Stay
Where to stay in Abu Dhabi
Pick the area first, then the hotel. The city is spread across islands, every one has its own rhythm, and that shapes your trip more than the room does.
Which area suits you
Short and honest, from people who live here.
The Corniche
Some noiseFirst visit, beach and sea views
Eight kilometres of waterfront with public beaches, cycle paths and the grand old hotels. Qasr Al Watan and Emirates Palace are a short taxi away.
Al Zahiyah & Downtown
LivelyBudget, food, city life
The old tourist club area: dense, busy and full of cheap, excellent restaurants. Walking distance to Qasr Al Hosn and the Mina port souqs.
Saadiyat Island
QuietMuseums, beaches, couples
Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Cultural District and a long natural beach where turtles nest. Resort hotels, quiet nights and taxis for everything else.
Yas Island
Some noiseFamilies, theme parks, Formula 1
Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld and SeaWorld, plus the F1 circuit and Etihad Arena. Close to the airport, far from the old city.
Al Maryah & Reem
QuietBusiness trips, longer stays
The financial district and its towers, the Galleria mall and a waterfront promenade. Serviced apartments are good value for a week or more.
Khor Al Maqta
QuietGrand Mosque views, calm
Hotels along the creek facing Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, with souq-style dining at Bain Al Jessrain. Halfway between the city and Yas.
Places to stay in Al Maryah & Al Reem
No hotel pays to be on this list.
Good to know
The small things nobody mentions until you arrive.
- Tourism fee
- Abu Dhabi charges a per-room, per-night tourism fee on top of service charge and VAT. Check the rate you see includes them before you book.
- Check-in
- You need your passport or Emirates ID on arrival. Many hotels take a card deposit that is released when you check out.
- When to book
- November to March is peak season; for the Formula 1 weekend and New Year, book a month or more ahead. Summer is much cheaper, and very hot.
- Serviced apartments
- Al Maryah and Reem have good-value serviced apartments for longer stays, with a kitchen, washing machine and parking.
Rather have someone sort it all out?
Our team picks and books a place that fits your budget and plans. For the ride in from the airport we use Corniche Chauffeurs.