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.
A good-value budget hotel in Capital Centre, opposite the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, with easy road links to Masdar City, Saadiyat and Yas Island.
Good to know
Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Capital Centre is a straightforward budget hotel in the Capital Centre district, opposite the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. It is one of the most practical places to stay in the city for event visitors on a budget.
The main reason to stay here is value, which makes it a sensible choice for travellers who plan to spend their days out sightseeing and simply need a clean, reliable place to sleep. The official tourism board describes it as close to the city's business districts, including Masdar City, and within easy reach of Saadiyat and Yas Island.
Being opposite ADNEC is a big advantage during major exhibitions, conferences and concerts, when you can walk to the venue rather than battle traffic. Capital Gate, the leaning tower beside the exhibition centre, is close by. For a beach, the Corniche is reachable by taxi, while the resorts of Saadiyat and Yas Island are within easy driving distance for a day out.
The hotel suits budget travellers, business visitors, solo travellers and families who want predictable standards at a modest price. It is not a resort, so do not expect beach access or a large spa; instead, think of it as a base for exploring. Check what is included in your rate, such as breakfast, and look at the facilities listed on the official Premier Inn website when you book. Families should confirm room configurations in advance, and anyone arriving late should note the check-in arrangements.
Because demand spikes around major events at ADNEC, booking early is wise if your dates coincide with a large exhibition or festival. Taxis are the easiest way to get around from here. Consider spending your days at the museums of Saadiyat, the theme parks of Yas Island and the mosque, and returning here to sleep; it is an efficient way to see a lot of Abu Dhabi on a modest budget. If you are combining Abu Dhabi with a trip to Dubai, a simple, central base like this keeps costs down for the Abu Dhabi leg. For bookings and enquiries, use the official Premier Inn website or the phone line listed on the tourism board's page.
In the Capital Centre district, opposite the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.
Yes. It is aimed at travellers who want good value.
Yes. It is opposite the exhibition centre, so you can walk to events.
No. The nearest beaches are on the Corniche or on Saadiyat and Yas Island, a taxi ride away.
ADNEC and Capital Gate. Masdar City is also within easy reach.
Through the official Premier Inn website.
Budget travellers, business visitors and families looking for good value.
Thing to do
An 8-kilometre waterfront promenade along the Abu Dhabi island waterfront, with separate walking and cycling paths, parks, cafés and a public beach.
Café
A popular family-owned Middle Eastern bakery restaurant in Al Khalidiyah, known for manaqeesh and fresh bread from the oven and listed in the Michelin Guide.
Tour operator
Open-top hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses linking 14 stops from Abu Dhabi Mall to Qasr Al Hosn, with a separate shuttle to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Restaurant
A Michelin-starred modern Emirati restaurant within the Qasr Al Hosn cultural site, cooking with ingredients from farms across the Emirates.