Mandarin Oriental have revamped the fabled Emirates Palace, creating a brilliant combination of a leisurely beach resort with Arabian palatial opulence. It's spacious and exclusive with superb all-round facilities. Highly recommended.
Stay at Emirates Palace
Originally built to host the GCC, this is a true Arabian palace, coated with over two tons of gold and home to the world's largest unsupported dome. At heart it still feels like a palace, showcasing beautiful Islamic architecture and lavish style. When it opened in 2005 it was the third most expensive hotel ever constructed. After a disappointing 15 years as a formal Kempinski hotel, Mandarin Oriental took the reins in 2020. They redeveloped the palace wings and transformed the hotel into a leisurely beach resort, maximising the long private beach and adding some superb facilities for families. This mix of palace and beach makes Emirates Palace a highly unique travel experience.
Location
The Emirates Palace sits in a prime spot of beachfront real estate at the western end of the famous Abu Dhabi Corniche, right next door to the Presidential Palace. Just 40 minutes drive from the airport or Yas Island.
Rooms
Mandarin Oriental toned down the palatial style when renovating the wings and rooms, which now feel modern and welcoming. Towering ceilings make the rooms feel quite large and even entry-level rooms can now sleep two adults plus two children, if one child shares the parents' bed. They vary by view and can be interconnected. Suites are as striking as they are spacious, a celebration of high opulence. Palace Suites in the central part of the hotel retain the original palace design, which is highly unique but won't suit everybody's tastes. Royal Suites with wraparound balconies are stunning while the the entire top floor of the hotel has only six Rulers Suites, reserved exclusively for visiting heads of state. All suites and some rooms enjoy access to the Mandarin Club for breakfast and drinks throughout the day.
Who is it for
The expansive beach and the overall facilities are great for families, who could easily spend a week without leaving the resort. Couples can have a regal experience too. It's a huge resort that isn't very intimate, but guests are spread across such a large area that there is a good amount of privacy, certainly in comparison to other beach resorts in Abu Dhabi.
Facilities & activities
Extensive, starting with a private marina and the long white sand beach. Two gorgeous pool areas on either wing include a mini water park for kids, then there's an aqua park just out to sea. There a nice spa and gym, some great restaurants including two Michelin stars, plus a ton of sports facilities. The new Kids Palace is superb, one of the best we've experienced anywhere in the world.
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