Our short stay at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri , Abu Dhabi

We were delivered by the chauffeur to the forecourt of the Shangri-La Abu Dhabi , one of our favourite hotels in the world.

We are enthusiastically greeted as returning guests staying in their elite horizon club suites overlooking the Creek and the Grand Mosque.

Cool towels and fresh drinks are offered, we are taking to our suite to finalise our check in in suite 432. It is an impressive set up of large master bedroom with extravagant king size bed, separate lounge and dining area together with large walk in robe, brilliant bathroom with separate bath and shower stall and two toilets.

We are questioned as to our departure and there is some confusion. We checked in at 9.15 pm on the 12th April and our flight departs Adu Dhabi at 11.35pm on 13th April, this requires a two night stay in this luxurious suite. We arrange for the driver to pick us up at 9.00pm on evening of 13th April which will give us 2.30 for transfer and check in.

We are then treated to a variety of visitors, with fresh tea, then platters of fruits and then a selection of sweets and dates.

Finally , the supervisor completes all details, confirms our credit card details, ensures the booking of the car and driver. But it has been a joyful welcome to one of our favourite hotels. Whist we are tired, we are also excited and overjoyed at the suite. Ken goes out onto the Balcony and there is much activity. He takes photos of the restaurants including one of our favourites “Silk” which overlooks the Creek and then the Grand Mosque. He takes photos of the Mosque.

Jeanette and Ken then shower and are in bed by 10.20pm after an excellent day folllowing the early start with wake up call at 5.30am in Johannesburg. It has been an enjoyable day, excellent flight with Etihad, then to this wonderful Hotel.

We sleep extremely well until almost 8.00am in the most comfortable bed. Then showered and down to the magical breakfast at Sofia BLD. The photos don’t do it justice, but it is a sight to behold.

This can only described as an extravagant buffet breakfast. Ken also takes several photos for this web page. We both feel terrific given the unusual flight hours etc.

We plan to use the Horizon lounge for Happy Hours and hors ‘oeuvres from 5.30 pm -7.30 pm today then to pack and be ready for the pick up. Ken wants to walk down to the new cinema centre at say 5.00pm, before we go the Horizon lounge. At 12.05 pm it is hot and windy with temperature of 33C.

This is an exceptional and favourite Hotel which we have enjoyed several times over the years. There is a. Stream and boats between the Shangri-La and Trader Hotel (which are adjacent to one another and all part of the same group).