Stay: Ghurair Rayhaan Rotana

Al Ghurair Rayhaan by Rotana 

Al Ghurair Rayhaan by Rotana is a 5 star hotel at the heart of Deira, Dubai. The hotel is linked to one of the oldest malls in Dubai – Al Ghurair Centre. With its recent expansion adding the hotel and a major revamp on its retail and F&B tenant mix, Al Ghurair Centre is once again becoming a favorite destination in Dubai.

We were able to score a good discount using Alvin’s company privilege so we decided to spend the weekend in the hotel. Ghurair Rayhaan by Rotana is the perfect place since we can also do a little shopping on the side. The plan is to book a classic room since we only wanted to lounge by the pool. Imagine our delight when we found out that we were being upgraded to a Deluxe Suite! 

Location

Al Ghurair Rayhaan by Rotana is well-connected to most of Dubai’s business and tourist destinations. A few meters from Union Metro Station – which is the central hub of the metro – the hotel is just four stations away from Dubai International Airport and 3 stations away from Dubai World Trade Centre. Other attractions nearby includes Dubai Gold Souq, Spice Souq, Dubai Heritage Village and Dubai Creek.

The Room

We found our way to the 16th floor where our luxurious Deluxe Suite is waiting for us. The room is 112 square meters big with a large living room furnished with a dining table for 3, a lush sofas, an arm-chair, a work desk, a well stocked mini bar, complimentary tea and coffee on top of the usual hotel amenities. 

SCORE!

Blake was so excited, she kept yelling “This is so much fun!! I can run around in here!”

The bedroom was also enormous and tastefully designed. Behind the bed is where you can find the wardrobes and the door leading to the other bathroom. 

Toilet and Bath

Blake: “Mommy!!! We have two bathrooms. I can’t believe it!”

Two bathrooms? Well, not exactly. The other one is just a toilet (lower right photo) located just outside the bedroom. The master bathroom is another story altogether!

The main feature of this bathroom is the tub – which is pretty much the first thing you’ll see when you walk in! There is no way on earth I’m not going to enjoy a bubble bath in here. 

Another feature is the separate walk-in shower area with big rain shower heads. I probably spent most of my time inside the bathroom than any other place in our suite.

The Pool

Pool access is Blake’s favorite part of every hotel stay. Ghurair Rayhaan by Rotana has a temperature controlled outdoor pool at the 5th floor. There is a kiddie pool and a decently sized lap pool with waterfall features. Alvin and Blake enjoyed swimming while I waited for my massage appointment.

Zen the Spa

With 8 treatment rooms, relaxation areas and professional therapists offering a range of relaxation services, Zen the Spa is definitely one of the best (if not the best!) spas I’ve tried in Dubai. 

I was greeted warmly as soon as I entered the reception area. The receptionist gave me some tea and explained to me the services. I chose the 60 minute aromatherapy massage (at a discounted rate – yaaasss!!). 

Related Post: Look Good, Feel Good at Zen The Spa

After filling up the standard forms, I was led inside the female area so I can change into an oversized robe. My therapist, Ni Made (or Ni Ma as she wants to be called), told me she would give me 15 minutes so I can enjoy the sauna and steam room. She gave me some privacy which I really appreciated. 

I used the steam and sauna. (yes, I’m weird … it’s already too hot in Dubai and yet I still want to spend time inside a hot room! LOL) Sauna sessions helps me relax. 

I took a quick shower after and as if on cue, Ni Ma reappeared and led me to the treatment room where I spent 60 minutes of pure bliss. (That explains why there’s no photo inside the treatment room!) If ever you visit Zen the Spa, please look for Ni Ma. She is heaven-sent! 

Before we started the treatment, Ni Ma asked if there’s a specific area that I want her to concentrate on. I instructed her to give special attention to my poor overworked shoulders. She asked me to lie face down and then she worked her magic on my tired human body. After a few minutes, she asked me to lie on my back which I sleepily obliged. 

Next thing I knew, she was putting the hotel slippers on my feet and telling me that 6o minutes is over. 

NOOOOOO!!!!! O_o

Ni Ma led me to the relaxation area to have some tea and a little more quiet time before I go back to our suite. 

Next morning, we had breakfast and then A & B went back to the pool while I spent most of the morning soaked in the tub. Good thing we were allowed late check out too!

We would have stayed longer only if I didn’t have to work the next day. 🙁

Conclusion

Suffice to say, we enjoyed our short break immensely. No fuss, quick and relaxing. It’s near everything, very accessible and not overly expensive considering the hotel is rated 5 stars.

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For more information about Ghurair Rayhaan by Rotana, kindly visit their website: https://www.rotana.com/rayhaanhotelandresorts/unitedarabemirates/dubai/alghurairrayhaanbyrotana and social media accounts: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

P.S.

We didn’t dine in the hotel but you can read check out my previous posts about Liwan and Shayan.

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We paid for our stay in the hotel however we were given an upgrade and a discount at the spa. All thoughts and opinions are mine.  This post has some affiliate links.

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