If there's one thing I often find misleading, it's hotel slogans. "Beach" hotels without an ocean in sight. "City" hotels that are actually right in the middle of nowhere... The list goes on.
So I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Cristal Salam Hotel's slogan "welcome to the heart of the city" is true to every word. The hotel ambiance is welcoming and the property is right in the heart of the city.
The recently opened 4-star business hotel in Abu Dhabi's business district hits it on the mark on several different counts. First, is its proximity to the shopping district, the bus terminal and the Abu Dhabi Mall.
Parking space is ample in the area, but the best part is probably the hotel's electronic parking bay for guests. It is definitely a long shot from what standard hotels of its class commonly offer.
Accommodation is another thing. The 112-room property features rooms and suites designed with what can only be called contemporary luxury. Relaxing natural colours of white, beige and brown are used in the interior design. The detailing is classy, especially the stainless steel trimmings for many of the room's built-in controls.
The minibar is well stocked, with a coffee and tea-making facility. And the executive desk is functional, featuring an IP-interactive telephone and a bay for high-speed internet access.
The bathroom is an eco-warrior's domain: It comes stocked with organic soaps and shampoos and a gentle note to remind you about how you can save the planet with the use of a towel. No water sprinkler here though, but a bidet.
Next, the room's most important feature: The bed. The mattress, although a little too high for my taste, proved comfortable. The next day, I woke up like the princess without the pea underneath the mattress.
Business with pleasure
The in-house spa and gym are bonuses for those wanting to unwind. The aromatherapy massage is a must-try. Read spa review
At the rooftop is an outdoor pool that sits right outside a soon-to-open restobar. Into sound-proof doors to the right of the area is where the meeting rooms are located, in case you want to mix business with pleasure. The multi-purpose rooms, made homey by wooden floor panelling, provide a comfortable meeting environment, with equipment to match.
If you're up for a food trip, hidden in the mezzanine floor is the all-day dining restaurant 2.35, which offers international cuisines. You shouldn't leave unless you try their breakfast buffet and one of their mocktails. For coffee and some snacks over a casual conversation, the 24-hour Blendz Lounge is the place to go.
But probably, the most inviting part of the hotel is the staff, who were smiling, courteous and attentive throughout my stay. Of course it's too early to tell whether the hotel and its staff can keep it up, but that's a challenge that I hope they pass as the hotel inevitably gains more and more guests.
