Southern Sun, Abu Dhabi
More photosIf you are heading to the UAE, the Southern Sun Abu Dhabi is a fantastic base camp. Located right in the bustling Al Zahiya business district, it perfectly bridges old-school Arabic elegance with sleek, contemporary design.
One of the coolest architectural quirks of the building is its clever layout. To guarantee everyone gets a killer view, all 353 guest rooms and suites strictly start on the 10th floor and rise up to the 26th. This design choice ensures that every single guest wakes up to sweeping vistas of either the city skyline or the glittering Arabian Gulf along the Corniche.
Inside, the hotel blends its modern high-rise structure with unique Arabesque interior touches. A standout feature is the traditional, frosted geometric fretwork partitioning the bedrooms and bathrooms, giving the space an authentic, local resort feel despite being a sleek city tower.
Up on the 27th floor sits the hotel’s crown jewel: a glamorous rooftop oasis featuring a pool, private sun cabanas, and a gym. Downstairs, it plays host to The Foundry, a multi-award-winning steakhouse that is famously celebrated by foodies for its theatrical, fine-dining transformation every evening.
Expert reviews
“This shiny high-rise packs in the flair of a hotel twice the price from the moment you walk into the triple-height lobby hung with swooping contemporary lamps. A fresh, modern vibe runs through the rooms with a sprinkle of Middle Eastern design touches thrown in, and there’s a buzzing social vibe throughout thanks to a bundle of popular bars and cafes.”
“A stylish 353-room hotel that’s just a 10-minute walk from the Abu Dhabi Corniche. Situated in the city’s business district, the four-star hotel is suitable for business and leisure travellers and renowned for its steak restaurant.”
What guests liked
- Top location
- Swimming pool
- Comfortable beds
- Friendly staff
Location
Recent guest reviews
4 June 2026
A relaxing weekend. I highly recommend visiting this excellent hotel for a relaxing stay in Abu Dhabi
Excellent reception, prompt service, clean rooms, and a quiet atmosphere
3 June 2026
Decent Stay but they could do better services for guests
Breakfast was very good
There is no shuttle to Tourists attraction even the Beach
3 June 2026
Really excellent hotel. Perfectly located for anything you do in Abu Dhabi or beyond.
The room size is excellent, spacious. Well cleaned, well planned. The staff are app excellent. The management is the best. If you have any issue be sure to ask them for help, they are extremely accommodating. I wish this chain of hotel was more available worldwide.
Nothing not to like. I only don't like booking com policy that they beg for negative responses and I find booking.com to be a bit unethical doing so.
31 May 2026
It was surprisingly good and convenient stay.
Clean hotel
Entrance is not convenient for stroller users
30 May 2026
Our staycation was so enjoyable.
Lots of choices for breakfast, from cereal, eggs, to smoked salmon which, i loved so much.
Checking-in we waited for nearly 30 minutes but it was worth it when we found out that we were upgraded from regular room to suite. 😄 Special shout out to Yassid from Reception. I am a frequent guest so definitely this will not be my last visit.
For the nth time, we dined at The Foundry for Japanese nights, was glad to know that my Best Bites discount was accepted even if it's a holiday.
29 May 2026
Great hotel in good location. Great value for money
Great value, good location and large rooms
29 May 2026
We had a very relaxing holiday.
The room was big and with complete facilities. Breakfast was amazing. We love the time we spent in the pool and the staff made sure we enjoy our stay.
Nothing. We had a lovely stay.
28 May 2026
I have stayed here a few times , the staff are great , the hotel is in a good location there is a public bus stop just o
Big rooms
Nothing
20 May 2026
Will book there again inshallah
Staff is very kind and accommodating and respectful
19 May 2026
good for a quick stay
The room was nice and cosy, a good size for 2 people. I would suggest keeping an iron in the rooms.
I was not a fan of the bathroom situation, a little uncomfortable as the bath tub wasnt covered (clear glass) and the washrooms were without locks (so a little no privacy). Would be suitable for couples but not for platonic friends or family.
10 May 2026
Great location, pool bar and amenities
Very good location, upgraded and modern rooms
Nothing
6 May 2026
Overall everything was good, clean and nice location
All good
All good
5 May 2026
Great as always
Staff is very professional and friendly
Rooms was well maintained and clean
Nothing can come to mind
5 May 2026
Great hotel and close to everything you need
Staff was excellent and the property was well maintained
Nothing can come to mind
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Snack bar
- - Special diet menus (on request)
- - Kids' meals
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Fruits (additional charge)
- - Coffee house on site
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Family rooms
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Soundproof rooms
- - Packed lunches
- - Car hire
- - Heating
- - Air conditioning
- - Designated smoking area
- - Shuttle service (additional charge)
- - Shared lounge/TV area
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Business centre (additional charge)
- - Fax/photocopying (additional charge)
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Currency exchange
- - Luggage storage
- - ATM/cash machine on site
- - Concierge service
- - Private check-in/check-out
- - Lockers
- - Invoice provided
Activities
- - Sauna
- - Fitness centre
- - Golf course (within 3 km) (additional charge)
- - Billiards
- - Darts
- - Steam room
- - Fitness
- - Fitness/spa locker rooms
- - Themed dinner nights (additional charge)
- - Happy hour (additional charge)
- - Cooking class
- - Live music/performance
- - Live sport events (broadcast) (additional charge)
- - Bingo (additional charge)
Outdoors
- - Terrace
- - BBQ facilities (additional charge)
- - Outdoor pool
- - Sun terrace
- - Outdoor pool (all year)
- - Outdoor furniture
Entertainment & family services
- - Babysitting/child services (additional charge)
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Trouser press (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Parking
- - Parking garage
- - Accessible parking
Transport
- - Public transport tickets (additional charge)
Accessibility
- - Wheelchair accessible
- - Visual aids: Braille
- - Visual aids: Tactile signs
Pool and wellness
- - Rooftop pool
- - Pool with view
- - Heated pool
- - Pool bar
- - Shallow end
- - Sun loungers or beach chairs
- - Sun umbrellas
- - Swimming pool
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key access
- - Key card access
- - Security alarm
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Breakfast takeaway containers
- - Delivered food is securely covered
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6 June 2026
When a hotel understands the assignment..