geeminds EATS, PLACES AND WHAT-HAVE-YOUS MONTH: AUGUST 2014 Holiday Escape at the Grand Canal 28-29 July 2014 So we were taking advantage of the 2-day Eid holiday, we decided to checkin in one of the newbies hotels in Abu Dhabi, The Ritz Carlton Grand Canal, Abu Dhabi. Unlike in Emirates Palace, security wasn’t as tight since we were able to go straight to the entrance lobby without a fuss. What welcomed us were warm smiles of the staff eager to help us unload our luggage. Majestic lobby wowed us as we find our way to the reception. What caught my eye was the staff’s uniform, so much like am in an old English film where corsets are a must. Checkin wasn’t bad at all despite a flock of people both checking in and out. While we were in the process of checking in, a lady approached us with a cold towel and a thirst quenching drink. Checking in was a breeze so after a few minutes we were already ushered in our room. Prior to going to Ritz, I’ve already made an advance booking (my OCness kicked in) where I specified my preferred room (which was a higher floor, a bit far from the elevators, extra towels and a crib for my baby). And I was granted all these with a room situated perfectly where a fantastic view awaited us. Our friendly hostess briefed us about the room and numbers to call. I got all excited when we saw the vast swimming pool area and the beach and countless sunbathing beds. Wow! Osahana, our friendly hostess The room even has a Nespresso. How cool is that?! My hubby who is a coffee lover was so ecstatic over this (first time to encounter such) that he phoned our other friends who were also checked in that day. Haha! the drawers The bathroom was also a nice treat. I like the way they designed it. A tub, shower and a toilet that were enclosed. Our veranda is such a cozy place to just relax and chat all night long, not to mention the beautiful scenery right before our eyes. We couldn’t resist the pool temptation so we succumbed ourselves to the calling and immediately changed and headed to the pool to repel the hot hot weather. They even have movie nights beside the pool. And several gazebos stationed by the pool area. Their swimming pool is so huge that everyone can really enjoy. The depth is gradually becoming deeper, starting at 1m to 3 meters. And they even put sea salt in it. We toured the inside of the hotel and snapped some pics. The hotel is unbelievably big. The outdoors The breakfast buffet was good as well. They have different stations for you to choose from. And even a fresh coconut juice Generally, we had a great stay for the price we paid. The way to the hotel might be confusing so be sure that you have a GPS or your own map. It is near to the Grand Mosque so you can visit it as well among others. If you want to have a great night out, if you feel like going out, Souk Al Bahar is just across the hotel. To know more about the hotel or to book it, you may want to visit their website. http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/AbuDhabi/Default.htm?utm_campaign=TBPSMEEGPB6&src=ps&pId=rztbppc Posted in Travel, Uncategorized Tagged AbuDhabi, family, holiday, Hotels, leisure, pools, Staycation, vacation Aug 14 Post navigation Search RECENT POSTS How to handle yourself when difficult people are in your midst Yummy Buttered Chicken A day before I say hello to a new age A Doctor with Terminal Cancer Writes to His Baby Daughter “He Has Aspergers” and Everything Else I Never Wanted To Hear About My Son RECENT COMMENTS ilonagee on Oreo Cheesecake Cookies tastehitch on Oreo Cheesecake Cookies ilonagee on Adventure Time at Sandy Beach… JDo on Adventure Time at Sandy Beach… ilonagee on After The Walk comes The … ARCHIVES February 2018 June 2015 April 2015 March 2015 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 CATEGORIES Food Homecooking Places Reblog Restaurant Thoughts Travel Uncategorized Work Life META Register Log in Entries feed Comments feed WordPress.com Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. Follow