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Where to Stay in Abu Dhabi

Where to Stay in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi UAE Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Full Spectrum of Lodging Options

  • Hostels

    Minimal alternatives, mostly for travelers on a budget, often outside main tourist zones.

  • Budget Hotels

    2-3 star hotels with basic amenities, near business districts or older city parts.

  • Mid-range Hotels

    3-4 star hotels featuring comfortable stays, pools, gyms, and places to eat.

  • Luxury Hotels

    5-star hotels offering premium services, extensive facilities, private beaches.

Unique & Rental Options

  • Serviced Apartments

    Popular for longer stays or families, they have kitchen facilities and more space.

  • Desert Resorts

    High-end resorts in the sandy landscape, like the Empty Quarter, unique glamping experiences.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com feature rooms, apartments, or villas for independent stays.

  • Desert Camping

    Permitted in designated areas; organized safari tours usually include overnight camping.

Neighborhood Guide

Abu Dhabi's diverse neighborhoods each hold distinct ambiances and attractions.

Downtown Abu Dhabi

Pros
  • Central location, diverse dining, business facilities.
  • Access to public transport.
  • Mix of hotels, malls, business towers.
  • Good for general urban sights.
Cons
  • Can be busy.
  • Less immediate access to beaches (Corniche is nearby).
  • Can be bustling with urban noise.

Corniche Area

Pros
  • Beautiful views, beach access, relaxed atmosphere.
  • Jogging paths, municipal beaches, parks.
  • Ideal for leisure travelers and people with children.
  • Generally quiet ambiance.
Cons
  • Can be pricier.
  • More leisure-focused.

Yas Island

Pros
  • All-in-one entertainment, family-friendly.
  • Theme parks, Yas Mall, Yas Marina Circuit.
  • Dedicated shuttle services.
  • Can be lively around theme parks and events.
Cons
  • Can feel isolated from city culture.
  • Dedicated transport needed for other parts of Abu Dhabi.

Safety Considerations & Ambiance

Safety:

All major tourist and residential areas in Abu Dhabi have exceptional safety. The city sustains a very low crime rate.

Ambiance:

Saadiyat Island has a serene, cultural focus with luxury holiday resorts and beaches. Al Maryah Island has a high-end, sophisticated atmosphere with financial hubs, luxury hotels, plus gourmet restaurants. Khalifa City/Mohammed Bin Zayed City are residential areas with more affordable options, further from the central area.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking strategies lock in better discounts and ascertain your preferred accommodation during peak travel times.

Advance Booking by Season

  • High Season (Nov-Mar): Book flights and accommodation 3-6 months ahead, particularly for popular hotels or during major happenings such as the F1 Grand Prix.
  • Shoulder Season (Apr, May, Oct): Book 1-3 months ahead to acquire good options.
  • Low Season (Jun-Sep): More flexibility exists. Booking can occur closer to travel date; excellent prices may exist further ahead.
  • A a credit card is usually necessary to guarantee a saved place.

Booking Platforms & Policies

  • International Platforms: Booking.com, Expedia, Agoda, Hotels.com, TripAdvisor are dependable.
  • Direct Bookings: Many hotels put forward best rate guarantees on their official websites.
  • Vacation Rentals: Airbnb is a popular platform. Vrbo is another option.
  • Deposit and cancellation policies vary; review specific terms before booking.

Other Booking Considerations

Negotiation:
  • Negotiation for hotel walk-in rates is not customary in Abu Dhabi.
  • Prices are generally fixed.
Price Fluctuations:
  • Accommodation prices rise during peak season (November-March) and major events.
  • Summer (June-September) has the most cheap prices due to heat.

House/Pet Sitting

TrustedHousesitters:

Explore opportunities for house and pet sitting through TrustedHousesitters.

IHG Hotels:

For broader places to stay, consider IHG Hotels.

Hostelworld:

For budget-focused stays, Hostelworld concentrates on hostel bookings.

Accommodation Recommendations

Recommendations tailored to different budget levels, travel styles, and interests.

Budget & Mid-Range

Budget Options

These stays offer a comfortable encounter without an exorbitant price tag.

  • Premier Inn Abu Dhabi International Airport
  • Centro Yas Island (Rotana)
  • Various serviced apartments in Khalifa City
Mid-Range Options

A fine selection of properties offering a balance of amenities and cost.

  • Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi
  • Southern Sun Abu Dhabi
  • Park Inn by Radisson Abu Dhabi Yas Island

Luxury & Family-Friendly

Luxury Options

Indulge in opulent stays at world-renowned establishments.

  • Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
  • The St. Regis Abu Dhabi
  • Rosewood Abu Dhabi
  • Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island
Family-Friendly Stays

Hotels and resorts that specifically meet the needs of families.

  • Yas Island Hotels (W Abu Dhabi, Park Inn by Radisson)
  • Beach Resorts (Saadiyat Rotana Holiday resort & Villas)
  • Serviced Apartments (multiple brands)

Solo & Long Stays

  • Solo Traveler

    Hotels in Downtown Abu Dhabi offer easy access to transport and varied dining. Mid-range hotels present comfort and facilities.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Numerous serviced apartments and extended-stay lodgings are available. They often have weekly and monthly pricing. Find options in Al Markaziyah, Al Muroor, and residential suburbs.

  • Featured Hotel:

    IHG Hotels feature an array of options for all types of travel. Explore IHG Hotels.

Cultural & Historical Significance

  • Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

    An iconic luxury hotel, a landmark demonstrating Arabian grandeur.

  • Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

    A high-end experience connected to the desert landscape and Bedouin heritage.

  • Qasr Al Hosn's Cultural Foundation

    A significant historical site to visit, with nearby boutique hotels echoing the historical location.

Visual Highlight

Emirates Palace

The Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, a true architectural marvel.