Traders Hotel Abu Dhabi & Mamma Mia Reviewed – Mega Giveaway

CONGRATULATIONS:

Winners names are:

1- Diamundsss

2- Ms Fransisco

3- Shreyas Gopal

4- Joana Fahim

Please send an email with your full names and contact numbers at info@mahiblog.com to claim your prize.

Arrival at Lobby:

It was just another weekend when we decided to plan a family-friendly Staycation as per Mahiblog tradition. Those who are following us for a long time, know that we always travel with two explorer kids full of energy and looking for surprising elements everywhere. We arrived a bit later as we checked in on Thursday. In anticipation of Sunday announced as holiday hotel seems quite packed from the moment we parked our cars in front of the main entrance. Upon entering, we were surprised with a very colorful l&  spacious lobby, very distinctive fixtures like a futon, couch & sofas as well as wall hangings & paintings. Bright green was apparent and was giving natural freshness element. Out check-in was pretty prompt. We view the information, confirm the length of stay and then sign in with the electronic pen directly on the screen. These signature pads displayed at Traders hotel guest registration system, not just efficiently streamline the check-in/out process but also saves time for us.

Rooms & Amenities:

We were staying there in connecting rooms, a master bed along with the twin beds room. Both the rooms were very spacious and overlooked to the Grand Canal Abu Dhabi. Fabulously clean, big, spacious, plenty of storage area plus complimentary water, tea & coffee, free wifi, good TV channels selection. It was lovely to see some welcome treats in the form of assorted baklavas & fruits.

 

     

     

 

 

Playground & Pool:

 

As we were traveling with two children, it would be so boring if we were just staying in the room, we walk around the hotel and found the playground just next to the Afya Restaurant, the kids were so pleased and did not want to move from there. This play area is just right next to beach and terrace shisha lounge area; even we sat late night having tea and shisha while kids were enjoying on rides. Next day we went to pool & beach. For full impact of the sunset, we just took a walk at sundown to the Shangrila poolside bar and watched the transformation. It’s magical when night descends, and the twinkling lights of the Al Zayed Mosque begin to work its magic.

Star Service:

I had some time-change request to cleaning staff which they took care efficiently with minimum fuss. Our housekeeping lady was fabulous! She not only cleaned the room but left us a lovely hand written a note asking if there was anything else we needed! Again it is these small touches that make the difference. The staff at this hotel are their actual assets with excellent manners and customer service skills; everyone goes out of their way to make sure your stay is pleasant.

 

 

F & B:

We had breakfast and lunch at Afya restaurant and was so delicious, for dinner and breakfast, this place has a buffet, while a la carte at lunch time. It was another venture going through their elaborate menu in from of Afya Foodie News!. Ranging from delicious starters & salads till stone oven baked pizza it offers a wide variety of dishes. In case you are famished choose from Ala Plancha with meat enthrall from the sea and the land. It also features Far East special and afya’s usual classics with a selection of cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. I loved their “Messy Mugs” range. Signature Traders Wagyu Grade burger & Fresh local Burrata is a must-try dish.

    

    

    

 

Qaryat al Berri complex itself is an intriguing place. And it’s fun exploring the vicinity. Hence we did experience few must-try elements while you are staying here.

ABRA WAY EXPERIENCE We had a free electric launch transfer between our hotel and the souq on the 1^st day and then to The Shangrila at the other end of the estate. It was a joyful ride along the man-made water channel along complex. Kids enjoyed it.

 

 

 

 

 

CHI, THE SPA SESSION

This Spa at Shangri-La draws inspiration from the origins of the Shangri-La legend, a place of personal peace, enchantment, and well-being. I tried their Asian Blend wellness massage which is a gentle and soothing oneIt is a combination Swedish, Shiatsu and Reflexology techniques. It turns out to be a viable means of restoring and maintaining vitality which I badly needed this break. I would highly recommend readers to indulge yourself in CHI’s ancient healing philosophies and rituals to relax and rejuvenate both your body and mind.

Here is a sunset stunning shot of Grand mosque we captured from the vicinity.

 

    

SOUQ TRIP

We also went for shopping at the Souk next door, was so crowded, so we struggle for the buggy, but you should wait & opt for it via reception as it would be handy in the heat. We had a nice walk back as it was pleasant by evening.

MAMMA MIA – Italian Food Carnival

Theme nights are currently famous in food scene at high-end hotel restaurants as they try and push for diner’s budget. I love theme nights as there is an attempt to take a particular cuisine up a gash for that evening.

     

Ambiance & Set-up:

Afya Restaurant offers a unique, casual chic ambiance. If you are a regular reader of @Mahiblog you know, indeed that child-friendly places routinely get a higher rating from me, because my kids tag along with us when we go out for dinner. Especially when it’s buffet, it means a decisively customary “family time” for us.

 

     

In Abu Dhabi most of the restaurants are child-tolerant, but this one got high ranking as the staff is super friendly for the younger ones. While hubby & I relaxed with good food & setting, kids were comfortable going up to the live pasta counter and grab their custom made plate. Though the kitchen service counter (where the buffet dishes are placed) are high, however, the chef’s team are always leaning forward to put the pizza slices on my daughter’s plate while she was on her own in exploring the buffet.

Buffet Spread:

Starting off from Bread section & Soup, you will find a variety of dishes. There is a fresh salad counter as well as cold cuts of meat on display. They have two live counter hence pasta has a wide selection of fresh greens from the Italian salad bar at the Afya Restaurant. You may ask the chef to prepare the fresh pasta in your favorite style and sauce from Pasta station. Kids enjoyed this counter a lot. This buffet spread claimed to give guests the opportunity to enjoy a variety, and I was hoping more of it in those pizzas baked in the stone oven. But we found just margarita pizza. It was freshly prepared and offered unlimited throughout.

 

 

Apart from Pizza, there was a wide selection authentic dishes offers value for money. Some of our favorites from the evening were spicy bread crumbs vegetables they were crispy fried. Broccoli Lasagna, it’s traditional. The richness of the sauce and perfect seasoning made it flavorful; I haven’t had it with broccoli either so I was hesitant initially, but it was delicious. Prawn Verde & squid were tasted good items, however, were barely warm. Chefs also prepared Chicken Cacciatore and Prawn Linguini (kid’s favorite) soups were delicious. That was fun to see some curry/gravy Items of red meat too.

Desserts Galore:

Desserts were star section for this Italian carnival at Afya. Hazelnut chocolate cake, tiramisu, raspberry cheesecake, crème Brule, Nutella pizza and many others which are hard to ignore and too good to let go in tasting. I found my ultimate Tiramisu delight here. It had just the right steadiness with the not-so-soggy base as it was freshly prepared.

 

There were food labels which made the life of foodies much easier. I was missing cheese and spinach ravioli and grilled eggplant, I wish if they could add the same to the menu. The only caveat was gaining the waiter’s attention in between the meals, though they are very friendly will face promptness challenge with house-full.

 

Verdict:

If you would like a single evening without worrying too much about being dressed in your ultra-trendy clothes for an enjoyable meal, head to Afya. They have a gorgeous atmosphere with reasonably priced food spread. All in all, it was a great evening celebrating Italian gastronomy. We enjoy unlimited stone-oven-baked pizzas, homemade pasta from the live pasta station, a wide selection of fresh greens from the Italian salad bar and delightful desserts from the sumptuous dessert station. Once the heat level goes down, I am sure capital diners will enjoy even merrier time at these Italian nights. I am all set to go there again, so I can enjoy the terrace view with some shisha too.

 

It was a short break, MEMORABLE FAMILY STAYCATION while escaping days from the busy days in Abu Dhabi. Worth price with excellent service. Thank you Traders Hotel Abu Dhabi team.

MEGA GIVEAWAY

 Wow! Wow! Wow!

 

There are 4 amazing Dining Voucher to WIN!

 Saturday Bubble Beach Brunch for 2 people. (2 Vouchers)

Wednesday Mamma Mia for 2 people.  (2 Vouchers)

Now here is how you can win them:

 1- Like & follow social media pages of Traders Hotel, Abu Dhabi (Do mention that @mahiblog has sent you!)

  Facebook,  Twitter, Instagram

2– Share this blog post (using FB, Twitter buttons under this post) .

3– You MUST tag Mahiblog & Traders Hotel, Abu Dhabi on respective social media while sharing (so we can notice your participation)

• You must follow each step and must be an email subscriber of Mahiblog to be qualified. All entries will be verified.
• Competition is open for UAE and GCC based residents only.
• In total 4 Winners will be announced on 5th of November, 2016.

Tip: The more you share, the better your chances to win

Disclaimer: All the views and pics are entirely our own and in some cases provided by the Hotel itself. We would like to extend our high regards and thanks to lovely Hima, Hotel Management & Staff to made our trip memorable for life.

Mamma Mia is available on all Wednesdays from 6.30pm to 11 pm, the offer is priced at AED 130* per person for food and soft beverages and AED 230* per person with the unlimited house grape beverage package. For more information or to make a reservation, please call (971 2) 510 8418 or email afya.thad@tradershotels.com.

Traders Hotel, Abu Dhabi

Address: Khor Al Maqta, Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges – Abu Dhabi

Phone: 02 510 8888