The welcome
Driving up to the hotel on Ras Al Khaimah's Marjan Island, I attempt to have my car valet parked, but I am told to leave it out front until I find out where I am staying. The resort is so big that there are different parking options depending on your room location. So my family and I head inside the newly renovated lobby and, after a short wait, are greeted by the receptionist.
Check-in is a little slow to start, but does not take too long to complete. After being issued with a wristband to show we are entitled to the hotel’s all-inclusive packages, we head back to our car and park it directly in front of our room.
The neighbourhood
Man-made Marjan Island has almost 8km of beaches so there are plenty of places to explore. As well as several other resorts and hotels, there is a promenade perfect for running, cycling or strolling along, with plenty of beautiful views of the beach and children’s play areas.
The room
We are staying in a ground-floor club room with direct access to the garden, and the beach is just a few metres beyond. This is great for accessibility – especially with a little one in tow – but sacrifices sweeping ocean views that rooms in the main hotel command.
Club rooms are set up in double-height buildings, each with around 10 rooms and a private lift. A long hallway leads into our room, where there’s a bathroom on the left and wardrobes on the right, opening on to the main bedroom. A king-size bed and large dresser housing the minibar – included in our tariff – make up the main room. A living area beyond this also has a dining table that can comfortably seat four. Patio doors slide open to reveal a terrace and a spot for alfresco dining when the weather allows.
The scene
In a word, bustling. Despite checking in during UAE summertime – traditionally lower season for hotels – the resort is very busy with lots of multi-generational families, parents with young children, older couples and groups of friends, plus a few solo travellers.
DoubleTree by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah is like a mini-village and many guests never leave the resort. There are seven swimming pools, including shaded ones for children and a floating sea pool. There is also a 650-metre-long beach and watersports galore. Daily activities take place across the resort – everything from aerobics to water polo.
It is geared towards children, so there is no shortage of fun for little ones who – if aged four or over – can attend the kids' club and take part in organised activities, or play at the pirate-themed water park then splash around on RAK's largest inflatable attraction. There is also a playground with slides, swings and trampolines.
A faux river runs along the outskirts of the resort and is a nice setting for a leisurely morning stroll, with music piped out of the fake rocks dotted along its length. There are a handful of small retail outlets along its banks – including a photography studio, hair salon and a leather goods store.
The food
There are no fewer than 12 bars and restaurants here, so I was spoilt for choice. The all-day dining restaurant is a sprawling buffet-style venue that had me working up an appetite as I wandered around selecting my food. Signs highlight food waste, but most guests seem oblivious to the message as they pile their plates high.
Sanchaya serves Asian food, with good quality sushi and curries on offer, accompanied by upbeat tunes and a buzzy atmosphere, while Islander's Coffee House is a nice spot for a caffeine hit.
Turkish fare takes centre stage at Meze – with a large open kitchen to watch the chefs at work. Recommendations include the sebzeli moussaka (Dh82), a vegetarian version of the classic dish, and the cokertme kebab (Dh105) which consists of crispy fried potatoes and marinated beef with a rich tomato sauce and creamy yoghurt. The havuc dilim baklava (Dh50) is a good shout for dessert, served with creamy Turkish ice cream.
The service
Do not expect turndown service and high-end toiletries. This value-for-money resort prioritises functionality over fuss, but the staff are incredibly friendly and efficient, and great with children.
Highs and lows
Families will delight in this resort's entertainment options for children. Spacious rooms with direct outdoor access are also ideal for this demographic, and rates are reasonable.
The huge capacity of the hotel can be overwhelming at times, and it is a mission to hunt down sun loungers not claimed by a blue towel during popular sunbathing hours. Talking of towels, having to return them soggy and sand-covered to retrieve a towel token that guarantees more the next day feels like a throwback to the 1990s.
The insider tip
Find some quiet by escaping to the adults-only pool if travelling child-free.
The verdict
For those who do not mind crowds and appreciate value for money, or have eternally hungry and easily bored children to entertain, this is the Ras Al Khaimah resort for you.
The bottom line
Rates start from Dh550. Check-in is from 3pm; checkout is until noon.
This review was conducted at the invitation of the resort and reflects standards during this time. Services may change in the future
