A Look Inside Khalidiya Palace: Photos + Travel Video

Khalidiya Palace by the pool

Just an easy 12-minute walk from Emirates and Presidential Palace, Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana is a luxurious 5-star hotel featuring a private beach and a pretty awesome pool. For 2 days and 1 night, this has been our destination of choice for the first leg of our 2-part hotel staycation series.

Our five days off due to UAE's Eid al-Adha made us plan for our much deserved r&r. This national holiday is an Islamic festival that commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (also known as Abraham) to follow Allah's (God's) command to sacrifice his son Ishmael. Muslims around the world observe this event.

Lobby / seating area

hotel interior

We were greeted by their  friendly hotel staff. Guests can also take a glimpse of the pool area from the grand lobby. Right after checking in, we were then escorted until the 8th floor to each of our rooms.

We were able to book a classic room with buffet breakfast for 2 for only 420 dirhams which was already a steal considering cheapest room rate starts at 523 AED (no breakfast included). Our 45 sqm rooms has a king size bed with a beautiful pool/beach side view.

Gorgeous pool and beach side view from our hotel room

Our room was spacious and clean. I love how comfy the bed was, I could just sleep and stay in bed the whole day, mulling over the reason why memory pillows are so damn expensive. Our private bathroom has a bathtub and walk-in shower. We had 32" flatscreen tv, a stylish and spacious working desk, mini fridge and in-room safe. 

classic room

private bath

Right after settling in, we immediately toured around the premises to check out some of the hotel's facilities. We saw their fitness center, and saw 2 more areas but wasn't exactly open to public as it's meant for fitness classes only. There, we met one of the uber friendly staff member and learned that classes offered includes yoga, pilates, power toning, boxing and zumba! We were also toured to the massage area, but turned back when we saw the rates, haha!

Hotel pool and interior at night

Access schedule to the following facilities:

Main pool: 7am - 8pm

Kiddie pool: 8am - 6pm

Seam, Sauna, jacuzzi and plunge pool: 6am - 10pm

Gym: 6am - 10pm

Beach and pool shots

What to expect:

• Large size pool that's divided in 3 connected areas
• Good location - close to city center and to other touristy areas like Etihad Towers, Emirates Palace Hotel and Presidential Palace
• No alcohol served in this hotel
• Wifi is only available in public areas.
• Life guards in every pool area
• Room is spacious, clean and great view
• Friendly staff and quality service 
• Private beach is narrow and slightly sloping shoreline (no beach volley for us)

hotel_khalidiyapalace from Sarah Garcia on Vimeo.

Use all the hotel's amenities to your advantage, like we did. We spent a lot of time in their very inviting pool, trying on a lot of underwater shots, thanks to GoPro. We also used the free gym access, jacuzzi, sauna and steam.

Beach side is not that great. Truth be told, we Filipinos have 5-star standard when it comes to beach destinations. I have been to a number of hotels here in Abu Dhabi with private beach access, but this Pinay Overseas would still continue to rave of Philippines' breathtaking beach spots.

Nevertheless, hotel staycations in UAE will always be a welcome r&r luxury treat.

Khalidiya Palace's underwater pool shot

Rotana is the region's largest hotel management company, a brand that is known and admired worldwide. You may contact them at this toll free number - 8007744. It's located at Corniche Road West, opposite Emirates Palace.

Have you ever been to Khalidiya Palace? How was your stay?