The Eastern Mangroves is quite unlike some of the flashier hotels that have appeared so quickly in the Gulf. It is really a large boutique hotel designed for a specific audience. There are minimal facilities for children and those looking for a buzz or an Irish bar, for example, will be disappointed. The hotel is for relaxation - not show.
Whilst is does not have a beach, the pool area overlooks a stretch of water with the mangroves beyond which is very calming. The hotel is not actually near any regular business or tourist location but most can be reached within a few minutes by taxi. The guests seem to compromise a mix of up-market leisure guests as well as business visitors looking for somewhere a bit quieter than the standard luxury hotels in the business district.
I stayed there last autumn and was impressed enough to return this year. It was pleasing to see a slight change: last year, the staff were anxious to help whenever they could but sometimes got things a little wrong but now they anticipate what you want and get it right most of the time.
The most obvious improvement is in the breakfast service which did have problems on opening but is now much better-managed. Most of the staff were really on the ball but Suzanne and Mark stood out though everyone wanted to help when asked.
The pool service last year was very good and it is pleasing that both the bar staff and the pool boys are just as good now.
One of the managers, Amer Rashid Faidi, whom we had met last year, went to great lengths to ensure everything was done for us. The Kasara service was, as you might expect, excellent but Chanar, one of the butlers really worked hard to ensure we enjoyed our stay.
The hotel has now definitely come of age and, if you are part of its target market, can be wholeheartedly recommended.
