In a month’s time, the family will go for our annual trip to the Philippines yet it’s not soon enough and I just want to take a break.
I sent some hotel deals to Gibson but he didn’t reply.
When Cole asked if we can stay in any hotel this Ramadan I knew I have to remind the hubby.
It’s always a good idea to avail various hotels’ summer promotions throughout UAE because rates are really low.
And I know I can easily convince Gibson if it won’t leave a dent on his pocket.
But I have to find a place that will be acceptable to kids, specially to Cole.
That boy has some standards yah know.
I found Al Hamra Residence & Village thru Booking.com.
Prior to this, I haven’t heard of this property.
The reviews are generally positive and the fact that it’s only AED 249 per night with breakfast (yes, AED 249 with breakfast) then it’s a place worth to try.
If it turns out to be bad, I won’t feel cheated considering that we only pay for a dinner’s worth.
We left around 3pm from home on Thursday and reached the property around 4pm (on the way home, travel time is around 30 minutes only).
The village and residence is very near Al Hamra mall and is located along different hotel properties like Waldorf Astoria and Hilton Al Hamra.
It has a good location. Away from traffic, near the beach and there’s a sense of exclusivity.
We walked several times between the Residence and Village in our summer attires (shorts, skirts and swim wears) and not once we felt awkward.
Google Map directed us to The Residence tower but the guard guide us towards the Village.
The Village’s reception is just before the entrance.
Check-in was swift and we got our room cards in no time.
My initial thought: I love the aesthetic of this place. Very green, I love the look of the villas and it’s lay-out.
It could easily pass as 5-star.
But I think the reason why it is 4-star is in the small details.
Like for example the towels. Yes it’s clean but it looks old and not-so-white.
There are also visible stains on the bathtub (it’s not dirt, just stains)
And the sunbeds all need some scrubbing.
Although I am not complaining. As long as it’s clean, the staff are pleasant, and we had a good time – I am A-OK!
We booked a Junior Village Suite for 2 nights. The room has large queen bed, has it’s own small living room, bath tub, shower and area for your luggage.
The receptionist asked me before check-in if I want to add AED 50 per night to get a room with pool view but I declined.
I don’t think it’s necessary. We had room 957 which is on the ground floor.
The bed
The toilet area
The living room
The closet
We have the view of the garden.
After settling in, my water babies wanted to swim immediately. I told them to check out the Village’s pool first.
Here’s the play area which is just a few steps away from our suite.
The shallowest part of the adult pool in the Village is around 1.15 metres.
Initially, we thought the pool is deep for Biel so we went to the Residence to check their kids pool.
The Residence has 2 pools and beach access.
We were in the pool area at first, but when they noticed the waves they asked if they can go to the beach instead.
My family are not beach-goers. We prefer the pool over the beach.
But the waves that day were very inviting. And the shore is filled with tiny shells that made Biel occupied for hours.
You see that oh-so-cute-but-deadly sea shells scattered on the shores? I am a victim.
A wave hit me when I was taking a video from my phone and knelt on them.
I didn’t feel the pain immediately because the first thought that comes to my mind was “SHIT!!! I dropped my new phone!!!”
And now I can confirm, iPhone 7 is truly water proof. A very painful discovery.
That painful shell experience won’t stop me from frolicking in the beach. Aura!
When the sun sets, we went back to our room and decided to just have in-room dining. While searching for the menu, we saw this picture on the table. I find it amusing – they have ‘cheaper’ meals available to order ala fast food.
Seeing the menu, my son asked “Is that it?”. I thought it can’t be.
For sure they are offering else apart from that.
And yes, of course, they are.
But I’ll let you know what I figured out. The fast food type dishes taste the same like the expensive one.
Only difference is how it was packed.
The fancy one was delivered in a tray with proper utensils and the fast food dishes are in an aluminum pack.
However, I reckon they both came from the same kitchen so there’s not much difference.
The following day, we went to the Village’s restaurant to have breakfast.
Again, I love the aesthetic of the restaurant. All white tables, glass top, white wooden chairs.
But then again, it’s downside is in the small details – stains here, chirp there, and there was some water dripping from the ceiling.
Breakfast options are sufficient but nothing to rave about, the usual egg station, cold cuts, few hot dishes, cheese, bread and salad sections.
The next two days were spent the same way – eat, swim, take pictures, sleep.
Will I recommend Al Hamra Residence & Village – Ras Al Khaimah?
Yes, specially if you can get it on the same price as what we had paid.
Truly a value for money.
