Best Hotel Deals
Most of the hotels offer big discounts over the summer, but Time Out Abu Dhabi has teamed up with some of our favourites to offer you that little bit extra. Check into any of the following hotels, fill in the voucher you’ll find overleaf, and live life that little bit better…
Aloft: The hippest hotel in town? Quite possibly. With the hugely successful relax@12 bar on the roof, it’s got amazing views and pumping tunes to go with it. There’s also plenty of stuff going on for the rest of the family. A morning by the pool may suit the grandparents and their offspring’s offspring, and then they can look after the little ’uns for you while you spend an evening chilling pool-side at Mai Café. The perfect spot for anyone taking in Summer in Abu Dhabi and the Big Apple Circus this month – it’s all going on next door in Adnec, so you might as well stick around and make a weekend of it.
Muroor (02 654 5000; www.aloftabudhabi.com). Summer deals start from Dhs399++.
I’m a Time Out Reader!
Therefore, I’ll be having a free platter for two people at relax@12, or two lunches/dinners at Dine restaurant for the price of one. I’ll be staying at the hotel, naturally…
Armed Forces Officers Club and Hotel: We love the labyrinthine nature of this mildly eccentric hotel, and the huge grounds (with no less than 100,000 tropical plants) are a child’s paradise, with a kids’ village at its green and lush centre. Add to all this a much-appreciated indoor pool, a shooting club, a paintball pitch, a PlayStation café, a vast gymnasium and an indoor tennis court, and you’ve got yourself a fully functional resort, only minutes from the Grand Mosque. Well worth exploring, especially if you’ve got kids in tow.
Al Maqtaa (02 441 5900; www.afoc.mil.ae). Summer deals start from Dhs450++.
I’m a Time Out Reader!
Therefore, I get a complimentary Friday family brunch (for four people), a family evening movie in the cinema (on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday), free entrance to the Children’s Village, swimming sessions in the Olympic-size pool, gym sessions (Junior Gym included) and 50 per cent discount on a massage, a facial, the tennis court, the squash court, the bowling alley and the PlayStation room! All providing I come to stay at the hotel, of course…
Beach Rotana: Like a sophisticated gentleman who knows the score, the best thing about this popular waterfront hotel is its understated elegance. In so many modern hotels these days you need an intergalactic pilots’ license just to operate the bathtub, but the Beach Rotana keeps things down-to-earth and simple, while oozing style at the same time. With Abu Dhabi Mall through the back door, a lengthy beach through the side door, Zen Spa and a wealth of award-winning restaurants (Time Out favourites include Finz, Rodeo Grill and Indigo) all on site, it’s one of our favourite places for a staycation.
Tourist Club Area (02 697 9000; www.rotana.com). Summer deals start from Dhs550++.
I’m a Time Out Reader!
I’m entitled to 10 per cent off all summer room rates currently offered at the Beach Rotana. Ker-ching! (Terms and conditions apply.)
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi: This Dhabi institution may be on the brink of a full-on refurb but there’s plenty already in place to keep guests happy, like the new Asian-fusion restaurant Cho Gao and Italian eaterie Spaccanapoli. Centrally located and within easy walking distance of the corniche, the Crowne Plaza is popular with both families and business types alike. A top floor, fully equipped gym, an outdoor pool with views across the city and expat-friendly bars make the Crowne Plaza a good all-round stay-at-home destination.
Hamdan Street (02 621 0000; www.ichotelsgroup.com). Summer deals start from Dhs325++.
I’m a Time Out Reader!
Which means that my kids under the age of 12 can have dinner for free at any of the Crowne Plaza’s restaurants when I check in for a couple of nights.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr: Seriously slick design touches (metallic beaded curtains, angular silver sofas, lights shaped like lily pads…); fine dining restaurants (Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill, Frankie’s, Elements) and service that is attentive without being overbearing – the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr is all about stripping back the unessential flourishes to offer sheer luxury in the simplest of forms. Bedrooms boast earthy brown and creamy tones with floor-to-ceiling windows and views stretching out to sea and the Grand Mosque. Still need convincing of the Fairmont’s five-star credentials? The hotel even has its own Chocolate Gallery – enough said.
Al Jesrain (02 654 3333; www.fairmont.com). Summer deals start from Dhs699++.
I’m a Time Out Reader!
So I’m entitled to Dhs100 credit to spend on food and drink at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr’s restaurants, providing I’m staying on one of the following summer packages: ‘Family Fun’, ‘The Choice is Yours’ or the ‘Famous Fairmont Friday Brunch’, each of which cost Dhs699. See www.fairmont.com for more details.
Hilton Abu Dhabi: The Hilton Abu Dhabi lays claim to being one of the oldest and most recognisable hotels in the city. The hotel complements its advantageous location with abundant facilities, including swimming pool, gym and tennis courts. It also boasts its own 350m private beach. Inside, dark woods combine with a pervading colour scheme of soft creams, lending the rooms a classic, homely feel. The on-site restaurants, meanwhile, cater for any dining occasion – from a quick business lunch to a long, luxurious dinner.
Corniche (02 681 1900; www.abudhabi.hilton.com). Summer deals can be viewed online.
I’m a Time Out Reader!
Therefore I’m entitled to a complimentary glass of bubbly during lunch or dinner at Hemingway’s, BiCE, La Terrazza or Vasco’s. I can also get a buy-one-get-one-free deal on spa treatments (cheapest treatment is free). All of this is available to me providing I make use of the Great Getaway offer currently bookable via www.abudhabi.hilton.com.
One to One Hotel – The Village: Located off Salaam Street, there was a time when getting to The Village was something of a trial. Thankfully, this delightful hotel – almost boutique in nature – is now well known to the taxi driving fraternity, and is a pumping nightlife venue to boot. Modern and stylish, the hotel is perhaps best known for its large, outdoor garden area (crammed with distractions, from pony rides to trampolines) which comes alive at night. A handful of decent restaurants complete the package, making this one of the best value-for-money options, and coolest hotels, in the city.
One to One, Salaam Street (02 495 2000). Summer deals start from Dhs299++.
I’m a Time Out Reader!
Seeing as I’m currently staying at the hotel, I’m entitled to one complimentary starter and a glass of selected bubbly when I’m eating at Resto, 18oz or Wockano.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort: There are few hotels in the city that enjoy a better location than the Sheraton. Boating, fishing and general splashy merriment are all an important part of a weekend here (heck, they’ve even got the lilos out so you can watch the remainder of the World Cup on poolside TVs), but it’s not just about the water, you know. The Tavern is a popular home-from-home pub for expats, and with seafood and Spanish cuisine high on the agenda, and a popular nightclub, the Sheraton is also one of the city’s key nightlife destinations.
Corniche (02 667 3333). Summer deals start from Dhs550++.
I’m a Time Out Reader!
So I’ll be staying in a double room, making the most of the pool and health club (complete with sauna) and having dinner for two at Flavours Restaurant, all for the fantastic price of Dhs500! For more info on amazingly cheap hotel deals in and around Abu Dhabi, pick up your free Summer Escapes guide, free with every paid-for copy of Time Out Abu Dhabi.
