Beautiful hotel but stay was spoilt due to Hotel still owing me money and appear to be very reluctant to put this situation right. Upon arrival at reception they ask you to authorise them to 'hold' 1000 aed. However, expect your account to be debited and 1 month later, despite emails (unanswered) and phone calls, my bank account is still down £140!! What a pity this is now how I remember my stay.

We were due to stay at the hotel between the 1st and 4th November however after two days we checked out and went to the Sheraton Towers hotel. This was mainly due to the fact that the main restaurant was closed and they were using their much smaller mediterranean restaurant which could not cope with the volume of guests for breakfast or dinner. Also the staff looked miserable ,were too few in number, badly organised and overworked. We waited an hour for drinks at the pool bar on our second day and ages to be served lunch. We also had a bathroom that smelt strongly of drains and although the management sent some one up to try and clear the smell they failed to correct the problem.

We stayed at the Al Raha for 6 nights and can honestly say that the stay was fabulous from the moment we arrived to the time we left.

We flew with Etihad to AD from Heathrow and the only thing wrong was that the in-flight entertainment system failed for the whole flight. But as it was on overnight flight this was not too much a downer. Food was very good and complimentary drinks were generous measures. In all above average attention to detail. On the return flight it all worked and the choice of films etc was staggering, better than Virgin. I saw 3 films and the time passed without noticing.

The Al Raha is only a 10 minute taxi ride from the airport but 30 minutes from AD city. The foyer and reception area give you a brief glimpse into what to expect during your stay. Plenty of door staff to welcome you and take your luggage. Whilst you are being checked in just look at the vast lobby area with its marbled floors and great carpets cut around the circular seating. It says 5* and it really is 5*.

We were escorted to our room and as others have said the room is vast. 2 queen beds, satelite TV, mini bar and all controls are touch sensitive keypads. Free safe in the room, complimentary slippers and free use of bath robes. Space is not an issue here.We got complimentary bottled water every day which was needed.

The bathroom again floor to ceiling marble and large shower enclosure. High end fittings used everywhere. The only negative was that the shower went from hot to cold without warning and back again. Frustrating but not the end of the world.

The outdoor area was great. Free beach towels everyday and you were taken to your chosen loungers by the pool attendant and your towel laid out for you. The infinity pool with its swim up bar was like stepping into a warm bath- fantastic! There is a private beach area with shades and loungers. There was only one family that insisted on putting towels down before their arrival and they were German! Certainly a mulititude of nationalities stayed here and at the weekend (Friday here) lots of local families came to use the facilities and have brunch.

During our stay the main restaurant was being refurbished so there was the Piscine outdoors and the breakfast area used again at night. Food at the Piscine was more than adequate with generous helpings. Prices were good for food and drinks considering the plush surroundings. Breakfast was an excellent choice of juices, cereals, cooked, cold meats, cheese and a selection of breads and sweet pattiserie items. Staff were very attentive without being over bearing.

There is the Black Pearl bar in the main hotel for early evening to late night drinks, can get quite smokey though. There was live entertainment here.

The Hotel is attached to a shopping mall which is now open, though not all units are occupied. It can only get better as more facilities develop in the locality. There is a Lulu Express which will cater for most of your needs- think Tesco Express only slightly bigger.

The hotels provides a free shuttle bus to AD city at regular times stopping at the Mariina Mall and Abu Dhabi Mall next to the Rotana Towers. Be on time as they don't wait for late comers. The Emirates palace is a must to ogle at the opulence. Taxis are very cheap in the city and plentiful.

We took a tour to Al Ain for the day and was worth it to see some local life and the camel market. The evening trip for desert BBQ was great for the dune bashing, not for the faint hearted! Food was ok.

The Al Raha area is subject to a massive program of building and accom/living for some 120,000 people and whilst this is visible from the hotel pool and it going at night time, I can honestly say that I did not hear it at all and it did not affect my enjoyment of the holiday.

Also being so close to the airport noise from aircraft was not a consideration, perhaps only hearing 3/4 in a week and that was muted.

Our experience of the Al Raha was a very positive one and we are seriously considering returning next year it was that good.

Very high quality new hotel. Had a superb room - could have played football in it it was so big. Large pool area with small beach with direct access. Good kids club facilities and spa.
It is adjacent to a building site (but this is well screened) and there is nothing within walking distance, but taxis are cheap into town. They are building a shopping mall next door which looked like it was due to open shortly. Give it a couple of year and this will be a great location but go now if you're looking to sit in the sun and relax.