Where to Stay

Editor's Note: Some of our runners have had their hotel reservations canceled by some hotels during the 2009 event, this despite having confirmations and deposits/charges pre-paid. It is unfortunate that some hotels chose to employ a rather unethical policy, possibly to resell these rooms at a far higher price due to unprecedented demand during race weekend. Whilst we endeavor to strike preferential hotel deals with as many local hotels as possible for incoming runners, we are unable to control individual hotel decisions. We suggest you read our Hotel Tips section below before booking.

Tips for staying in Ras Al Khaimah

Staying in RAK pre-race has had an overwhelming 'thumbs up' from runners during the previous editions, but be warned that hotels book up very early and very quickly. February is peak season for tourism to RAK and every hotel is normally overbooked during Race Weekend. If you leave your booking to the last minute, you will probably find yourself with nowhere to stay.

If you are coming for the race, why not make a weekend of it - you may get a better hotel deal and the surrounding areas are a delight to explore this time of year. The Oman border is less than an hour away and Musandam is a firm favorite for boat trips/dolphin spotting.

If you're staying/reside in Dubai and traveling to the race on the day, please see our 'Getting There' section.

Hotels we Recommend
The Cove Rotana	The Cove Rotana was the Official Race Hotel for 2008-2009 and is clearly a cut above almost every other hotel in the Emirate. As may be expected, all this comes with a price tag and with breakfast starting at around 100dhs (27$US) it only goes up from there. The hotel setting is delightful and a stay here can be a real treat. Increasing prices and decreasing quality however is a trend not unique to this property, but we feel shared by it. Super comfortable beds/pillows and generally good standard of food (comparative to locale) but make sure you get to the buffet early! If you can afford it you could do far worse but your money could take you further elsewhere. Out of peak season some good offers to be had here. Not ideal for physically challenged people. Bring lots of mosquito repellent with you!
City Hotel	Two year old mid-range hotel in the center of RAK City opposite the Manar Mall. Forget any view and go for a rear facing room away from the street (although higher floors may also have some disturbance from the music in the restaurant/nightclub). Rooms are clean, fine and spacious enough, even if the furnishings are reminiscent of a 1970's motel. Staff are pleasant and courteous and to be honest, for a bed the night before the race the only thing that lets it down slightly is the poor breakfast offering.
Acacia Hotel	Brand new in 2010 and we didn’t have any real complaints! This was possibly due to the rates offered to runners that just about beat anything else available in RAK hands down! We did try the restaurant food which we thought was greatly over-priced and not-so-great, but this is not a good enough reason not to stay here for the race. The hotel was built to serve the free zone community of businesses so don't expect a view of much. If it's a clean, comfortable place to sleep you're after and want a few hotel perks whilst staying on a budget, you should be calling the Acacia Hotel right now! Rooms feature tea/coffee facilities, there's a decent pool, good sized gym and plenty of parking. It's quite far from the start line but the hotel has a shuttle bus that (dependent on demand) could be used to ferry runners to the start line on race day. Early breakfasts can also be arranged if sufficient demand! For a day fee, residents can use the Al Hamra Fort Hotel Beach. This hotel is operated by Al Hamra Hotels Group.
Bin Majid Beach Hotel	Not to be confused with its sister property the Bin Majid Beach Resort, this hotel is situated in the heart of RAK, on the beach. It's one of the older hotels here and hence could appear a bit jaded to anyone more used to modern city hotels but do try to think of it as 'old world charm'. The hotel's sister company, Impala Rent a Car is the official transport supplier of the RAK Half Marathon and hence getting a ride to the start line should not be a problem - the hotel owners are good supporters of the event and will do their best to make you feel at home.
Bin Majid Beach Resort	We're recommending this hotel because it's quiet, on the beach, secluded and a charming little weekend getaway. It is however further away from the start line than almost any other hotel so your own transport will be required. It's about a 30-40 minute drive so be in the know before you book.
Middle of the Road Hotels
RAK Hotel	OK, we were in two minds as to which section to put this hotel - to be fair the location is great for the race being only a couple of minutes walk from the start line and on the actual course two times (good for family spectators to base themselves at). Unfortunately the hotel rooms are less than modern and could do with a thorough clean. We've never attempted to eat there - it didn't look like that kind of hotel. We also thought that the room rate was overpriced for what you get. If you're looking for a hotel that's on the lower end of the budget and are not too fussy, this'll do fine.
Hotels to Avoid
Hilton Hotel	Previously canceled runner's bookings at the last minute with no valid reason, notice or compensation. Not to be confused with the much newer Hilton Beach Resort, the older of RAK's two Hilton properties is jaded, musty and the food and service go hand-in-hand as the main reason to give this one a miss if you can - by all means go stay there, but you've been warned!
Al Hamra Fort Hotel	Has previously canceled runner's bookings at the last minute with no valid reason, notice or compensation. The more obvious disadvantage is being around 20km from the start of the race, however if you're wooed by the beach and get a villa room (which is quite lovely), please bear in mind the location may be first rate but the food on offer is certainly not - by all means go stay there, but you've been warned!
Khatt Springs Hotel & Spa	This hotel is operated by Al Hamra Fort Hotel who often try to re-book you at the last minute in to this, their sister hotel, Khatt Springs. This is more due to low occupancy at Khatt Springs than any other reason and the fact it's absolutely miles from anywhere. The pool as far as we know has never had water in it as it suffers from an array of subsidence cracks. We have never stayed there, nor do we know anyone else who has (at least, they've not admitted to us!) so we can't cast judgment on rooms/food or service. If you're looking for a (very) quiet hotel miles from anywhere and do not mind being the only guest, this could work out as a great choice!

Approximate distances from the Start Line

City Hotel	0.03km
Hilton (city) Hotel	1.9km
Hilton Beach Resort	5.6km
RAK Hotel	3.7km
The Cove Rotana	10.5km
Al Hamra Fort Hotel	24km
Khatt Springs Hotel & Spa	34km
Bin Majid Hotel	7.5km
Bin Majid Beach Resort	26km
Acacia Hotel	30.9km