Temporary Accommodation

Hotels:

Over the past few years in Abu Dhabi, there has been a huge boom in the number of hotels opening – particularly on Yas Island, which gets completely booked out during the major events held there, such as the mega Yas Arena concerts and of course the Formula One races. The rest of the time these hotels are much quieter, as it’s a 25-minute drive to the downtown area, although with the opening of the new Yas Road, this is changing fast. Options in the rest of the city range from the infamous ‘seven-star’ Emirates Palace to five-star international chains that vary in quality. As a rule, the newer hotels tend to be smarter and better value for money. There’s certainly not much by way of hostels or cheaper accommodation, so if you’re on a budget your best bet is to book online to get the best deals.

Beach Rotana:

10th Street, Tourist Club Area (02 697 9000, www.rotana.com)

A plush five-star hotel attached to Abu Dhabi Mall, featuring 450 luxurious rooms, a private beach with water sports facilities and a great waterside drinking area. Beach Rotana’s restaurants are some of the best in the capital, with German restaurant Brauhaus one of the few places in the city serving up pork products.

InterContinental:

Bainouna Street (02 666 6888)

Spacious, elegant and home to a wide range of the city’s most fashionable bars and restaurants, InterContinental is certainly expensive but you won’t feel like you’re being ripped off.

Le Royal Meridien:

Khalifa Street (02 674 2020)

Another of Abu Dhabi’s older hotels, the main reason to recommend this hotel is the convenient location, close to the bustle of the Tourist Club Area and just a few minutes walk from the Corniche. They have one of the city’s two revolving restaurants, although the food here is expensive and isn’t top-notch. Their bars always draw a crowd however.

Shangri-La:

Between the Bridges (02 509 8888)

Located out at the Souk Qaryat Al Beri hub that includes all sorts of cafes, restaurants and shops, staying at the Shangri-La resort means you don’t miss out on amenities but you get a relaxed, out-of-town feeling. The infinity pool looking out across the water at Sheikh Zayed Mosque is blissful, and you shouldn’t miss the wildly extravagant Sofra Bld all-day buffet.

Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi:

Hamdan Street, Al Markaziyah (02 621 0000, www.ichotelsgroup.com)

Centrally located hotel within handy reach of many downtown points of interest. Not as flashy as some of the city’s newer properties, but the rooms are still modern and comfortable. Also includes a sports bar that’s very popular with (particularly British) expats, and a couple of very good new restaurants.

Emirates Palace:

Ras Al Akhdar (02 690 9000, www.emiratespalace.com)

A monument to Arabian opulence, this is the most expensive hotel ever built. Everything is tinged with gold (including the cakes in the various lobby cafes) and you can even buy the stuff from the on-site vending machine. To some it’s the ultimate in luxury, to others it’s just a bit crass. Needless to say, then, those on a budget needn’t apply.

Al Raha Beach Hotel:

Al Raha (02 508 0555, www.danathotels.com)

A luxury resort in the new off-island district of Al Raha, close to the airport, with fast links into the downtown area as well as Yas Island. It’s a little remote, but as a base for those looking to rent property in the nearby, affordable districts of Khalifa City A or Bain Al Jessrain, it’s a well-priced, luxurious option.

The Yas Hotel:

Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island (02 656 0000, www.theyashotel.com)

A shimmering blob of blue-ish purple situated in the middle of Yas Marina Circuit, the venue for the annual Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix. It’s just as futuristic-looking inside, with rooms and communal areas adopting the pristine white aesthetics of a 1960s sci-fi film. Not cheap, but deeply, achingly cool.

Aloft:

ADNEC, Al Safarat (02 654 5000, www.aloftabudhabi.com)

A relatively new hotel attached to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). As such, it’s often very busy during the many trade shows and concerts that are held in the Centre, with businessmen and tourists cluttering up the cavernous spaceport-style reception area. Also very close to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Hilton:

Corniche Road (02 681 1900)

This hotel is one of Abu Dhabi’s older institutions and has some impressive restaurants and a terrific beach club. One of the nicest hotels on the bustling, scenic Corniche stretch.