The 9 Best Hotels in Abu Dhabi (2026)

Updated November 2026 · 9 picks

The best hotels in Abu Dhabi in 2026 are Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island, Rosewood Abu Dhabi, St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort and Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi. For a real desert stay, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is the standout.

Abu Dhabi's hotels cluster in three places: the city's Corniche and Al Maryah Island, Saadiyat Island with its beaches and museums, and Yas Island beside the theme parks. A fourth option is the desert, a long drive away at Liwa. Rates rise around the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Yas Island in late autumn. For things to do see our best attractions in Abu Dhabi.

1. Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental — Corniche

The landmark palace hotel on its own private beach.

$$$$ SplurgeBest for Couples · Families

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental is a landmark palace hotel on the Abu Dhabi coast, with a private beach, gardens and a large number of restaurants. Non-guests can book afternoon tea or a meal to see the interior.

The public spaces are as much of a sight as the rooms.

Good to know: If you are not staying, book afternoon tea or dinner to see the interior.

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Google Maps Website

2. Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort — Saadiyat Island

A beachfront resort on Saadiyat's turtle-nesting beach, near the Cultural District.

$$$$ SplurgeBest for Families · Couples

Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort sits on Saadiyat's long beach, with several pools, a spa and a kids' club. The Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Cultural District are a short drive away.

It suits families who want a beach and the museums in the same stay.

Good to know: Saadiyat's beach is a turtle-nesting site, so keep lights low at night and respect any signs.

Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Google Maps Website

3. Rosewood Abu Dhabi — Al Maryah Island

A modern tower hotel on Al Maryah Island, with a pool deck and Gulf views.

$$$$ SplurgeBest for Business · Couples

Rosewood Abu Dhabi stands on Al Maryah Island next to The Galleria mall. It has a pool deck, a spa and several restaurants.

It is a central option for business and leisure guests who want city access and luxury facilities.

Good to know: The Galleria Al Maryah Island is next door for shopping and restaurants.

Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Google Maps Website

4. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort — Saadiyat Island

A beachfront resort on Saadiyat's coast, near the Cultural District.

$$$$ SplurgeBest for Couples · Families

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort has a long private beach, a spa and a number of restaurants, with the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Cultural District nearby. It is one of the main luxury beach hotels in the city.

It is a good choice for couples and families who want a beach and museums in the same stay.

Good to know: The Cultural District museums are a short taxi ride; book Louvre tickets ahead.

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Google Maps

5. Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas — Saadiyat Island

A low-rise hotel and villas on Saadiyat's beach, with a calm feel.

$$$$ SplurgeBest for Couples

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas sits on Saadiyat Island's beach, with a spa, restaurants and private villas. It has a quieter feel than the large resort hotels.

It is popular with couples, and a golf course is nearby.

Good to know: The villas have private pools and suit groups or families.

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Google Maps

6. Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas — Saadiyat Island

A more moderately priced Saadiyat beach resort.

$$ Mid-rangeBest for Families

Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas is a beachfront resort on Saadiyat Island, with a pool, a kids' club and restaurants. It is priced below the St. Regis and Park Hyatt.

It is a sensible choice for families who want Saadiyat's beach on a smaller budget.

Good to know: Compare rates with neighboring resorts, as they change a lot by season.

Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Google Maps Website

7. Jumeirah at Etihad Towers — Corniche

A tower hotel on the Corniche, beside the Observation Deck at 300.

$$$ UpmarketBest for Couples · Business

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers occupies the Etihad Towers complex on the Corniche, with restaurants and views of the Gulf. The Observation Deck at 300 is on the 74th floor of the neighboring tower.

It is a convenient base for the city and the Corniche walking path.

Good to know: The Corniche beach and walking path are a short walk away.

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Corniche Road West, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Google Maps Website

8. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara — Liwa Desert

A fort-style desert resort in the Empty Quarter, a long drive from the city.

$$$$ SplurgeBest for Couples

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is a fort-style resort set among large dunes in the Liwa area of the Empty Quarter. It offers dune excursions, a spa and a pool.

It is the best choice in the emirate for a real desert stay, rather than a day-trip camp.

Good to know: It is a long drive from Abu Dhabi city; ask the hotel about transfers.

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, Liwa Desert, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Google Maps

9. W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island — Yas Island

A design-led hotel beside Yas Marina and the theme parks.

$$$ UpmarketBest for Couples · Families

W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island sits on Yas Island near the Yas Marina Circuit, with a large pool and several bars and restaurants. It is within reach of Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World and Yas Waterworld.

It has a younger, more social feel than most Abu Dhabi hotels.

Good to know: Book very early for Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend.

W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Google Maps

Frequently asked questions

Where should I stay in Abu Dhabi?

Saadiyat Island is best for beaches and the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Yas Island for theme parks, and the city or Al Maryah Island for business and shopping. The Corniche is good for views and walks.

Is Abu Dhabi cheaper than Dubai for hotels?

Often yes, outside the winter season. Rates still rise sharply around the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and other big events, so book early.

Can you drink alcohol in Abu Dhabi hotels?

Yes, licensed hotel restaurants and bars serve alcohol, as in Dubai. Check each hotel's venues before you go.

Is it easy to visit Abu Dhabi from Dubai?

Yes, it is roughly 90 minutes by road. Many visitors day-trip from Dubai, but staying overnight gives more time at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the museums and the beaches.