Blending world-class cultural attractions, year-round sunshine, luxury experiences, and a stunning waterfront setting, Abu Dhabi offers a compelling mix of tradition and modern sophistication. We’ve handpicked the best hotels in Abu Dhabi based on expert recommendations and thousands of guest reviews. All of our recommended hotels have a review rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars.
Best cheap hotel in Abu Dhabi: Al Maha Arjaan
Best boutique hotel in Abu Dhabi: Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort
Best luxury hotel in Abu Dhabi: Jumeirah at the Etihad Towers
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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.
Lonely Planet + 3 more“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.”
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.
Forbes + 2 more“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.”
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.
Lonely Planet + 1 more“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.”
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.
Lonely Planet + 1 more“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.”
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.
Forbes + 1 more“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.”
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.
New York Times + 1 more“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.
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.
New York Times + 1 more“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.
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.
Lonely Planet + 1 more“Appealing especially to race-goers, this dramatic hotel sits in pole position, straddling the Yas Marina Circuit.”
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.
Lonely Planet + 1 more“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 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.
Lonely Planet“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.”
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Forbes, CN Traveler, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Forbes, Lonely Planet, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Forbes, Telegraph
Recommended by:
New York Times, Lonely Planet
Recommended by:
New York Times, Forbes
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet
The city of Abu Dhabi is the capital and the second most populous city in the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven emirates in the country. Here are some of the best neighborhoods to stay in Abu Dhabi:
Al Raha
One of the most posh residential areas, Al Raha is the home to the authentic Emirati villas and houses. The villas built in this neighborhood are beautifully extravagant yet simple and it is the best place to witness the architectural wonders of the country.
Al Reem Island
Al Reem Island is the finance hub of Abu Dhabi and the neighborhood evokes the hustle and bustle of any leading financial capital in the world. The area is thronged by thousands of tourists and residents who visit the place to witness some of the most avant-garde sights of the country.
Al Reef
Al Reef is noted for its characteristic urban-lifestyle setting and is a perfect hangout spot for the people who intend to discover the emirate’s city life. The neighborhood has ample of hotels and townhouses as well as numerous health clubs, public parks, shopping malls, and restaurants.
Al Maryah Island
Al Maryah Island is among the newly-built neighborhoods in the emirate and it is swiftly turning into one of the most sophisticated city centers of the city. The neighborhood is the home to some of the best shopping centers and technology hubs in the country.
Saadiyat Island
Saadiyat Island is among the most luxurious areas in the city and is the home to romantic beachfronts, five-star hotels, and large villa complexes.
Also check out our guide about the best areas to stay in Abu Dhabi.
For 3-star hotels the average rate is around $70 per night. If you're looking for a 4-star hotel then the rates are around $90 per night. The average rate for a 5-star hotel in Abi Dhabi is around $200 per night.
If you're looking for a cheap hotel in Abu Dhabi, then try Al Maha Arjaan. It's an excellent budget hotel offering great value for money. It's in a good location, it's been recommended by travel experts and the hotel has excellent customer reviews. Also check out our list of the best cheap hotels in Abu Dhabi.
You like some luxury but don't like the famous chain hotels. If you're looking for the best boutique hotel in Abu Dhabi, you should check out Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort. It's a very cool hotel that has been highly recommended by travelers and experts.
Also check out our list of the best boutique hotels in Abu Dhabi, it's a manually curated list of the most unique and romantic hotels in the city.
If money isn't a problem and you're looking for a luxury hotel in Abu Dhabi, then go for Jumeirah at the Etihad Towers. The hotel offers excellent service, it's in a top location, it has been rated very highly by previous guests and renowned travel critics have recommended it.
Also check out our list of the best luxury hotels in Abu Dhabi, it's a manually curated list of the most exclusive 5-star hotels in the city.
If you're looking for a hotel that offers great breakfast, then Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri or The Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Hotel are probably your best bets in Abu Dhabi.
If you're looking for an excellent hotel near the airport in Abu Dhabi, then go for Hotel Centro Yas Island.
The Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Hotel has some excellent views of Abu Dhabi.
Evening Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner, Henna Painting, Camel Ride and Belly Dance
This trip includes a six-hour adventure through the stunning landscapes outside of Abu Dhabi, henna painting, sheesha smoking, and even a belly dancing show, plus a savory BBQ dinner with fellow travelers. From $83 per person.
Abu Dhabi: Yas Marina Circuit Venue Tour
Immerse yourself in a world normally open only to Formula 1 race drivers and their teams, and discover the circuit from the inside and out. From $30 per person.
Abu Dhabi Guided Sightseeing Boat Tours
See the skyscrapers and sights of Abu Dhabi from a brilliant yellow rigid-inflatable boat on this 60- or 90-minute cruise. From $42 per person.
More things to do in Abu Dhabi
Long before it was a glittering metropolis, Abu Dhabi was a quiet landscape of mangrove forests, salt flats, and coastal waters. Tracing its modern roots back to the 18th century, the region was home to the nomadic Bedouin clans of the Bani Yas tribe. These early settlers were master seafarers who built a modest economy around fishing and pearl diving, surviving in palm-frond huts under the scorching desert sun. The true transformation began in 1958 with the discovery of oil beneath an old pearling bed. Under the visionary guidance of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who became the ruler in 1966 and later the first president of the United Arab Emirates in 1971, this sudden wealth was carefully channeled into rapid infrastructure, turning a small fishing village into a global powerhouse.
Today, Abu Dhabi stands as the political and cultural capital of the United Arab Emirates, embodying a sophisticated blend of traditional heritage and hyper-modern ambition. While neighboring Dubai often captures headlines for high-octane tourism, Abu Dhabi positions itself as a deliberate, thoughtful custodian of culture and sustainability. It is a city defined by architectural wonders like the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, world-class institutions like the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and pioneering green initiatives like Masdar City, which serves as a global blueprint for zero-carbon urban living.
Beyond its famous skyline lie fascinating, lesser-known details that escape the average traveler. Literally translating to “Father of the Gazelle,” Abu Dhabi was allegedly named after a young antelope that led a wandering tribe to a vital freshwater source on the main island. While it appears to be a concrete jungle, the emirate actually encompasses over two hundred natural islands and boasts the world’s largest pod of Indian Ocean humpback dolphins. Furthermore, its ultra-modern grid layout was entirely designed by Japanese architect Katsuhiko Takahashi in 1967, long before the city became the global icon it is today.
We recommend you read our guide about where to stay in Abu Dhabi, covering the best areas for visitors, cool things to do, and much more.
If you like our list of the best hotels in Abu Dhabi, then you should also check out our selection of recommended hotels in Dubai or the best hotels in Tel Aviv.