One of the 48 chalet rooms with white paint covering the formerly dark wood ceilings alongside new beds, TVs, and furniture.
Some things never change. Not at JA Hatta Fort, at least.
The always-smiling Laxman is still there to greet guests as he has done for 35 years. Romy (with a mere 25-years of service) still makes his signature Caesar salad, beef steak and flambé crêpe Suzette live at your table in the Jeema restaurant with a flourish, a story or two and a cheeky smile. And the ivy-covered rockery water feature still lines the corridor from the hotel lobby to the Margham Conference Centre.
But regular guests, of whom there are many, will notice some important differences since the hotel underwent a multimillion dirham refurbishment over 10 weeks at the end of 2016.
JA Hatta Fort is billed as an exclusive mountain retreat just a short drive from Dubai in the Hajar mountains on the UAE’s border with Oman. Situated in an 80-acre hill park with rock-feature swimming pools and recreational facilities including tennis, mini-golf, archery and entertainment options, it offers 48-chalet-style rooms, two suites and two villas.
But while the four-decades-old property was undoubtedly charming, it was also starting to feel dated.
Now the hotel reception and lobby have been significantly modernised and enlarged, taking over the space previously occupied by the shop and spa. New furniture and check-in desks adorn a much bigger, lighter and more welcoming space.
The Senses Spa has temporarily moved into a guest room, ahead of the construction of a new spa and gym in the recreation complex. And the remaining 47 chalet-style rooms have been brightened with white paint covering the formerly dark wood ceilings alongside new beds, TVs, sofas, headboards and cabinets.
In terms of the hotel’s F&B facilities, there is a facelift for the Jeema restaurant and the extended Roumoul cocktail bar and a ‘soft refurb’ for the Gazebo Café all-day-dining outlet.
Resident manager Nicholas Campos tells Hotelier Middle East: “The challenge was to give a new look to the place while keeping its character. We needed a change, lots of people were asking for it.”
He adds that guest feedback on the refurbishment has been “98% happy”, while admitting that it is hard to please everyone. “The other 2% are regular guests over 60-years old who have been coming here for 30 years and who would have preferred things to remain the same.”
JA Resorts & Hotels worked with construction firm Dutco and a team of specialists to deliver the project. “The sales and marketing team are working with corporate and leisure clients to announce that we have a new product for people to come and try in line with the other developments in Hatta,” says Campos.
The town is currently benefiting from a aed1.3bn development plan to transform it into a youth-focused eco-tourist destination. This includes a new kayaking venue at Hatta Dam and a mountain bike trail centre, among other sports camps. Dubai Municipality is also building a heritage souk and hotel.
Employee benefits
JA Hatta Fort’s staff have benefited from the refurbishment with the first pick of the furniture and TVs from the guest rooms. “We could have sold them,” says Campos, “but chose not to.”
Instead, the 88-strong team have taken the opportunity to upgrade their onsite staff accommodation.
Campos manages a cheerful workforce of predominantly Indian, Sri Lankan, Nepalese and Filipino staff who work hard and play together. “My priority is to keep them happy,” says Campos, who operates an ‘open-door’ policy and promises to listen to every suggestion or complaint. “Then I know they will deliver beyond my expectations.”
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