Where to stay in Abu Dhabi? – The 5 best areas and hotels in Abu Dhabi 🇦🇪

Hi travelers, if you’re traveling to the Middle East, I’m your girl for an insider tip on where to stay in Abu Dhabi! I visited this wonderful city recently and am still in awe of how fabulous everything was!

To help you plan your stay, I’ve picked out the best areas and hotels and sorted them by interest and budget! This way you can easily combine and find the perfect option for you!

The Corniche is the best area for first-time visitors as it is close to the sea, home to many stores and restaurants and close to the sights. But stay tuned to read more about a total of 5 areas that are perfect for tourists!

I promise you that planning your stay will be easy after reading my article!

And don’t forget to book your stay in advance – this destination is becoming more and more popular every year!

QUICK PICKS FOR YOUR STAY

These are the best hotels in Abu Dhabi that are still available:

• Best Luxury Hotel: 👉 ST REGIS ABU DHABI
• Best price-performance ratio: 👉 LE ROYAL MERIDIEN ABU DHABI
• Best cheap accommodation in the center: 👉 COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT WORLD

Take a look at this video, which gives you a visual explanation of all areas:

1. THE CORNICHE – WHERE TO STAY IN ABU DHABI FOR THE FIRST TIME

The Corniche is a beautiful and modern waterfront area and one of the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi if you are visiting the capital of the United Arab Emirates for the first time.

It has an impressive and modern waterfront promenade that is 5 miles long and perfect for an Arabian sunset stroll or a bike ride (dedicated paths are available)!

I stayed in Corniche during my visit and loved how easy everything was to get to!

There are numerous luxury hotels, restaurants, cafés and several children’s playgrounds near the beach. The Corniche becomes even livelier at night, when everyone comes here to get some fresh air or relax in one of the shisha cafés.

The beautiful blue water, the soft white sand and the breathtaking Abu Dhabi skyline form the backdrop. Corniche Beach has separate areas for families with children (gates 2 and 3), for singles and large groups (gate 4) and for those looking for a quiet area (also gate 2). You can also rent sun loungers and parasols on the beach (AED 25 per lounger). In between is the beach for the general public, which is free of charge.

Nearby is also the Emirates Heritage Village, where you can see what a typical Arab village looks like.

And if you haven’t had enough of the luxury hotels and skyscrapers here, then take the train and visit the beautiful city of Dubai with even more impressive towers.

NOTE: To the east of the Corniche is Saadiyat Island, a new business center of Abu Dhabi, which is also home to the famous Louvre Abu Dhabi!

THE BEST HOTELS ON THE CORNICHE

• LUXUS HOTEL: 👉 The St Regis Abu Dhabi

Be treated like royalty at this luxurious resort in The Corniche that looks like a palace! The beautiful traditional yet modern design and rooms with large windows will blow you away. Guests have access to the private beach area and couples can enjoy a romantic dinner on the beach at sunset. In my opinion, this is definitely one of the best places to stay in Corniche, especially for couples!

• Middle class: 👉 Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi

Enjoy a delicious dinner with a view of the Abu Dhabi skyline at this magnificent hotel with two pools and a bar.

• Cheap hotel: 👉Courtyard by Marriott World

Sit by the pool while the sun goes down or go to the gym at this affordable hotel, which has spacious rooms.

THINGS TO DO IN THE CORNICHE

• Relax all day long and swim at Corniche Beach
• Take a walk through the Corniche Park
• Admire the architecture of The Landmark and Baynunah Tower
• Take the children to the beautiful playground in the Family Park
• Eat a delicious traditional meal at Chagh Kabab
• Go shopping in the Marina Mall
• Cool off in Lake Park on a hot summer’s day

2. YAS ISLAND – BEST STAY IN ABU DHABI WITH FAMILY

This area is located 10 miles (20 km) from the city center and is full of entertainment options for every type of traveler! It’s fun for everyone, but especially for those visiting Abu Dhabi with children.

Here you will find the best hotels in Abu Dhabi, from luxury hotels to budget hotels, but I recommend you book in advance. There are many attractions in this area and people are always looking for accommodation early.

One of the biggest attractions here is the famous Ferrari World, a cool amusement park that opened in 2010 and has been attracting tourists in droves ever since to test out the world’s fastest rollercoaster, Formula Rossa! I’m sure the kids will love this place, and believe me, it will be hard to get them out of here!

Don’t worry, they’ll come when you tell them there are so many other things to see, like the Yas Waterpark, a huge park with activities for all ages, from young children to adults craving an adrenaline rush!

Here you will also find the Cinesplash, the first water cinema in the region. Movies in the water? How cool is that?

You really can’t get bored on Yas Island, seriously! And if you still have some time or energy left after visiting all these fantastic places, you can experience the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a Formula 1 race, at the Yas Marina Circuit!

If any of my readers are Formula 1 fans, you’ve hit the jackpot (see the description of the W Abu Dhabi Hotel below for a special surprise)!

THE BEST HOTELS ON YAS ISLAND

• LUXUS HOTEL: 👉 Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island

This fabulous 5-star hotel has absolutely fantastic amenities including 2 swimming pools, 6 on-site restaurants, a gym, a delicious breakfast and a private beach area. Stay here and have direct access to attractions such as Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros and SeaWorld!

• Middle class: 👉 W Abu Dhabi

A spectacular hotel with a view of the Formula 1 race track (prices soar during race days, book in advance!)

• Cheap hotel: 👉 Mayan, Yas Island

An affordable hotel with great amenities like a swimming pool, free parking and Wi-Fi.

THINGS TO DO ON THE ISLAND OF YAS

• Take the kids on the world’s fastest rollercoaster at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
• Experience family fun at Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi
• Immerse yourself in the fantastic world of the amusement park Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi
• Visit the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Formula 1 race at the Yas Marina West Circuit
• Try out the magnificent golf course at Yas Links Abu Dhabi
• Spend an entertaining day at the Clymb Abu Dhabi in the Yas Island district
• Visit KidZania – Abu Dhabi, one of the best amusement parks for children

3. AL ZAHIYAH – LOCAL EXPERIENCES ON SITE

This central district in the north of the city was formerly known as the Tourist Club Area and is one of the oldest districts in Abu Dhabi.

Although Al Zahiyah now has a few more modern buildings and a cosmopolitan feel, it still has the old charm and is one of the best places to experience the international atmosphere that makes the United Arab Emirates so famous.

In contrast to the Corniche, it is teeming with locals who have settled here from all over the world. So you should definitely book a hotel here if you want to experience the authentic multicultural side of this city.

You will also get a taste of Arab culture in this district. So be prepared for lots of narrow alleyways, friendly restaurants and pretty stores. Al Zahiayah consists of a mixture of residential and commercial buildings. In this neighborhood you will find many well-known hotels in Abu Dhabi, business towers and some residential buildings.

If you want to know where to stay in Abu Dhabi to have the perfect shopping experience, then the Al Zahiyah neighborhood is for you! I recommend a visit to the Abu Dhabi Mall, where there are over 200 stores and some new restaurants for you to try!

And if you want to see the modern towers and buildings, Al Maryah Island, the business and financial center of Abu Dhabi, is right next to this neighborhood!

THE BEST HOTELS AT AL ZAHIYAH

• LUXUS HOTEL: 👉Hala Arjaan by Rotana

This luxurious hotel offers one of the best views of Al Maryah Island! I love the modern decor and the practical rooms, which also have a lounge area and balconies. You can relax and swim in the indoor pool and maybe hit the gym afterwards if you want to work off all the food you’ll be eating at the onsite restaurant.

• Middle class: 👉 Grand Mercure Abu Dhabi

Enjoy your stay in Abu Dhabi at this hotel with city views, a hot tub, sauna and spacious rooms

• Cheap hotel: 👉 Southern Sun Abu Dhabi

This centrally located hotel is the perfect choice for travelers on a budget and features an outdoor rooftop pool and bar.

THINGS TO DO IN AL ZAHIYAH

• Explore the narrow streets and enjoy the local culture in Al Zahiayah
• Einkaufen von Souvenirs in der Abu Dhabi Mall
• Visit the Heritage Park, a replica of a traditional village
• Discover the best restaurants in the area
• Take a walk in Electra Park
• Enjoy a coffee in the friendly Lotus Cafe & Lounge.

4. AL RAHA AND KHALIFA CITY – BEST ACCOMMODATION FOR PRICE-CONSCIOUS TRAVELERS

These two neighborhoods are right next to each other in the southern part of the city. They are popular with travelers on a budget as they are a little further away from the city center, but you can always use public transport to visit some great attractions.

One of Abu Dhabi City’s most important landmarks, the Grand Mosque of Sheikh Zayed, is not far from Khalifa City. It is a must-see for every visitor!

This mosque is the largest mosque in the country, and its architecture is simply spectacular! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more beautiful religious site in my life!

Inside the mosque you can see the largest hand-knotted carpet in the world, measuring 5,627 m2! Over 1,200 artisans worked on it! I am still in awe of it!

For travelers looking for accommodation in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Al Raha and Khalifa City are located close to Abu Dhabi International Airport! So you don’t have to worry about spending too much money on a cab or wasting too much time on public transportation.

The Al Raha neighborhood is home to another fantastic beach, a very relaxed place with villas and apartments right on the shore. As many locals stay here, you’ll also find a few grocery stores to help you save even more if you want to cook for yourself.

Khalifa City is not far from Saadiyat Island and is another residential area that is becoming increasingly popular with travelers. The neighborhood is very relaxed, and there are plenty of green spaces and parks. I love a city that cares about the fresh air in its neighborhood!

THE BEST HOTELS ON THE AL RAHA

• LUXUS HOTEL: 👉 Al Raha Beach Hotel

I love the regal design of the rooms in this luxurious hotel! They even have marble bathrooms! I’m sure couples will enjoy the romantic views of the Corniche coastline from their balcony! With a private beach area, spa center and three swimming pools, this place will capture your heart!

• Middle class: 👉 Marriott Hotel Al Forsan

Enjoy your stay in Abu Dhabi in one of the best hotels, which has a spa and sports center with three swimming pools

• Cheap hotel: 👉 Premier Inn Abu Dhabi

This budget hotel near the airport offers a breakfast buffet and has a private bathroom.

THINGS TO DO IN AL RAHA AND KHALIFA CITY

• Visit the nearby Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
• Visit the Aldar Building in Abu Dhabi, the first round building in the Middle East
• Listen to live music in the friendly McGettigan’s Irish Pub
• Sunbathing all day long on the beach at Al Raha
• Go-karting at Al Forsan International Sports Resort

5. AL KHALIDIYA – THE TRENDIEST PLACE IN ABU DHABI

This central district near the Corniche and the beach has long been considered the underrated cultural center of Abu Dhabi. A place where the old meets the new. Here you definitely get the best of both worlds, including some cool art galleries, restaurants and not forgetting the proximity to the beach!

Many people who live in Abu Dhabi say that Al Khalidiya is not a destination, but a whole experience, and I couldn’t agree more! The area is very colorful and also showcases some of the city’s older architecture. If you’re looking for accommodation in Abu Dhabi, I recommend this place as one of the coolest spots.

In this area is another top attraction, the Qasr Al Watan, or the Presidential Palace, with absolutely amazing architecture and attention to detail in the design!

Al Khalidiya is also home to one of the best luxury hotels in the world, the Emirates Palace Hotel!

And finally, I’m sure all the foodies out there will appreciate the many street food places in Al Khalidiya. The variety of restaurants here will have you visiting a new cuisine every day! There is even a restaurant inspired by the TV series Game of Thrones!

THE BEST HOTELS ON THE AL RAHA

• LUXUSHOTEL: 👉 Emirates Palace Mandarin Hotel

This is your chance to live your dream of Arabian royalty! The five-star Emirates Palace Hotel has its own beach area overlooking the Persian Gulf. The design of the rooms and the marble bathrooms make you want to live here forever! I love the outdoor lounge area, especially at night when the lights come on. It’s pure luxury!

• Middle class: 👉 Bab Al Qasr Hotel

A beautiful hotel in Abu Dhabi with one of the largest private beach areas, fantastic room views and a spa

• Cheap hotel: 👉 Khalidiya Palace Resort

Relax by the pool at this 5-star resort, which offers stunning views from the room balcony and free Wi-Fi

THINGS TO DO IN AL KHALIDIYA

• Visit the UAE Currency Museum.
• Discover Abu Dhabi’s cool art scene in the Etihad Modern Art Gallery
• Walk through the Al Manhal Palace
• Dine at the unique Game of Toast restaurant.
• Einkaufen in der Al Khalidiya Mall
• Try the street food in this friendly neighborhood

FAQ’S ABOUT ACCOMMODATION IN ABU DHABI

CONCLUSION

I hope this post has helped you decide where to stay in Abu Dhabi and which luxury hotels to book!

I know I’ve given you a variety of places to stay, but here are my two absolute favorites, both located in the Corniche area:

• St. Regis Abu Dhabi – One of the finest hotels with private beach access
• Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi – A beautiful hotel in Abu Dhabi with two pools

The list of hotels in Abu Dhabi seems endless, but they book up very quickly and I recommend you book your hotel in advance to get the best deal!

Leave me a comment if you have any questions or just want to rave about the luxury accommodation in Abu Dhabi!

RELATED ARTICLES

Where to stay in Cape Cod? Top 10 Best Places to Stay in Cape Cod 🇺🇸

Where to stay in Tokyo: 8 areas and best hotels in Tokyo 🇯🇵