The Manor Club – an executive lounge like no other. One thing that’s very different about travelling to hotels in Asia and the UAE (and to me in fact) is that club or executive lounges are common practice in hotels. You have your entry-level rooms which are generally located on the lower floors of the hotel. Then you’re deluxe rooms and then your executive club rooms, the latter being what everyone should be reserving. Some hotels even offer separate lifts for club rooms, as well as private check-in and extra added benefits. It really pays to upgrade and it makes such a difference to your hotel experience. It’s a lot like travelling business class instead of economy.
The club rooms at Rosewood Abu Dhabi don’t have their own lift, but they do have the Club Room. For me it’s currently the best and most luxurious executive lounge in the UAE. As you approach the entrance it feels like you’ve been transported to a modern interpretation of what the future gentleman’s club will look like. The perfect place to work, eat, drink and relax.
Stunning seating and marble-topped coffee tables decorate the room. Burnt orange and dark wood adorns the floors to ceiling and carefully integrated lighting highlights only the areas it needs too, such as the imitation artefacts and design books on the shelves. Velvet pillows, geometric patterns and fresh flowers on the tables. There’s so much colour and texture everywhere, but all subtly arranged.
It’s hard not to simply walk around in circles if just to admire the Manor Club. I particularly wanted to take home those rich purple velvet bar stools with gold bevelled edges and feet. Perhaps I’ll bring a bigger rucksack on my return. Each area of the Manor Club is different too. Upright seating, perfect for working on your laptop is located as you enter the room. Lounge seats for enjoying an afternoon coffee by the huge windows and reclining sofas in the centre around a large flat screen TV – perfect for accidentally falling asleep for a few minutes.
There’s also the tall stools dotted around the bar and pool table area. A fantastic place to spend a whole afternoon playing a few games of snooker over a drink or two. Throughout the day as part of your club room access you can enjoy an array of light snacks as well as quality soft drinks and tea & coffee. At lunchtime it’s even more generous with a hot and cold food offering. This is served daily from 12:00 – 14:00pm.
But my favourite offering of the day was the afternoon tea. Again included in your lounge access, you can expect to feast on cakes and treats such as the above. They far exceeded my expectations. Perfectly crafted creations which left me instantly wondering if a special pastry chef had created them or simply just an army in the kitchen. Either way it’s what really sold this lounge to me and so I hope the quality never drops. If you know me well you’ll know I’m a huge dessert fan and it’s the little touches like these which make an upgrade to lounge access worth every penny.
During the evening the benefits and generosity of the lounge continues. Cocktails and canapes are served from 6:30pm – 9:30pm every evening and it’s all of the highest quality. Cocktails are mixed to perfection and no request is too exotic. I ordered my favourite Negroni, which they served smokey. There’s also a great selections of other wines and spirits to choose from. My only one negative comment overall was that service here felt a little cold and could do with being more personal, instead of stuffy. I understand each guest is different, but it’s the hotel staffs job to judge and work that out quickly. With my case being I love to chat and find out more about the person who is serving me.
When Rosewood Abu Dhabi mentions canapes, what they really mean is lots of food and lots of cake. You really could eat an entire meal here come and evening, however there are so many fabulous restaurants both in the hotel and around that you’ll want to save some room. The goats cheese and jamon bruschettas on offer were rather additive.
The next morning we made our way down for breakfast, but given the very large meal we ate the night before – we sadly had no room. Perhaps next time. While you’re room package may include breakfast in the hotels main restaurant, you can expect a premium breakfast offering in the Manor Club, with premium service to match. There’s even a private terrace to enjoy if the weather isn’t too hot.
Whatever the occasion, if you’re on business, holiday or a romantic honeymoon getaway – a quality executive lounge experience is really what will turn your hotel experience into a great one. Manor Club Rosewood Abu Dhabi – you’re absolutely flawless and I can’t wait to come back.
Ooooh it looks super stylish!!
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It was so lovely!