Looking for the very best hotels in Abu Dhabi? When it comes to vacation (or staycation) destinations, there are few cities that can match the UAE capital for top spots.
From city-slicking chic to breathtaking beauty by the beach, you’re never short of options to rest your head (will a suite suspended 200 metres in the air do?) Not that you’ll want to waste too much time getting some shut eye given the myriad ways you can have fun in the city.
Get ready to be wowed by some of the best (and most luxurious) hotels Abu Dhabi has to offer. These are the very best Abu Dhabi hotels.
Al Bateen
The Abu Dhabi EDITION
At this minimalist design-lover’s dream perched on the Al Bateen Marina, reams have already been written about the statement-making exterior referencing the sails of a traditional dhow boat and the sleek, curvaceous lines of the five-storey atrium (complete with gilded billiard table). But it’s the little details that set the best apart from the rest and here that includes a talented meat sommelier at the Oak Room restaurant (Richard rocks!), bespoke Le Labo x EDITION scent and lyrical photography by Brett Weston that you simply need to see.
editionhotels.com (02 208 0000).
Yas Island
Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island
With Yas Island theme park passes included in your stay and the Etihad Arena right next door, it’s entertainment central here. But when you’ve had your fair share of excitement for one day, the Hilton gives you have myriad options to kick back and unwind. Take a dip in the palm-lined pool or hang with the beautiful people enjoying the beach club vibes and chilled Balearic-inspired beats at Café del Mer. And if you happen to have a little too much fun in the sun, the After Sun Rescue at the eforea spa will come, well, to the rescue.
hilton.com(02 208 6888).
The WB Abu Dhabi
Batman or Superman? Tom or Jerry? Where better to settle the debate than at this blockbuster destination, which houses an ever-evolving collection of Warner Bros. memorabilia such as the self-playing piano from Westworld. Even the 257 rooms are filled with artwork from the WB world. If kids aren’t exhausted from all the action at Warner Bros. World next door, they’ll love a splash about in the ‘dive-in’ theatre and the milk and cookies delivered by Bugs Bunny. Bigger kids meanwhile should head to The Overlook, where an infinity pool offering incredible views over Yas Island is the perfect place to enjoy a libation or two.
wbabudhabicuriocollection.com (02 815 0000).
W Abu Dhabi
Only in somewhere as achingly cool as the W would you find a wall literally pinched by timber pegs. It’s a design cue referencing the nose pegs traditionally worn by pearl divers in the region and serves as a reminder that the W Abu Dhabi is anything but ordinary. Although, the fact it sits atop the capital’s F1 track is probably proof enough! If ‘petrolheadonism’ isn’t your thing, you can make your ‘gram glam courtesy of the maximalist dining spots, pump some iron at FIT or head poolside to soak up some rays on the Sun Deck (family friendly) or Wet Deck (adults only).
instagram.com/wabudhabi (02 656 0000).
Yas Plaza Hotels
Not one but six different hotels fall under the Yas Plaza Hotels umbrella: Crowne Plaza Yas Island, Radisson Blu Yas Island, Yas Island Rotana, Staybridge Suites Yas Island, Park Inn Yas Island and Centro Yas Island. So no matter whether you’re on business or flying solo, or you’re travelling with friends, the fam, or your better half, there’s a vibe and budget to suit. But the real draw surely has to be the close proximity of each hotel. And with six times the fun, you can eat your way around the world.
yasplazahotels.com (02 656 2000).
Saadiyat Island
Jumeirah Saadiyat Island
Whether it’s care for the natural beauty sitting right on the doorstep (the Insta-worthy glass installation splashed across the ceiling hints at the hotel’s eco stance) or helping you working on your yogic ‘om’, wellness it the watchword here. The extensive treatment options in the vast spa and wellness centre will help with the R&R, but check into the two-bed duplex villa for a villacation and the spa will come to you. And if you pause to sit on your balcony admiring the view, you may just catch a glimpse of gazelles, dolphins, or even hawksbill turtles during nesting season.
jumeirah.com(02 811 4444).
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas
When the toughest decision of the day is choosing between one of the best beaches in Abu Dhabi or a spectacular pool dappled by palm fronds, you know you’re onto a winner. The vibe here is the epitome of understated elegance, and whether you’re in a room, suite or palatial villa, calmness reigns. But when you’ve had enough of being a lounge lizard and are in need of adventure, you can pop the kids in Camp Hyatt and take to the sea on an eco boat trip to check out the coastal habitat.
instagram.com/parkhyattad (02 407 1234).
St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
Positioned neatly between The Louvre and the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, the St Regis is dedicated to helping you max out your me-time. Why have one pool when you can have four? Why have one spa therapist when you can have two? (The Four Hands Massage at the Iridium Spa is dreamy, by the way.) And why stick to one dining spot when you can enjoy six, particularly when one – Buddha-Bar Beach – sits right on the pristine white sand. There’s even a 24/7 butler service… just in case you were thinking of lifting a finger.
instagram.com/stregissaadiyatisland (02 498 8000).
Corniche
Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
Rising like a sculptural glass sail out of the Corniche, the Conrad plays host to some of the best views in Abu Dhabi. The light-filled elegant rooms with their floor-to-ceiling windows will wow, but wait until you are on the 74th floor and drinking in the 360-degree panorama! Once you’ve lifted your jaw off the floor, refuel with the picture-perfect All Seasons afternoon tea and grab one for the ‘gram courtesy of the waitographers.
hilton.com(02 811 5555).
Emirates Palace
Sit around long enough here and you may well find yourself dusted with gold – just like the cappuccino it serves! Lavishly opulent, this one-of-a-kind destination combines old-world Arabian charm with all the luxurious touches you’d expect from five-star-topping modern hospitality. Palatial in every sense of the word, you can get lost in the 100-hectares of gardens, wander the 1.3 km private beach (no filter needed), mosey down the lazy river and try any number of outdoor pursuits before the need for sustenance kicks in. Options abound when it’s time to dine, so toss a coin – you can’t go wrong!
mandarinoriental.com(02 690 9000).
Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl
If slick design is the kind of the thing that makes your vacay, you’ll appreciate this twisting glass tower with its modish interior accents and pearl symbolism. All 428 rooms come with a private balcony, but request a ‘view room’ to enjoy a bird’s eye peek at the Emirates Palace and glistening Gulf beyond. And if you think nothing of bounding along for a workout at 3am, you’re in luck! The fitness centre is open 24/7.
instagram.com/grandhyattabudhabi (02 510 1234).
St. Regis Abu Dhabi
Anyone with sky-high expectations will enjoy the fact that St. Regis Abu Dhabi likes to exceed them. Home to the lavish, gravity defying Abu Dhabi Suite suspended 200 metres up, the remaining suites and rooms take on a refined colour palette and frame either sea or city views. When it’s not welcoming VIPs, the helipad becomes one of the coolest event spaces in the city: afternoon tea, anyone? And further fun awaits at the Nation Riviera Beach Club, which is accessed by a private air-conditioned under path that feels very 007.
marriott.co.uk (02 694 4444).
Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche
The Middle East meets Art Deco with a sprinkling of Thai spice here, and it’s très chic! You’ll find the Arabesque motifs and monochromatic palette everywhere, but they come together best in the striking guest rooms and the Corniche All Day Dining spot. It’s a fusion that works in the sensorial Sofitel Spa too, where French spa philosophies meet rose milk baths and hammam rituals – definitely worth devoting a few hours to. A quick note! You’ll need to jump on the shuttle bus to get to the beach, but head poolside and we bet it won’t feel like you’re missing out.
Corniche Road East, Capital Plaza Complex, sofitelabudhabicorniche.com (02 813 7777).
Al Maqta
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
The distinctive façade of this glass monolith showcasing a funky LED light display might remind you of those fun buzz wire games you played as a kid, but make no mistake! This place oozes style. All 369 rooms are fab, but choose the Fairmont Gold experience and you’ll enjoy a few additional touches that will make you feel like a VIP. Not that you need to be a VIP to take a lap of the Olympic-sized pool, grab a sweet treat at Guilt-Free Pâtisserie, or chow down on prime cuts at Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill.
fairmont.com/abu-dhabi (02 654 3333).
Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi
Dripping with Arabian architectural details, it seems fitting that the pretty arched façade of the balconies should frame one of must culturally significant sights in the capital: the awe-inspiring Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque. Head to the infinity pool to capture a prize-worthy pic. And when you’re done playing landscape photographer of the year, don’t miss the opportunity to cruise along to the souk in an abra (traditional wooden boat) before pit-stopping at your choice of the Chinese, Vietnamese or French fine dining options.
shangri-la.com (02 509 8888).
Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal
There might not be a gondola in sight (you should totally try asking for a Cornetto though), but the Italian palazzi of Venice are very much the inspiration for the buildings that curve in a gentle semi-circle around the humongous pool. The latest addition to the collection is the Rabdan villa, a private retreat that’s perfect for those who like to keep things discreet. And with a private beach, FIFA-standard football pitch, and new Padel courts to try (it’s a bit like tennis), there’s enough here to ensure your stay is different every day.
ritzcarlton.com(02 818 8888).
Al Maryah Island
Four Seasons
A hotel is our kind of place when you can jump straight out of (the oh-so-comfortable) bed, book yourself in for an afternoon spa treatment at the touch of an iPad button and then float in air-conditioned comfort to the mall – or The Galleria, to be precise. But if spa days and shopping ‘til you drop are not your thang, don’t worry! There’s complimentary access to the Cove Beach to enjoy, a third-floor pool to take a dip in and options aplenty for those hanger pangs. The Filet ‘Oscar’ followed by cherry pie à la mode at Butcher & Still is perfection (in our opinion).
fourseasons.com/abudhabi (02 333 2222).
Rosewood Abu Dhabi
Housed in a 34-storey glass edifice that shimmers day and night like the Arabian Gulf below, the Rosewood is as striking inside as it is out. The 148 rooms come in four categories – Classic, Deluxe, Executive and Manor Club – all with design details you’ll want to copy at home, while the 41 suites include the Manor Club perks as standard. Things get even more ‘wow’ in the public spaces, where you’ll want to go Insta-crazy for the ‘Globrellas’ on the pool deck. Providing shade during the daytime, they take on their own kind of cool at night when they form the backdrop to the open-air bar, one of many stellar drinking and dining destinations here.
rosewoodhotels.com (02 813 5550).
Al Zahniya
Beach Rotana
One of the OGs of Abu Dhabi’s luxury hotel scene and home to the equally long- established Trader Vic’s, we’ll be getting the bunting out to wish Beach Rotana a happy 30th birthday next year. The conical domed lobby is worthy of a photo or two, and the Sea Rooms in this 565-room complex have been treated to an easy-breezy refresh to bring the outside in. Elsewhere, head to the roof of the gym to give Padel a go (it’s clearly having a moment) – it will limber you up for a jaunt around the sprawling Abu Dhabi Mall.
instagram.com/beach_rotana (02 697 9000).
Abu Dhabi Marina
Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi
It’s not open just yet, but Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi is shaping up to be one of the best hotels in Abu Dhabi. The hotel is opening at the Abu Dhabi Marina this year with new restaurants, entertainment and leisure activities to look forward to. Located at Abu Dhabi Marina, the hotel will share facilities with the Fairmont Marina Residences to offer guests unobstructed views of the sea and the Abu Dhabi skyline. There will also be DJs, performers and adrenaline-fueled shows.
Opening soon, Abu Dhabi Marina, rixos.com.
Muroor Road
Dusit Thani
How many times is it acceptable to a ride in a glass lift (asking for a friend)? Looking like capsules ready to eject you into space – Willy Wonka style – the lifts soars up 32 floors, making the lobby atrium here the third largest in the world. And it’s not the only showstopper. The stylish pool and sun deck offer fantastic views across the horizon, a panorama that can also be enjoyed from many of the 402 rooms. And in a hotel that celebrates Thai charm and Arabic grandeur, a meal at Benjarong is one to pop on your must-do list.
925 Sultan Bin Zayed The First Street, Al Muroor Road, dusit.com (02 698 8888).
Eastern Mangroves
Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi
You’ll enjoy a fabulous view of the capital’s protected mangroves from many of Anantara’s rooms and suites, but if you want to get up close and personal, jump in one of the hotel’s kayak or hop aboard for a traditional pearling dhow for a tranquil cruise. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, pop in request for a private dining experience and survey the waterways you’ve just conquered from the private terrace. Anantara is renowned for its spa offering however, so plug in some time to unwind. The hammam is a sight to behold.
Sheik Zayed Street, anantara.com(02 656 1000).
Nurai Island
Zaya Nurai Island
Requiring you to jet in by speed boat from Saadiyat Island like a Hollywood A-lister (there’s a helipad if you prefer), the tone is set from the off: this idyllic paradise isle is out to impress. Expect matchless views of endless turquoise waters from any of the 65 private villas, each with their own private plunge pool, and send your social media wild with insta-glammable shots of swings in the sea, watersports galore (including a fun surf pool), and faultless al fresco dining. This may just be what paradise feels like.
nuraiisland.com (02 506 6222).
