The hype
Guests are blown away by the architecture and the beach, but often overwhelmed by the size and the crowds in the lobby.
Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi
$400-800+/ notte
Prenota se You want to stay in a literal national monument where the cappuccino has 24k gold flakes and the hallway walk counts as cardio.
Perché piace così tanto
- The sheer audacity of the scale—1.3km of private beach and a dome larger than St. Paul's Cathedral
- Two distinct pool vibes: a massive adventure park for kids (West) and a zen sanctuary for adults (East)
- The 'Palace' factor—gold leaf ceilings, marble everywhere, and 24-hour butler service in suites
In sintesi: It’s less of a hotel and more of a well-oiled tourist attraction that happens to have bedrooms.
Recensito da @Grigari413: I was completely blown away by the scale of this place. Walking through the lobby with all that gold and marble made me feel like royalty. The grand staircase view is my absolute favorite part—photos really don't do it justice. It’s an experience I’ll never forget.
Cosa hanno detto gli ospiti che hanno soggiornato qui
Reality check
You might feel like a number rather than a guest until you get to the private wing of the beach or the adults-only pool.
- You want your vacation photos to look like a royal press release
- You are a family who needs a kids' club that rivals a small theme park
- You love a hotel gym that feels like a professional training facility
Pulizia e manutenzione
9.2
- Housekeeping: Generally impeccable. Twice-daily service is standard.
- Bathroom hygiene: Sparkling. Marble is polished to a mirror finish. No grout issues found.
- Maintenance: Excellent. The hotel employs a massive team just to touch up gold leaf and paint daily.
- Linens & towels: Heavy, crisp, high-thread-count sheets. Towels are plush and oversized.
- Odors & scents: Strong signature scent of Oud and Amber in public areas; rooms smell fresh and neutral.
Sleepability™
8SILENZIOSO
0-4RUMOROSO
4-7.5MODERATO
7.5-10SILENZIOSO
- Connecting doors (avoid if not needed)
- Hallway noise from long corridors if guests are loud
Prima di prenotare
Buono a sapersi
- You need a reservation (room or restaurant) just to get past the security gate
- Valet parking is free for guests, but self-parking is a hike
- The 'Palace Cappuccino' is ~AED 75 ($20) and is mostly for the photo op
Cosa portare
- Comfortable walking shoes (the corridors are endless)
- Formal wear for dinner (shorts are a no-go in the evening at Michelin spots)
- Sunscreen (the walk from the hotel building to the beach is exposed)
Genio delle camere
Migliori scelte
- East Wing rooms for couples (closer to adults-only pool and spa)
- Deluxe Sea View (Garden View often stares at a hedge or wall)
- Vegan Rooms (West Wing) for unique Votary amenities and vegan furniture
Camere da evitare
- Connecting rooms (unless you are a family)
- Ground floor Garden View rooms near the West Wing pool (noise from kids)
Genio delle richieste camera – copia e incolla
“I would appreciate a room in the East Wing on a higher floor, specifically avoiding connecting rooms to ensure quiet. If possible, a view that clears the garden hedges would be ideal.”
FAQ e consigli nascosti
Tutto ciò che vuoi davvero sapere prima di prenotare.
Is the gold cappuccino worth it?
It tastes like a normal cappuccino. You are paying $20 for the gold flakes and the Instagram story. Do it once, then switch to regular coffee.
Can I visit without staying there?
Yes, but you usually need a restaurant reservation to get past the main gate security. You can't just 'walk in' to look around anymore.
Which pool is better?
West Wing (Cascades) has slides and a lazy river for kids. East Wing is a quiet, adults-only oasis with a swim-up bar.
Is it all-inclusive?
No. It's a standard luxury hotel model. Food and drink prices are high (think $30 cocktails).
How far is it from the airport?
About 35-40 minutes by taxi from AUH airport. An Uber/Careem will cost around AED 100-150.
Is there a dress code?
Strictly 'Smart Casual' in the evenings. No flip-flops or tank tops in the lobby or restaurants after dark.
Suggerimenti degli Insider
- ✨
The 'Vegan Rooms' aren't just for vegans—they have some of the best non-feather bedding and Votary toiletries.
- ✨
Skip the main buffet breakfast at Vendôme if you hate queues; order room service to your balcony for a peaceful start.
- ✨
There is a 'secret' juice bar/cafe inside The Spa that is dead quiet and has great healthy snacks.
5 cose da sapere prima di partire
💡The smell—the lobby is pumped with a signature scent of Oud, Amber, and Jasmine that sticks to your clothes.
💡The 'Garden View' is often a euphemism for 'looking at a wall of bushes'.
💡You can ride a camel on the beach, but it's a short, guided loop, not a desert trek.
💡The sheer amount of gold leaf (approx 22kg used annually for repairs) makes the lighting in the lobby incredibly warm/yellow.
💡The 'Butler Service' in suites is great for unpacking, but they can't speed up the kitchen.
Guida locale
Mappa
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