InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa

The InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers a luxurious and highly-rated experience in the United Arab Emirates. It is widely praised for its exceptional service, beautiful design, and comprehensive amenities, making it a popular choice for both families and couples seeking a relaxed retreat.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for the InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa is overwhelmingly positive, with an average score of 9/10 on Voyage Prive and 9.0 on Booking.com. Guests frequently describe the hotel as "incredible," "beautiful," and "luxury," highlighting its appeal as a prime destination. Its recognition as a Michelin Key Selected property further underscores its commitment to exceptional hospitality.

Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud the resort for several outstanding features:

• Service & Staff: The staff are frequently described as attentive, amazing, friendly, polite, and professional, often going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay.
• Location & Design: The resort boasts a beautiful beachfront location on Hayat Island, offering a sense of secluded luxury. The property itself is noted for its beautiful decoration, immaculate cleanliness, and a blend of modern luxury with enchanting local touches.
• Amenities: The extensive facilities include large, cool pools (including an infinity pool), a pristine white sand beach, an award-winning spa and wellness center, and a variety of activities. For families, there are dedicated kids' and teens' clubs. The Club InterContinental offers an elevated experience with a private pool, spa, and lounge amenities like gourmet breakfasts, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails.

Room Quality

The rooms, suites, and villas at the InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah are celebrated for their spaciousness, comfort, and cleanliness. All accommodations are sea-facing, featuring spacious balconies or terraces that offer views of the Arabian Gulf. The design style seamlessly blends modern minimalism with classic traditionalism, creating an elegant ambiance. For added luxury, villas may include private plunge pools or soaking tubs on their terraces. In-room amenities are comprehensive, with features like espresso machines, sound bars, and bathtubs often boasting ocean views.

Dining Experience

The resort offers a diverse culinary journey with seven restaurants and bars designed to satisfy various palates. Options range from the international buffet at Saffar, to Ottoman-inspired dishes at Levant & Nar, and American cuisine at NoHo Bar & Grill. Casual poolside dining is available at ShaSha and Sahar Beach Bar. Breakfast receives particular acclaim for its variety, freshness, and overall quality. Guests on certain packages, particularly Club InterContinental members, benefit from gourmet breakfasts, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails served in exclusive lounges. However, some guests noted that the basic all-inclusive package might have limitations, with additional charges for certain à la carte restaurants or specific items at pool/beach bars.

Service & Staff

The hospitality at InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah is consistently highlighted as a major strength. Guests frequently commend the staff for being "amazing," "attentive," "friendly," "polite," and "professional." Many reviews mention personalized touches, such as staff going out of their way to acknowledge special occasions like birthdays. Specific team members, including Collins from concierge, Moses from the restaurant and as a breakfast chef, and Renuka in the main restaurant, have received individual praise for their exceptional service.

Location & Accessibility

Situated on Hayat Island in Ras Al Khaimah, the resort enjoys a prime beachfront location with pristine white sand and clear waters. While offering a tranquil and secluded atmosphere, it remains conveniently accessible, located under an hour's drive from Dubai. The resort serves as a gateway to Ras Al Khaimah's natural and adventure attractions, including kayaking through mangroves, the world's longest zip line and Jais Sledder on Jebel Jais, the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp, and desert safaris. Nearby, guests can find shopping opportunities at Al Hamra Mall (5.6 miles away) and family entertainment at Dreamland Aqua Park (16 miles away). Electric carts are available for effortless navigation around the expansive resort.

Value & Pricing

As a luxury 5-star property, the InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa is priced accordingly. The average room rate is approximately $313, which is significantly higher than the city's average of $169, reflecting its premium offerings and exclusive experience. Despite the higher price point, many guests consider it to offer good value, especially given the newness and overall quality of the complex. The resort offers various meal plans, including breakfast-only, half-board, full-board, and all-inclusive options, with a "Premium All-Inclusive" package that provides more extensive dining and beverage inclusions.

Common Complaints

While generally positive, some recurring issues have been noted by guests:

• All-Inclusive Clarity: Some guests on "all-inclusive" packages expressed disappointment that certain restaurants or items at pool/beach bars incurred additional charges, leading to a perception that the package was not truly comprehensive.
• Room Maintenance & Amenities: Isolated incidents included a sticky remote control and a lack of fresh milk in the room, with charges applied for fresh milk via room service. There were also mentions of dirty shower grout and potentially dangerous pool floors.
• Dining Variety: A few reviews mentioned limited choices and repetition of desserts in the buffet. During peak times, breakfast areas could become busy, leading to waits for seating and slower replenishment of food.
• Accommodation Access: One guest noted a particular path to a room in a different building that had an unpleasant odor, described as mold with heavy air freshener.
• Clientele: Some guests observed the hotel to be predominantly frequented by Russian tourists, which was noted as a cultural difference.
• Early Opening Issues: Older reviews (from 2022) indicated that some parts of the property, including certain villas, suites, and the spa, were not fully completed or operational immediately after opening. This is likely resolved by now.

Sources

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2. booking.com
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