The 11 Best Hotels in Abu Dhabi

This boutique hotel in Al Bateen, a five-minute drive from the city centre, is the first EDITION property in the Middle East. It comprises two glass box-like structures – one housing the hotel and the other, the residences. Encased in metal latticework and connected by a walkway, the 198-room waterfront establishment is stylish and comfortable. The lobby features plush sofas, a peach palette, dim lighting and a mesmerising kinetic art installation. There are three signature eateries operated under the watchful eye of British celebrity chef Tom Aikens, a three-level Annex entertainment space, a luxe spa and two pools.

This luxurious five-star, 394-room establishment oozes opulence and is dripping in gold. The grandeur of the hotel, which sits proudly on the western end of the Corniche and often plays host to global dignitaries and Hollywood celebrities, is apparent inside and out. Indeed, the luxury begins at the check-in counter, where all female guests are presented with a long-stemmed red rose. You can also sip on a world-renowned gold cappuccino, savour a gold-encrusted ice cream or get a gold facial. Rooms and suites are palatial in size and style, with stately marble bathrooms and well-appointed furnishings. If bling is your thing, this is the place to be.

This gilded tower at the western end of the city’s Corniche is the most Arabesque hotel of all. The five-star property’s gleaming facade makes it immediately recognisable in the neighbourhood it calls home, one that is also home to the Presidential Palace, Emirates Palace and the Founder’s Memorial. The 677-room establishment blends traditional artisanship with contemporary appeal and is heavily inspired by Moroccan and Emirati style. There’s a majlis (sitting place) at the back of the lobby, while photographs of Sheikh Zayed set the scene for the welcoming lobby that’s home to falaj-like water features. Expect a truly fairy tale-like experience here.

You might recognise this hotel from Star Wars: The Force Awakens – it was used as a backdrop in many scenes. The drive to this hotel, which is two hours from the city, sets the stage for what’s beyond the gates to this Bedouin-style resort. Surround yourself with desert landscape as far as the eye can see, and when you’re not sandboarding, dune-bashing or scaling the Sunset Dune, watch the resort’s falcon and saluki show. For a true Arabian Nights experience, opt for private desert dining or have a meal at the purpose-built camp, Al Falaj.

Enjoy a soirée atop the highest helicopter pad in the emirate at The St Regis Abu Dhabi, and when you’re done, pull up a pew at the bar, where you can sip on a signature bloody mary. The colour palette of this classy hotel on the Corniche reflects the desert landscape and uses its calligraphy artworks and Islamic geometric, motif-inspired decor to give it an injection of flair. The butler service is as slick as you’d expect from a hotel of this calibre, and the adjoining Nation Riviera Beach Club, with its private beach, lap pool and Treasure Island kids’ club, is one of the city’s best. It’s a great central choice within walking distance of the family beach, Emirates Palace, the Nation Towers shopping complex and public transport.