Where to stay

Introduction

From the previous modules, it is clear that Abu Dhabi is a great holiday destination to meet all possible customer needs. Hopefully the previous modules have helped clarify the options available in terms of places to see and things to do.

Now we need to look at where your clients want to stay. One of the first choices they need to make is whether to include a visit to Al Ain.

Abu Dhabi city, as the capital, offers the majority of the modern facilities – as well as fantastic beaches, culture and the majority of the hotels. No visit to Abu Dhabi would be complete without a stay in this exciting city.

Al Ain offers international class hotels and a great cultural and historical edge, whilst balancing this with the scenery and beauty of the region.

Both cities offer a range of hotels and opportunities to experience the Abu Dhabi magic…

Accommodation

Abu Dhabi has an impressive array of top-end accommodation, though cheaper options are available. The majority of places to stay are hotels ranging in standard from three to five stars, but it is the five-star bracket that really stands out.

Accommodation in Abu Dhabi is mainly situated around the northern end of the island near the Corniche. There are several luxury beach-front properties as well as a range of superior properties in the heart of the city.

A few of the best properties in each category are listed below.

Five Star properties:

Ideally located adjacent to the expensive Abu Dhabi mall, the Beach Rotana Hotel & Towers is made up of 413 guestrooms including 11 executive suites, one royal suite, and a presidential suite. The hotel is extremely elegant with its own beach, several quality restaurants, and a great bar.

Said to be the most expensive hotel to be built in the world with a staggering 114 domes, all covered in mosaic glass tiles, 302 luxury rooms and 92 suites and an auditorium that can seat 1,200, The Emirates Palace opened in April 2005 on one of Abu Dhabi’s most beautiful beaches.

Set in the heart of the city, the Le Royal Meridien Hotel enjoys a prime position on the prestigious Corniche, accommodating 180 spacious deluxe rooms and suites all overlooking the Gulf.

The Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet with 124 rooms is a unique mountain oasis resort, located on Hafeet Mountain at 915 m. It is a 2 hour drive from Abu Dhabi and the refined authentic architecture reflects the magic atmosphere of the region. The hotel offers 2 restaurants, a coffee shop and a bar with breathtaking views of Al Ain city.

The modern hotel is situated along the famous Corniche stretch, in the centre of the capital and has fantastic views of the city. The Hotel offers 325 luxurious guestrooms but it is more famously known for opening Abu Dhabi’s first ever champagne & cigar bar, Cristal.

With 260 rooms, two bars and eight international restaurants this is one of Abu Dhabi’s premier hotels. Located on the Western end of the Corniche the hotel resembles a desert fort.

Close to Al Ain city centre, the Hilton offers accommodation in 202 spacious rooms. There are comprehensive business facilities including a ball room and meeting room that can cater for up to 950 guests.

Four star properties:

Located near to junction of Salam Street and the Corniche, the hotel provides rooms with kitchenettes and has a business centre and gym.

Aimed at visiting businessmen, the residence has 116 units in various combinations with good conference and banqueting facilities and a business centre.

Located on the Corniche and within walking distance of the main business and shopping areas, there is also a rooftop restaurant offering wonderful views of the city.

Located five kilometers from the city centre, the hotel has a lovely beach.

Three star properties:

This hotel has 106 rooms with kitchenettes. Guests may also use the gym and business centre of the neighboring Al-Diar Regency Hotel.

Located on the Old Airport Road, this glittering gold tower operated by Rotana hotels, offers the 110 rooms access to a private beach.

Housed in twin pink towers, the Golden Tulip comprises 126 rooms.

New Developments:

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts announced that it has entered into an agreement with the National Investment Corporation (“NIC”) of Abu Dhabi to manage its first Abu Dhabi property, a 265-room luxury property. Scheduled to open in late 2006, the five-star, full service urban resort will be called “The Fairmont Abu Dhabi Resort & Villas”.

In Abu Dhabi, Rotana Hotels will be opening its 5th property and will remain the largest operator in the city. The Khalidiya Rotana Resort & Suites will have 400 luxurious rooms, suites and serviced apartments, outstanding food and beverage venues, 6 meeting rooms, business facilities, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and extensive water sport activities in one of the island most stunning beaches.

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