BEST PLACES TO STAY IN ABU DHABI, UAE IN 2023/2024
Are you planning a trip to Abu Dhabi and wondering where to stay in Abu Dhabi? Here are my personal picks – the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi for each budget.
While nearly everyone knows Dubai, the actual capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Abu Dhabi is lesser known to the extent that, until not long ago, it was still a hidden gem.
This has changed over the last few years and Abu Dhabi is becoming more and more popular with tourists. There are quite a lot of things to do in Abu Dhabi – so it doesn’t come as a surprise that a lot of new hotels have been built.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Booking Hotels in Abu Dhabi
If you are looking for the perfect Abu Dhabi accommodation, keep reading to find your ideal hotel.
When looking for the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi, you need to keep a few things in mind.
- First of all, of course, you have to consider your budget. Are you looking for a very affordable, mid-range, or luxury hotel in Abu Dhabi?
- The second thing you have to keep in mind is whether you are looking for a family-friendly, beach, or business hotel in Abu Dhabi.
- Your third consideration should be the location. While taking a taxi is quite cheap in Abu Dhabi, the public transport system there still isn’t fully developed. With this in mind, you need to think about which places you would like to visit if you don’t want to spend a fortune on taxi rides.
Abu Dhabi has several great areas to stay in, so here are some of my recommendations for you:
BEST AREAS TO STAY IN ABU DHABI
➡️ Corniche
➡️ Saadiyat Island
➡️ Zaya Nurai Island
➡️ Yas Island
➡️ Near Grand Mosque
For each area, you will find
➡️ Luxury Accommodations
➡️ Mid-Range Accommodations
➡️ Budget Accommodations
READ MORE:
- One Day in Abu Dhabi – What to Do and See!
- Which is the better place to visit? Abu Dhabi or Dubai? Find out which is the perfect place for you.
- Best things to do in Abu Dhabi – here are my top recommendations.
DISCLAIMER: THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS. THIS MEANS I MIGHT EARN A SMALL COMMISSION WHEN YOU BUY A PRODUCT/SERVICE (AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU). MORE ABOUT IT HERE.
WHERE TO STAY IN ABU DHABI
So, lets start with where to stay in Abu Dhabi.
Accommodations in Corniche in Abu Dhabi
One of the most famous and best places to stay in Abu Dhabi is Corniche. Corniche is a beautiful and modern area right on the west coast of the United Arab Emirates – which boasts a new promenade.
There is still some construction work going on. Despite all of the development, it has a lovely beach (not all of the beaches are public, and some parts are only for hotel guests). There are hotels both directly on the beach and throughout the Corniche area.
Getting to Corniche beach from this area is quick – you can either walk, take the bus or get a taxi.
Abu Dhabi’s most important landmark, the Grand Mosque, is about a twenty-minute drive away.
Luxury Hotels in Corniche – Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi
The Emirates Palace is one of the most famous and expensive hotels in the world. This luxurious 5* Kempinski hotel has 394 luxury rooms and suites, and it is one of the most iconic hotels in the region.
All guests are spoilt with views of the Persian Gulf or the Abu Dhabi skyline. Guests have several pools to relax, direct beach access (this area is, of course, a private section of the hotel), and there are several amazing restaurants with different cuisines.
While there are many great and secluded areas, it changes once you step out of the hotel. It is busy and one of the best places to stay at. Especially at night, it gets busy and adds more beauty to this hotel and area.
Check out the best rates for a stay at Emirates Palace here
Luxury Hotels in Corniche – Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Hotel is a multi-award-winning hotel located by the beach that provides stunning views of the Arabian Gulf, especially if you head up to the Observation Deck on the 74th floor.
Usually, you have to pay to go and admire the panorama here as it is the highest observation point in Abu Dhabi, but if you’re a guest, it’s free.
The hotel consists of 382 luxurious rooms and suites, some world-class restaurants and bars, three swimming pools, and the hotel’s private beach.
If that’s not enough for you, Avenue in Etihad Towers gives you a wide choice of high-end outlets if you’d like to do some shopping, and their Talise Spa is a great place to relax afterward.
Click here to find the best rate for Etihad Towers here
Luxury Hotels in Corniche – The St. Regis Abu Dhabi
If you would like a view of the Corniche combined with top-class service, then St. Regis Abu Dhabi might be a good choice. As well as the stunning views, each of the hotel’s 283 rooms comes with complimentary butler service. 
Find the best rates for your stay at St. Regis Abu Dhabi here
Mid-Range Hotels in Corniche – InterContinental Abu Dhabi
Though a five-star hotel, InterContinental Abu Dhabi is definitely good value for the money, and thus, it is listed here as a mid-range hotel.
The InterContinental also has a private beach! Many rooms provide great views of the marina and beachfront gardens to the guests, and there’s no shortage of restaurants to choose from, so you’re sure to find something that you love.
What’s more, the hotel’s Bayshore Beach Club provides lots of activities, including water sports for those who are feeling active, an infinity pool, and a splash pool with slides that are great for kids.
Find the best rates for your stay at Intercontinental Abu Dhabi here
Mid-Range Hotels in Corniche – Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche
Another hotel overlooking the Corniche is Sofitel Abu Dhabi.
This luxury 5-star hotel is just a 30-minute drive from Abu Dhabi airport. Included in your stay is using a shuttle bus to take you to Marina Mall, Yas Island, or directly to the beach. This makes it a good location to stay if you are looking for a nice hotel but do not want to spend a fortune.
Its architecture and 280 rooms are designed with a modern feel and a French Art Deco twist. It also has all modern facilities such as free Wi-Fi, pool, gym, and spa, and is very popular with couples.
Click here to find the best rates for Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche
Budget Hotels in Corniche – Aparthotel Adagio Abu Dhabi
Aparthotel Adagio boasts a central location in Abu Dhabi – in between the Grand Mosque and Corniche. Due to this handy location, you can be at many popular locations within a few minutes. It is known for being very clean, quiet, and spacious and shares the great pool and spa facilities with the Novotel Hotel next door.
Find the best price for a stay at Aparthotel Adagio Abu Dhabi
Accommodations on Saadiyat Island
With its many luxurious, expensive-looking properties, Saadiyat Island is one of the most beautiful areas in Abu Dhabi, and the beach is top-notch too and so are the hotels here.
A part of Saadiyat Island is public even though there is a 5€ ($6) charge for the day but the hotels here provide access to a private beach. If you want to enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches around in a gorgeous, secluded setting, Saadiyat Island has some of the best hotels in Abu Dhabi.
One of the very few attractions in this area is the Louvre Museum which opened at the end of 2017. This makes Saadiyat Island a quiet place and one of the best areas to relax.
Luxury Hotels on Saadiyat Island- The St. Regis Saadiyat Island
St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort is ideally located on the beachfront, ten minutes away from the city center and just 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi Airport. 
This hotel is one of the best in Abu Dhabi, and if you stay there, you will surely not be disappointed.
Click here to find the best rates for a stay at St. Regis Saadiyat Island.
Luxury Hotels on Saadiyat Island – Park Hyatt
The Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi is great for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. If you’re after a relaxing vacation, there are gardens surrounded by palm trees and one of the largest pools in Abu Dhabi.
For families, Camp Hyatt hosts fun and interactive activities for younger guests to enjoy while parents can take a break and enjoy the spa. It’s also near a range of nightlife! Plus, the staff is known to be extremely accommodating too, which we all know to be a significant detail!
Book your stay at Park Hyatt and find the best rates
Accommodations on Zaya Nurai Island
The most secluded and exclusive area to stay in is Zaya Nurai Island, which is a twelve-minute boat ride away.
Luxury Hotel on Zaya Nurai Island – Zaya Nurai Island Resort
Take it from me; Zaya Nurai Island Resort is a gorgeous private island and definitely one of the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi. People, who don’t stay overnight, can also buy day tickets for beach and pool access. However, the resort is mostly for hotel guests, and the beaches are incredible!
There is lots to do, so you can easily stay for two nights and not get bored. You can try water skiing, jet skiing, or surfing and if you’re worn out from all of that there are restaurants, a spa, and several pools where you can relax, unwind and have fun.
If you stay at the Zaya Nurai Resort, most rooms have their own private beach section and private pool. It doesn’t get much more secluded than this, even compared to other Abu Dhabi luxury hotels!
Getting off the island is a little bit more difficult, so if you want to visit many other landmarks of Abu Dhabi, I recommend staying a maximum of two nights on Zaya Nurai Island and then checking in an Abu Dhabi hotel that is more centrally located.
Find the best rates for your stay at Zaya Nurai Island Resort here
Accommodations on Yas Island
Situated around 120 kilometers southwest of Dubai is Yas Island. Yas Island is home to some of the top hotels in Abu Dhabi and of Abu Dhabi’s Marina Circuit Ferrari World, one of the biggest theme parks in the world.
The only downside is that it is further away from landmarks like the Emirates Palace, located in North Corniche.
Luxury Hotels on Yas Island – W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
If you are a Formula 1 fan or petrolhead, then you’ll love W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island. Located in Yas Island’s center, the hotel hovers over the Yas Marina Circuit, the favorite racetrack of many F1 legends.
If you like to wake up to the sound of race cars whizzing around underneath you instead of songbirds, this is an enjoyable experience. After this, you’re really close to Ferrari World, the world’s largest indoor theme park!
Being in the heart of Yas Island, it’s also right by Yas Mall, Yas Beach, and Yas Waterworld, among many other great attractions. The hotel provides a complimentary shuttle bus service to all of the main attractions.
Click here to find the best rates for accommodation at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
Mid-Range Hotels on Yas Island – Radisson Blu Hotel Abu Dhabi Yas Island
Another Yas Island hotel, the Radisson Blu Hotel Abu Dhabi Yas Island, is close to Abu Dhabi city center and only 15 minutes away from Abu Dhabi Airport.
While it is still close to all of the Yas Island fast-car-related attractions, this hotel is known for being a little more tranquil than Yas Viceroy with its peaceful atmosphere, including a special relaxation zone in the pool for adults only.
Of course, nearby, you also have Yas Beach and a top-class golf course, Yas Links, or if you feel like staying on-site, there is a spa, fitness center, and tennis courts.
Find out about the best rates at the Radisson Blu Hotel
Accommodations in the Area Around the Grand Mosque
As this beautiful sight is one of the main attractions in Abu Dhabi, I can understand the urge to stay in this area.
If you want to stay closer to the Grand Mosque and enjoy a great view of it, I recommend staying at the southern end of Abu Dhabi. The Traders Hotel, where I stayed, is a good choice.
Getting to Corniche takes about 10-15 minutes by taxi.
Luxury Hotels Near Grand Mosque – Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
This 5-star hotel – the Fairmont Bab al Bahr – is located at the gateway to Abu Dhabi and gives great access to the city center and Abu Dhabi Airport.
It is said to boast some of the best room views of the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi (make sure you ask for the view when booking) and its private beach. If you like to go for a wander on foot, it is close to a popular local souk and many independent specialty shops where you can also take a leisurely boat ride down winding canals as though you were in Venice.
Click here to find the best rates for your stay at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
Mid-Range Hotels Near Grand Mosque – Traders Hotel Qaryat Al Beri, by Shangri-La
Traders Hotel Qaryat Al Beri is on the beachfront between the two bridges of Al Maqta and Mussafah leading into Abu Dhabi and just ten minutes from Abu Dhabi Airport.
As well as having its own small private beach with plenty of sun loungers and free towels, there’s also a gorgeous garden to walk through towards the nearby souk where there are lots of bars, cafes, and restaurants to while away your time when you’re not on the beach.
This hotel has its own little souk, a beautiful long stretch of private beach with nice views and friendly staff, and even a little supermarket. Don’t miss the gorgeous night-time views of the Grand Mosque from here, either.
Click here to find the best rates for your stay at Traders Hotel by Shangri-La.
CONCLUSION: CHOOSING THE BEST PLACE TO STAY IN ABU DHABI
Abu Dhabi is a beautiful city to visit. It is great for a weekend trip and the choices of hotels are great.
Sо, whеthеr you’re looking for a rеlаxing break complete with luxurious surroundings and beautiful beaches, or you’re looking tо bооk уоur Abu Dhabi budget-friendly accommodation, I hope, this post has helped you decide where to stay in Abu Dhabi.
And though, the hotel choices in Abu Dhabi are numerous but the above-mentioned areas and hotels are my personal tips for staying in Abu Dhabi.
READ MORE:
