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Top things to do in Abu Dhabi

by Trip.com

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…


Top things to do in Abu Dhabi
1. How to Get to Abu Dhabi2. Top things to do in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates3. Yas Water World4. The Corniche5. Marina Mall6. Louvre Abu Dhabi7. Observation Deck at 300

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…




Book Cheap Flights to Abu Dhabi

Best Hotels in Abu Dhabi

Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi

4.4/517 Reviews
This is my favorite hotel this year. It's very big and luxurious. In Abu Dhabi, it's awesome! The hotel also has a large outdoor swimming pool, but because of the epidemic, I did not dare to enter the water. The hotel facilities are very complete!
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From£77

Novotel Abu Dhabi Gate

4.4/536 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Breakfast was rich and very good. The room was clean. The three of us didn't have an extra bed and it was okay. The room was quite big and didn't feel crowded. The sandwich called for dinner in the hotel restaurant is very good, you can try it, I feel okay for the price. There is no business around the hotel and it is convenient to drive by car. In the future, I will definitely choose this hotel. The swimming pool downstairs is amazing
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From£54

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal

4.7/559 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
A hotel that surprised me 1. There is a waiter with luggage at the door and a waiter who can park 2. Guided entrance and welcome drink 3. You can see the mosque directly opposite the gate 🕌️, the night view is invincible 4.The room didn't give me a view room, maybe my room type is wrong, no opinion The 5 bedding is very comfortable, the double beds should have 1.2 each, and one bed is large and one can barely sleep 6Breakfast Western and Indian, Arabic dishes are more, but they can also be eaten, the fried eggs are not bad 7. The pool is clean and outdoor, it seems to be available at 78 in the morning 8 What excites me the most is to take a walk through an outdoor eating place at night. We said that we wanted to buy some BBQ and bring it back to the room because the children were sleepy. They said very easily that they were actually a short food street-like event. It can be sent to us free of charge, very pleasant surprise. The consumption here is not low. I gave prawns, beef skewers, chicken wings, good taste and good packaging. Recommended if you want to see the night view of the mosque yourself, after all, the brand is here
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From£256

Yas Island Rotana Hotel Abu Dhabi

3.8/519 Reviews
Hotel location is very good, just on Yas Island, there is a free shuttle bus to various playgrounds, Warner Bros Theme Park, Ferrari Park.... very convenient! Also very close! The breakfast at the hotel is also very good, very friendly, with children, 8 and 10 years old, there is no extra charge! I will stay at this hotel next time! This video was taken in the hotel room, and the sound of the Ferrari sports car pulled by the wind!
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From£56

Ibis Abu Dhabi Gate

3.9/542 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
The breakfast is plentiful and very good. The room was very clean. The three of us didn't have an extra bed. It felt good. The room was quite big and didn't feel crowded. The sandwich called the dinner at the hotel restaurant is very good, you can give it a try, the price I feel is good. There is no business around the hotel and it is very convenient to drive. I will definitely choose this hotel in the future, and the downstairs swimming pool is awesome.
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From£32

Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche

4.3/530 Reviews
Abu Dhabi Corniche
First, the advantages, the location of this hotel is OK, the front desk staff at the check-in attitude is good, the bed and pillows in the room to sleep more comfortable, but the sofa set on the big beach stains have not been cleaned for a long time can not sit. Let me talk about the shortcomings. I don’t know if it is because this hotel has more Chinese tour groups. The breakfast leader will take you directly to a six-seat long table, and there are already two people who don’t know. Have a meal! Is this a canteen? There are a lot of empty independent dining tables in the restaurant! This is even more angry. Just after eating breakfast, a black worker walked over and took away the tissue box on the table. He placed an empty table that was separated by two long tables. On, is this a behavior of a five-star hotel? ? ?
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From£101

AG Hotel

4/514 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
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£41

W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island

4.3/578 Reviews
The hotel design is very modern, surrounded by the marina and the racing track, and the overall feeling is very good! We arrived at ten in the morning, so let's check in early, it was great! Although the room is on the second floor, the marina and racing track can be seen from the balcony. Breakfast for children is more expensive, but the variety and quality are good. The hotel bar environment is very unique, the view on the terrace is very good! The rooftop pool is also well designed!
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From£108

Courtyard by Marriott World Trade Center, Abu Dhabi

4.6/594 Reviews
Abu Dhabi Corniche
The location of this hotel is superb, in the Abu Dhabi World Trade Center, not far from the sea. Next to the mall is the Lulu supermarket across the mall corridor. I feel that the supermarket is cheaper than the Dubai supermarket. There are various fast foods in the corridor. There are many types of breakfast at the hotel, but mainly Arabic food. It is worth mentioning that there is chicken soup cotton or powder for breakfast. The disadvantage is that the high-speed Internet access fee of AED 70 will be charged at the front desk when checking out. Although reluctant, it is also prepared to pay. Later, the more I thought about it, the more I was wrong. I just wanted to connect to ordinary Wi-Fi, accidentally connected to a high-speed, and didn't tell how to charge. So I asked to see the manager. The front desk first said whether to pay 50%, but 50% would not pay. The front desk said that it would be okay. Therefore, I do not agree with the charging of high-speed networks. It is recommended to set up a special account password to avoid accidental connection and increase unnecessary costs.
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From£50

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas

4.6/528 Reviews
We stayed at Park Hyatt for 1 month and enjoyed every minute of our time there. The premises are beautifully designed in a relaxed, zen way and well-maintained. The rooms are elegant, clean, and comfortable, with large furnished terraces. We truly appreciate the great work of the housekeepers who were assigned to our room -- Aneesh and Til, and Xavier and Mahesh -- they kept everything spotless and took care of our every need during our stay! The outdoor areas are gorgeous -- especially the expansive pool -- and the natural beach is huge, great for long walks. Thank you to Amour, our pool lifeguard, for his kindness and efficiency. The breakfasts at The Cafe were simply excellent, with great attention given to presentation, flavors, and choice. We appreciate the chefs and the friendly staff who took care of us every day, including Jogi, Mary Love, Shazeen, Stephen, Manu, Madhu and the rest of the team. All in all, this was a fabulous stay, and we plan on returning later this year!
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From£275

Le Meridien Abu Dhabi

3.9/522 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
The hotel is very cost-effective, the staff is very welcoming and the environment is beautiful... The hotel's swimming pool is very comfortable, you can also go to the beach, the scenery is pleasant... it is worth staying.
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From£56

Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Capital Centre

3.5/516 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
The breakfast in the hotel is very rich, the service in the hotel is very good, the receptionist is warm, the cleaning is very clean, the location is very convenient, you are very satisfied with your stay, you will come back to live, there is a parking space at the door, it is more economical and recommended
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From£39

Park Inn by Radisson Abu Dhabi Yas Island

4.6/516 Reviews
1. I didn't eat breakfast because our schedule was full and I couldn't get up late in the morning. Sorry 2. We don't need extra beds, sorry. 3. I think the hotel location is very good. There is a free bus opposite the entrance square to Yas Island attractions and supermarkets, such as Ferrari Park, shopping malls, and Warner. 4. I regret to read the online pictures and think the central hotel is better. I ran to the Yas Island Central Hotel on the opposite side for one night. The Central Hotel is not recommended because the rooms are small, the toilets are small, there is no terrace, and there is no sea view. 5. The staff at Park Hotel is very nice and will send us luggage to the room. The center hotel doesn't care, and the magnetic card on the elevator is not easy to use. In short recommend Park Hotel. Because our room was filled with stuff, the internal photos were not taken. The actual room looks better than the online pictures.
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From£42

Centro Al Manhal Hotel by Rotana Abu Dhabi

4.6/545 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
The hotel is in downtown Abu Dhabi. There is a small supermarket downstairs and free parking. We only stayed for one night, so we chose this cheap and convenient hotel. An extra bed is available at the hotel for AED 100. The facilities are a bit old, especially the toilet, but it does not affect the accommodation, the hotel is very safe, you need to swipe your card to take the elevator, and the service attitude is good. There was an episode during the check-out. When the parking brother of the hotel drove us out of the car, he bumped into someone else's car. The hotel's attitude was very positive. He helped us contact the police, opened the accident, and rented a car. After contacting him, the manager also gave me a business card, and said that if he had a problem returning the car, he would contact him directly. He assured me that I did not need to pay any fines and compensations, and they were all responsible for it. Although it took us an hour, we thank them for their positive and responsible attitude. Who knew that when I returned to Dubai to pay my car, the car rental company insisted that I pay the compensation, and then the hotel gave me the money. I immediately contacted the hotel manager, and he told me to tell me to ignore the car rental company, don't give them money, everything will be handled by him, let me wait for a while before leaving. It did n’t take long for the car rental company to receive a call from the hotel and negotiated that the hotel parking company go to the police station to pay the fine the next day. I do n’t need to pay any extra costs, just return the car and leave. . Although this incident will delay us for some time, but the hotel's responsible attitude and commitment to us (which does not require us to pay any fees) also said that it was done, thank them very much. Recommend this hotel, it is a very economical choice!
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From£42

Pearl Rotana Capital Centre

4.3/544 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Stayed here for a week in Abu Dhabi, great hotel, although not in the city center but very close, and we are free to go everywhere and take a taxi so it does not matter, mainly because the price is really affordable! The point is that the hotel is new and clean! The room was nice! Very recommended!
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From£61

Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi Downtown

4.3/527 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
The environment is good, the rooms are comfortable, and the transportation is convenient. There is a gym on the top floor, a swimming pool, more Chinese live, a lot of Chinese food around, not far from the road on the first floor of the Pakistani restaurant, Ibrahim Restaurant grilled lamb chops, stewed chicken, spicy Stir-fried beef, vegetable fried noodles, hand cakes, mushroom soup is really good and affordable. Just one thing, please note that Ctrip always misunderstands the price and will charge more money 💰💰💰💰.
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From£40

Ramada Downtown Abu Dhabi

3.9/521 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
The location of the hotel is OK, not far from the city center of Abu Dhabi, but the surrounding environment is average and it feels a bit old. Don't let anyone with food into the room. The bed is ok, but there are gaps in the curtains and it is a bit bright for sleep in the morning.
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From£69

Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel

4.8/536 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
I have always liked the Anantara brand, so I chose it when I went to Abu Dhabi. The geographical location is convenient, and the proximity to the mangroves and the Persian Gulf is also the main factor in the choice. The field environment is good, the river is surrounded, and the viewing and walking are very useful. Breakfast ingredients are fresh and plentiful, and the outdoor and indoor dining seats are comfortable. You can dine while watching the mangroves outdoors, and the service is warm. Front desk and room service are quite satisfactory. The hotel occupies a relatively large area, and the courtesy service is good. The standard of service throughout the day meets its brand standards. The hotel is suitable for vacation, sightseeing and travel. The Grand Mosque and the Louvre are more convenient.
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From£68

Golden Tulip Downtown Abu Dhabi

3.9/535 Reviews
Abu Dhabi Corniche
The location is still OK, there is a small MALL on the opposite side, there are 7 hot pots inside, the Chinese are very suitable, the price is also very suitable. The other is the small storefront, there is nothing to visit, about one kilometer from the seaside promenade. Hotel service is not very good, let them take something for three hours to take it, responsible for parking, room facilities are not good, things are easy to break, but the room is still good, the area is not small, very comfortable. The morning variety is good for a three-star hotel and the hotel is cheap. Breakfast is available in the early days of the 11th, and breakfast for five-year-old children is free. We didn't have time to go to the pool, haha.
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From£35

Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi – a concept by Hyatt

4.7/565 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
The hotel lobby is on the 18th floor. On the 1st floor, a younger sister will bring it to check in. The hotel should be more business-oriented. When you check in, you are sitting on the sofa and waiting. Someone will help you to do it for you. You do n’t have to stand in line at the reception desk. You also get chocolate and hot tea. The service is very good. Dinner was eaten directly in the restaurant, no buffet, no order, very good produce, good taste and good service. The room was large and comfortable, the bathtub was large and the breakfast was good. Stayed 3 nights in Abu Dhabi, this one feels better than W and Amy before.
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From£87

Novel Hotel City Center Abu Dhabi

2.8/513 Reviews
Abu Dhabi Corniche
Hotel location is OK, the surrounding shops are more and more lively. The hotel is a bit old and it is estimated to be many years old. There is a door in my room that leads to the next room. It feels very unsafe. I can hear it in the next room, especially in this position. If it is night, it is not convenient for friends to come over, the front desk will ask.
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From£36

The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa

4.7/514 Reviews
My room is standing on the balcony and you can see the entire driving range. The outdoor pool is equipped with a lot of sunscreen products. The pool is very nice in the evening, there are singers singing at noon cafeteria, and a lot of good drinks, it is very lively, it is worth a try for lunch. Drive from the airport from 15-17 minutes.
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From£89

Emirates Park Resort

4.5/519 Reviews
Al Bahya
Business trip, early and late return, pillows are good, very comfortable, mobile phone charging is not very convenient, there is no socket at the bedside, sound insulation is not very good, there will be strange music suddenly at night, not very noisy, but it is also very uncomfortable Is it the hotel or other guests
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From£52

Executive Suites by Mourouj Gloria,Superior Hotel Apartments

4.1/513 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Cost-effective as a transition hotel is very suitable for the hotel to walk from the bus terminal is about 2 kilometers more than close if the baggage can be considered a taxi start price to the room has a microwave oven washing machine stove pot tableware near the lulu supermarket things can be bought back to the hotel to do it yourself rice
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From£44

Centro Capital Centre By Rotana

4.5/529 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
Overall, if the Samsung hotel has more than four stars in the country, the disadvantage is that it is not convenient to go where to go. Go to the mosque and walk for more than a kilometer to see the taxi. Unless you are lucky, the right taxi will go to your hotel door. I have seen the comment that I have to go to the Ferrari bus for free to book this hotel. I was told that it was there last year. It was canceled this year, so I went to Warner Bros. (toward Ferrari) back and forth nearly 120. Yuan Dirham, I’m OK...
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From£62

Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi

4.7/515 Reviews
Very good experience, because it was the first week of the opening, the hotel upgraded our villa with a separate swimming pool for free. Hotel room: Spacious and clean, the bed is comfortable, and the desert is just outside the balcony. Toilet supplies are complete. The private pool is heated and the children are not afraid of swimming. Hotel catering: Due to the opening of the restaurant, there are few dining options. There is only one Italian restaurant, a full-day buffet for breakfast buffet, and a light bar by the pool. Italian restaurants are more authentic and the prices are normal. Breakfast buffet selection is not too much, there are eggs, pancakes, bread, fruits and vegetables, etc., but the overall level of law-abiding, compared to similar hotels is not amazing. The light meal by the pool was unexpectedly delicious. It is expected that an outdoor restaurant in the desert will be opened in the future, which is worth looking forward to! Hotel service: During the trial operation, the hotel service is obviously not perfect, and a lot of information has not been communicated among the employees. But the attitude is very good, any problems will help solve. Hotel Transportation: It is more than 40 minutes drive from the Abu Dhabi seashore. It is basically a highway along the way. It is very convenient for the staff to park on the arrival of the driver. Children's facilities: The hotel has a children's pool and an indoor children's club. The pool is great. The clubhouse is still in the process of improvement, and there is nothing for the time being. All staff members will accompany the play and parents will not be required to stay with them. Recreational Facilities: The hotel has a Falcon show at 5 o'clock every day, and optional activities such as desert bikes and throwing axe are available. The fair price and environment of the SPA is very good and worth the experience!
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From£236

Al Rawda Arjaan by Rotana, Abu Dhabi

4.7/513 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
The room is big enough and the room type is good. Al Wahda Mall is a short walk away. The order price this time was more than twice the usual price, which was caused by the defense exhibition in the same period.
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From£45

Nehal Hotel Abu Dhabi

3.9/514 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
I work nearby because I want to go to the Louvre to check out the hotel, and there are shops I like especially around this hotel, as well as wine shops. Of course, at present, the hotel is not open except the food delivery department. The price is very worthwhile. The room is quite large and the parts are complete.
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From£34

Park Rotana Hotel Abu Dhabi

4.1/510 Reviews
Abu Dhabi
The hotel environment is good, it should be on the side of the city, the surroundings are relatively quiet, and there is nothing commercial around. The breakfast hotel is on the first floor, which is quite rich, basically western food, and there is a good beef. Hotel wifi is a bit poor, downloading files can't go down for a long time.
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From£68

Corniche Hotel Abu Dhabi

4.4/553 Reviews
Abu Dhabi Corniche
The room is large and clean. But Ctrip didn't provide any help at all... Because we were a transfer, there was no card in the local area. I started to worry that the taxi didn't know where the place was supposed to be a pick-up, but I could only call them by myself, I don't know what the ghost is... then It is clear that Ctrip has written taxes and fees. But when I got the tax, I didn’t know why. They asked them that they just said that they wanted to receive it. I also felt very surprised. The taxi to the hotel is about 72-85 dirhams, about 30-40mins. The room was still very nice and clean. No breakfast, too expensive! Hahaha. There are a lot of places to eat next to it, as well as McDonald's. So look at your situation.
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From£45

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