Hotel
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Abu Dhabi's grandest hotel, opened in 2005 and run by Mandarin Oriental since 2020, with 114 domes, a 1.3-kilometre private beach and a dozen restaurants.
W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
A five-star lifestyle hotel built over Yas Marina Circuit, with 499 rooms, rooftop pools, a two-storey spa and views of the track and marina.
At a glance
- Type
- Lifestyle hotel over a racetrack
- Area
- Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Hotel class
- 5-star
- Official site
- marriott.com
Good to know
- Rooftop pools
- AWAY Spa with hammam
- Track and marina views
- Pet-friendly
- Free parking
Why we recommend it
W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island is the hotel that the Formula One cars race beneath. It straddles Yas Marina Circuit, and the hotel describes itself as the only hotel built on top of a world-famous racetrack. The building was designed by Hani Rashid and Lise Anne Couture of Asymptote Architecture, and its 499 rooms and suites look out over the track or the marina.
It is a five-star luxury lifestyle hotel with plenty of places to eat and drink. Garage offers five cuisines under one roof, Brooklyn Chop House is a steakhouse with Asian flavours, and Pappas Taverna serves Greek and Mediterranean dishes. Roastery, in the lobby lounge, is the place for coffee and cakes. For drinks, W Lounge is an adults-only space with a resident DJ, and Rush Bar is the sports bar. On the roof, WET Deck is an adults-only pool, while SUN Deck is set up for families.
The AWAY Spa is spread over two floors with views of Yas Marina, and it has nine treatment rooms, a couples' room and a hammam. The FIT gym also overlooks the marina, with a minimum age of 16. The W is also pet-friendly, with one pet per room up to a weight limit and a fee per stay and per night.
The hotel suits motorsport fans, couples, groups of friends and families planning several days at the Yas Island theme parks, which the hotel describes as minutes away. Parking blackout dates apply over race weekend, so if you plan to stay during the Grand Prix, book well ahead and check the arrangements. At other times, it offers a lively base with the marina's restaurants on the doorstep.
Practicalities are straightforward. Zayed International Airport is about 8.5 kilometres away, and the hotel offers private car and limousine transfers on request rather than a shuttle. There is a bus station nearby on Yas Island. Self-parking and valet parking are complimentary, check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is at midday. The hotel holds LEED certification and Green Key status. For the best views, ask for a room overlooking the track, and if you are visiting outside race season, check the circuit's calendar for TrainYAS sessions, when the public can run, walk or cycle on the track.
W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island FAQs
Is the W Abu Dhabi really over the racetrack?
Yes. The hotel straddles Yas Marina Circuit and describes itself as the only hotel on top of a world-famous racetrack.
How many rooms does it have?
499 rooms and suites.
Is it good for families?
Yes. SUN Deck is a family rooftop area, and the Yas Island theme parks are minutes away.
Is there an adults-only pool?
Yes, WET Deck on the roof.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, one pet per room within a weight limit, with fees.
How far is the airport?
About 8.5 kilometres from Zayed International Airport.
Is parking free?
Yes, both self-parking and valet, though blackout dates apply during race weekend.