Sharjah's Royal Grand Suite: UAE's Most Luxurious Getaway?
Sharjah's Royal Grand Suite: UAE's Most Luxurious Getaway? Buckle Up, Buttercup, Because This is a Rollercoaster (and I Love It)
So, "UAE's Most Luxurious Getaway," huh? Big words. Big expectations. My inner skeptic, armed with a magnifying glass and a penchant for finding the smallest speck of dust, was READY. But, and this is a HUGE but, the Royal Grand Suite in Sharjah… well, let’s just say it had me at “Hello, you glorious, over-the-top, probably-costs-more-than-my-car suite.”
Accessibility: Navigating a Palace (and My Own Life):
Okay, first things first. Accessibility. This is crucial. The good news? They've clearly thought about it. Facilities for disabled guests are present, which is fantastic to see. An elevator made lugging my suitcase (and myself) a breeze. Now, the specific details on wheelchair accessibility? They’re listed. I'm not sure exactly how, but it is written. I need to find out more. Crucially, I'd advise contacting them directly for specifics, especially if you have specific requirements.
Cleanliness and Safety: Because, You Know, Living in a Post-Apocalyptic World (almost):
Right, let's talk pandemic protocols. This is where the Royal Grand Suite REALLY shines. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Yessir. Hand sanitizer strategically placed? Oh, you betcha. Room sanitization opt-out available? Brilliant! Look, I’m a bit of a germaphobe (don’t judge), and this level of vigilance completely relaxed me. They've got Staff trained in safety protocol, and the whole operation feels… safe. Feels even safer than eating cereal from a box at 2 AM during the pandemic. The Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, are also a plus. The Individually-wrapped food options felt like a smart touch, and I appreciated that they're taking Physical distancing of at least 1 meter.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food (with a Side of "Wow"):
Now, on to the important stuff. The feasting. The Royal Grand Suite, my friends, does NOT disappoint.
- Restaurants: Multiple. Duh. But the variety? Sublime.
- Breakfast [buffet]: A sprawling, magnificent spread. Okay, I have a confession. I may have accidentally eaten three croissants. Don't tell anyone. They also offer a delicious Asian breakfast.
- A la carte: The A la carte in restaurant options gave me a good feeling.
- International cuisine in restaurant: Yep. And it's delicious.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Oh, the coffee. And the tea. The endless steaming, aromatic rivers of caffeine and relaxation. Truly a treat.
- Room service [24-hour]: My weakness. Especially when the Breakfast in room option is so tempting… I may have ordered it at, ahem, unusual hours.
- Poolside bar: The pool area is seriously chill.
- Snack bar: Again, convenient.
- Happy hour: Can't argue with that, can you?
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: So good.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: Solid.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Nice to know.
- Bar: Of course.
- Coffee shop: What else am I missing?
- Desserts in restaurant: insert Homer Simpson drooling noise here
- Soup in restaurant: comforting and nice.
- Bottle of water: always.
- Breakfast service: great.
- Buffet in restaurant: Always something for everyone.
- Poolside bar: Another advantage.
- Salad in restaurant: Good, clean food.
- Breakfast takeaway service: perfect.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax, Because You Deserve This:
Alright, self-care time. This suite understands.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Stunning. Seriously. The water shimmers, the sun kisses your skin… pure bliss.
- Pool with view: And what a view!
- Sauna: Sweating out all the stress.
- Spa/sauna: Double score!
- Spa: Massages, facials… the works.
- Massage: Highly recommend.
- Fitness center: They have a gym/fitness center. Good for those who want to work out.
- Steamroom: Perfect.
- Foot bath: Relaxing.
- Body scrub: Great for getting the perfect skin.
- Body wrap: A must use if you want to relax more.
Services and Conveniences: They Thought of Everything, Even the Things You Didn’t Know You Needed:
This section is just a dizzying array of things that make life easier.
- Air conditioning in public area: Needed!
- Air conditioning: Of course.
- Free bottled water: Always a plus.
- Daily housekeeping: That feeling of coming back to a perfectly made room… priceless.
- Concierge: They arranged everything.
- Elevator: Thank goodness.
- Wi-Fi for special events: Great for companies.
- Car park [free of charge]: Always helpful.
- Car park [on-site]
- Taxi service: Available.
- Airport transfer: Essential.
- Room service [24-hour]: A lifesaver. More on that later.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: great for the businesses.
- Laundry service: helpful for everyone.
- Dry cleaning: very usefull.
- Doorman: Always great.
- Cash withdrawal: Another convenience.
- Currency exchange: Great for dealing with money.
- Smoking area: If you need it, it's there.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Great for getting gifts.
- Luggage storage: Good.
- Ironing service: Always an advantage.
- Safety deposit boxes: Helpful.
Available in All Rooms (The Breakdown):
Okay, let's dissect your private sanctuary:
- Air conditioning: Needed, again.
- Alarm clock: Always a good think.
- Bathrobes: I've never felt more luxurious.
- Bathtub: Need.
- Blackout curtains: Sleep is essential.
- Closet: To store your clothes.
- Coffee/tea maker: I love coffee.
- Complimentary tea: Good.
- Daily housekeeping: Always a plus.
- Desk: Useful.
- Extra long bed: Good.
- Free bottled water: Always nice.
- Hair dryer: Helpful.
- High floor: The view!
- In-room safe box: Always great.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: Helpful for families.
- Internet access – LAN: Good.
- Internet access – wireless: Of course.
- Ironing facilities: A must.
- Laptop workspace: Good.
- Linens: Essential.
- Mini bar: Good, convenient.
- Mirror: Very important.
- Non-smoking: Great.
- On-demand movies: A must have.
- Private bathroom: Awesome.
- Reading light: For reading.
- Refrigerator: Good.
- Safety/security feature: Safe.
- Satellite/cable channels: Awesome.
- Scale: Helpful.
- Seating area: Nice.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Awesome.
- Shower: Essential.
- Slippers: Always great.
- Smoke detector: Important.
- Socket near the bed: Good.
- Sofa: Good.
- Soundproofing: Helpful.
- Telephone: Good.
- Toiletries: Nice.
- Towels: Always great.
- Umbrella: Helpful.
- Visual alarm: Good.
- Wake-up service: Needed.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Important.
- Window that opens: Great.
- Additional toilet: A bonus for certain situations.
- Bathroom phone: Helpful.
- Carpeting: Great.
- Desk, extra long bed, In-room safe box, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free]
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your average, sterile itinerary. This is… me planning a trip to the Royal Grand Suite Hotel in Sharjah, UAE. And knowing me, it's gonna be a rollercoaster. Prepare for chaos.
The Pre-Trip Panic (and Glorious Fantasizing):
- Weeks Before: Okay, so I booked the Royal Grand Suite, fancy pants, right? Truth bomb: I may or may not have maxed out my credit card. Worth it? God, I hope so. Spent hours online, practically drooling over those infinity pool photos. The idea of lounging by that pool, cocktail in hand, is currently the only thing keeping me from eating my own hand out of stress. I even bought a new swimsuit… which, let's be honest, I probably can't pull off. But hey, a girl can dream, right? And I'm really trying hard to keep that dream alive.
- Days Before: Packing is an art form, one that I've yet to master. Currently staring at my suitcase, which seems to have spontaneously grown a whole bunch of new wrinkles. Decided it needed to be filled with EVERYTHING. Realistically, I'll wear the same three outfits the entire trip and feel like an idiot. Still, I can't leave the house without the perfect little pair of white shorts for the pool and my amazing sunglasses. My makeup bag is a chaotic wonderland of hope and delusion. I'll be sure to post pictures of both the results and the whole packing.
- The Flight (and the Dread of Flying): Okay, I'm not a fan of flying. I’m petrified. But this trip is "once in a lifetime," so let's do this. The airport is always hell. The people are so close, and the sound will be terrible. My snacks are going to be essential to me. I will update on arrival.
The Grand Arrival & Immediate Disappointment (Kidding… mostly):
- Day 1: Landing & Hotel Intrigue
- Morning: Oh god, we landed. Somehow I made it. Sharjah airport is… well, it's an airport. Straight to the hotel. Taxi driver kept trying to chat (not my best skill, honestly).
- Mid-day: The lobby! GOLD, glorious, slightly overwhelming gold. Check-in went smoothly. (I'm still waiting for a moment to find something wrong.) First impressions: The Royal Grand Suite actually is grand. My room looks like a palace. The view… Oh. My. God. The water. The city. It's breathtaking. I think I'm going to cry. Happy tears, I swear.
- Afternoon: Now, for that pool… Here's where things get a little less perfect. Turns out, the iconic infinity pool is temporarily closed for "maintenance." Maintenance! After all the hype. Ugh. I didn’t want to ruin it, so I will try to go again tomorrow. Instead, I'm sulking by a smaller, perfectly fine pool. I am not pleased. Started off with a delicious drink around the pool, which instantly cheered me up… a little.
- Evening: Dinner at the hotel's supposedly amazing restaurant. Okay, I'm a food snob. I admit it. The ambiance was lovely. The food? Pretty good. Not mind-blowing, but definitely edible. The service was impeccable, which almost made up for the lack of open pool. Ate far too many dates. Regretting it, but also… not.
Sharjah Adventures (with a generous helping of my own ineptitude):
Day 2: Culture Shock & Date Regrets
- Morning: Decided to venture out. Sharjah Heritage Area. Beautiful, historic… and HOT. I am not built for this heat. I swear, I was sweating in places I didn't know I had places. Lost my bearings in the souk (market). Seriously, those vendors. I bought a scarf, a trinket, and a bag of spices, and I am still not entirely sure what any of it is… or how I'm going to get it home.
- Mid-day: Lunch at a local restaurant. Tried something exotic. The best way to say is… there was a lot of goat. And I should've ordered the chicken. Still, interesting experience.
- Afternoon: Back to the hotel. The pool is still closed, and my heart is broken. Tried the spa instead. Ahhh, a massage. Pure bliss. Well, until I started giggling uncontrollably during the aromatherapy treatment. Apparently, I'm ticklish.
- Evening: Attempted fine dining at another fancy restaurant. Got lost in the complicated menu and ended up ordering something I didn't understand. Now, I'm sitting here, alone, with a weird-looking dish that's probably really good for me, but I can't bring myself to eat it. Trying to decide if I go for a walk, or stay at the hotel.
Day 3: The Perfect (and Imperfect) Day
- Morning: Guess what? The pool is open! The glorious, infinity pool. And it's even better than the pictures. Spent the entire morning floating, sunbathing, and feeling utterly, wonderfully spoiled. This, this is the life. (Took approximately 100 selfies. No regrets.)
- Mid-day: Found a small, local cafe and had an amazing shawarma. Finally, some truly delicious food! Seriously, that shawarma was the best thing I've tasted in ages. It was the most perfect place to eat.
- Afternoon: Visited the Sharjah Museum. Fascinating, informative… and air-conditioned! A welcome relief from the heat. I may or may not have drifted off a time or two. Don't judge me.
- Evening: Decided to get dressed up and go out. One of the hotel waiters recommended a local experience. It was a lovely experience, but that was the beginning of my problem. I have not recovered.
The Departure (and the inevitable post-trip blues):
- Day 4: Packing and Reflection
- Morning: Packing again. The suitcase is even more chaotic than before. How did I accumulate so much stuff? Did I even buy any of it? I'm going to need a new luggage.
- Mid-day: Last swim in the pool. Squeezed in every last minute. Feeling a pang of sadness. This trip was amazing, even with the inevitable hiccups.
- Afternoon: Headed to the airport. Saying goodbye to the Royal Grand Suite. Already planning my return.
- Evening: The flight. It was fine this time. No disasters.
Post-Trip Ramblings:
The Verdict: Would I go back? Absolutely. The Royal Grand Suite was a splurge, but worth it. Sharjah is beautiful and full of surprises. The heat I was concerned about was tough, but the people were so welcoming.
The Lessons Learned:
- Pack light (HAHAHAHA!).
- Embrace the mess. The imperfections are part of the adventure.
- Eat the dates. You will regret it (maybe), but also, you won't.
- Enjoy the journey!
The Future: Already looking at next year's trip. Maybe Greece? Or perhaps, another visit to my amazing hotel in Sharjah. A girl can dream, right?
Final Thought: This trip was everything I hoped for and more. I can't wait to go again! Notes:
This itinerary is meant to be flexible. I might change plans on a whim.
There will be pictures. Lots of pictures.
I'm probably exaggerating some details for comedic effect. (Or am I?)
Expect the unexpected. It's my specialty.
So, that’s it. Wish me luck. And maybe a little bit of sanity.
Sharjah's Royal Grand Suite: Is It REALLY Worth the Hype? (Let's Be Honest...)
Okay, spill the tea! What *is* the Royal Grand Suite? Is it, like, a real palace or...?
Alright, alright, buckle up buttercup. The Royal Grand Suite in Sharjah, I'm *guessing* it’s at the Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah, but honestly, my memory's a little hazy because, well, *experience*! Okay, it’s a suite, a HUGE suite… Think of it this way: it's not a *palace*, but it's the kind of place where you feel like you *should* curtsy to the room service guy. Loads of space, probably a private pool or something. I'm picturing gold-plated faucets, honestly. And you're paying for the *experience*, the feeling of being utterly and completely pampered. Which, depending on your mood, is either heaven or feels a bit like being forced into a very expensive, very luxurious jail. (More on that later…)
What kind of amenities are we talking about? Like, does it come with a personal unicorn? (Hey, a girl can dream...)
Okay, no unicorns. (I asked. Sadly.) But… Amenities? Loads. Like, so many amenities my brain starts to feel like a stuffed holiday goose. I’m imagining a private butler (who probably judges your sleepwear), a plunge pool (definitely judging your swimwear), maybe even a personal sommelier (judging your wine choices… it's a theme, I think). Seriously though, think top-of-the-line everything. Fancy toiletries you’ll probably steal, a ridiculously comfortable bed you won’t want to leave, and enough space to get lost in, which, depending on your personality, is either a blessing or a recipe for existential dread. I’m leaning toward the dread, personally. After a while you will be looking for the exit.
How much does this *experience* cost? Because I need to convince my bank manager...
Yikes. Okay. Brace yourself. The price tag is... significant. Let's just say you'll be needing your bank manager, your second cousin twice removed, and possibly a small lottery win. It's in the "if you have to ask, you can't afford it" territory. Expect it to be several thousand dollars a night. It’s the kind of price that makes you hyperventilate a little while you're booking. You'll justify it, you’ll convince yourself that it’s “an investment in your well-being”, but deep down, you know you’re buying into a fantasy. And then? And then you'll wonder if those gold faucets were *really* worth it.
So, the burning question: Is it ACTUALLY worth the insane price tag?
Oof. The million-dollar question (literally, in some cases). Okay, here's the deal. *Worth* is subjective. If you have the disposable income (or, you know, *a sugar daddy*), and you crave the ultimate in luxury, then yeah, maybe. It's an *experience*. It’s something you can brag about, *for the rest of your life*. You could tell your grandkids about the time you stayed in a suite better than their grandma's castle. But… (and this is a big but)... I have my doubts. I've heard a story about someone who spent a fortune on a similar experience, and they spent the entire time worrying about staining the carpet. *Staining the carpet!* That's not relaxation, that’s an anxiety-fueled spa day. I prefer the feeling of being able to spill my coffee and not give a damn. So, my verdict? Probably not *worth it* for the average human. Unless, of course, you aspire to drink from a golden chalice and not think about the cost. Then, by all means, go for it. But don't say I didn't warn you about the carpet. My grandmother would say not to eat in the good china.
What's the best part about this suite?
Okay, if I *had* to pick something positive… (and I’m really struggling here)… I’d say the staff. I mean, they’re probably *amazing*. Trained to anticipate your every whim, to cater to your every need. They’d probably polish your toenails if you asked nicely. Just… make sure you tip them *very* well. Seriously, be generous. They deserve it for putting up with the rich and famous. Or at least the people pretending to be them.
Another thing: the *memory*. Years from now, I'd probably have a story to tell. "Oh yeah, remember that time I (briefly) lived like royalty?" It's the kind of story that might just get you invited to a few more fancy cocktail parties… or it might not. Either way, you'd have the story! And maybe some very fancy, very expensive toiletries.
What's the WORST part? Be honest!
Where do I even BEGIN? The pressure! The sheer, unrelenting *pressure* to enjoy yourself. You're in a place that costs more than a small car, and you *have* to have a good time. You’re constantly aware of the money. The gold faucets are judging you. The butler is judging you. Even the *air* feels judgmental. It's the kind of place where you’d probably feel self-conscious about ordering a pizza. Seriously, the worst part is the crippling sense of inadequacy. I’d spend the whole time feeling like I didn’t deserve to be there. Like I'd accidentally wandered onto the wrong plane and bluffed my way through the stay. I would spend the entire time worrying about accidentally breaking something. Probably an expensive piece of art or something. Or spilling red wine on that exquisitely white carpet.
If you *had* to stay there, what would you do the whole time?
Okay, this is a fun hypothetical. First things first, I’d order everything on the room service menu, just to get my money's worth. Then, I'd definitely spend a good portion of the time lounging in a giant bath, probably using all of the fancy bath products. I'd read a trashy novel, guilt-free. I’d take a million selfies (for the 'gram, obviously). I’d try to sneak into all the other rooms and compare their sizes to my own. And, most importantly, I'd refuse to let the pressure get to me. I’d embrace the absurdity of it all. I'd become *utterly* ridiculous. I'd probably leave the butler a note saying, "Thanks for the memories! P.S. I might have used the gold toothpick."
Is it accessible? Does it have good restaurants?
