Its stark glass facade, with rectilinear night-lighting, invites you into a vast atrium of textured surfaces and glowing hanging lamps. Things stay more classic in the rooms, with plenty of wood detailing and floor-to-ceiling windows. You'll have to pay extra for a 'view' room if you want the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque vista.

The private beach, big pool area and an entire swag of eating options, including Marco Pierre White's flagship restaurant, make this hotel a destination in itself.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Beach

0.1 MILES

A day spent beach-side at the Fairmont is sandy relaxation with the best views across the khor (creek) to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to boot. There's a…

2. Khor Al Maqta

0.26 MILES

This historic waterway separates Abu Dhabi from the mainland, guarded by the now somewhat hidden Al Maqta Fort and a small watchtower, on a rocky…

3. Al Maqta Fort & Watchtower

0.47 MILES

Despite being one of the oldest sights in Abu Dhabi, this 200-year-old guardian of the city was restored and then more or less abandoned after the…

4. Shangri La Hotel Beach

0.62 MILES

The Shangri La Hotel's palm-tree-dappled pool area and sweep of white sand out front is open for nonguest day access. There's a great poolside restaurant…

5. Sheikh Zayed Bridge

0.71 MILES

Said to symbolise the flow of energy into the capital, this 842m-long modern bridge designed by the late Zaha Hadid is one of three gateways to Abu Dhabi…

6. Wahat Al Karama

0.78 MILES

This memorial, opposite the eastern side of the Grand Mosque, was inaugurated in 2016 in memory of Emiratis who have given their lives in service to the…

8. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

1.07 MILES

Rising majestically from manicured gardens and visible from the bridges joining Abu Dhabi Island to the mainland, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an…