UAE is an increasingly popular tourist destination but so far, it’s been Dubai that gets the majority of the attention, lesser known Sharjah to the north of Dubai is a more historic, cultural alternative to Dubai. An ideal base from which to explore this fascinating emirate is the Hotel Holiday International overlooks Sharjah’s beautiful Khalid Lagoon and Al Majaz Water Front.
Location
The hotel is ideally situated, just 20 minutes’ drive from both Dubai and Sharjah Airports. From London to Sharjah your only options are connecting flights, so for the time being, flying into Dubai is quicker with a flight time of less than 7 hours. You are well placed to explore Sharjah and its historic old town; the hotel is just 5 minutes from the fabulous Sharjah Souk, museums and shopping malls, and it also offers easy access to the nearby exhibition centre and the beautiful corniche.
Style & Character
The hotel is elegant and traditional with subtle hints of its Arabian location. The character really comes more from what goes on outside, with the stunning views across the beautiful lagoon with its lush green grass, sparkling blue waters and swaying palm trees, don’t miss the spectacular Sharjah Fountain show.
Service & Facilities
The hotel has its own holiday club and the facilities here include an outdoor temperature controlled freeform swimming pool with lots of space to lounge around in the surrounding gardens, a children’s pool attached to the main pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, gymnasium, 2 flood-lit tennis courts and a children’s playground. It’s very family friendly but there’s lots to entertain the adults too; everyone will enjoy a fresh fruit shake from the Pool Hut. There is free parking available too and complimentary Wi-Fi. For meetings and events the hotel is brilliant; with all relevant equipment provided and 4 flexible meeting spaces, including a grand ballroom, plus the pool lawns, which can accommodate huge events. The service at the hotel is excellent; friendly and polite, nothing is too much trouble.
Rooms
There are single and double rooms, all which are elegant with high quality furnishing and carpets and include a balcony, a writing desk, Wi-Fi, LED TV with satellite channels, in-room safe, mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities and luxury bathroom amenities. The suites are certainly the more glamorous rooms, choose from: the Junior Suite at 56m2 with a panoramic view of the lagoon, the Executive Suite, which includes an extra bedroom, an extra balcony and 63m2 of space as well as that wonderful view, the Presidential Suite with 95m2 of space and 2 bedrooms and an oriental theme or the Royal Suite, also 95m2 but with two bedrooms.
Food & Drink
You are well situated to explore restaurants in the local area but are spoilt for choice in the hotel too. The Oasis Restaurant overlooks the swimming pool and offers both a la carte dining and buffet menus which include Asian, Arabic, Italian and Barbeque themed nights. For French pastries, cakes, light snacks and Hors D’oeuvres, the delightful Tea Garden is the place to go, the Pool Hut serves those delicious fruit mocktails (Sharjah is a dry country) and the Wood Deck Café, a snack café and take away joint serving international food, salad, burgers, wraps and desserts
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