The 5 best luxury hotels in Abu Dhabi

Rightly quoted in the popular movie Sex and The City, the glistening city of Abu Dhabi is recently known as the “New Middle East”. A city that has evolved far past its original label of conventional conduct and a slow paced lifestyle, Abu Dhabi nowadays associates itself with phenomenal growth against a sophisticated backdrop.

Only half a decade ago, the scenery of Abu Dhabi was restricted to a small yet relevant fishing village dotted with coral buildings. The second most popular Emirati city, Abu Dhabi offers a more Arabic flavour than its Emirates brother, Dubai.

The progressive city of Abu Dhabi has a plethora of sites for tourists. The scenic spot of Corniche Park offers fountains and cycle paths while the White Fort is one of the most ancient buildings in the city. Swim in the blue turquoise waters or laze on the white-washed beaches; or discover the man-made Yas Island. If you are in for an adrenaline rush, swing by Ferrari World or admire the immaculately designed Grand Mosque, which attracts millions of visitors annually.

Before you retreat to your preferred list of hotels, take a look at our specially curated list of hotels. Here are the top 5 hotels in Abu Dhabi.

5. St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi
The St. Regis overlooks the famed Saadiyat Beach, a six-mile stretch of natural beach. The hotel, which rises to eight floors ziggurat-style, is reminiscent of a grand Mediterranean villa complex, with 377 rooms. Inside, there’s a grand lobby and the sound of piano music transports you to a world of leisure and opulence. The beach is its greatest asset. Of the seven bars and restaurants, it’s worth having dinner in Sontaya, the pan-Asian restaurant. If you can afford it, 55&5th, The Grill, is the St Regis signature restaurant.

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4. Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi
Set half on land and half on water, the Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi Hotel features a unique design. The architectural marvel features 11 dining options and 499 modern rooms. Think floor-to-ceiling windows, stylish interiors and expansive marina views. The much talked about spa is intricately designed as a traditional hammam with 2 rooftop swimming pools offering sunset views. The luxurious property is connected to mainland Abu Dhabi by a bridge.

3. Rosewood Abu Dhabi
Situated on Abu Dhabi’s Maryah Island, the luxurious Rosewood Abu Dhabi offers a scenic waterfront view of the city skyline. With direct access to Sowwah Square, Rosewood Abu Dhabi features 189 spacious rooms and suites and 131 serviced residences. The generously spaced rooms feature amenities including an iPad® room navigation system, round-the-clock professional butler service and oversized Villeroy & Boch tub. Enjoy a cigar or a glass of wine at La Cava, or savour a refreshing drink at Glo or Hidden Bar.

2. Ritz Calrton Abu Dhabi
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi sprawls over a massive 57 acre plot and entails 532 rooms (447 guestrooms and suites, with an additional 85 luxury villas), lush green gardens and a private beach overlooking the Grand Canal. The beautiful hotel sits facing the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, offering unparalleled views of the city. The mosaic tile patterns on the floor of the lobby, as well as motifs used in other public areas and on the guest room doors and floors, are exact replicas of the designs used within the mosque, while the lighting of the lobby at night will also echo that of the mosque.

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1. Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi
A seven star luxury hotel that sits on its own stretch of a one mile private beach, the Emirates Palace proudly occupies a prime position in Abu Dhabi. Think domes, gold leaf and a lot of marble. The beautifully appointed rooms entail tranquil colors of light blue, gold and creme in silk upholstery brightened up by honey brown wooden veneer and marble floorings. Butler service is available to all in-house guests at the 394 room and suite hotel. The premium property features two large swimming pools and a generous selection of 14 restaurants and bars for your tempting taste buds. Best for food is the Hakkasan, part of the Michelin-starred restaurant group. With its own separate entrance and terrace, and highly stylised interiors, Hakkasan feels as though it’s set apart from the main hotel.

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