FCBARCELONA.CAT

14.12.2009 11:50

The Barça hotel

Roger Bogunyà (enviat especial)

The players of FC Barcelona are spending their entire stay in the UAE at the Shangri-la Hotel. The hotel is ideally situated away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre just a few minutes from the stadium and the training grounds.

The Shangri-la Hotel was opened in 2006 and is typical of the luxurious hotels that are dotted around the UAE. It has 216 rooms, 161 private residences and six luxury villas. This is the first time that a team of Barça’s importance has stayed at the hotel.

Pools and beaches

The hotel has six swimming pools and a kilometre-long beach. The surroundings are spectacular with an excellent view of the enormous Sheikh Zayed mosque. The hotel also has a spa and a gym.

The food is another feature of the hotel. However, the players will not be able to try any of the local specialities but will stick to a Mediterranean diet based on pasta and chicken, all prepared by the Club’s own chef, who has accompanied the party to the UAE.

World Club Cup fills hotels

The Shangri-la is full to capacity as a result of the FIFA World Club Cup, which is being held here for the first time. The last time an event filled the hotels of Abu Dhabi was the F1 Grand Prix held at the end of October.