Aparthotel Al Maha Regency Suites 3 *, the description of which we offer in this article, is located in the center of Sharjah. Its windows offer wonderful views of the artificial lagoon King Khalid. This is a city hotel located in the business and commercial part of the capital of the Emirate, but at the same time it has a private beach, where tourists can get a transfer. We will tell you about all this, as well as about many other bonuses of this hotel and how tourists who visited it evaluate it, in our essay.
The hotel was built in 2002, and completely renovated in 2012. There are not too many tourists from Russia, the composition of vacationers is mixed: there are Europeans and local residents. Both couples and women who travel alone come here.
Arab Emirates, Sharjah
Despite the small size of the country, each UAE emirate is unlike its neighbor, such is their cultural heritage and state structure. For example, many tourists call Sharjah “anti-Dubai” among themselves because of the “Prohibition”, which is strictly enforced here. On the other hand, the capital of this emirate is considered the cultural center of the country. Here you can still find interesting oriental traditions, such as the classic Blue Souk market. In Sharjah, an abundance of museums, galleries, shopping malls and entertainment centers. As for the beaches, this emirate is located on the shores of two bays at once - the Persian and Omani. Hotels here are cheaper than in Dubai, as well as food in restaurants and goods in stores. And it’s easy to go to the neighboring principality - both taxis and buses are at your service. Of course, the most conservative city of the United Arab Emirates - Sharjah - can cause some inconvenience to tourists who are accustomed to free customs. But in general, it is very popular among travelers from both Russia and other countries of the world. After all, here you can find entertainment and great beaches, and there is also the opportunity to go on a variety of excursions. Getting around the city is the cheapest way by public transport.
When to go to Sharjah
Trips to this emirate in the summer are getting cheaper, because the zone is deserted and the temperature here soars to unprecedented heights. But there are people who are not afraid of this. In the spring, Sharjah is more comfortable, but you already need to take sunscreen with you and be sure to wear a hat, otherwise there is a danger of severe burns. In addition, at this time of the year hurricanes and sandstorms are frequent, which reach such a force that traffic may stop for a day or two. The tourist season begins in September because the temperature drops. And the weather in Sharjah in December and January can even be somewhat cooler. It happens that in the winter it rains a few times a month. It’s comfortable to swim in the bay, the water temperature is 24-25 degrees Celsius. But in the evenings the wind can blow, so you need to take a sweater or a light jacket with you. There are big waves on the beach in winter, and lifeguards do not allow anyone to swim. So you have to be prepared for this.
Location and Territory
Al Maha Regency Suites 3 * is located near the central market of Sharjah. Many tourist attractions are located not too far from the hotel, and they are conveniently accessible by public transport. It takes only a quarter of an hour to get to the international airport from the hotel, albeit without traffic jams. The hotel is housed in an 11-story building. The hall, where the restaurant area is located, is furnished very stylishly - beautiful furniture, Victorian-style decoration, elegantly curved sofas, flowers everywhere, there is a small cascading waterfall.
The design of the hotel is a mixture of Orientalism and modern amenities. The hotel area is small, given that this tourist complex is located on a city street. There is a lobby, there is a 24-hour business center and a meeting room "Talida Hall". There is also a luggage storage room in the lobby, and parking is available next to the hotel for customers ’cars. The area is central, with well-developed infrastructure. Very close is the bus station, from where transport to other emirates. This significantly reduces the cost of traveling around the country, since a taxi will cost more. In addition, car drivers, as a rule, charge an additional fee for crossing borders between the emirates. For example, you can get to Dubai from the hotel from the bus station, leaving at the Union metro stop, and there you can already transfer to the subway.
Number of rooms
Al Maha Regency Suites refers to mid-size hotels. It has 137 rooms. They are divided into several categories. What are the most popular room types in Al Maha Regency Suites 3 *? This is a "studio", "suites" for two and family apartments. All these categories of rooms are air-conditioned, have satellite TV, flat-screen TV, refrigerator, safe, and most importantly, equipped kitchen. The bathroom has a hairdryer. The apartments come with one, two and three bedrooms, and guests can be lodged in any of them, which will be free. But tourists write that there are differences between the types of rooms for guests. So, in the "studio" there is a stove or microwave. But there are also shortages. If there is no stove in the room, but you want to cook, then you will be given an electric reception upon request. Al Maha Regency Suites 3 * apartments have a real, fully equipped kitchen, there is an entrance hall and a living area. In rooms of any category catches free wifi. The beds are comfortable, the linen is cotton. The rooms are air-conditioned, but windows can be opened. There are no balconies. Sockets are not suitable for European plugs, so you need to ask for an adapter at the reception. Clean well, high quality, every day. Plumbing is clean and works great. With water, including hot, there are no problems.
Service
Upon arrival, guests are treated with juice. Service in Al Maha Regency Suites 3 * quality, quite diverse. If your clothes are soiled, then the hotel gives you a choice - to hand over things to the laundry or dry cleaning or use one of the washing machines in the self-service room. Do not take a deposit. Employees do not speak Russian, so in order to communicate, you need at least a minimum knowledge of English. If you have an early departure or an excursion before breakfast, you need to notify about this at the reception in order to get a lunch box. Cleaners work efficiently, and if you tip, they will even wash your dishes. The administration of Al Maha Regency Suites 3 * provides car rental services. You can exchange currency at the hotel, but it is best to pay with dollars in supermarkets. There you will be returned change in dirhams, and at a fairly favorable rate.
Entertainment
Based on the fact that this is a three-star hotel - Al Maha Regency Suites 3 * - there are no special entertainments. No animation, no evening programs or shows. However, all these shortcomings are redeemed by the excellent location of the hotel. You can use it in order not to be bored day or night. Firstly, within walking distance from the hotel there are shopping centers, where it’s good not only to shop, but also to walk during the day. There are a variety of activities for adults and children, including equipped playgrounds and rooms.
On the other side of the hotel is the beautiful promenade of the artificial bay, where you can take a pleasant and safe walk in the evening. There are also singing fountains, a laser show, a central mosque and a ferris wheel. Museums and other attractions are also very easy to reach. Across the street from the hotel is a children's recreation area. Do not forget that Sharjah is an absolutely non-alcoholic emirate, and the “dry law” is in effect here. Therefore, if you do not think of relaxing without alcohol, stock up on it in advance in duty free. You will not buy alcohol anywhere else.
How tourists are fed at this hotel
This is one of the few hotels in Sharjah where three meals a day can be included in the price. Al Maha Regency Suites 3 * has a restaurant "Al Maha", where meals are served in the form of a "buffet", although you can make orders on the menu. Guests can eat here from seven in the morning until eleven in the evening. And in Regency Cafe, not far from the restaurant, it's nice to relax in a comfortable English-style setting. There is even a real fireplace. Very good coffee, many elite varieties of tea, an excellent selection of cocktails and desserts, as well as ice cream. Breakfast is very hearty. French classical music sounds. Serve omelettes, sausages, eggs, sandwiches, fruits (watermelons, melons, pineapples), tea, coffee, juices, granola. The hotel restaurant serves delicious food, lots of cheeses, fruits and pastries.
But many believe that in studios and apartments, even breakfast is not needed and does not justify its price. After all, all the guest rooms in Al Maha Regency Suites 3 * are equipped with kitchens, and the Blue Souk market is nearby. Therefore, there you can buy anything: vegetables, herbs, meat, seafood - and cook in the room. Near the beach there is a fish market, where tourists usually buy fish and tiger prawns. Everything is very fresh, caught in the morning. The main thing is to come after dinner and bargain to the last. Next to the fish market is a vegetable market, where they buy a side dish for seafood. Near the hotel there are many good cafes with low prices and large portions. You can buy ready-made meals at the Mega Mall shopping center, literally a stone's throw away.
Beach
The hotel has its own stretch of coast. The beach of Al Maha Regency Suites 3 * is, of course, not near the hotel, but a free shuttle service is provided to it. True, about thirty minutes can be reached on foot, but this is if you arrive not in the hottest time. Hotel mini buses to the beach often travel, but only in the morning. There is no timetable, just the driver needs to explain when to arrive for you and take you back. And there are two routes to different beaches at once. Two of them are equipped, have paid umbrellas and sunbeds. And one - Al Khan - ordinary, without a shadow. But there are toilets, and showers, and dressing rooms, and cafes, police and rescuers are on duty. All beaches have gorgeous white sand and perfectly clear water. Therefore, even lying on a towel is nice there. No one will make any comments to you. Moreover, towels are allowed to take at the hotel.
Hotel guests can use two heated pools, a sauna and a Jacuzzi at Golden Beach Hotel if they go to its paid beach. This pleasure is worth 15 dirhams (245 rubles per person). You can also go to the paid beach at Carlton Beach Hotel. This is already a little more expensive - 20 dirhams (325 rubles). And in that, and in another case, you need to give money before the trip, at the reception. All three beaches are not too far from each other.
The Persian Gulf itself is very beautiful, the views are luxurious, no matter which coast you choose to relax. But you can’t swim far, the bathing area is limited by ropes. If you want to buy food at the fish and vegetable markets, you will have to return to the hotel from the beach on foot. Another beautiful free Al Cornish beach has been chosen by surfers. It does not suit family people with children, there are strong currents. But if you like to ride on a board, this is the place for you.
Excursions
If you arrive at the Al Maha Regency Suites Hotel in December, the weather in Sharjah is an excellent way to travel. At this time, it is not too hot, and you can satisfy your curiosity by exploring the country. You can go to neighboring Dubai on your own by bus, which many hotel guests actually do. What about longer trips? Sightseeing tours in Sharjah and five or six emirates, trips to thermal springs are popular. Tourists praise a walk around the Al Ain oasis city, because all the beauty of the Emirates - deserts, the sea, parks and waterfalls - is collected there. Some excursions include dining at decent restaurants. And jeeping or riding a quad bike in the Rub El Khali desert is accompanied by the obligatory contemplation of a stunning sunset in the sand.
Al Maha Regency Suites 3 *: reviews
This hotel is positioned by tourism companies as a budget, but its service is better than the usual "three stars" services, even on average in the Emirates. Her location is very good. Many other hotels of this class are located almost in the outback, you can’t get anywhere on foot, you constantly have to take a taxi. Everything is within walking distance. Women should dress more or less strictly if they do not want to be looked askance at them. Hotel Al Maha Regency Suites 3 * (Sharjah) is suitable for young people and independent travelers.
The atmosphere in the hotel is very comfortable. Many appreciated the free “Wi-Fi” - not all “fives” and “fours” have such services. Internet speed is very good. The presence of a kitchenette even in the cheapest rooms allows many tourists to enjoy good food for minimal money. The staff is friendly, responds to any request instantly.
The beds are clean, the rooms are comfortable, although some tourists complained that the furniture is not new. The kitchen is in good condition, all appliances work without problems. Many recommend this hotel for an economical and active vacation. The main thing is not to expect special luxury from a budget hotel and have high expectations, and then the vacation will be great.