Then you can't be all that interested in lounges

I, too, found the Al Bustan crazily expensive. Nice enough, but NOT for the faint hearted when it comes to paying the bill !

It's the choice for official shindigs, so if they have a delegation in, the better rooms get squeezed. You've probably tried the IC in Shatti al Qurm, but if not you might give a go. I like it for many reasons (yes, it has a lounge, and, yes, you do get access as RA), including the pool complex, the beach, and the restaurants and life in the commecial areas around the hotel. Al Bustan is way too isolated for my tastes.