We've just returned from a weeks break at this hotel and I would agree that it's very good value for money compared to many others UAE hotels. Having toured and stayed in the UAE and Oman many times during the past 5 years we wanted somewhere not so pricey this time whilst being guaranteed the sun. And that is exactly what the Mercure delivers - good value.
Good points - Exceptional views from Jebel Hafeet, large room (deluxe) kept very clean and good evening buffet choice.
Not so good points - Unwelcoming reception staff and inconsistent replies to queries re extending our check out time. "No cannot the hotel is full and we need your room"....to ....." no problem Madam, you can extend until 3pm"
My visions of sitting having a drink at sunset on my balcony were shattered, as the balcony was so tiny no furniture was able to fit out there - standing room only. Daytime food and room service menu's very limited. Room service menu advertises, pasta with any choice of sauce you wish. We rang and ordered only to be told "we only have two choices of sauce Madam". Also,we were told half way through breakfast service that the orange juice "was all finished" and at dinner on 3 seperate ocasions that "the red wine and white wine is now all gone Sir". How does that happen in an international hotel? Little wonder that many of the staff appear apathetic to your requests as they must be so sick of bearing the brunt of the guests frustrations? Hence service appears very slow and disorganised.
We couldn't help feeling that this was a huge missed opportunity . They have undoubtedly bagged one of the most unique locations in the UAE and this hotel could therefore be one of the most sought after places to stay. The fact that both our taxi drivers, going out and returning to the airport hadn't heard of it, suggests otherwise. It's the attention to detail that is lacking, which after three or four days, perhaps begins to grate. This could so easily be corrected.
To summarise, I would say, go if you want a good value, relaxing two night break in a fantastic location. If you want a weeks holiday however, you may want to pay a little more and stay in one of the other hotels such as the Rotana or the Intercontinental and merely visit this hotel for lunch (allow time for the slow service though!) and the brilliant views. Which on reflection, we wished we had done.