The hype
Travelers love the massive rooms and the Khalidiya location, but consistently groan about the tired furniture and hit-or-miss housekeeping.
Oryx Hotel
$60-120/ nat
Bestil hvis You want massive square footage and a rooftop pool in the heart of 'Old Abu Dhabi' without the 5-star price tag.
Hvorfor folk elsker det
- Huge rooms (even standard ones are ~38sqm)
- Walking distance to the Corniche and legendary cheap eats
- Rooftop pool with skyline views and a swim-up bar
Hurtig oversigt: It’s a 2007 time capsule that trades modern design for space and location—just don't expect lightning-fast service.
Anmeldt af @carmiamore: I stayed here for a business trip and was shocked by how huge the room was. The balcony view and deep bathtub made my evenings so relaxing. Solid choice if you value space over trendy decor.
Gæst der boede her sagde
Reality check
You're paying for the square footage and the neighborhood, not the '4-star' finishings.
- You need a suite for the price of a standard room elsewhere
- You want to walk to local shawarma joints and the beach
- You enjoy a lively rooftop vibe with shisha and drinks
Renhed & Vedligeholdelse
7.5
- Housekeeping: Daily service is standard, but attention to detail varies. Reviews mention missed dust and slow restocking of towels.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally clean but dated. Watch out for leaky shower seals and older grout lines.
- Maintenance: The building is showing its age (2007). peeling paint and stiff door handles are common complaints.
- Linens & towels: Clean but can feel a bit worn/scratchy compared to newer 5-star properties.
- Odors & scents: Lobby is heavily perfumed; non-smoking rooms generally fine but hallway smoke drift happens.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERAT
0-4HØJT
4-7.5MODERAT
7.5-10STILLE
- Thumping bass from the Blue Line Bar (especially on weekends)
- Hallway chatter and doors slamming
- Street noise on lower floors facing Zayed the First Street
Før du booker
Godt at vide
- Tourism fee is 4% plus other taxes; check if your rate includes the 10% service charge and 5% VAT.
- Valet parking is free but can be slow during peak dinner hours.
- The pool closes early for swimming but stays open as a shisha lounge.
Hvad skal du pakke
- Earplugs (for the hallway noise)
- Universal travel adapter (outlets are often old style)
- Flip flops for the pool and room carpet
Værelses-genie
Bedste valg
- Deluxe King Suite (52sqm) for separate living areas
- High floor (10+) City View for less street noise
Værelser at undgå
- Rooms near the elevator (noisy foot traffic)
- Floors directly below the rooftop pool/bar if you sleep early
- Low floors facing the main street
Værelses-anmodnings-genie – kopier og indsæt
“I would like to request a quiet room on a high floor (10th floor or above), away from the elevator and the Blue Line Bar. Please ensure it is a non-smoking room with a city view.”
Ofte stillede spørgsmål og skjulte tips
Alt hvad du gerne vil vide før du booker.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the rooftop pool is temperature-controlled, making it usable even in cooler winter months.
Is it walking distance to the beach?
Yes, the Corniche Beach is about a 10-15 minute walk (approx. 500m-1km depending on the gate).
Does the hotel serve alcohol?
Yes, there are licensed venues on-site including Fado Irish Pub and the Blue Line Bar.
Is there a deposit upon check-in?
Yes, expect a credit card hold or cash deposit for incidentals, usually around AED 200-500.
Are visitors allowed in the rooms?
Generally no, visitors are usually restricted to the lobby or restaurants per standard UAE hotel policy.
Is the Wi-Fi fast enough for work?
It's decent for emails and browsing (free in public areas and rooms), but can struggle with high-def video calls during peak times.
Insidertips
- ✨
The 'Fado Irish Pub' downstairs is legit—great live music and happy hour deals, popular with expats.
- ✨
Don't buy water at the hotel; there's a grocery store/supermarket just a 2-minute walk away.
- ✨
The sauna and steam room in the 'Curve Health Club' are often empty and a great free perk.
5 ting du bør vide før du tager af sted
💡The 'City View' is mostly other buildings, but the 'Corniche View' (if available) is worth the upgrade.
💡Room service portions are huge but can take 45+ minutes to arrive.
💡The elevators are notoriously slow; factor in an extra 5 minutes if you're on a high floor.
💡Balconies are often locked for safety; you might need to sign a waiver to get it opened.
💡The lobby scent is a strong floral perfume that hits you the moment you walk in.
Lokal Playbook
Kort
Se hvor Oryx Hotel ligger, og hvad der er i nærheden.