Escape to Paradise: Camphor Hotel, Ras Al Khaimah's Hidden Gem
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a review of the Camphor Hotel in Ras Al Khaimah. And, frankly, I'm a little obsessed. Escape to Paradise: Camphor Hotel, Ras Al Khaimah's Hidden Gem…it sounds ridiculously cliché, I know, but after actually experiencing it? Yeah, "hidden gem" doesn't even begin to cover it. This isn't some perfectly-curated travel blog post; this is the unfiltered truth, and hey, maybe my messy, imperfect way will help you decide if this place is actually worth it. Let's go!
First Impressions: Accessibility (and the Glorious Absence of Struggle)
Right off the bat, can I say amen to the accessibility? Listen, travel is hard enough without tripping over hurdles. Camphor Hotel seems to get that. While I didn't need full wheelchair accessibility myself, the fact that they even think about it, with elevators and designated rooms, spoke volumes. Big points for understanding that everyone deserves a shot at a dreamy getaway. The 'Facilities for disabled guests' listing is a massive plus. They even have a 'Car park [free of charge]' and 'Car park [on-site]' which is a win-win.
The Rooms: My Sanctuary…or, at Least, My Very Comfortable Cave
Okay, let's talk bedrooms. They've nailed the "cozy but not cramped" vibe. The Available in all rooms category is a godsend. Air conditioning? Obviously. Blackout curtains? Thank you, sweet baby Jesus, for letting me sleep past sunrise. The 'Window that opens' is a small thing, I love the fact that I can feel the sea breeze. They've got all the basics – Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Ironing facilities, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, and Wi-Fi [free]. Oh, and the Wi-Fi…yes, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Yes. And it actually works. Unlike some places where you stare at a loading circle for a day wondering if you’ve been transported to a digital purgatory. The Internet access – wireless is a godsend! The Internet access – LAN is so 90s, but still a sign of commitment to Internet access in general. I adored Smoke detector and Safety/security feature, I'd want to feel secure and safe if I was in the room, especially if I am traveling alone.
Food, Glorious Food (and Maybe a Slight Case of Food Coma)
Okay, the Dining, drinking, and snacking section is extensive. I'm talking 'willpower-of-steel' required. I'll start with the good. A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Breakfast [buffet], Coffee/tea in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Salad in restaurant, and Vegetarian restaurant. The breakfast buffet? Seriously dangerous. I'm pretty sure I consumed a week's worth of calories in one sitting. The pastries! The fresh fruit! The endless coffee! Breakfast service really went the distance. On the more specific side, the Asian breakfast at the restaurant was worth experiencing. I've had some amazing sushi experiences, and I've also had some that were… interesting. This was the former. Top-notch.
The Room service [24-hour]? Genius. Late-night snack cravings? Covered. You can skip the 'Buffet in restaurant' and the 'Snack bar' because you will get full, I promise you. And then…the Coffee shop. This gets its own paragraph because I have opinions. It's not just a coffee shop, it's a haven. A place to escape the sun, the people, and the sometimes-overwhelming paradise. Excellent coffee, perfect for a quiet moment. Pure bliss. Even if I did spill coffee on myself more than once Coffee/tea in restaurant and Bottle of water really came in handy.
The other side, is the Buffet in restaurant. It can become boring very quickly.
Relaxation Station: Spa, Sauna, and the Pursuit of Bliss
Right, how about things that will leave you in a puddle of tranquil goo? The Spa is legitimately dreamy. Body scrub? Yes, please! Body wrap? Sign me up! Massage? Again, yes! The Sauna and Steamroom are perfect for a detox, which is probably needed after the breakfast buffet. The Pool with view is stunning. The Gym/fitness is there, if you're into that sort of thing (I'm not, but people seem to like it). And the Foot bath? Utterly divine. I fell asleep during mine. No regrets. I can't say enough about the Swimming pool [outdoor] and Swimming pool. Pure, unadulterated relaxation.
Cleanliness and Safety: Because, You Know, Life
Okay, this is something I take very seriously. In this post-pandemic world, knowing a place is clean isn't just a nice-to-have, it's essential. The Camphor Hotel slays in this department. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items…they've thought of everything. It made me genuinely feel safe. I saw cleaning staff constantly, which means the Daily housekeeping actually works. The First aid kit and Doctor/nurse on call were there as well. Peace of mind is priceless. CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Non-smoking rooms, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, are a reassuring addition. Staff trained in safety protocol, is a big plus.
Services and Conveniences: Making Life Easier (and More Luxurious)
This is where the Camphor Hotel truly shines. They understand that "convenience" isn't just a word, it's a lifestyle. Air conditioning in public area? Check. Audio-visual equipment for special events? Okay, maybe not for my needs. Business facilities? Excellent for those forced to actually work on vacation. Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store (essential for emergency snacks), Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Smoking area, Terrace, (Wi-Fi for special events), and Xerox/fax in business center are all available. You'll find everything you need, and things you didn't know you needed, easily.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun?
I'm not a parent, so I can't speak from experience. But the Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, and Kids facilities definitely suggest they're geared up for families. I can't comment on the 'Kids meal', but it sounds like an option.
Getting Around: Airport Transfer, and the Rest Airport transfer? Again, easy peasy. Forget haggling with taxis, or deciphering public transport. They've got it covered. They have Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, and Valet parking, so you don't have to worry about driving.
The Imperfections: Every Paradise Has a Tiny Flaw
Okay, full disclosure: Nothing is perfect. I did find one tiny, tiny flaw. And the truth is… it's not really a flaw but rather a preference. I'm not sure the resort really understands that the Laptop workspace is for actually working.
Overall Vibe: Highly, Highly Recommend
Seriously, the Camphor Hotel? Highly, highly recommend. It's not just a place to stay; it's an experience. It's the perfect blend of relaxation, luxury, and genuine care.
Escape to St. Marys: Cobblestone's Cozy Charm Awaits!
Camphor Hotel: My Brain's Week in RAK (and a Whole Lot of Coffee)
Alright, so I'm back. Back from… checks notes… the Camphor Hotel in Ras Al Khaimah. Fancy, eh? More like, "Oh god, did I actually book this?" Anyway, here’s the whirlwind of chaos and lukewarm sun that was my stay, formatted less like a travel brochure and more like a therapy session… with a dash of jet lag.
Day 1: Arrival (and Total Panic)
- 10:00 AM, Dubai Airport: Landed. Hallelujah. Already sweating through my "I <3 UAE" t-shirt. Note to self: pack breathable fabrics. Also, maybe learn Arabic. (Spoiler alert: didn’t happen.)
- 11:00 AM, Rental Car Fiasco: Okay, so "fiasco" might be a strong word. More like a gentle nudge into the abyss of international driving rules. They gave me a tiny, beige box on wheels, and I spent the next hour circling the airport, convinced I was going to accidentally invade Oman. The navigation system was a demon. It kept yelling at me. I yelled back.
- 1:00 PM, First Sight of the Camphor: It looked like a postcard. Seriously, the pool was shimmering with turquoise perfection, and I felt… intimidated? Like I was too scruffy to be there. First impression: "Wow, this is fancy." Second impression: "I'm going to spill something."
- 2:00 PM, Check-In & the Room… Oh, the Room: My room was a minimalist haven. Too minimalist, actually. I felt like I'd wandered into a high-end furniture catalogue. Everything was white. White walls, white bedspread, white… everything. I immediately spilled coffee on the white carpet. Classic. Then I sat on the balcony, staring at the endless desert, and felt… nothing. Just a blank, white canvas of existence. (This feeling would resurface later, fueled by too much cappuccino).
Day 2: Desert Dreams & Unfulfilled Spa Promises
- 7:00 AM, Breakfast Buffet Battle: The breakfast buffet. A glorious battlefield of pastries, fruit, and… questionable sausages. I ate way too much. Regret settled in swiftly. Must. Resist. All. The. Carbs.
- 9:00 AM, Desert Safari (or, the Dune-Bashing Debacle): This was the highlight. (Except, you know, the endless buffet.) The dune bashing was insane! Picture this: a 4x4, careening wildly up and down giant sand dunes, with yours truly screaming like a banshee. My driver, a stoic Emirati gentleman named Rashid, looked completely unfazed. I, on the other hand, started to question the structural integrity of my kidneys. Spectacular views though. Breathtaking. I have to admit, it was all so incredibly beautiful, but after all that, I really needed the buffet
- 3:00 PM, The Spa Debacle: "Pamper yourself!" the brochure shrieked. I was all in. Until I walked into the spa. It was serene, all right. So serene it felt like they'd forgotten the human element. My masseuse, bless her silent heart, was a woman named Fatima from a very distant land, and she wielded those massage knots like tiny, torturous weapons. I emerged feeling more tense than when I went in. I swear, she was trying to give me a full-body realignment!
- 7:00 PM, Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant (aka "Am I Wearing the Right Shoes?"): The restaurant. Oh, the restaurant. I felt profoundly underdressed. Everyone else was sporting crisp linen and polite smiles. I was sporting a slightly crumpled t-shirt and a desperate craving for something… less refined. The food was delicious, in a way that made me feel guilty for enjoying it. Like, they were judging my pleasure!
Day 3: Souk Shenanigans & Existential Reflections
- 9:00 AM, Souk Exploring (and Bargaining Fail): I bravely ventured into the Ras Al Khaimah souk. It was a sensory overload! Spices, gold, glitter… I was in heaven. I tried to haggle for a rug, but I’m pretty sure I got completely ripped off. "No problem," I said, with a forced grin as I handed over my credit card. "I wanted a story."
- 1:00 PM, Coffee and Contemplation: Back at the hotel, I needed a coffee. A lot of coffee. Sat on the balcony again. The desert… the sea… the vast expanse of sand… It was all incredibly beautiful, but I started thinking… I started really thinking. About life, the universe, my questionable life choices… The white walls of my room started to press in. I felt… lost. Like a tiny, insignificant speck in a giant landscape. (Cue the dramatic music.)
- 4:00 PM, Poolside Recovery (and More Coffee): Needed to regain my emotional balance, so I went to the pool. Swam, sipped coffee, and tried to re-centre myself. I discovered I’m not a "pool person". I'd rather be in a cave on the moon. But the sun was warm, and for a while, the existential dread subsided. For a while.
Day 4: More of The Same (Except with More Coffee)
- (All day) Basically a repeat of the previous days, with more coffee and less coherent thoughts. The pool was beautiful, the food… okay. The desert remained majestic and mind-boggling.
- 6:00 PM, Farewell Dinner (and a Moment of Clarity?): At the end of my holiday, As I watched the sunset paint the sand in a thousand shades of orange and pink, I had a Moment. I realised that even though I wasn’t the perfect fit for the Camphor Hotel, and even though I spilled coffee, got lost, and felt a bit lost myself, I did experience something. Something real. I saw stunning views, I laughed, I ate way too much sugar. Maybe this was a good thing after all? Or maybe, I don't know. I'll have to get back to you when I've had another coffee.
Final Thoughts:
The Camphor Hotel? Luxurious, yes. Relaxing? Debatable. Would I go back? Dunno… After all that, would I do it again? Maybe. Probably. I'd pack more coffee, for sure. And perhaps a few more less-white outfits. And definitely learn to navigate.
And don't even get me started on the airport again. The torture!
Fitzsimons Hotel: Your Temple Bar Dream Stay Awaits (Dublin)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. You're about to get the *real* lowdown on the Camphor Hotel in Ras Al Khaimah. Forget the glossy Insta-grams, this is unfiltered, straight from the travel-worn soul. Think of this as your slightly chaotic, but hopefully helpful, guide to escaping – or at least attempting to escape – to paradise.
1. Okay, so, Camphor Hotel – Is it *really* a "hidden gem" and stuff, or just, you know, a hotel?
Ooh, loaded question! Okay, look, "hidden gem" gets thrown around like confetti at a wedding. Is it hidden? Well, it’s not plastered all over every travel blog, so... kinda? It's certainly *less* known than, say, the Waldorf Astoria next door (which feels like… well, a fancy hotel that *everyone* already knows about). The gem part? That depends. For *me*? Absolutely. It’s not perfect – more on *that* later – but it has *soul*. It's the kind of place that makes you feel like you stumbled upon a secret. And honestly, after a week of fighting traffic I'd take "soul" over "perfect" any day. It's got a quirky charm that kinda sinks into you. Or maybe I was just really desperate for a break. Either way, I'm calling it a gem. A slightly chipped, still-glistening-under-the-sun gem.
2. What if I hate the heat? I'm a lizard, not a human. Is this place going to melt me?
Alright lizard-person. It's the UAE. It's hot. Like, offensively hot sometimes. The Camphor has AC, obviously. Thank. God. My anecdote here, I nearly forgot to bring my AC on. Okay, in all seriousness... they have *good* AC. The rooms are a blissful, arctic oasis. The pools are fantastic, well-maintained, and a perfect temperature. Yes, you'll have to briefly brave the walk from your room to the pool. It's a journey. A *hot* journey. But you'll survive. Honestly, the heat is part of the experience. You're *in* the desert. Embrace the sweat. Also, pack sunscreen. Seriously. Learn form me.
3. The food... is it just bland hotel food? Because I *refuse* to eat another beige buffet.
Okay, this is where things get interesting. Buffets? Yeah, they have 'em (thank god, am I right?) but the on-site restaurants are the real treasure. The *flavors*! The spices! The portion sizes (let's just say you won't be going hungry)! My personal favorite was the... oh gosh, I can't even remember the name of the restaurant. It was the one near the pool, and had the most amazing… let me think... oh yeah! The *biryani*, which was bursting with all sorts of flavors...it's what got me out of my room and into the outside world and that place was a freaking dream. And they had fresh juices every morning that were practically a religious experience after my first night. My advice? Explore the restaurants *beyond* the buffet. Get off the beaten path, be the adventurous one. Your taste buds will thank you. I hope.
4. What about activities? Is it just sitting around by the pool, or...
Okay, pool-lounging is definitely a *very* good option. And you should do it. Extensively. I did. And I regret nothing. But if you're the type who gets restless, you're in luck. They offer... well, they offer *options*. There's water sports. I think there's kayaking somewhere. There are also trips into the desert. I *meant* to go dune-bashing. I really, really did. But, let's be honest... sometimes the allure of a good book and a shaded sun lounger is just too strong. So...I didn't. But you *could*. It's there. And it's probably a good time. I'll get to it next time, I swear!
5. What's the vibe? Is it all couples, or is it family-friendly, or what?
Ah, the vibe. That crucial element that can make or break a trip. The Camphor is... well, I'd say it caters to a pretty mixed bag. I saw couples, families, and solo travelers looking for peace and quiet. It's not a "party" hotel. It's more of a "chill out and recharge your batteries" kind of place. Which, in my experience, is exactly what I needed. I did hear a kid screaming once. It happened. But honestly, it was brief, and I think the parents deserved a gold medal for getting that kid, well, everywhere. It's not aggressively kid-friendly, but it's certainly not aggressively *un*-kid-friendly. It's a good balance.
6. About the rooms: are they luxurious? Are they falling apart? Give it to me straight.
"Luxurious" in the sense you're not sleeping on a pile of hay? Yes! The rooms are clean, comfortable, and well-appointed. The AC works, the beds are good, and the rain showers… *oh, the rain showers*! The view from MY window, though, was... mostly other buildings. But hey, I wasn't there to stare at my window, right? But... there were a couple of small "imperfections". Nothing deal-breaking. The kind of small things that give it character. Maybe a slightly wonky door handle. A teeny tiny mark on the wall. You know, the things that make it feel less like a sterile hotel and more like a place where people actually *live*. I'll be honest, the first day or two, those imperfections bothered me more than they should. But then I realized -- I'm on vacation. Who cares? Nobody. And if you are, you have way too much time on your hands.
7. The service? Good, bad, indifferent? I'm a princess.
The service was pretty darn good. The staff were generally friendly and super helpful. But, and it's a small but, sometimes there was a very slight... "island time" vibe. Things didn't always happen *instantly.* This didn't bother me. If anything it forced me to be a little more patient. I also have a strong feeling that there was some sort of a language barrier. It wasn't always easy to communicate with everyone. But they tried, and that's what counts.
Trip Stay Finder
