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Top things to do in Abu Dhabi

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The capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the world's modern marvels - a little over 50 years ago, the pristine cityscape was simply desert and coastline. How things change.

Now, Abu Dhabi is home to some of the most notable sights and landmarks in the middle east. Parks, museums, points of interests, shopping (of course), beaches and religious sites are all located on the Persian Gulf seafront. And naturally some of the tallest buildings you can imagine are nestled here, too.

With so much on offer, it's hard to select just 6 travel tips for Abu Dhabi - but we'll give it a try. Whether you're looking for a family day out, cultural immersion, retail therapy or just a bit of sightseeing, we've got your bases covered. Check out our top things to do in Abu Dhabi below for some guidance on your Emirati adventure…

How to Get to Abu Dhabi

Getting to Abu Dhabi (AUH) from the UK is simple - there are flights to Abu Dhabi from London Heathrow, Edinburgh and Manchester Airports. Etihad Airways provide direct flights, with other airlines offering direct and indirect options.

Car hire and airport transfers are both available from Abu Dhabi airport - be sure to book in advance on Trip.com.

Top things to do in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Arguably the most famous of Abu Dhabi's many architectural marvels is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and one of the top things to do in Abu Dhabi. Considered a cornerstone achievement in the modern architectural history of the UAE, the mosque - the largest in the country - was completed in 2007 after 11 years of construction.

While a pioneering landmark in recent middle eastern history, the brilliant white exterior is actually the face of an entirely global structure. The building contains numerous materials from countries across the globe, in keeping with the original concept to unite the cultural diversity of the Islamic world with modern artistic values.

Should you wish to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, we recommend staying at the incredible 5-star Shangri-la Hotel in nearby Qaryat Al Beri, a little over a 1 mile (1.7 km) hop away.

Yas Water World

Going on a trip with the family? Or are you merely, in fact, a big kid yourself? If yes, we can say with confidence that Yas Water World Abu Dhabi is for you. Anywhere that names itself 'Water's Greatest Playground' is good with us.

More than 40 H2O-centric rides can be enjoyed here, with everything from the extreme (the Jebel Drop offers thrill-seekers a terrifyingly exciting 10-story plummet) to the kid-friendly (Tot's Playground offers slides for the little ones). However, it's not just slides and cannons, with traditional pearl diving and an underwater VR experience and on offer. Of course - this being Abu Dhabi - dining and shopping is available at Yas Water World too.

For a nearby hotel option, Trip.com recommends a hotel that's equally family-friendly - Park Inn by Radisson Abu Dhabi Yas Island is close to the water park, and offers plenty of kid-focused amenities.

The Corniche

We are cheating a little bit here, as the Corniche Road isn't so much a 'travel tip' as it is a 5-mile (8 km) home to numerous tips. Restaurants, cafes, shopping, children's play areas – they can all be found on Abu Dhabi's seminal coastal highway.

The Corniche is sprinkled with numerous fountains and park areas - ambling along the road offers views of many of the city's hotspots. Naturally, there is an immaculate beach along the stretch too - pristine sand and turquoise waters are the order of the day.

Although abundant with glistening architecture, a highlight of the Corniche is unquestionably Emirates Palace Hotel Abu Dhabi - one of the most famous and striking buildings in the entire city - located on the western side of the famous road. And you can book your stay there with Trip.com, should you wish…

Marina Mall

Given that we are discussing one of the great retail therapy hubs, it would be remiss not to mention shopping in Abu Dhabi. The Marina Mall, located on the namesake island, is one of the finest of its kind in the middle east - so if browsing and buying a luxury item or two is on your travel checklist, the mall is a great port of call (rhyme intentional).

Home to shops of the world's most prominent brands, the Marina Mall also lays claim to numerous eateries, a 100m observatory, bowling alley, multiplex movie complex - and musical fountains. For the kids, the internal Bounce trampoline adventure park will provide boundless (pardon the pun) entertainment.

Should you wish to stay near the mall on Al Marina, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi is located in the nearby Corniche - and the 5-star hotel is one of Abu Dhabi's most popular on Trip.com.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Were you aware that one of France's most famous cultural landmarks has a sister venue in Abu Dhabi? It's true. And while the Mona Lisa et al may reside in Paris, art-lovers should absolutely head to the breathtaking Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island, which lays claim to works by the likes of Bellini and Jordaens.

With numerous exhibitions focusing on the parallels and differences of Eastern and Western art, the gallery is truly a spectacular bearer of the Louvre name. An absolute must for those wanting to drink in some true original masterpieces.

Located on the same island as the Louvre Abu Dhabi is the stunning Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas - a hotel almost as striking as some of those aforementioned exhibitions…

Observation Deck at 300

Finally, no trip to Abu Dhabi would be complete without the opportunity to gaze over the city's incredible landscape. Observation Deck at 300 is the highest vantage point in the Emirati capital.

Why has the deck been given that name? Simple - it's 300m (985ft) high. That is a long way up, and it makes for spectacular panoramic vistas for as far as the eye can see. If you fancy a refreshment while you're peering at sky, sea and sand, the very same floor houses a cafe serving tea and mocktails.

Conveniently, the Observation Deck at 300 is located on the 74th floor of Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers - a luxury hotel in the West Corniche area of the city that you just happen be able to book on Trip.com…

Disclaimer: This article has been provided by an individual contributor or third party platform. If there is any discrepancy regarding the copyright, please contact us directly and we will delete the content immediately.
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Best Hotels in Abu Dhabi

Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi
8.8/10138 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
|19.52km from city centre
1st time in Abu Dabhi and not a lot of time to explore, but I was impressed with this Marriott property. Spacious rooms, comfy bed, an amazingly large shower, beautiful spacious pool and a decent breakfast buffet.
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From£142
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal
9.2/10312 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|13.43km from city centre
Absolutely amazing! The beach was stunning, and the sea in Abu Dhabi is just incredible, so blue! The hotel itself is also beautiful, and the service was excellent. Both breakfast and dinner were delicious! I highly recommend opting for the all-inclusive breakfast and dinner package! The hotel even gave us a complimentary cup, which I loved.
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From£165
Capital Suites Hotel Apartments
8.9/1051 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|9.22km from city centre
I had a wonderful stay at this hotel! The room was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, and the overall atmosphere was welcoming and peaceful. What truly made my experience exceptional, though, was the outstanding service. A special thank you to Ali, who went above and beyond to take care of me during my stay. He was attentive, friendly, and always ready to help with anything I needed. His professionalism and kindness made a real difference and truly enhanced my visit. I highly recommend this hotel—not only for the quality of the accommodations but also for the excellent staff like Ali who make guests feel genuinely valued.
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From£101
Oaks Liwa Executive Suites
9/1069 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|3.32km from city centre
The room was not as advertised, and was basic and not worth the price paid. Very misleading photos, raised concerns with the manager and all he could say is that it was photoshop and I can cancel through the third party- which takes 14 days so not an option at the time. The room is fine and all amenities you need are in there. but just advertised as a more luxurious stay than you receive. Some people rely on the photos of the rooms when picking from half way across the world, I suggest updating the site to reflect the room correctly to avoid any other upset customers. Overall the staff were friendly, including security guard and location ok. Right near Abu Dhabi mall.
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From£92
Yas Plaza Marina by IHG
9.3/1057 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
|23.53km from city centre
I requested for an anti-slip bath mat. It took the housekeeping 15mins to understand what an anti-slip bath mat was. Thereafter, I had to wait another ONE HOUR to receive the anti-slip bath mat because they had to borrow one from the hotel next door. This is completely ridiculous. For a top tier hotel, equipped with baths in the toilets, it should be pretty basic to have stock of anti-slip bath mats.
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From£158
Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche
8.6/10197 Reviews
Abu Dhabi Corniche
Abu Dhabi
|3.61km from city centre
Booked The Sofitel Abu Dhabi for a 3 night stay first week of May for a deluxe room however upon checking in we were delightfully surprised to learn that we had been upgraded to a one bedroom suite 😀 This is the 4th time we have booked with an Accor hotel and each time we have been upgraded 🥰 A special thanks goes out to VASHEE for arranging this. Thank you Vashee, the upgrade made our holiday even more special. Would definitely recommend Sofitel Abu Dhabi
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From£155
AG Hotel
7.9/1013 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|2.34km from city centre
The location is a bit off, in the direction out of the city, there are no restaurants around, you have to take a taxi or take a bus, and are a bit far away from the attractions, the room is quite big, the bathroom is also big, the facilities are slightly old, and breakfast is fine
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From£109
W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island
9.2/10245 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
|24.11km from city centre
I've stayed here a few times now, and it's always so convenient for visiting the different parks. The cleanliness is consistently excellent. There's even a Chinese-speaking staff member at the front desk. Both check-in and check-out are always very quick and smooth.
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From£257
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi
9.5/10150 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
|11.09km from city centre
During the Christmas season, I spent several delightful days at the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, the very same Park Hyatt where Liu Yifei once stayed, and it turned out to be my favorite place where I lingered the longest during this trip. Coincidentally, the room number was the same as my birthday (a rare occurrence for someone born in January). *Highlights: The hotel boasts its own private beach, free from the hustle and bustle of tourists, offering a tranquil and comfortable atmosphere with a great vibe. *Relaxation: There are multiple swimming pools, restaurants, and a library, all exquisitely beautiful, and you can enjoy the sight of eagles during breakfast. *Activities: Morning yoga classes are available, along with tennis courts, a golf course, a gym, and a spa. *Service: The welcome gifts included a large box of chocolates and a fruit platter—the chocolates were absolutely delicious. The staff were all very warm and provided attentive service. *Amenities: The toiletries were from Le Labo, a brand that I adore. *Location: The Louvre is nearby, making it convenient to visit. *The rate during the Christmas season was approximately $1100 per night. *Drawback: It was so comfortable that I ended up staying in the hotel for several days without venturing out, missing many of Abu Dhabi's attractions.
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From£452
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort
9/10151 Reviews
Abu Dhabi Corniche
Abu Dhabi
|3.78km from city centre
Really nice place with an excellent gym etc. the pool closes at 8pm which I thought was a bit early for me. Plenty of choice in the food menu and beautiful and clean for dining area.
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From£121
Le Meridien Abu Dhabi Resort
9.1/1087 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|3.88km from city centre
Facilities: The hotel is a bit old, and the hallway ceilings are quite low, making it feel somewhat dated. The elevators are also small. Although it's a five-star hotel, it might be a letdown compared to the Le Méridien downtown. We initially booked a twin room, and the space felt very cramped. We later requested to change to a larger king room, and the view of the hotel's village from the window was quite nice. Ambiance: Its strong point is the private beach, which is perfect for a family vacation. Across the street is the Galleria Mall, and the night view is really stunning. The village has many restaurants, a pool, a gym, a lawn, and even a small pond with lots of turtles. Service: My family said the breakfast was good.
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From£168
Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Capital Centre
8.9/10266 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|9.09km from city centre
A delightful extended stay, so good I didn't want to leave! Coming to Abu Dhabi for a business trip, choosing the right hotel truly doubles the happiness of a busy schedule! My stay at the Capital Centre Arjaan by Rotana has immediately landed it at the top of my list for accommodation in Abu Dhabi. The hotel's location is prime, a mere two-minute walk to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, which is a godsend for business travelers attending exhibitions. The area is also dotted with cafes and supermarkets, making daily errands and casual breaks incredibly convenient. The dining and leisure facilities exceeded expectations. The lavish English breakfast offered a wide variety of items, and the Western dinner dishes tasted authentic. The restaurant and bar have an elegant atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing drink after work. The outdoor pool is crystal clear and clean, and the fitness center is well-equipped.
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From£60
Park Arjaan by Rotana Abu Dhabi
9/1048 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|11.8km from city centre
I booked an apartment-style suite for one person, and it includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is not far from the airport and very close to Sheikh Zayed Mosque. The front desk service is super good. We had a problem paying for the taxi fare, so they directly exchanged cash for us. The suite is well-equipped, clean and tidy. It was very comfortable to stay for one night. The only thing is that there is a big mirror facing the bed, but this seems to be very common in the Middle East. There are a variety of breakfast and dinner, mostly white and Middle Eastern food, and you can eat enough. The overall experience is good
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From£138
Centro Al Manhal
9.1/1073 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|0.68km from city centre
Thanks for centro al manhal it was a perfect stay cleanness respectful staff (rooms restaurant reception) in all perfect hotel .
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From£70
DoubleTree by Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Residences
9.6/1083 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
|23.47km from city centre
We had a wonderful stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. From the moment we arrived, the service was excellent—staff were warm, welcoming, and went above and beyond to ensure our comfort. We had originally booked two separate rooms, but to our pleasant surprise, they upgraded us to a spacious family room with a connecting door. This thoughtful gesture made our stay much more convenient and enjoyable, especially as we were traveling with family. Another highlight was the breakfast, which was served at the nearby WB Hotel. It offered a fantastic variety of delicious options, beautifully presented and fresh. It was a great way to start each day. Overall, this was a top-notch experience. The location, service, and hospitality were all outstanding. We would definitely return and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Yas Island.
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From£140
Copthorne Downtown Abu Dhabi
8.7/10493 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|2.48km from city centre
Desigur! Iată o versiune mai scurtă, în engleză, potrivită pentru Google Reviews, *********** sau social media: --- 🌟 **Great Stay at Copthorne Hotel Abu Dhabi** I had a wonderful experience at Copthorne Hotel. The location is super central, close to Corniche and major attractions. The rooms are spacious, clean, and very comfortable, with great city views. Staff were incredibly helpful and professional from check-in to check-out. The breakfast buffet had a good variety and everything was fresh. I also appreciated the pool, gym, and free parking. Excellent value for money – perfect for both business and leisure stays.Highly recommend!
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From£58
Ramada by Wyndham Abu Dhabi Downtown
7.9/1087 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|2.99km from city centre
Very nice hotel, toilet have no faucet in family room, other rooms i don't know. Also in family room, they kept snacks like nuts and pringles ,we thought that it is a complementary but this two small nuts packet and small two pringles hotel charged 80 dirhams!! and its actual cost may comes maximum 15aed
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From£71
Ivory Hotel Apartments
7.4/1015 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|3.19km from city centre
The hotel looks old from the photo, but to our surprise, it is not substandard in terms of quality n service. Kitchen amenities are good, pans n pots provided, n bathroom is clean. Bedroom is comfy, and it has a lovely iving room also. It's walking distance to Abu Dhabi mall. Me n my family truly enjoy our 3 days stay over here.
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From£62
Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi, By Hyatt
8.6/1073 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|8.72km from city centre
Amazing hotel next to ADNEC, very convenient for business travelers. Warm and friendly hospitality staff, spacious room, minibar has a lot of free items. Great view at an iconic location. Highly recommend!
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From£156
Novel Hotel City Center
8.6/1057 Reviews
Abu Dhabi Corniche
Abu Dhabi
|2.46km from city centre
The hotel is in a very convenient location. Overall, I had a good experience staying here. The rooms were clean, the staff were cooperative and friendly, and the amenities were good. Although it is slightly expensive for the price, the quality of the stay was overall very good.
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From£52
Trianon Hotel
7.5/1042 Reviews
Abu Dhabi Corniche
Abu Dhabi
|3.05km from city centre
The room is large and the facilities are old. The exhaust fan is on 24 hours a day and can't be turned off, which is quite noisy. The location is good, and there are supermarkets and restaurants around. The waiter delivered the wrong things twice in the middle of the night, which was a bit speechless.
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From£69
VOGO Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa formerly Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa
9/1065 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
|17.21km from city centre
The pool is great, and the breakfast spread is quite good. The golf club is worth mentioning; for non-pros, 79 AED gets you 100 balls and a free soda, which my kids absolutely loved.
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From£149
Staybridge Suites ABU DHABI - YAS ISLAND by IHG
9.1/1093 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
|23.41km from city centre
Overall the experience is good. It could have been best if they have prepared ahead of time for the buffet breakfast. It is very chaotic as they were not prepared that a lot of people will come. They could have anticipated based on the number of pax booked during those dates. As for the rooms, I liked it. Clean, you can even cook inside. We booked a once bedroom suite with city view.k
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From£250
Palette - Top Stars Hotel
6.7/1042 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|1.5km from city centre
We booked this hotel knowing we wouldn't spend a lot of time in it and it would be a place to sleep. We found the things we wanted to see in Abu Dhabi were pretty spread out but this was central enough to it all. The hotel is located about 30 minutes from Zayed International Airport and Yas Island and about 15 minutes away from the Saadiyat Cultural District with all its museums and the Galleria area. There are some dining options and smaller stores nearby but it is a short drive away from some better options. We booked a room with a king bed and had a good stay in it. The room was small but considering the price we felt it was well appointed with a mini fridge, coffee/tea station, small TV and a closet. The pillows were pretty comfy and we felt we had a good night's rest when we stayed. We booked a non smoking room and so did our cousin but it seems that despite what our booking website showed the smoking is allowed in many of the rooms. They did spray our room with a deodorizer before we got in and we felt it helped. There are enough plugs throughout the rooms and there was enough lighting even though it only came from the table side lamps. The area is very active and late into the night and my wife found it a bit noisy, had issues sleeping and needed to use ear plugs but I found it was quiet enough and had no issues falling asleep each night. We didn't need AC during our stay in February because our room was the right temperature for us but there was a thermostat on the wall. The bathroom had lots of room and a good sized bath tub. The shower felt great and offered good pressure and plenty of steam. They had shower gel, shampoo and body lotion that are restocked each day. The ventilation could have been a bit stronger because the condensation from our steamy showers left the floor damp. Thankfully there is daily housekeeping to help with this issue. There aren't any amenities at this hotel other than a small business centre. There are some restaurants nearby to grab a quick bite but we had to drive a bit to go to places we wanted to try. The parking nearby is all paid but is free between 11:00pm-8:00am and we were lucky our first night getting a spot right in front of the hotel with Unais' help but the second night we had to park about a block away. Parking costs 2 AED per hour but there are special rates for longer stays like 24 hours. We felt this hotel was convenient for our stay in Abu Dhabi because we didn't want to spend a lot on a place we wouldn't spend much time in. This met our needs perfectly.
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From£61
Emirates Park Resort
8.5/1071 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
|32.3km from city centre
I've stayed here several times, it's very suitable for relaxing and walking the baby, children like it very much, adults are not tired, the service is very good, the bed should be 2m, it is very big, two adults and two children can sleep on a big bed, new addition After entering the Goldfish Pavilion, there is a free animal show at 6 o'clock
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From£93
EXECUTIVE SUITES
7.8/1075 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|2.07km from city centre
Location is good, close to many restaurants, Lulu supermarket, and grocery stores. However front desk service lady was uncertain about many things and just answered ”i dont know”. Valet guy was helpful like an angel. Apartment was clean. Washing machine washes but wont spin and those clothes wont dry in your room. Cleaning team does good job. Front desk only provides one key for two guests. Breakfast Buffet was just okay.
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From£78
Beach Rotana Residences
9.1/1072 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|3.56km from city centre
Very excellent location, the hotel is very clean and close to all services
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From£152
Centro Capital Centre
8.4/1083 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|9.27km from city centre
Exceptional location for visiting the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center, easy walking distance to the exhibition center and several restaurants in the area for in the evenings. Hotel is clean, good service, very good breakfast. Definitely will use this hotel again for future visits
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From£85
Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi
9.6/10212 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
|52.76km from city centre
The room was absolutely superb, and the anniversary decorations they arranged were absolutely perfect. The hotel's pool, beautifully situated amidst a sandy landscape, was also stunning. While the hotel restaurant was a bit pricey, the attention to detail and care put into everything was evident. Overall, it was an excellent experience.
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From£190
Al Rawda Arjaan
9.3/1062 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
|0.63km from city centre
My three-night stay at Al Rawda Arjaan was exceptionally convenient and comfortable. Situated next to Al Wadha Mall and Abu Dhabi's main bus terminal, the hotel's location made arrival a breeze—I simply walked from the terminal upon arriving from Dubai. I was grateful for the accommodating reception staff who allowed me an early check-in, ensuring a seamless start to my stay. The proximity to the mall provided ample dining and entertainment options, while the hotel's amenities offered relaxation after a day of exploring.
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From£100

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