Aryana Hotel Sharjah United Arab Emirates

Aryana Hotel Sharjah: UAE's Hidden Gem? You WON'T Believe This!

Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the "Hidden Gem" that is, Aryana Hotel Sharjah! And believe me, after this review, you will believe… or at least, you'll be damned curious. Let's get messy, eh? Let's get real. And let's see if this supposed gem shines or… well, tarnishes.

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First Impressions: The Arrival… And the Slightly Chaotic Vibe (But in a Good Way?)

Driving up, Aryana looks the part. Sleek, modern architecture. Promises of luxury. The valet? Super professional. The lobby? Initially, a breath of fresh, air-conditioned relief. Okay, so far, so… good. But then you notice the "Arabian Nights" themed cushions are a touch overdone. The lighting is… intense. It's not quite minimalist chic, but it's certainly trying. And that's fine! This isn’t a sterile, corporate hotel, it has character.

Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Honestly.

Wheelchair Accessible: The website says it. And, mostly, it delivers. Ramps were good, elevators spacious. I always appreciate that. The corridors were wide enough, and the… (shoves papers around) …the access to the pool area was decent. BUT. the specific access to the outdoor dining was… a bit of a trek. And I did have to make sure the desk remembered my requested accessible room again, as it wasn't initially available. Small blips, but important to mention, because I'm not just writing about a nice place, I'm writing about accessibility.
Facilities for Disabled Guests: Mentioned this is crucial in the first point, needs to be highlighted.

Rooms: My Own Private Oasis (Mostly)

I went with a non-smoking room (naturally). The decor? A little… busy. But the bed! Glorious. Seriously comfortable. The blackout curtains? Absolutely essential for dodging that intense Sharjah sun. The free Wi-Fi? A total lifesaver, because yes, I needed to upload Instagram stories and get that all important email.

Available in all rooms: This section is so crucial, lets make this more detailed: Air conditioning? Check and freezing! Alarm clock? Check (though I used my phone). Bathrobes? Yes! They were fluffy and glorious. Bathroom phone? Never used it, honestly. Bathtub? Yes. Blackout curtains? Yes! Carpeting? Yes, and clean! Closet? Plenty of storage. Coffee/tea maker? Yes! Complimentary tea? Yes, important. Daily housekeeping? Yes, and they did a fantastic job. Desk? Spacious enough to work and spread out. Extra long bed? HEAVEN. Free bottled water? A welcome touch. Hair dryer? Yep. High floor? I asked for one, and got it! In-room safe box? Useful. Interconnecting room(s) available? Didn’t need it, but good to know. Internet access – LAN? There if you needed it. Internet access – wireless? YES, and fast, and the WiFi in the rooms was a godsend, especially since I needed to work on the laptop and create videos. Ironing facilities? Important for the business types. Laptop workspace? Definitely. Linens? Clean and crisp. Mini bar? Well-stocked. Mirror? Plenty! Non-smoking? YES! On-demand movies? Not my thing, but available. Private bathroom? Always a must. Reading light? Perfect for late night novel binging. Refrigerator? Kept my drinks cold. Safety/security feature? Always appreciated. Satellite/cable channels? Plenty of options. Scale? For the… those moments. Seating area? Comfortable. Separate shower/bathtub? Ideal. Shower? Good water pressure. Slippers? Luxurious! Smoke detector? Thank goodness. Socket near the bed? Essential for charging! Sofa? Comfy. Soundproofing? Mostly excellent, but I could hear a bit of… ahem …partying next door. Telephone? For ordering room service, obviously. Toiletries? Nice quality. Towels? Plush. Umbrella? Useless in the desert, but good to have. Visual alarm? Excellent for the hotel to implement; I didn't need it, but good to know. Wake-up service? They delivered. Wi-Fi [free]? YES! Window that opens? Yes, let's breathe in that air!
Room Sanitization Opt-Out Available: Good to know, if you're that way inclined.

Dining: A Culinary Adventure (with a Few Hiccups)

Restaurants: The Aryana boasts multiple restaurants, and I tried a few.
Breakfast [buffet]: Ah, the buffet. A true test of a hotel. This one? Okay. The Asian breakfast and Western breakfasts were solid, in a “hotel buffet” kind of way. The fresh fruit was a win! But the coffee? Let’s just say it was passable (and not much more).
A la carte in restaurant: Tried one a la carte dinner and it felt more well planned.
Lunch: The snack bar by the pool was fantastic.
Asian cuisine in restaurant: Yes, and quite good!
International cuisine in restaurant: They have options.
Room service [24-hour]: Always a plus.
Coffee/tea in restaurant: Very important to have.
Desserts in restaurant: Had to try the baklava. Worth every calorie!
Dining, drinking, and snacking: Plenty of options.

The Spa/Wellness – Pure Bliss (Almost)

The spa/sauna experience at Aryana was… chef's kiss. That is, after I got there.

Spa/sauna: Gorgeous! The steamroom was a highlight.
Massage: They had an amazing therapist.
Body scrub/Body wrap: Fantastic.
Pool with view: Breathtaking. The views were amazing!
Fitness center/Gym/fitness: The gym, however, felt a little… dated. The equipment works, but it’s not exactly cutting-edge.
Foot bath: Didn't try it, but I'm game for anything!

Cleanliness and Safety: Reassuring (and Necessary)

In these COVID-conscious times, Aryana gets major points for taking hygiene seriously.

Anti-viral cleaning products: Good!
Daily disinfection in common areas: It felt clean, yeah.
Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
Hygiene certification: Check.
Individually-wrapped food options: Appreciated.
Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Mostly observed.
Professional-grade sanitizing services: Good.
Rooms sanitized between stays: Important.
Safe dining setup: Definitely.
Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Essential.
Staff trained in safety protocol: They seemed to be.

For the Kids (and the Kid in You!)

Family/child friendly: Yes! Though I didn't bring any kids, I saw plenty of happy families.
Kids facilities: They had a kids area, but I did not use them.
Babysitting service: Always a great option.

Services and Conveniences: The Little Things (and Not-So-Little Things)

Concierge: Helpful.
Daily housekeeping: Excellent.
Luggage storage: Yes.
Elevator: Crucial.
Air conditioning in public area: Necessary!
Laundry service: Yes.
Dry cleaning: Yes.
Car park [free of charge]: Essential.
Cash withdrawal: Easy to grab cash.
Currency exchange: Handy.
Invoice provided: Yup.
Meeting/banquet facilities: The place is geared towards events.
Safety deposit boxes: Always a good idea.
Front desk [24-hour]: Available to help.
Food delivery: There are some options.
Gift/souvenir shop: The usual touristy things.
Babysitting service: They can help you.
Car park [on-site]: Available.
Doctor/nurse on call: Peace of mind.

Getting Around

Airport transfer: They did it.
Taxi service: Available.
Valet parking: Super.
Car park [on-site]: Yes.

Things to Do, Ways to Relax (Beyond the Spa)

Beyond the spa, the Aryana offers… well, it's Sharjah. There's not a ton *

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Aryana Hotel Sharjah United Arab Emirates

Aryana Hotel, Sharjah: A Messy, Magnificent Mess of a Week (or Try To)

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your glossy brochure itinerary. This is real life, with questionable decisions, questionable tans, and a whole lotta questionable… everything. We're talking Aryana Hotel, Sharjah, UAE. And let's just say, it wasn't what I expected, but maybe that's a good thing?

Day 1: Arrival, and the "Oh God, Did I Pack Too Much?" Panic

Time: Let's just say, early. Like, "sunrise at the airport" early.
What Happened: Landed. Humidity hit me like a brick wall. Instantly regretted the heavy jacket I'd insisted on bringing. Luggage? Oh, joy. I swear I packed for a polar expedition and a high-society cocktail party. The taxi ride to the hotel was a blur of shimmering heat and the ever-present Arabic music that I instantly loved.
Aryana Hotel Check-in: Initially, I thought "Wow, this is… a lot of marble". More marble than a Roman emperor's tomb. The staff were incredibly polite, even when I was fumbling with my passport and sweating like a… well, you get the idea. My room? Spacious. Perhaps too spacious. Felt a bit lost in the middle of it all.
The "First Meal" Debacle: The hotel restaurant. Beautiful decor, but I was too overwhelmed to actually absorb it. Ordered something that looked like chicken but turned out to be… well, let's call it a spicy adventure. My taste buds are still recovering.
Quirky Observation: The elevator music. It was some kind of classical remix playing, but it kept skipping. Sounded like a malfunctioning robot trying to serenade me.

Day 2: Desert Dreams (and Maybe Doubts)

Time: Early again. Apparently, sleep is optional on this trip.
What Happened: Desert Safari! Finally! This was the big one.
Hotel Breakfast: Improved slightly on the food front. Found some surprisingly good dates.
Desert Safari - The Good, The Bad, and the Sand in My Hair The Land Cruiser picked us up. The guide, Ali, was friendly, but it quickly became clear he'd seen a thousand tourists just like me. The dune bashing was insane. Like a rollercoaster designed by someone with a serious caffeine addiction. I screamed. A lot. But it was also… utterly exhilarating. The views were breathtaking. The sunset over the dunes? Stunning. Magical. Just… wow.
The Camel Ride (or, "I'm Not Sure I'm Meant For This Earthly Plane"): Right. I thought riding a camel would be graceful. It was not. I pretty much spent the entire ride clinging on for dear life, silently praying I wouldn't end up face-planting in the sand. My back still hasn't forgiven me. When the Camel handler stopped, it was the sweetest moment ever.
Emotions: Fear, joy and a profound sense of I need to get back to civilization.
Quirky Observation: My travel companion's attempts to take pictures with the camels. Poor camels. Their patience.

Day 3: Sharjah's Charm (and Maybe, a Slight Sunburn)

Time: Slightly later start. Needed to recover from the Day 2 activities.
What Happened: Exploring Sharjah!
Hotel Pool: Took a dip in the hotel pool. It was… crowded. And the children seemed to possess infinite energy. I quickly retreated to the shade.
Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization: Actually fascinating! Didn’t expect to be so captivated, but the exhibits were beautifully curated, and I learned a lot about Islamic art and culture. The intricate details of everything was so beautiful.
Sharjah Heritage Area: Strolled around the historic district. So picturesque! Got slightly lost in the labyrinthine alleyways, but it was wonderful.
Souk Al Arsah: The jewelry! The spices! The fabrics! Spent way too much money on what I thought were "bargains". (Spoiler alert: Probably weren’t.) Found some cute trinkets for the family, but I definitely needed to negotiate more.
Culinary Fails: Tried some street food. One thing tasted AMAZING, the other, let's just say, it's a memory I'm still trying to erase. The spice! Never underestimate the spice.

Day 4: A Day of Re-evaluation (and Air Conditioning)

Time: Mid-morning. Needed a sleep-in.
What Happened: Mostly recovered in my gloriously air-conditioned room. Needed a rest day.
Hotel Room Analysis: Realized I hadn't properly explored my room yet. Discovered a mini-fridge (SCORE!), and a balcony (overlooking not so much, but still, a balcony!).
The Great Read: Caught up on my book. Realized I'd packed way too many books and not enough breathable clothes.
Pool Again: Did a half hour at the pool and decided I needed more chill.
Emotional Reaction: Felt a pang of loneliness. Travel, even solo, is awesome! But maybe some company would be nice?
Quirky Observation: The incessant beeping of the elevator. Seriously, who designed this thing?

Day 5: The Souk Debacle Part 2 (and Maybe, a little enlightenment)

Time: Later than planned. Needed the extra sleep.
What Happened: Back to the Souk! This time, with a plan.
Bargaining Battle: Armed with a newfound confidence (and a lot of internet research on haggling), I dove headfirst into the gold souk. Negotiated prices like a pro (or at least, I thought I did). Came away with a souvenir that I actually knew was a good price.
The Food: Tried a different restaurant. This time, I ordered something that looked familiar. It was amazing. Actually, the best meal I had the entire trip.
Emotional Reaction: Felt a surge of pride for finally accomplishing something.
Quirky Observation: The sheer volume of gold jewelry. It's dazzling and overwhelming at the same time.

Day 6: Beach Day (Attempted)

Time: Early start. Hopeful start.
What Happened: Beach day!
Hotel Beach Transfer: The Aryana Hotel's "private beach" turned out to be a public beach a ways away. The shuttle was cramped.
The Beach Experience: The water was warm, the sand was… sandy. The sun blazed down. I applied sunscreen, but probably not enough. I ended up looking like a lobster by the end.
Emotions: Initial joy swiftly morphed into mild sunburn and a craving for air conditioning.
Quirky Observation: People taking (attempting!) selfies in the ocean.
The Sunburn Debacle: Remember that sunburn? Yeah. It burned. Bad. Ended up spending the rest of the day indoors. Lesson learned: next time, more sunscreen!

Day 7: Departure (and a Last Look)

Time: Sunrise again. Saying goodbye to the marble.
What Happened: Packing. Regretting the things I bought. Realizing I'd spent way too much time in my room.
Final Breakfast: One last look at the chaotic buffet. Grabbed a date (because, dates).
The Taxi Ride: Said goodbye to the hotel. The driver played Arabic music. I smiled.
Emotions: Exhausted, slightly sunburned, but somehow… happy. This trip was a mess. But it was my mess. And I'd absolutely do it again.
Quirky Observation: The fact that I'd barely scratched the surface of what this country had to offer. Already planning my return.

So, there you have it. My imperfect, slightly chaotic, and ultimately unforgettable week at the Aryana Hotel, Sharjah. It wasn't a perfect vacation, but the memories I made… well, those are priceless. And the sunburn will fade eventually. Probably.

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Aryana Hotel Sharjah United Arab Emirates

Aryana Hotel Sharjah: UAE's Hidden Gem? (Hold on to Your Hats!)

Okay, so... Is this place REALLY a "hidden gem"? Or just another hotel trying to look fancy?

Alright, alright, deep breaths. "Hidden gem" is a HUGE claim, right? And honestly? Depends on what you're looking for. I went in expecting, you know, *hotel*. You know the drill, beige walls, slightly-too-soft bed, maybe a sad rubber plant in the corner. Aryana… well, it's not *that*. Let's just say it's got character. But is it a perfect, sparkling diamond of a gem? Nah. More like a… slightly tarnished, but still fascinating, piece of vintage costume jewelry. Sometimes, that's even better, because it's real.

One thing is for sure, the staff are wonderful, which is the best thing to begin with, as it sets the tone for the rest of your stay.

Tell me about the rooms! Are they luxurious? Basic? And how's the view? Because I need a good view.

Okay, rooms. Let's be honest, "luxurious" isn't *exactly* the word I'd use. They're clean, which is a HUGE win in my book. And spacious, which is even better - I was expecting cramped, and I got *space*. The furniture... well, it's there. It’s functional. Think 'comfortably middle-class apartment, rather than a palace'.

The view… ah, the view. Ask for a room facing the creek. If you get that, you're in luck. It’s beautiful, especially at sunset. I had a room that gave a partial view of the creek to Sharjah and I won't lie, I was blown away the sunsets were gorgeous. And not a sad rubber plant in sight!

However (and this is where the gem is slightly chipped), my friend got a room facing... well, another building. So, SPECIFY CREEK VIEW! Seriously. Trust me on this one. It can make or break your trip. She grumbled! So if you want a nice sunset, choose that one.

What's the food like? Is it all buffet madness? Or are there decent restaurants?

Food. This is a big one! Yes, they have a buffet. And... look, buffets are buffets. There might be some delicious things, and there might be some things you’ll politely avoid. (I'm looking at you, slightly dried-out mystery meat). However, there’s a proper restaurant too. On one night I recall there being a lovely themed Arabic night.

The key is to manage your expectations and choose wisely. Don’t go in ravenous. Take your time. The a la carte options were good and offered a nice variety – I had a fantastic lamb dish one night. And the breakfast? That was actually pretty decent. Fresh juice - essential for me. Fresh juices were the best part, as was the chef, who was very friendly and always smiling, giving out great advice.

Okay, the location. Is it actually in a good spot? Sharjah isn't exactly… Dubai, right?

You’re right, it’s not Dubai. Sharjah has its own vibe, a more… relaxed, conservative feel. Now, the Aryana Hotel’s location? Pretty good, actually. It is close to the creek which is, as I've said several times, absolutely beautiful. Easy access to some local attractions. Also, within walking distance of some shops and cafes. Not a party-scene location whatsoever, so if you're looking for nightclubs, forget about it. However, if you want a chill trip away, perfect. Think quiet evening strolls, not neon lights. It felt safe – really safe. I walked around at night with my friend and we felt totally fine.

Pool or beach? Because, let's be honest, that's a deal-breaker sometimes.

They have a pool. It's a decent size. Clean. Good for a dip and a sunbathe. I spent a whole afternoon there. And this is where I had my *moment*. I'd been stressed about work (yes, even on holiday!), and the pool… it was quiet, peaceful. I floated there, letting the water wash away all the nonsense. It has a shallow end so I could stand, and a deeper end for swimming. It was perfect, and no loud music, thankfully. Just the gentle hum of the filter and the sun on my face. Pure bliss.

The hotel *doesn't* have a private beach. However, you can reach Al Khan Beach, which is about a 10 minute taxi ride away. You will have to pay a small fee to access it, but it's worth it. You'll find plenty of other tourists and locals there.

What about the service? Are the staff friendly? Because grumpy hotel staff are my absolute pet peeve.

Okay, the staff. Here’s where the "gem" really shines. The staff were *amazing*. Truly. From the front desk to the cleaning staff, everyone was friendly, helpful, and genuinely seemed to care. I mean, they were *genuinely* friendly. Not the forced smiles you sometimes get. They went above and beyond. I needed help with something (long story), and they sorted it out without a fuss. Absolute lifesavers. This is a huge selling point for me. Good service can completely redeem a place. The people make the experience, so that's a huge thumbs up for me.

Any downsides? Because nothing's perfect, right? (And I'm a cynical traveler.)

Alright, here’s the truth. It's not the absolute height of luxury. The decor is a little dated, maybe a little… beige. The wifi could be a bit spotty at times. And, as mentioned before, the lack of direct beach access might be a bummer for some. The air conditioning was a little on the noisy side too, so if you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs. And one time I had to call for room service to get some extra towels (but they arrived super quickly, so I can't complain too much!).

So, yeah, it is not perfect. But the overall experience? Worth it, especially for the price. You're not paying for perfection, you're paying for a comfortable, friendly place where you can relax.

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Aryana Hotel Sharjah: UAE's Hidden Gem? You WON'T Believe This!