The welcome
After a little confusion regarding the parking situation, when I finally enter the lobby and arrive at the check-in counter, I’m greeted warmly. The formalities take just a few minutes, and after being given a quick rundown of the property, I make my way to my room – without being offered any assistance with my luggage.
The neighbourhood
The four-star hotel is in Abu Dhabi’s Al Zahiya district (Tourist Club Area). Its proximity to the Corniche, a 10-minute walk away, is its main drawcard. Some of the city’s main attractions – Emirates Palace, Saadiyat Beach and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – are also within a short drive, broadening the hotel’s appeal.
The room
My executive suite, on the 23rd floor, is spacious and comfortable. It has a separate sitting area along with a big desk, which would suit business travellers. There’s a walk-in wardrobe, separate toilet, and a shower and bathtub. It has Corniche views, although it takes me a while to figure out the blinds, and the shower head is too close to the wall to make adequate use of the space, which makes it a little awkward.
The service
Staff are well-versed on the hotel and the city, and room service is consistently prompt and friendly. There’s a business centre with photocopier and scanner, as well as a good-sized fitness centre with a variety of machines and panoramic city views. There’s also an outdoor rooftop pool, along with steam rooms and saunas (male and female). Valet and self-parking are both free, as is Wi-Fi.
The scene
It’s quiet the night that I stay, but the hotel appears to attract leisure and business travellers, as well as groups. The style of the hotel is contemporary and all about the interior. The colour palette is warm, with a mixture of beige, burnt orange, olive green and dark brown used throughout. Clever use of suede in the furnishings combined with the use of copper in the form of modesty screens in the restaurants and panelling across the leisure and dining areas give it a rich feel beyond its four-star rating. The exotic yet subtle Arabesque influences, including colourful, calligraphy-inspired geometric artworks, subtle lighting choices and chandeliers, provide a comfortable, stylish visual spectacle.
The food
Blu Sky Lounge & Grill is a sports bar affiliated with Manchester City, while Hytes Bar is ideal for pre-dinner drinks. The Foundry steakhouse is popular, but the downside is that I have to wait 45 minutes to get my food. The braised Wagyu cheeks (Dh185), cooked for up to 18 hours, melt in your mouth. The heart of palm and heirloom tomato salad (Dh72) also deserves a mention for its presentation and blend of flavours. For some local tastes, Kahraman provides Arabic fare with a twist. The buffet breakfast (Dh114) includes pancakes, mini burgers, eggs, sausages, congi, meats and cheeses, fruits, yogurts and pastries.
Loved
The views of the Corniche, plus the interior design.
Hated
Having to stand super-close to the wall in the shower to get the full use of the shower head.
The verdict
A great hotel for those who prefer not to fork out for five-star, but want a location close to the action.
The bottom line
Rooms at the Southern Sun Abu Dhabi (www.tsogosun.com) cost from Dh518 per night, including taxes and Wi-Fi.
This review was done at the invitation of the hotel.
mhealy@thenational.ae
