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The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal

Abu Dhabi, The UAE

Blending Emirati opulence with Venetian elegance, the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi offers a resort atmosphere in the middle of the city. On one side, you can relax on a private sandy beach overlooking the Khor Al Maqta canal. On the other, admire close-up views of the white domes and towering minarets of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

The hotel itself is inspired by the arched façades and columns of 15th- to 17th-century Italian Renaissance architecture. It comprises ten palazzo-style buildings arranged in a crescent around one of the largest pools in Abu Dhabi, all set within extensive landscaped gardens filled with palm trees and bougainvillea. Inside, the decor is equally palatial, from the chandelier-lit lobby to the refined red-and-black surrounds of its Sorso Bar. You have an array of spacious rooms, suites, and villas to choose from, each one modern in design and luxuriously appointed. And with eight restaurants showcasing different types of cuisine from around the world, the on-site dining options are superb.

When you want to explore the rest of the city, you’ll find sightseeing spots, such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Yas Island, less than half an hour’s drive away.

OUR OPINION:

With its private beach and central location, you get the best of both worlds here. We loved the view of the Grand Mosque from the outdoor terrace of the hotel’s Li Jiang restaurant.

OUR RATING: Deluxe

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Audley Travel Specialist Niall

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Rooms

The hotel offers a variety of comfortable rooms and opulent suites spread out across the main building. Decor is elegant and modern throughout, with both Arab and Italian influences visible in the rich textiles and intricate artwork. All offer spacious marble bathrooms, and balconies or terraces where you can sit and admire the views over the beach, manicured gardens, or the Grand Mosque.

For extra space, you could stay in one of the luxurious two- or three-bedroom villas on the grounds, which have separate living and dining areas, kitchenettes, and plunge pools on their large private terraces.

Location

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi sits on the banks of the Khor Al Maqta waterway, across the road from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Staying here puts you in a peaceful part of the city, with attractions like Yas Island, the Corniche, and the Louvre Abu Dhabi about 25 minutes away by car. The airport is a 20-minute drive from the hotel.

Food and drink

  • Eight on-site restaurants offering an array of local and global cuisine.
  • The Forge signature steakhouse is open daily for dinner.
  • Li Jiang offers traditional Asian dishes with a modern twist.
  • Club rooms and club suites get access to The Ritz-Carlton Club, which includes complimentary food and drink throughout the day.
  • The sophisticated Sorso Bar is open for drinks every night.

Families

  • Children’s pool with lifeguard on duty.
  • Ritz Kids Club offers indoor and outdoor activities for children aged 4–12 from 10am–6pm every day.
  • Children’s menus available in some on-site restaurants.
  • Connecting rooms, two-bedroom suites, and two- or three-bedroom villas available for families.
  • Cribs available on request.

Facilities and activities

  • Family pool and adults-only pool.
  • Private beach on the Grand Canal.
  • State-of-the-art gym.
  • Padel courts.

Accessibility

  • Accessible rooms are available, with wide doorways, grab rails, and roll-in showers.
  • The on-site restaurants are all wheelchair accessible.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    Alternative places to stay nearby

    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can't be bettered.

    Experiences while staying here

    The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area's inhabitants.

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