Set against a breathtaking backdrop of the Abu Dhabi city
skyline, a private beach access and its own marina, InterContinental Abu Dhabi is still
going strong and among one of the pioneers in the 5 star international class hotels by
offering the facilities and hospitality after 37 years running, especially because of its vibrant food and beverage scene. mylifestylenews writes.
Many expats and locals commute daily from both Dubai and Abu Dhabi for work and some even moved to Abu Dhabi perhaps for a lower rent perspective as well as a slower and quieter living lifestyle with various islands style living, world class theme parks, museums and so forth.
Just when you have enough of the bustling lifestyle from Dubai, a weekend getaway to Abu Dhabi for a less busy routine is totally agreeable especially for those who live in the neighboring Emirates, checking into a hotel in Abu Dhabi is another highlight, be it for business or a leisurely looking forward weekend staycation with their family. A good 60 minutes drive will take you to the next Emirate for a well deserved seafront staycation indulgence.
Located at capital of the UAE city’s dynamic heart, the legendary InterContinental Abu Dhabi is within moments of the traditional souks, the well famed Corniche, parks, cultural district, and wellspring of shopping malls with a spectacular view over the Arabian Gulf.
By entering the hotel premises on a narrow one way traffic slope, do expect a congestion of traffic with cars and taxis queuing and ferrying passengers and guests at the entrance despite plentiful of parking available, yet the traffic control can be a nightmare when you arrive during a busy check-out time.
Entering the hotel foyer immediately gives you the vivid and resplendent mood by its hanging chandeliers contrasting the white marble floors and seemingly endless amber marble pillars softened by the orchids arrangements scatted around. The lobby was busy with the check-out and we passed through the gigantic lobby piano bar with the view of looking out to the waterfront and went straight up to the Club floor for our check-in.
The Arabic Majlis waiting and resting area
As Club InterContinental offers an even higher level of luxury and exclusivity, the private Club InterContinental Lounge not only overlooks the city and but also the coastline with its outdoor terrace 360 degree views.
Breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails with canapés are served with a daily rotating menu from their restaurants. The see-through glass framed round “Fish Tank” meeting room right behind the reception area is eye catching juxtaposing the modern and contemporary lounge area with colors of plush cushions on the aligned sofas. Super high ceilings draw plentiful of natural sunlight with uninterrupted views from the city skyline.
Our arrival was expected, with a flash of the eyes, our check-in was completed and an upgraded Emirates Suite was offered with a contemporary design with a neutral-tone décor private living and dining area looking out at the superb gulf and city view from the other side of the room. The room and furnishing may look a little tired yet was still pretty well maintained despite there is nothing strikingly high-end or tech-savvy about the amenities. The spacious white marble bathroom was an additional delight to move around and lay out your toiletries.
Room with a view of Abu Dhabi Skyline
The Marina and Gulf view
The outdoor swimming pool on the 3rd level
Indoor wellness center
Modern Fitness center
Room with a view
We returned to the Club InterContinental Lounge to sample the afternoon tea set, from savory to sweet and we highly recommend the freshly baked scones with their home made jam to go with the fresh whipped cream. It was a truly cozy and relaxing short tea break, particularly when the lounge is less busy.
We needed a little bit of the aqua exercise after the tea indulgence by going down to the private beach through the marina. The hotel has two different main outdoor swimming pools with one located on the 3rd floor of the building when it is more adult-like leisure and the other infinity pool by the private white sandy beach facing the Gulf with plentiful comfortable loungers that were set in pairs under reed umbrellas. Swim-up bar, hot tub and a waterslide in a separate splash pool were adding more leisure facilities surrounded by a very well crafted natural tropical landscaping to create an urban oasis.
The InterContinental Abu Dhabi is also known for its mini complex of dining concepts and entertainment. Each restaurant bids a unique experience and has weaved its way into the very heart of the capital’s social fabric. With six diverse restaurants to choose from, we went to Byblos Sur Mer BYBLOS SUR MER on the first night and the Seafood FISHMARKET on the following night. Both were equally enthralling on a different gastronomy offered from different parts of the world.
To experience another level of luxury with the aim to go beyond the obvious, it is the thoughtful touches that delight, with signature moments from an icon of heritage and culture coming from the Arabian hospitality.
Tried & Tested:
Location: 4/5
Design & Decor: 3.5/5
Room Amenities: 3.5/5
Housekeeping: 4/5
Food Beverage: 4/5
Service: 4/5
Value For Money: 4/5
Experience: 4/5
Highlights:
Private Beach
Executive Club Lounge
King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street,
PO Box 4171, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Tel: +971 2 666 6888PO Box 4171, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Reviews are based on actual day of visit and experience. mylifestylenews reserves the right of final decision in case of any disputes. All images are photographed by mylifestylenews team without any photoshop enhancement and are the property owned by mylifestylenews unless otherwise stated.
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