Abu Dhabi hotels

Nestled on a private beach on the Abu Dhabi strait, the Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri is easily one of the best luxury hotels in Abu Dhabi. All 213 rooms and suites celebrate Arabian architecture, with arched doorways, oversized marble mosaic bathrooms, and private terraces offering stellar views over the canal.

My favourite feature has to be the traditional abra boats, which are available for accessing the waterways of the Qaryat Al Beri complex to shop at the souq. Those looking to relax can hang out by the infinity pool overlooking the private beach, complete with sun loungers and beach umbrellas. To top off one of the best hotels in Abu Dhabi, the on-site spa, CHI, offers natural healing practices from across Asia.

Located on Al Maryah Island in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s International Financial Centre, Rosewood Hotel is one of the top-rated hotels in Abu Dhabi for both families and business travellers. Here you’ll find sleek meeting venues and conference rooms alongside a specialty kids’ program called Rosewood Explorers.

The hotel has 189 rooms and suites, each with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf and featuring the latest technology with an iPad navigation and media system. Guests can relax both indoors and out, with an outdoor pool under tropical palm trees overlooking the towering skyscrapers—don’t miss my favourite feature, the Sense Spa, where you can choose from a range of rejuvenating treatments.

It’s impossible to get bored of the dining scene here, with eight restaurants and bars ranging from a dimly-lit speakeasy to a modern Cantonese restaurant. This is hands-down one of the best hotels in Abu Dhabi.

If you’re travelling with kids, this is undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Abu Dhabi for families. As the world’s first Warner Bros-themed hotel, the WB Abu Dhabi Hotel offers a unique world of colour and creativity. Each of the stylish rooms is decorated with your favourite characters and offers unparalleled views over the city and waters of the Arabian Gulf.

Most of the fun is to be had outside the rooms though, with the huge outdoor pool featuring a splash pool for kids and a dive-in theatre with a large outdoor screen. Plus, guests get complimentary entry to Yas Island Theme Parks, with Warner Bros. World just a short stroll away. The dining options here are more sophisticated than you might expect, with a cocktail bar with live music in The Overlook and an upscale steakhouse at The Director’s Club./

This glitzy downtown oasis is one of the best fancy hotels in Abu Dhabi. Bordering the marina, the expansive hotel offers nearly 200 rooms and suites, each decorated with neutral colours and textures, allowing the incredible views from the floor-to-ceiling windows to dominate the space. One of my favourite stand-out features of this hotel is its sleek design that blends in with the surroundings.

For food, pick from one of the three signature restaurants, which includes the Mediterranean-inspired Alba Terrace and the fresh, healthy breakfast options at Market. You can also grab a drink at either the Library Bar, concocting literary-inspired cocktails, or poolside, with happy hour drinks each evening. The large outdoor pool has plenty of room for everyone, including children.

Whether travelling with your family or on a romantic couples’ getaway, The Abu Dhabi Edition is one of the best hotels in Abu Dhabi.

One of the best hotels in Abu Dhabi—and most well-known—the Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island offers everything you could want from a luxury island vacation. This expansive hotel and resort complex features a private white sand beach on its doorstep, along with sweeping views of the Gulf. Yet despite feeling a world away, it’s located around 5 km from the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi and Boutik Mall, so you can still explore the city with ease.

Choose from a vast array of rooms, suites and villas, each blending subtle Arabian architectural elements with coastal hues. Most of the rooms have sea views, while some offer balconies and more spacious lounges. The dining options are also plentiful, from home-cooked Italian flavours at Mare Mare to the traditional Levantine dishes at Tean.

The Andaz Capital Gate Hotel is one of the most unique hotels in Abu Dhabi, located inside the iconic Capital Gate Building, also known as the Leaning Tower of Abu Dhabi. Here you’ll find 188 rooms, including 21 suites, each with a glass wall offering views over the Arabian Gulf.

The upscale suites are a must on my list, with jetted tubs, marble bathrooms, a spacious living room, and personal workspaces. Perhaps one of the best features of the hotel is the 19th-floor outdoor pool deck, where you can admire the city from above while cooling off in the water.

The hotel’s dining peaks at the Cyan Brasserie, a spectacular restaurant with outstanding sunset views and creative French and Arabic fusion dishes. Even the sky-high on-site spa offers fantastic views of the city, making this one of the best hotels in Abu Dhabi for spellbinding vistas.

For extravagant opulence, it has to be the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Hotel. This vast resort complex is located on a long stretch of private beach, making it feel like its own oasis, and has long been one of my go-to spots. The afternoon high tea in the lobby is famous across the city, and not to be missed.

The décor literally glows, with details of silver, gold, and glass mosaics and Arabian patterns reflecting the region’s heritage. Each room or suite boasts beautiful views, along with spacious marble bathrooms, king beds, and 24-hour butler service.

Choose from one of eight dining venues, each serving a variety of cuisines from world-renowned chefs, from the Michelin-starred Talea by Antonio Guida to the soulful Mexican cuisine at ALMA. As one of the best hotels in Abu Dhabi, you’ll never even have to leave the complex.

A stay in the iconic architectural masterpiece of the Rixos Marina Hotel is a memorable experience. This premier 5-star accommodation is one of the best hotels to stay in Abu Dhabi, known for its incredible offering in a truly luxurious space.

Located in the heart of the city, the hotel offers access to a private beach from its doorstep with plenty of activities to enjoy when outdoors, including three pools to choose from. Inside, meanwhile, the deluxe rooms and suites offer sweeping city and sea views, with a blend of Arabic décor and modern neutral hues, along with splashes of colour.

At the base of the towering hotel, you’ll find a huge pool surrounded by calming palm trees and outdoor dining. For more relaxation, the Turkish-inspired Naturelife Spa is one of my favourites. Don’t miss the Hamam experience.

If you’re looking for a unique hotel in Abu Dhabi, the W Abu Dhabi on Yas Island is one of the best there is. I love the cutting-edge architecture and curved design of the building, which allows for plenty of natural light throughout the day with floor-to-ceiling windows in every room.

It’s also the only 5-star hotel located on top of a Formula 1 racetrack with direct access, so it’s easily one of the standout boutique hotels in Abu Dhabi for racing enthusiasts. Guests can enjoy the view over the track and the marina from each room, with beautifully curved furniture and interesting prints decorating the walls.

You’ll also find seven first-class restaurants and bars here, from authentic Tuscan cuisine at Amici to fiery Indian dishes at Angar, making this one of the best hotels in Abu Dhabi for food lovers.

Staying at the Four Seasons Abu Dhabi feels as if you’re living like royalty. Its prime location offers views of the Arabian Gulf and the city skyline, while its colourful tiles were designed to call to mind the spirit of the nearby souq.The luxurious accommodations feature sophisticated, residential-style interiors with thoughtful amenities like the legendary Four Seasons beds, plush sofas, and spa-like bathrooms, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing stay.

What’s more, the hotel's diverse culinary offerings cater to all tastes, with six creative restaurants and lounges to choose from. Whether you're in the mood for a juicy steak at Butcher & Still, a flavour-filled Italian meal at Café Milano, or—my personal favourite—an innovative cocktail or two at Zsa Zsa, you'll be spoilt for choice.