The welcome
There’s a brisk queue to valet my car, but the valet is assured. Check-in is quick and attentive in the attractive lobby space, which is light and inviting, with modern design features.
The neighbourhood
Located 7.5km from the city centre, the hotel sits on a busy intersection on Airport Road (Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street) opposite the American International School, close to Mushrif Mall and various police departments. Adnec and the embassies area, Khalifa Park and Zayed Sports City are a short drive away.
The room
My room is on the third floor at the back of the building, facing the Adagio Aparthotel (the two developments are linked). It’s therefore very quiet, and with good blackout blinds, a very comfortable bed, lovely pillows and quiet air-conditioning, I sleep well. The 31-square-metre space is well-designed and functional, with desk space, easy-to-use lighting, lots of wardrobe space, a tea/coffee-making area and a bathroom with a separate bath and shower. The decor is a mix of brown and beige. In common with many new hotels these days, windows cannot be opened, leading to a feeling of stuffiness.
The service
Friendly and efficient. Waiters in both restaurants are attentive without being overbearing; cleaning staff cheerful but unobtrusive. Valet staff did their job.
The scene
This new hotel, which opened earlier this year, is aimed at those between the ages of 25 and 45, and 80 per cent of its clientele are business travellers on stays of one to three nights. As I arrive at the hotel, the first guests I see are construction consultants carrying hard hats; others work in oil and gas. Longer-stay guests stay in the Aparthotel next door, but use the swimming pool, bar, restaurants and other facilities of the Novotel. Most seem to be male, but the bar, Amber, features a ladies’ night. The swimming pool and gym area on the first floor are very attractive – the pool is outdoors and the changing rooms have a steam room and sauna, though the steam room was a little short of heat.
The food
I have dinner in the ground-floor steakhouse, Choice Cut. A small (200-gram) Australian Wagyu strip loin costs Dh210, including two side dishes – the truffle flavoured mashed potato and corn on the cob were ideal accompaniments. The buffet breakfast (at Dh85 per person, including taxes) was less impressive.
Loved
The room – getting the basics right is something of a rarity at hotels these days. The swimming pool was a bonus.
Hated
Smoking is allowed in the steak restaurant and the mezzanine level lobby, from where I could smell it at breakfast. While using the pool and changing rooms between 7.30 and 8am, cleaning staff were busy spraying and wiping – and the cleaners in the female changing room were male. Shouldn’t this be done before opening?
The verdict
I like the current trend towards small, new business hotels in the city. This one is a cosy, smart retreat in a good location. It’s new now, so let’s hope that after years of use the same sense of comfort, freshness and service will be maintained.
The bottom line
Double rooms at the Novotel Abu Dhabi Al Bustan (www.novotel.com; 02 501 6444) cost from Dh609 per night, including taxes.
rbehan@thenational.ae
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