Grand Jebel Hafeet Hotel

The hotel is celebrated for its breathtaking hilltop location, offering panoramic mountain views that provide a serene escape from city life. Its signature appeal lies in being an exceptionally family-friendly destination, particularly highlighted by its exciting water slides and diverse activities that keep children entertained. Many guests are repeat visitors, drawn back by the hotel's overall value and tranquil atmosphere. This makes it an ideal choice for families seeking a fun-filled getaway, couples looking for a scenic and relaxing retreat, and sightseers eager to explore the natural beauty of the area. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room with a mountain or pool view to fully appreciate the vistas, and be prepared for a lively, family-centric environment, especially during peak holiday periods, which might involve longer waits at check-in.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's swimming pools are a major highlight, especially the water slides which are a big hit with children, making the resort a popular choice for families. While the pools are generally well-maintained, some guests noted that the kids' pool water can be quite cold, lacking temperature control, and the washrooms near the swimming pool were frequently criticized for their lack of cleanliness and being in disrepair. Beyond the pools, the hotel offers various gaming areas and activities like mini golf, though some guests found these facilities to be worn down and in need of maintenance. Inside the rooms, several guests reported issues with basic amenities, including non-working room phones, outdated televisions, malfunctioning fridges, and coffee machines that were not operational. Additionally, the elevators were occasionally slow or out of service, causing inconvenience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be spacious and clean, with housekeeping services often praised for their thoroughness and timeliness. However, a recurring concern is the cleanliness and condition of the pool bathrooms, which many describe as a disgrace and in need of significant renovation. While some guests found the beds comfortable and conducive to a good night's sleep, others reported that the mattresses were old or uncomfortable, suggesting a need for updates. The overall decor of the rooms and bathrooms is frequently described as dated, with many guests noting that the hotel appears tired and could benefit from a refurbishment. Specific issues mentioned include slow or broken toilet flushes, small balconies with no facility to dry wet clothes, and fixed showerheads that some found inconvenient.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast buffet generally receives positive feedback for its good variety, often including both continental and Indian dishes, providing a satisfying start to the day. However, some guests noted that the breakfast area can become chaotic and overcrowded during peak hours, and a few found the menu to be repetitive over multiple days, with occasional comments about items not being fresh. The dinner buffet is often described as having a limited selection, but the quality of the dishes is generally appreciated, with many finding the food to be tasty and good value for money. Despite overall positive comments on taste, a few guests expressed disappointment with the food quality at specific restaurants or found the offerings to be poor. Service in the dining areas can sometimes be slow, partly attributed to all food coming from a central kitchen.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is overwhelmingly praised as a major highlight, situated on a hilltop that affords breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains and the city below. Guests consistently describe it as an ideal getaway, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Its proximity to Jebel Hafeet Mountain and Green Mubazzara Park makes it a perfect base for scenic drives and exploring the natural surroundings. The hotel is considered a great choice for those seeking a refreshing break and enjoying the cool mountain air. Parking is readily available and ample, which is a significant convenience for guests. However, it is noted that a good car is recommended for the drive up to the hotel due to its elevated position.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel generally receive high praise for being friendly, cooperative, and professional, with many guests highlighting their helpfulness and courteous demeanor across various departments, including housekeeping and food and beverage. However, feedback regarding the check-in process is mixed; while some found it efficient, many experienced slow check-in times, particularly during peak holiday periods, and some guests encountered front desk staff who were perceived as less welcoming or even impolite. Overall service speed can be an area for improvement, with some guests noting delays in general service, room service, and food delivery. While housekeeping is commended for maintaining room cleanliness, a few isolated comments mentioned unhelpful or rude interactions with housekeeping staff.

Additional Information
Guests frequently mention that the hotel, despite its dated appearance, offers excellent value and is currently undergoing renovations to modernize its facilities. Many returning guests noted a positive change in management, particularly highlighting an improvement in food quality since the transition. It is important for visitors to be aware that during peak holiday periods, the hotel can become significantly overcrowded, leading to chaotic scenes, especially in the breakfast area and around the pools. A unique architectural feature is the open-plan lobby with barriers that do not extend floor-to-ceiling, which some guests found concerning. Additionally, while not a policy, the hotel's elevated location means a good car is recommended for the drive up the mountain.