Spread out across 850,000 square meters, the Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi is truly a sight to behold. Hailed as one of the best five-star hotels in the world, Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi features around 394 rooms and suites. Operated by the Kempinski hotel group, the massive fortress-like hotel officially opened its doors to guests in 2005. Since then, it has been frequented by renowned celebrities, diplomats, political leaders, business moguls and more.
Where is the Emirates Palace? What are the attractions here? Are the restaurants worth a visit? Our review of Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi will help you make the most of your visit to this royal attraction in the capital.
Location
A central location right at the heart of Abu Dhabi puts Emirates Palace close to major tourist attractions and industrial areas in the city. Popular tourist attractions nearby include the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, both of which are a 20-minute drive away. Located 90 minutes away from Dubai International Airport and a 40-minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport, the hotel is easily reachable by guests flying to and from the city.
Rooms and Suites
From luxuriously themed rooms to palatial VIP suites, guests here can expect the very best in terms of accommodation. Amenities offered include in-room iPads, 24-hour butler services, entertainment centres and more. For a better idea of available options, here is a general review of rooms and suites at the Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi.
Rooms
The cheapest accommodations here are in the form of three themed rooms — Pearl, Diamond and Coral. Each has a distinct design in terms of furnishings. Depending on your choice, your living arrangements may come with views of the landscaped pool area situated adjacent to the white sandy shores of the nearby beach or the Palace’s exquisite gardens filled with seasonal flowers.
Exclusive Suites
The hotel’s most luxurious offerings include the 1, 2 and 3-bedroom Palace Suites, Khaleej Suite, Khaleej Deluxe Suite and the Royal Khaleej Suite. Capable of accommodating up to 2 adults and 2 kids, the 1-bedroom variety features a king-size bed, entertainment facilities, large bathtub and Jacuzzi. Additional perks include a separate living room, powder room, balcony, and more. A Royal Khaleej Suite comes with unobstructed views of the sea, a bathroom with a Jacuzzi, Swarovsky crystal chandeliers, and other perks.
Restaurants in Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi
One of the best hotels in the world is sure to have one of the best cuisines. And Emirates Palace Hotel Abu Dhabi doesn’t disappoint. Of the many Emirates Palace restaurants and bars in the hotel, these deserve a special mention.
Le Cafe, Emirates Palace
If you really want to feel like royalty, head to Le Café. This café is famed for serving the Palace’s signature specialities — the Palace Cappuccino, a cup of superior blend aromatic coffee sprinkled with real 23 karat gold flakes. Other notable items here include the 23 karat gold sprinkled Emirates Palace Camel Burger. Additionally, guests may choose any of the three options for high tea. Shortlisted for “Best Café in Abu Dhabi” Le Café is a definite must-visit.
- Contact: +971-2-6907999
Hakkasan, Emirates Palace
An upscale Emirates Palace restaurant, signature dishes at Hakkasan include Peking duck and the dim sum platter. In other words, this is the place to visit if you are craving for the best Chinese cuisine this side of the UAE. It’s also one of our recommendations for gluten-free restaurants in the emirate. We recommend booking your seat in advance here.
- Contact: +971-2-690-7739
Sayad Seafood Restaurant
Arabic for “fisherman”, Sayad is an award-winning eatery specialising in fresh seafood with a dining area that offers patrons stunning panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf. From Lobster Thermidor to clams and other types of shellfish, the food here is sure to impress any client over a business dinner.
- Contact: +971-2-690-7999
Bars
In addition to a number of high-end eateries, Emirates Palace also features fully stocked bars and lounges. Consider the Cuban-themed Havana Club, a refined lounge experience where you can enjoy hand-rolled Cuban cigars and the finest beverages. Acclaimed as one of the best five “Best Cigar Bars in the World”, this place is ideal for intimate evenings or impromptu business meetings.
- Contact: +971-2-690-7999
Spa Services
From a regular mani-pedi service to an upscale men’s salon, spa services offered at Emirates Palace include the following award-winning outlets.
Gentleman’s Tonic
This men’s only salon offers grooming services with products that are free from all harmful chemical additives and synthetic materials. Other products worth mentioning include fragrances made from natural ingredients.
- Contact: +971-2-690-7978
Emirates Palace Spa
A 1,500-meter award-winning spa, perks at the Emirates Palace Spa includes a traditional Moroccan Hammam with two steam rooms, Jacuzzis, heated marble surfaces and even an ice cave. Notable treatments here include the 90-minute Palace Rose Hammam, a relaxing skin treatment followed by a visit to the Jacuzzi, ice cave and Hammam. Another service, Decadence of Arabia, begins with a fragrant stone scrub followed by a facial and a 15-minute upper body massage.
- Contact: +971-2-690-7978
Pedi:Mani: Cure Studio
Famed as a unique foot spa, the Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio is the brainchild of “Foot Virtuoso” Bastien Gonzalez. Notable treatments here include the Bastien’s Duo, a 75-minute synchronised hand, legs and arm treatment complete with nail care. Another service, Fire and Ice, involves a combination of cold and hot sensations for the perfect pedicure.
- Contact: +971-2-690-7978
Fitness Centre
Open 24 hours a day, the hotel’s two fitness centres feature state of the art “Techno Gym” equipment and even the famed “VibroGym.” Qualified instructors are on hand to offer their expertise whether you want to refresh your workout or are new to the practice.
Special Offers and Facilities
Besides the restaurants, spas and other attractions, there are some special offers and services provided exclusively by the Emirates Palace. These include:
Emirates Palace Hotel Tour
This guided tour includes a visit to the main dome, Etihad Ballroom, Palace terrace and 3-bedroom Palace Suite if available. At the end of the tour, guests are also treated to the Palace Cappuccino, a slice of Palace Cake and other indulgences. All bookings can be made online. For Emirates Palace visiting hours, refer to the following:
- Emirates Palace Timings: 10:00 am to 04:00 pm
Memberships
A membership at the Emirates Palace Beach Club Abu Dhabi comes with full access to all recreational facilities and activities offered by the hotel. Facilities featured include access to a 1.3km stretch of private beach, two resort pools, a water sports centre, tennis courts, kids club, football fields and more. Non-members can also take advantage of these perks for a fee. Here is a general rundown of charges for day passes:
- Adults (21 and above): AED 410
- Kids (4 to 20 years): AED 155
- Toddlers (up to 3 years): Free
Day passes are subject to availability, so we recommend booking them in advance.
- Contact: +971-2-690-7311
Luxury Beach Cabanas
Nothing says luxury like a day spent in beautifully crafted beach cabanas with pristine ocean waters a few meters away. Offered by the hotel’s beach club, the cabanas are placed near the swimming pool at the East Wing. Before you book, here is a rundown of rates for the beach cabanas in Emirates Palace.
- Price for max 4 people: AED 1000
- Price for max 6 people: AED 1,400
- Contact: +971-2-690-7311
Awards and Accolades
The Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi has won several annual awards as one of the most prestigious hotels in the world in terms of excellence in hospitality, spa, wellness and gastronomy. Two of the most recent include the Middle East’s Leading Luxury Hotel and the Middle East’s Leading MICE Hotel for 2019.
For information on Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi price and other details, refer to the following information:
- Contact: +971-2-690-9000
- Address: Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi, West Corniche Road – UAE
- Email: reservations@emiratespalace.ae
- Check in hours: 02:00 pm
- Check out hours: 12:00 pm
That’s a wrap of our review of Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi. For more opulent activities in the emirate, consider a yacht rental in Abu Dhabi. Looking for other Chinese eateries? Check out our review of the best Chinese restaurants in Abu Dhabi. Our review of desert safari companies in Abu Dhabi might also come in handy if you are looking for other fun pursuits in the emirate.
