Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana — Hotel in Abu Dhabi

This is our second time vacationing in Abu Dhabi, and once again we chose this hotel. Last year (2024) we came here for the first time and were absolutely delighted. Our family consists of four people — two adults and two children, aged 16 and 12. When we decided to come to Abu Dhabi again this year, the choice of hotel was obvious.

Let’s start with the rooms. For families, this hotel is incredibly suitable. Last year, we had a family room with a kitchen and a balcony, and this time we stayed in a Two-Bedroom Apartment with Balcony on the 19th floor. Bathrooms are spacious and very nice. The kitchen is also great. Although these two room types are quite different, we felt comfortable in both. Both are excellent options for families, and kids were absolutely thrilled.

At the reception, we were greeted by an incredibly kind young woman who helped us with everything. The beach is wonderful, and the pool is simply amazing. The lifeguards are very friendly — they chat with you, offer help, and are always attentive. This time, we were traveling with our relatives, so we had two families staying together. One of our friends couldn’t swim, and at one point she slipped in the water. The lifeguards immediately came to help, and thankfully, everything turned out fine.

I went to the gym every day — it’s also excellent. The equipment is good, and so is the staff. At the entrance, you can take towels and water.

The food is incredibly delicious. I’m a person who eats little and is very picky when it comes to food, so for me, this was pure paradise. We had breakfast and dinner included, and both meals were amazing. I liked every day’s food.

I think that Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana is perfect for families, but the most important thing is the staff. What really makes this hotel special is the kind people who are always ready to help and guide you. Of course, I’d like to highlight a few of them in particular.

Srijana, the lady who cleaned our room, was very sweet and kind, and most importantly, she did her job quickly and perfectly. We didn’t request cleaning very often, but whenever she cleaned our room, it looked spotless. And of course, every time we needed water or coffee, she was always there to help.

During breakfast and dinner, Omar and Jamshid always did an excellent job. After dinner, we would have coffee, and they brought it quite quickly. If we needed something like juice or other drinks, Omar and the other waiters were always there to help, working fast and keeping everything clean.

Finally, I want to mention one of the chefs, She’Aminul Choudhury. He was always the most cheerful person, preparing food with care. Even if you were just walking by, he would always greet you, ask how you were doing, and how you were feeling. His warm communication and joy instantly lifted our spirits. I’m not a big fan of pasta, but when he cooked it, I always wanted to get some. And the sandwiches he made were simply the best. His sincere smile and laughter always worked like magic — everyone who spoke with him left with the same smile.

In the end, coming back here for the second time, we have no regrets whatsoever about choosing this hotel again. We are leaving absolutely delighted. We truly felt at home here, especially thanks to the kind staff. And the hotel itself is excellent — with its large pool, beach, and comfortable rooms. When we will come back, I’m pretty sure that we will...

From the moment we arrived, Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan made a luxurious and spotless impression. The overall design and attention to detail were remarkable, creating a warm and elegant atmosphere right from the entrance.

Room

We were pleasantly surprised by a complimentary upgrade to a spacious twin room with a kitchenette and a balcony overlooking the magnificent Qasr Al Watan – truly a breathtaking view. The room was exceptionally clean, well-maintained, and beautifully arranged. Housekeeping was outstanding: our room was cleaned twice a day, always with care and precision. A special thanks goes to Wahidul, our room attendant, who was always smiling, friendly, and incredibly hardworking – he deserves high praise.

Dining

We stayed with a half-board plan and were very satisfied with the meals. The buffet offered a wide variety of delicious dishes, with themed dinners three times a week, which were especially excellent. The food was always fresh, flavorful, and well presented. The staff at the restaurant and reception were polite, welcoming, and always willing to help.

Pool & Beach

The swimming pools were immaculate, with plenty of available sunbeds at all times. The lifeguards did an excellent job of ensuring safety both in and around the pool area. The private beach was also clean and peaceful, with enough loungers for all guests. The calm waters and relaxing environment were a highlight of our stay.

Fitness & Facilities

I visited the fitness center, and I must say it exceeded my expectations. It was large, clean, well-equipped, and had everything one could need for a full workout. There is also a kids’ playroom, making the hotel suitable for families with children.

Staff

The overall staff experience was one of the best aspects of our stay. Everyone was consistently friendly, smiling, and helpful. A heartfelt thank-you goes to Abu Halab, whose kindness and constant care truly made our holiday unforgettable. His presence added warmth and positivity to every day.

Entertainment & Animation (Room for Improvement)

Unfortunately, the animation program was the hotel’s weakest point. Based on other reviews, I expected an engaging team led by Daria and Asya – however, we didn’t really know who they were. We only noticed one young lady trying to run some activities, but it lacked any structure or energy. The day program was minimal: a short 15-minute aqua gym session, water polo, and volleyball – that’s all. No morning stretching or engaging poolside activities. The evening animation was nearly nonexistent – we looked for shows or entertainment on two different nights and found nothing. Additionally, it felt uncomfortable that the female animator wore just shorts and a sports bra – there was no way to recognize her as part of the hotel team. What also disappointed me was that she only engaged with Russian-speaking guests and did not greet or interact with others at the pool. A simple “Good morning” or “How are you?” would’ve made a big difference.

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Final Verdict ⭐

Despite the weak animation program, our stay at Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan was exceptional in all other aspects – from the luxurious room and cleanliness to the excellent food, fantastic beach, and truly outstanding service.

I would definitely recommend this hotel for couples, families, and anyone seeking a relaxing and elegant vacation in Abu Dhabi. And without a doubt – we would love to...

We have just returned from a wonderful holiday at the Khalidiya Palace. Overall, it was a very comfortable and enjoyable stay, with excellent facilities and warm hospitality. While our experience was largely positive, there are a few areas where the hotel could make small improvements to enhance the guest experience even further.

We arrived late in the evening, around 11 p.m., and were informed that the king-size bed we had booked was unavailable. Instead, we were offered a room with two twin beds joined together. While not ideal, it was handled courteously, and we were pleasantly surprised when the concierge arranged for food to be delivered to our room — a thoughtful gesture that was much appreciated after a long day of travel.

Breakfast the following morning was exceptional. As a rather selective eater, I was impressed by the quality and variety of options available, and the same could be said for both lunch and dinner. The all-inclusive beach bar, however, was advertised as operating from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., though we were informed on arrival that the all-inclusive service applied only from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It would be beneficial for the hotel to update this information in its guest materials to avoid any misunderstanding. That said, the pool and bar staff were consistently polite and attentive. In particular, Anowar, one of the lifeguards, went above and beyond to ensure our pool and beach days were safe, enjoyable, and memorable.

One aspect that could be improved relates to water accessibility. When exiting the pool area, I politely asked a door attendant where I could refill my water bottle, only to be told “no.” Upon seeking clarification, I was informed that water was only available in the room. Given the high temperatures and the limited provision of two 500ml bottles per day, this response felt unhelpful and somewhat dismissive. I was later able to locate a dispenser in the gym — seemingly the only one in the hotel — but it would be a great improvement if management could consider installing additional water stations throughout the property to help guests stay hydrated in the heat.

Housekeeping was excellent, with rooms serviced twice daily and staff consistently maintaining high standards. Small touches, such as folding clothes neatly, reflected genuine care and attention to detail — something we greatly appreciated.

The gym facilities were outstanding, featuring top-quality equipment, a spacious layout, and a lovely view over the pool. The fitness staff were friendly, professional, and always on hand to assist.

The hotel’s location is another highlight — conveniently situated within walking distance of Qasr Al Watan, several shopping malls, and just a short drive from the airport.

In summary, we had a very enjoyable stay at the Khalidiya Palace, supported by excellent staff and amenities. With minor refinements — particularly around guest hydration and clearer communication — this hotel has every potential to match or exceed the...