the beautiful scented oil to deeply nourish and linger on my skin that bit longer.
Breakfast at Tamarind
The following morning, we headed downstairs to Capital Centre Arjaan by Rotana’s all-day dining restaurant, Tamarind. I love the casual yet stylish vibes of this place! Flooded with natural lighting, the space has been done up with natural wood accents and the fresh produce on display gives it a very holistic, inviting ambiance.
The buffet breakfast is brimming with options. They have something for everyone here. From a smorgasbord of cheeses and spreads, a wide array of freshly baked artisan breads, fresh juices and fruit-infused waters, you can also ask to have your eggs done the way you like, or order hot waffles and pancakes right off the grill.
I loaded my plate with smoked salmon and Gruyere cheese, and topped these over rustic brown bread. I also indulged in a bowl of Foul Medammes, and a serving of steamed vegetables.
My little girl was enthralled with their mini donuts. They also have these adorably cute mini muffins that would go perfectly well with a pot of brewed coffee.
Overall, we had a very lovely, peacefully relaxed stay at Capital Centre Arjaan by Rotana. With excellent customer service and loaded with all the modern-day amenities a hotel guest can ask for, this is the perfect abode for both business and pleasure alike.
For bookings and more information, do visit their website for details.
The Tezzy Files 