Best hotels in Abu Dhabi

Rosewood, Abu Dhabi

Rosewood offers a luxurious hotel experience that caters to the whole family. The property, with its sleek and contemporary design, is located right by the waterfront, providing breathtaking views. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a refreshing welcome beverage, immediately creating a sense of relaxation.

“From Glo, its rooftop pool-bar, at the tip to snug wine-haunt La Cava secreted in its toe, the Rosewood is one sophisticated customer. Rooms exude contemporary, non-stuffy style with lashings of white, and baths overlooking the waterway.”

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi

Overlooking the silhouette of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and situated on the beachfront, this hotel caters to business needs with its modern design and hundreds of well-equipped rooms and suites. The Fairmont offers a taste of luxury you'd anticipate, with lavish king-sized beds adorned with fresh white sheets, modern bathrooms featuring large bathtubs, flat-screen televisions, and distinct lounging areas.

“Sleek and sapphire blue, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr’s geometry sparkles like glistening facets of a gemstone along Abu Dhabi Creek. Inside, you’ll find a warm and inviting hotel in stark contrast to its cool, modern façade.”

Sofitel Corniche, Abu Dhabi

The Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche is a striking luxury hotel anchoring the Capital Plaza complex right on the city's northwest shore. Opened in 2012 as the French brand's very first property in the UAE capital, it immediately stood out for its seamless blend of European elegance and traditional Arabic hospitality.

“Slap on the Corniche and packed full of facilities, you can’t really go wrong staying in the Sofitel’s large, light-filled rooms. The two rooftop pools (one kept specifically for families with wee ones) are where most guests hang out, though after dark many are tempted into Jazz & Fizz for a drink or two.”

Southern Sun, Abu Dhabi

If 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 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.”

The Edition, Abu Dhabi

Marriott's EDITION, a high-end boutique concept, is globally adaptable. The overall aesthetic, blending sophisticated boutique-inspired design with true luxury hotel amenities, echoes its counterparts in locations such as New York and Milan. Yet, the Abu Dhabi EDITION carries a distinctive local flair; even its architectural outline pays homage to the traditional ship sails of the Arabian Gulf.

“Debuted in November 2018 as EDITION’s first property in the Middle East, The Abu Dhabi EDITION is a stunning microcosm of the city it inhabits. While Arabian culture and heritage are referenced prolifically throughout the property, this place is thoroughly modern and adds a dash of high-octane glamor to Abu Dhabi’s crowded hotel scene.”

Aloft Hotel, Abu Dhabi

If you are looking for a place in Abu Dhabi that completely ditches the stuffy, traditional hotel vibe, Aloft Abu Dhabi is where it's at. Tucked right inside the bustling Capital Centre, this 16-story hotspot is a dream for anyone who loves sleek design without the eye-watering luxury price tag. What makes it historic for the brand is that when it opened in late 2009, it was officially the very first Aloft hotel to debut in the Middle East.

“The towering Aloft hotel has 408 rooms done in a sleek and angular style and contains the popular rooftop bar Relax@12, among others.”

Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Abu Dhabi.

Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi

Nestled right along the Khor Al Maqta creek, the Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri is a stunning five-star oasis that perfectly blends modern luxury with traditional Arabian soul. Its architecture—crafted by the renowned South African firm Northpoint—features grand arches, intricate marble mosaics, and beautiful Arabesque silhouettes that make you feel like you've stepped into a contemporary palace.

“Picturesque waterways run past the luxurious Shangri-La, affording lovely views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque on an opposite bank. Amenities include a private beachfront, the Asian-inspired Chi spa and the opulent Pearls and Caviar restaurant and lounge.”

Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Abu Dhabi.

Hotel W, Abu Dhabi

If you are looking for a hotel that completely throws out the traditional luxury rulebook, W Abu Dhabi on Yas Island is it. It holds the title of the largest W Hotel in the world, featuring 499 rooms, and it’s an absolute paradise for both architecture nerds and motorsport fans. Designed by Hani Rashid and Lise Anne Couture of New York-based Asymptote Architecture, the building is famous for being the only hotel in the world built directly over a functioning Formula 1 racetrack.

“Appealing especially to race-goers, this dramatic hotel sits in pole position, straddling the Yas Marina Circuit.”

Conrad Etihad Towers Hotel, Abu Dhabi

If you are looking for pure architectural drama in Abu Dhabi, the Conrad Etihad Towers is it. Designed by the Australian firm DBI Design, this five-tower complex looks like a cluster of sleek, curved sails rising right out of the Arabian Gulf. The hotel itself is tucked into Tower 1, combining ultra-luxury with some seriously bold engineering.

“The lobby’s show-stopping glass wall ushers you into this exclusive cocoon where guests float from spa treatment to private beach before choosing between some of the city’s top-class restaurants and bars once the sun goes down.”

Yas Plaza Circuit Hotel, Abu Dhabi

Yas Plaza Circuit places you right in the pulsing heart of Abu Dhabi’s action-packed Yas Island. This vibrant, family-friendly hotel is designed with a striking, contemporary aesthetic, using bold colors and energetic, kinetic design elements that mirror the high-octane spirit of its neighbor, the legendary Yas Marina Circuit.

“A little less glossy than neighboring hotels, this hotel’s neat-as-a-pin, compact rooms offer Yas Island’s most budget-conscious choice. As long as you’re not expecting trendsetting chic styling in your room (it’s all very business-neutrals here) it’s a good-value choice.”