Having been to RAK on a few occasions (mostly to visit my favorite\u00a0UAE property,\u00a0Banyan Tree Al Wadi<\/a>)\u00a0I hadn’t yet had the opportunity to stop by the upscale resort neighbor, the Waldorf Astoria<\/a><\/strong>. \u00a0Having been to the flagship Waldorf Astoria in New York many years ago as a Peabody Student Judge<\/a> (go Dawgs!), I can say that as an American, just the name ‘Waldorf Astoria’ is instantly synonymous with luxury and sophistication (even if my brunch<\/a> at the UAE sister Palm property was a bit of a disaster, as was my whelming experience at Social by Heinz Beck<\/a>). \u00a0Thus, my expectations were in a strange place with the brand (internationally, yes, but the in-country Palm location has disappointed).<\/p>\n So, how was my experience in Ras Al Khaimah?<\/p>\n <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a><\/a><\/p>\n So, if I was going back to RAK, where would I stay? \u00a0I don’t think you can really compare the Banyan Tree and the Waldorf as the two properties offer such different categories of room (not to mention the Banyan Tree is in the process of changing over to a Ritz Carlton). \u00a0For families, the Waldorf seems the obvious choice. \u00a0For foodies, the Waldorf also has much more on offer. \u00a0For sheer privacy and ‘getaway’ factor, I think the Banyan Tree edges out. \u00a0Basically, it all depends on the type of getaway you want to have because both properties deliver a well above average getaway.<\/p>\n Overall, the Waldorf is a reliable, luxurious brand which offers a quality product. \u00a0If you are looking to spoil yourself for a night or two, this is a great in country alternative (no flights involved).<\/p>\n Have you been to the Waldorf Astoria in RAK? \u00a0What’s your favorite feature?<\/strong><\/p>\n A to Za’atar was a guest of Waldorf Astoria, Ras Al Khaimah. \u00a0Opinions are my own, just ask my husband.<\/em> Having been to RAK on a few occasions (mostly to visit my favorite\u00a0UAE property,\u00a0Banyan Tree Al Wadi)\u00a0I hadn’t yet had the opportunity to stop by the upscale resort neighbor, the Waldorf Astoria. \u00a0Having been to the flagship Waldorf Astoria in New York many years ago as a Peabody Student Judge (go Dawgs!), I can say that as an American, just the name ‘Waldorf Astoria’ is instantly synonymous with luxury and sophistication (even if my brunch at the UAE sister Palm property was a bit of a disaster, as was my whelming experience at Social by Heinz Beck). \u00a0Thus, my expectations were in a strange place with the brand (internationally, yes, but the in-country Palm location has disappointed). So, how was my experience in Ras Al Khaimah? Pros Largest rooms in the UAE. \u00a0Okay, I don’t know the official dimensions, and yes, at Zaya Nurai Island and Banyan Tree you get…<\/p>\nPros<\/h2>\n
\n
Cons<\/h2>\n
\n
I can’t believe I just asked that question.<\/del> \u00a0I found myself forgetting something on one side of the room and then having to walk across (I know, poor me, but I’m pretty forgetful and added a bunch of steps to my day). \u00a0Similarly, the distance from the respective bed and couch to the television was just a bit stretched (for example, I liked the ‘just my size’ of the bedroom at the Fairmont<\/a> the week previously, especially with the oversized television).<\/li>\n
\n[googlemaps https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3595.5814657115966!2d55.77131105143882!3d25.68516531795084!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x3ef60a3c3e4065af%3A0xf6db41474b22a346!2sWaldorf+Astoria+Ras+Al+Khaimah!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sae!4v1486982113397&w=600&h=450]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"