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Best Hotels in Abu Dhabi

By Chris Boyle

Emirates Palace

Whether a sumptuous bed, a spectacular view or service beyond compare – choose from our stunning selection

EMIRATES PALACE

Emirates Palace, one of the wonders of the hotel world, is a national landmark perched on its own stretch of private beach.

Architects and designers used gold, marble and the best artisanship to create this masterpiece, whose façade is over half a mile long. Truly one of the most impressive hotels and conference venues ever built, it boasts 394 rooms and suites, an auditorium for up to 1,100 guests, a ballroom for up to 2,400 guests and 40 meeting rooms. Guests at the hotel have included Demi Moore, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin Spacey and many more.

TOP SUITE PALACE SUITE

Palace Suite

Why we love it: The Palace Suites represent luxury at its finest, each featuring a spacious living area, elegant dining room, magnificent master bedroom and two guest bedrooms with luxurious bathrooms, complete with Jacuzzis and rain showers. Palace Suite guests enjoy 24-hour butler service, luxury bath amenities by Amouage, daily newspapers, flowers, a high-tech entertainment system, a laptop, wireless Internet with up to 40mbps and luxury limousine airport transfers. Each Palace Suite can be separated into individual sections, and booked either as a one-, two- or three-bedroom suite.

  • Square footage: 7,320
  • Nightly rate: $15,800

YAS VICEROY ABU DHABI

Yas Hotel

As Yas Island Abu Dhabi’s premier hotel, Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi sets the standard for exceptional service throughout its 499 impeccable rooms and suites, 12 innovative dining venues and lounges, and the sumptuous ESPA at Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi. The interiors of this Abu Dhabi resort embody a contemporary fusion of elegance and momentum, created with sensuous curves and sleek lines.

TOP SUITE PRESIDENTIAL SUITE

Why we love it: For those who expect the utmost in sophistication, comfort and indulgence, the Presidential Suites will exceed your highest expectations. The two-story Presidential Suite features more than 4,300 square feet or 400 square meters of luxurious space to include a lounge, a private bar, a full chef’s kitchen, in-suite elevators and a spacious dining room to accommodate up to 16 guests.

  • Square footage: 4,402
  • Nightly rate: $6,400

Heiner Werdeling, General Manager

+971 2 656 0000

On the Yas Marina, Yas Island

www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com

QASR AL SARAB DESERT RESORT BY ANANTARA

Three Bedroom villa © Anantara

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara sits within Rub’ al-Khali, the so-called Empty Quarter that is the largest uninterrupted stretch of sand desert in the world, spilling across four Arab states.

The resort’s authentic architecture is faithful to its unique landscape, with the use of water bringing a cooling and reflective quality to the setting. Accommodations include one-bedroom suites and a variety of stand-alone villas, all with king-size beds, oversized bathtubs, rain showers, complimentary Wi-Fi and stunning views of the desert. Relax in cozy opulence with handcrafted furnishings, carpets and embroidered fabrics throughout. Rich textures and intricate details complement the contemporary Middle Eastern feel, enhanced by natural light and views through floor-toceiling glass doors.

TOP SUITE THREE-BEDROOM VILLA

Why we love it: These villas truly embrace the unique architecture of the area and the culture and heritage of the locals. The exteriors are modeled after ancient desert fortresses, while the interiors showcase natural and earthy colors.

  • Square footage: 2,260
  • Nightly rate: $3,100

Wael Soueid, General Manager

+971 2 886 2088

1 Qasr Al Sarab Road

www.qasralsarab.anantara.com

FAIRMONT BAB AL BAHR

Presidential Suite

Situated at the mainland gateway to cosmopolitan Abu Dhabi, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr offers easy access to the Abu Dhabi International Airport, the city center and exhibitions facilities.

Vacationers will love the hotel’s leisure offerings, including private sandy beaches, covered children’s swimming pool and lap pool, all with spectacular vistas of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

TOP SUITE PRESIDENTIAL SUITE

Why we love it: Luxuriously appointed, this newly opened suite features an organic design with bamboo-inspired furnishings and wood paneling, while maintaining a contemporary-chic feel with modern décor and rich fabrics and textures.

  • Square footage: 2,314
  • Nightly rate: From $1,225

Nils Axing, General Manager

+971 2 654 3333

Between the Al Maqta and Mussafah bridges

www.fairmont.com/babalbahr

Danata La In Resort

DANAT AL AIN RESORT

Located 100 miles east of Abu Dhabi in the lush oasis town of Al Ain, the Danat Al Ain Resort (previously the InterContinental Al Ain Resort) is a haven for those seeking relief from the buzz of central Abu Dhabi.

Complete with a spa, health club, several pools, manicured gardens and a variety of bars and lounges, it is the perfect retreat, especially for families, given its proximity to the Al Ain Zoo and Aquarium and its extensive child-care facilities. The suites are both spacious and comfortable, with a bedroom, living room and fully equipped kitchen. One- and two-bedroom Mediterranean-style villas with their own entrances are another superb option for those desiring an extra dose of privacy.

Amed Margoushy, General Manager

+971 3 704 6000

Street 145, behind the Al Ain Mall, Al Ain

www.danathotels.com

SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, QARYAT AL BERI

Shangri La Hotel , Qaryat Al Beri

Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, located on a half-a-mile stretch of private beach, features 214 luxurious rooms, 161 fully furnished long-term-stay residences and six villas with private pools.

CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La and a souk within the Qaryat Al Beri complex make this hotel a true destination within a destination.

TOP SUITE PRESIDENTIAL SUITE

Why we love it: With both Presidential Suites located on opposite wings of the top-most floor of the hotel, the view from each terrace is beyond belief, taking in the inspiring Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque across the water, glittering in the golden sunset. While one suite is outiftted in an opulent Arabian style, the other sports a more contemporary, though equally luxurious, look. Both offer guests a living room, dining area, two bedrooms and a kitchen.

  • Square footage: 4,306
  • Nightly rate: From $3,200

Arbind K. Shresta, General Manager

+971 2 509 8888

Between the Al Maqta and Mussafah bridges

www.shangri-la.com

DESERT ISLANDS RESORT & SPA BY ANANTARA

Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara

Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara is located on Sir Bani Yas Island, a 150-mile drive west of Abu Dhabi, followed by a 20-minute sail.

The exclusive resort is surrounded by the wild vastness of the island, which was transformed by the late ruler of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed, from desert into an ecologically viable, wildlife-rich natural reserve and scenic retreat. The resort offers 64 luxuriously designed rooms whose living quarters are decked with modern amenities and styled with distinctive Arabian touches.

TOP SUITE ROYAL VILLA

Why we love it: The resort’s two Royal Villas speak to the island’s rich history as a royal retreat. Offering two bedrooms, a living room, kitchenette and dining area, the villas combine Arabian décor, contemporary design and modern convenience, such as a 24-hour butler service. You’ll delight in your own private pool and walled tropical gardens, with outdoor garden shower and shaded poolside lounge area, not to mention direct access to the island’s long stretch of beach.

  • Square footage: 2,153
  • Nightly rate: From $3,160

Steven Phillipps, General Manager

+971 2 801 5400

Sir Bani Yas Island, off the coast of Jabel Dhanna

www.desertislands.anantara.com

Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort

The Sheraton Abu Dhabi, a city landmark thanks to its unique design and strategic location on the Abu Dhabi Corniche, offers its guests luxury, tranquility and convenience.

Sporting a private lagoon and gorgeous Gulf views, the hotel is also in walking distance of Corniche Park and close to both shopping and commercial districts, making it a perfect choice for business and leisure travelers alike. After a busy day, unwind in one of the hotel’s numerous bars, each with its own unique vibe.

TOP SUITE PRESIDENTIAL SUITE

  • Square footage: 2,002
  • Nightly rate: From $999

Why we love it: In the stunning Presidential Suite, you’ll enjoy unsurpassed comfort and decorative flair. The spacious two-bedroom, two-bath layout extends to a private dining room, 732-square-foot living room, generous kitchen, separate powder room and a connecting maid’s room. Guests enjoy Club Lounge access with complimentary refreshments throughout the day.

Martin Cramer, General Manager

+971 2 677 3333

Corniche Road

www.sheratonabudhabihotel.com

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