Abu Dhabi advice please

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7th April 2024 at 19:07
#618855
#618855

aq.1988 454 posts

Hi,

Despite having been to Dubai several times, I’ve never actually been to Abu Dhabi, so thinking of an end of summer trip. Availability is pretty good.

Does anyone have suggestions of where is a good hotel/area to stay? It’ll be me, my wife and 4 year old.

I was thinking Yas Island, as we will probably go to at least 2/3 of the parks. If so, would like to use points, so considering WB Curio Collection, as you get access to the parks included, or Staybridge Suites, and just buy the IHG points when there’s a sale. Any feedback on either of these? I know there was some issues with the cancellation terms recently at the IHG, so will make sure I screenshot the terms before booking, in case they try to change them later.

Or, would we be better off staying in a different area and just taking a cab to the parks? If so, any suggestions? We are happy with mid-range. I have Gold Hilton and MB status through Amex Plat.

As an aside, are there any other FF programmes you can use to book flights on Etihad? Might need to book a short-haul flight to AUH, and the Etihad Guest miles required are exorbitant.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

7th April 2024 at 19:08
#618857
#618857

NorthernLass 7,610 posts

I think Rhys has reviewed a couple of hotels in Abu Dhabi IIRC.

7th April 2024 at 19:17
#618863
#618863

BBbetter 649 posts

We stayed in the city and it took 30-40 mins to get to Yas island. Not bad, but if theme parks are the main focus, I’d stay at the island.
The mall within the island is a bit upscale, therefore expensive food options. The city doesn’t have much to offer apart from the grand mosque.

7th April 2024 at 19:20
#618865
#618865

NorthernLass 7,610 posts

Doesn’t it have its own Louvre now?
Also if you google, a couple of readers have visited for the Grand Prix, staying at the W (?)

7th April 2024 at 19:40
#618868
#618868

aq.1988 454 posts

Thanks for the comments.

Yes, definitely leaning to Yas Island for the close proximity of the parks. Didn’t realise how far away it was from the city.

@NorthernLass, I can see Rob revieweded a couple, he was not very positive about the IC, but he was much more positive about the Conrad.

7th April 2024 at 20:37
#618874
#618874

BBbetter 649 posts

aq.1988 wrote:

I can see Rob revieweded a couple, he was not very positive about the IC, but he was much more positive about the Conrad.

If you have or would be buying IHG points, the IC residences is very good. Managed by the same group as IC, but in a modern adjacent tower.

7th April 2024 at 21:17
#618884
#618884

aq.1988 454 posts

BBbetter wrote:

aq.1988 wrote:

I can see Rob revieweded a couple, he was not very positive about the IC, but he was much more positive about the Conrad.

If you have or would be buying IHG points, the IC residences is very good. Managed by the same group as IC, but in a modern adjacent tower.

Thanks, I’ll check it out. I do prefer apartments to standard hotel rooms, just because it’s easier when you have a little one.

If I did for an IHG hotel, I would be buying the points when the next bonus is on (they seem to be fairly regular, so hopefully there would be another one before then).

7th April 2024 at 21:55
#618897
#618897

Gee 12 posts

Stayed at the conrad towers amazing hotel good location , locals shopping mail is amazing for designer goods !!!! ? Designer

7th April 2024 at 23:06
#618906
#618906

jj 520 posts

I stayed in the Dusit Thani on a recent business trip. It felt much more expensive than the price I paid, and I’d happily return.

I used Uber or taxis for all transport. Dirt cheap, efficient, friendly, and I never saw a traffic jam. I wouldn’t obsess over location – you won’t want to walk, and the difference between 5 mins or 15 mins in a taxi is trivial.

I’m not sure it’s the first place I’d take a 4 year old, but there’s plenty there to occupy a couple of adults who enjoy the finer things in life. I slipped into the Abrahamic House between meetinga and found that both fascinating and inspiring, but realise I might be in a minority.

If you like Gucci, Prada, Doce and Gabbana and the like, you will be very well served. I can’t pretend I bothered.

8th April 2024 at 00:47
#618913
#618913

aq.1988 454 posts

@jj, thanks for the suggestion, looks great for the price.

8th April 2024 at 12:10
#619054
#619054

Olly 243 posts

BBbetter wrote:

aq.1988 wrote:

I can see Rob revieweded a couple, he was not very positive about the IC, but he was much more positive about the Conrad.

If you have or would be buying IHG points, the IC residences is very good. Managed by the same group as IC, but in a modern adjacent tower.

Is the ambassador complimentary weekend night valid at the residences do you know?

(answered my own question – they are!)

8th April 2024 at 13:33
#619083
#619083

StanTheMan 217 posts

Hilton Yas Island gives you free access to a park for every day of your stay – I think 4 of us to WB world would have been £350 so it a deal that is very hard to beat. Nice promenade outside the hotel (Yas Bay) with enough restaurants to last a good week. Or a fiver in a cab to the Mall for anything else you need. We’ve also stayed at the Ritz Carlton – much better location to get to restaurants in the city. But, as above – if you want the parks – stick to Yas Island and get the deal including entrance tickets.

8th April 2024 at 14:39
#619112
#619112

aq.1988 454 posts

StanTheMan wrote:

Hilton Yas Island gives you free access to a park for every day of your stay – I think 4 of us to WB world would have been £350 so it a deal that is very hard to beat. Nice promenade outside the hotel (Yas Bay) with enough restaurants to last a good week. Or a fiver in a cab to the Mall for anything else you need. We’ve also stayed at the Ritz Carlton – much better location to get to restaurants in the city. But, as above – if you want the parks – stick to Yas Island and get the deal including entrance tickets.

Thanks, yes I saw the Hilton and the WB Curio both offer park access. The Hilton is 70k p/n, but the WB is 60k. A 3-park ticket is around £124pp, so a considerable saving getting it from the hotel. I think I’m pretty much decided on Yas Island now, and the WB Curio.

Thanks everyone for the comments.

8th April 2024 at 17:25
#619172
#619172

LD27 170 posts

We much prefer Abu Dhabi to Dubai and often visit to meet close family there who actually live in Dubai! We’ve not stayed since 2019 nor been to Yas Island. We usually stay at the Shangri-La or Ritz Carlton (opposite each other across the water) and happy with both. Last time we were there, 4 of us all arrived on different flights from various locations. We all met up at the Premier Inn at the airport where we stayed the first night. It was surprisingly good and had a pool.

Not sure about visiting with a 4 year old, but the Grand Mosque and Louvre are well worth a visit.

8th April 2024 at 17:32
#619177
#619177

sussexsb 8 posts

Zaya Nurai. Hands down. 4yr old should love the speed boat ride and bicycle options. Not a points person in sight though.

8th April 2024 at 17:36
#619178
#619178

Sandydoc 18 posts

Sorry to hijack…I’ve just booked flights (in to AUH/out from DXB) and I’m looking at exactly the same sorts of options (i.e Yas Island for the kids).
I notice there is a Doubletree immediately next door to the WB. Has anyone used it. I believe access is allowed to some of the facilities at the WB. Could we take breakfast there? (Hilton Gold). Looking at the price difference it may still be economical to stay there and buy a resort pass and pay for the buffet next door vs half-board at the WB.

Any recommendations for a mid-budget hotel in Dubai that’s good for the kids? I will aim to take them to Wild Wadi rather than aquaventura as I think it has more exciting slides that my 6 year old can actually go on. Thanks

8th April 2024 at 18:16
#619191
#619191

aq.1988 454 posts

Sandydoc wrote:

Sorry to hijack…I’ve just booked flights (in to AUH/out from DXB) and I’m looking at exactly the same sorts of options (i.e Yas Island for the kids).
I notice there is a Doubletree immediately next door to the WB. Has anyone used it. I believe access is allowed to some of the facilities at the WB. Could we take breakfast there? (Hilton Gold). Looking at the price difference it may still be economical to stay there and buy a resort pass and pay for the buffet next door vs half-board at the WB.

Any recommendations for a mid-budget hotel in Dubai that’s good for the kids? I will aim to take them to Wild Wadi rather than aquaventura as I think it has more exciting slides that my 6 year old can actually go on. Thanks

Can’t suggest a hotel as we have our own place in Dubai, but I prefer Wild Wadi. Last time we went, it just happened to be on a Monday, and they had a special deal for Visa cardholders on Mondays, where it was 109AED vs 299AED. The ticket staff told me about the offer, and I exited the queue and booked online instead. I was delighted with the saving, and then later my daughter broke her goggles, and I had to buy a pair from there, 160AED, which soured my joy somewhat!

8th April 2024 at 19:21
#619204
#619204

BBbetter 649 posts

StanTheMan wrote:

Hilton Yas Island gives you free access to a park for every day of your stay – I think 4 of us to WB world would have been £350 so it a deal that is very hard to beat.

Thought it was just WB. Good to have another option.
WB hotel is a wasted opportunity though – very little to differentiate from other hotels. Read that Disney does it better.
I wouldn’t choose the hotel purely on saving £350, especially with a small kid – check which hotel works for you, type of crowd and the reviews etc.

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