Rotana Hotel – Yas Island

I’m very excited as the taxi nears my destination today as I’m visiting Yas Island and the Yas Island Rotana and the Centro! Both hotels are conveniently located on the spectacular Yas Island, a breathtaking new destination, a few minutes from the Formula 1 Race Track, the Links Golf Club, the Yas Southern Marina and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. Both hotels are situated 10 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport, 20 minutes to the Abu Dhabi Business district and 40 minutes from Dubai.
My first site inspection is of the Yas Rotana. I really do love this hotel brand. Upon entering the property I am greeted with really warm colours, gorgeous floral displays and cocoon shaped lights as I await my host, Ms Wided Ben Ali. The hotel’s official rating is 4* but Rotana promote this as a 5* brand and I completely agree. The hotel is due to open its own private beach which will be a 3 minute walk away. Fine you say, but in 40 degree heat? Therefore the hotel is implementing a free shuttle service. Fabulous!
This property is contemporary and has a lovely pool area with the most gorgeous seating and sun loungers. The sun however doesn’t remain all day long, but never fear when it disappears if there is space you can use the pool at Centro which is a mere hop, skip and a jump away J
There are tennis courts, a large well equipped gym, and sauna rooms.
The classic rooms are a really good 35sqm with a view of Yas Plaza (where all of the hotels are situated) The Premium rooms are the same size but have a balcony with a regal view of the Yas Marina Circuit. (Well worth the extra). Club Rotana rooms again the same size have use of the exclusive lounge facilities which takes care of breakfast, afternoon tea, evening cocktails and so much more. These rooms have either a plaza or circuit view. All rooms are light and airy with lots of wood and warm coloured furnishings. A real benefit at the moment is free WIFI in each room.
Food and beverage options are varied, and each is a really lovely area. The Island Café-teas/coffees and pastries, Blue Grill – Steakhouse, Aquarius Pool Bar, Rangoli – Indian, I really fell in love with this restaurant, private booths, and soft cushion seating in rich, rich colours! The Y-Bar – New York Urban Chic Lounge Bar – every night is ladies night woo hoo! Lastly Choices – International all day dining. Wided very kindly provided us with lunch and I have to say it was absolutely gorgeous. The choice, if you pardon the pun, was vast, with salads, seafood, middle eastern specialities, soups, pasta, and too many hot dishes to describe, except I can say the Hammour was to die for (local fish). Oh and the dessert station was a work of art and an explosion of flavour!
Again I would not hesitate to recommend this property. I would say that it is very much geared to the leisure traveller, but if your business is in the airport district you are only 10 minutes away! Lovely, lovely hotel.