Everything in Abu Dhabi seems to be a bit bigger, and the luxury Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort is no exception. Pretty much next door to the 27-hole Abu Dhabi Golf Club, this resort has three restaurants and bars, two pools, a sleek spa and gym, and free access to Saadiyat Beach Club -- although it's a 30-minute cab ride away. Even the smallest of the hotel’s 172 rooms are huge and come with private terraces, king-sized beds, lounge areas, and Nespresso coffeemakers. However, the hotel is a fair distance away from downtown Abu Dhabi, so guests who aren’t interested in golfing should consider the centrally located and beachfront Shangri-La Hotel.
Everything in Abu Dhabi seems to be a bit bigger, and the luxury Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort is no exception. Pretty much next door to the 27-hole Abu Dhabi Golf Club, this resort has three restaurants and bars, two pools, a sleek spa and gym, and free access to Saadiyat Beach Club -- although it's a 30-minute cab ride away. Even the smallest of the hotel’s 172 rooms are huge and come with private terraces, king-sized beds, lounge areas, and Nespresso coffeemakers. However, the hotel is a fair distance away from downtown Abu Dhabi, so guests who aren’t interested in golfing should consider the centrally located and beachfront Shangri-La Hotel.
The 499-room luxury Yas Viceroy is the world's only hotel built over a Formula One racetrack. Located on popular Yas Island, the Viceroy straddles a marina and the raceway, home of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Architecturally striking, under an enormous, futuristic LED canopy, the Viceroy is the poshest hotel on Yas Island, with two rooftop infinity pools, a spa, 11 restaurants and bars, and two nightclubs. Rooms are luxe and minimalist, with marina or track views, and stylish bathrooms.
The 499-room luxury Yas Viceroy is the world's only hotel built over a Formula One racetrack. Located on popular Yas Island, the Viceroy straddles a marina and the raceway, home of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Architecturally striking, under an enormous, futuristic LED canopy, the Viceroy is the poshest hotel on Yas Island, with two rooftop infinity pools, a spa, 11 restaurants and bars, and two nightclubs. Rooms are luxe and minimalist, with marina or track views, and stylish bathrooms.
The 234-room Le Meridien Abu Dhabi is an upscale, beachfront hotel right by Abu Dhabi Mall, on the eastern end of downtown. It's showing some age and has some dated decor, but traditional Arabian accents are charming and features are extensive. Rooms vary between old-fashioned and modern, but all have minibars, kettles, and flat-screen TVs, and some add furnished balconies. A private beach and outdoor pools are popular spots fo relax, and guests can make use of an expansive spa and extensive dining includes Italian, Greek, and buffet eateries. On the downside, private parties can get loud, free Wi-Fi is slow, and the location isn't very walkable. Resort-seekers might also want to consider The Khalidiya Palace, which is more modern and has tons of family-friendly features.
The 234-room Le Meridien Abu Dhabi is an upscale, beachfront hotel right by Abu Dhabi Mall, on the eastern end of downtown. It's showing some age and has some dated decor, but traditional Arabian accents are charming and features are extensive. Rooms vary between old-fashioned and modern, but all have minibars, kettles, and flat-screen TVs, and some add furnished balconies. A private beach and outdoor pools are popular spots fo relax, and guests can make use of an expansive spa and extensive dining includes Italian, Greek, and buffet eateries. On the downside, private parties can get loud, free Wi-Fi is slow, and the location isn't very walkable. Resort-seekers might also want to consider The Khalidiya Palace, which is more modern and has tons of family-friendly features.
The 301-room upscale Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, is a value option located amid a cluster of five-star hotels in Abu Dhabi's Between the Bridges area, on the shores of beautiful Maqtaa Creek. Less lavish than its neighbors, the Traders offers comfort and space, as well as signing privileges at the fancier Shangri-La Hotel, with whom it shares a private beach. The Traders is well located for sightseeing. Rooms are clean, spacious, and modern.
The 301-room upscale Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, is a value option located amid a cluster of five-star hotels in Abu Dhabi's Between the Bridges area, on the shores of beautiful Maqtaa Creek. Less lavish than its neighbors, the Traders offers comfort and space, as well as signing privileges at the fancier Shangri-La Hotel, with whom it shares a private beach. The Traders is well located for sightseeing. Rooms are clean, spacious, and modern.
The 369-room luxury Fairmont Bab Al Bahr is a high-end, exclusive hotel with fantastic views of Abu Dhabi’s Grand Mosque. The architecture is ultra-modern, and the lagoon-style pool feels like an oasis for princes and sheiks. The location might suit business travelers best, but the hotel offers a free shuttle to popular attractions. There are programmed activities for kids and teenagers, but this is not a low-key, anything goes resort. Rooms are stylish and luxe, with gorgeous Gulf views.
The 369-room luxury Fairmont Bab Al Bahr is a high-end, exclusive hotel with fantastic views of Abu Dhabi’s Grand Mosque. The architecture is ultra-modern, and the lagoon-style pool feels like an oasis for princes and sheiks. The location might suit business travelers best, but the hotel offers a free shuttle to popular attractions. There are programmed activities for kids and teenagers, but this is not a low-key, anything goes resort. Rooms are stylish and luxe, with gorgeous Gulf views.
The mid-range Premier Inn Dubai Silicon Oasis offers all the expected amenities of the chain in a location better suited to business travelers than tourists. Downtown Dubai is a 20-minute drive, while Mall of the Emirates and Palm Jumeirah are around 30 minutes. Free shuttles to area sights are convenient. The 230 rooms are outfitted in the brand's typical purple decor, with sufficient amenities such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, kettles, air-conditioning, and mini-fridges. Rooms, however, are on the small side. This is also the case for the outdoor pool, adjacent hot tub, and gym with a few cardio machines and free weights. A Costa Coffee is in the lobby and an all-day Mediterranean restaurant receives positive reviews. The Arabian Park Hotel is closer to downtown and the airport, and it has cheaper rates and a bigger pool.
The mid-range Premier Inn Dubai Silicon Oasis offers all the expected amenities of the chain in a location better suited to business travelers than tourists. Downtown Dubai is a 20-minute drive, while Mall of the Emirates and Palm Jumeirah are around 30 minutes. Free shuttles to area sights are convenient. The 230 rooms are outfitted in the brand's typical purple decor, with sufficient amenities such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, kettles, air-conditioning, and mini-fridges. Rooms, however, are on the small side. This is also the case for the outdoor pool, adjacent hot tub, and gym with a few cardio machines and free weights. A Costa Coffee is in the lobby and an all-day Mediterranean restaurant receives positive reviews. The Arabian Park Hotel is closer to downtown and the airport, and it has cheaper rates and a bigger pool.
The AVANI Deira Dubai Hotel is a smart, upscale property in the culturally diverse Deira district. It's far from downtown sights, but near the airport and a five-minute walk from the metro. The 216 rooms are spacious and elegant, and their streamlined layouts include big TVs, iPod docks, and minibars. Upgraded rooms get Club Lounge access, plus passes to a beach club at The Palm. The hotel has a modern fitness center and rooftop pool, but note it's under a flight path. Varied dining includes an Asian restaurant with live wok stations and a buffet breakfast, plus a sports bar with an alcohol license. Meeting rooms are useful for corporate guests, though unreliable in-room Wi-Fi is a downside. Emirates Grand Hotel is less stylish, but an affordable downtown alternative.
The AVANI Deira Dubai Hotel is a smart, upscale property in the culturally diverse Deira district. It's far from downtown sights, but near the airport and a five-minute walk from the metro. The 216 rooms are spacious and elegant, and their streamlined layouts include big TVs, iPod docks, and minibars. Upgraded rooms get Club Lounge access, plus passes to a beach club at The Palm. The hotel has a modern fitness center and rooftop pool, but note it's under a flight path. Varied dining includes an Asian restaurant with live wok stations and a buffet breakfast, plus a sports bar with an alcohol license. Meeting rooms are useful for corporate guests, though unreliable in-room Wi-Fi is a downside. Emirates Grand Hotel is less stylish, but an affordable downtown alternative.
Opened in 2014, the four-pearl Carlton Downtown Hotel (formerly Warwick) is an upscale property, well-located near Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the metro, and the financial district. Features include the highest open-air outdoor pool and restaurant in Dubai (47th floor), a glitzy spa, and a modern fitness center, plus an outdoor tennis court. Many of its 357 rooms have sensational views, and all come with flat-screen TVs, kettles, and lush Gilchrist & Soames toiletries. Six bars and restaurants have globetrotting menus, and the breakfast buffet gets rave reviews. Meeting rooms cater to its significant corporate clientele, while free shuttles to attractions keep leisure guests happy. Beach lovers may want to consider JA Ocean View Hotel, where the pool is bigger, plus there's more for kids.
Opened in 2014, the four-pearl Carlton Downtown Hotel (formerly Warwick) is an upscale property, well-located near Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the metro, and the financial district. Features include the highest open-air outdoor pool and restaurant in Dubai (47th floor), a glitzy spa, and a modern fitness center, plus an outdoor tennis court. Many of its 357 rooms have sensational views, and all come with flat-screen TVs, kettles, and lush Gilchrist & Soames toiletries. Six bars and restaurants have globetrotting menus, and the breakfast buffet gets rave reviews. Meeting rooms cater to its significant corporate clientele, while free shuttles to attractions keep leisure guests happy. Beach lovers may want to consider JA Ocean View Hotel, where the pool is bigger, plus there's more for kids.