The Emirates Palace is a 5-star, supremely opulent hotel in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the 7 city-states of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The government-owned Palace is also now part of the Mandarin Oriental Group’s global luxury hotels/resorts that blend oriental charm with a celebration of regional cultures.

Location

The UAE countries form a Middle Eastern region bordering the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Emirates Palace hotel is about a 40-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport. 

Aptly named, this hotel is a golden palatial resort glittering along the beachfront of a beautiful bay at the western end of the Corniche. Moreover, this waterfront promenade area of Abu Dhabi has lovely landscaped gardens, cycle and walking paths, and children’s playgrounds. There are also great restaurants and cafes and the dominating Presidential Palace. 

The Marina Mall is also close to the hotel, where guests can find shops, a department store, a movie complex, and other entertainment. Furthermore, a more recently added observatory gives the fine city and sea views. The Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi and public beaches are also near to the resort.

Style and Reception 

In keeping with other stunning buildings in the city, the Emirates Palace is vast, architecturally impressive, and visually dazzling. This is an element of dreams and Arabian tales with 8 levels of gold and marble under an enormous dome. 

Palm-fringed lush gardens are splashed by huge fountains that stretch down to a private beach and the azure waters of the bay. Friendly staff meet guests at the entrance and guide them to the reception. They are welcomed with roses, freshening towels, tea, dates, and fruit juices.

Hotel Features

Gold leaf and more gold leaf – even to room keys and sprinkled on cappuccino coffee and chocolate cake. The hotel stands on a sweeping curve of the Gulf with a long sandy beach exclusively for guests and access to the Emirates marina. Besides, you can rent bikes, or even a camel might be available.

Rooms and Suites

The Palace has 394 rooms and suites, all spacious and beautifully appointed. Additionally, some have soft color tones to combat the eyestrain of so much gold in public areas. Moreover, fresh flowers fragrance all rooms daily.

Coral, Pearl, and Diamond Rooms

Opulent rooms with stunning Arabian décor and many refinements combined with modern technologies and superb amenities. Soft, sumptuous fabrics and fine furnishings also lead to floor-to-ceiling windows. Besides, the balconies have gorgeous views. 

The rooms differ mainly in aspect from the balconies. Some overlook the landscaped gardens, others with a full or partial sea view. Moreover, the bathrooms are as lavish as expected. They include tubs, showers, and complimentary bath toiletries.

Khaleej, Pearl, and Palace Suites

There are more gold tones in these splendid apartment-sized suites. Beautiful, elegant rooms in a contemporary style but with Arabian references. There is additional living space, Swarovski crystal chandeliers, and delicate silk fabrics. Moreover, the pillow menu and private butler service add to all the amenities of the rooms. 

Ivory and gold seating with an abundance of satiny gold scatter cushions enhance the luxury touches. Also, the marble and gold bathrooms have Jacuzzi-tubs, double vanity units, and rain showers. However, the top floor suites are reserved for royals.

Palatial Dining

Guests will find a plethora of dining options all day for every age, taste, and mood. Indoors or out, the dining areas are spacious and well-appointed, in beautiful settings with fine cuisine and impeccable staff. 

International menus include Lebanese, Indian and Chinese with all-day light dining. Breakfast/coffee/teas, poolside swim-up meals, and kid’s menus are also available.

Martabaan by Hermant Oberoi

Chef Oberoi is famous as a master of classic Indian cuisine with highly imaginative and creative twists. Heads of state and royals have appreciated his fine dishes and enticing flavors over the decades. 

The décor has a color palette of warm reds and golds under a huge ornate ceiling light feature. Furthermore, views are over the marine blues of the Persian Gulf and the hotel’s private marina. 

The Lebanese and Hakkasan

Moorish décor in the Lebanese restaurant's palatial space is a backdrop to authentic dishes from the Levant. Carefully prepared traditional hot or cold mezzeh with grills and cheese dishes are rounded off with sweets like Baklava or Arabic ices. 

Mouhalabieh, the sweet milky pudding of orange water, and crushed pistachios are also available with fresh strawberries. Hakkasan is an award-winning beautiful terrace restaurant and cocktail bar serving upscaled Chinese menus with inspirational new dishes. 

Following the original London restaurant's style, the dining area features wood screens, latticing, and embroidered Chinese furnishings.

Beach Dining

BBQ Al Qasr. The Emirates Palace has an idyllic beachside location for a romantic Arabian Nights-style barbeque. There are also gazebos by the bay and fabulous food under the stars. 

Additionally, a beach club terrace is a family-friendly place near theKid’s Club and Adventure Pool. Greek-inspired menus at Cascadeskeep adults happy as the kids engage in the many activities arranged for them. 

Swim-up food is also available at the gorgeous temperature-controlled beach Leisure Pool. Besides, sundowners on the beach at the Breeze Lounge is a relaxing option at the end of the day.

Café Style

Le Vendomehas an all-day café buffet menu of sandwiches, soups, curries, and Middle East specialties. Delicious breakfast menus are extensive. 

You can also enjoy pastries, teas, and coffees at Le Café. Don't leave without sampling a cup of gold cappuccino and edible gold-topped cakes.

Spa and Wellness

The Emirates Palace Spa is pure sybaritic luxury. A traditional Moroccan hammam is encased in heated marble with steam rooms, Jacuzzis, an ice cave, and exclusive therapies.

An extensive list of treatments includes 24-carat gold facial and Elixir shots of vitamins and other nutritional supplements. You can also enjoy a full gym, golf, tennis, and other sports facilities at the resort.

Takeaway

The Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi was designed by British architects tasked to combine lavish traditional Arabian style and character with ultra-modern comfort and techno amenities. 

Emirates Palace Hotel opened in 2005 as a prestige project for the city-state. It continues to attract and impress global visitors and fans of MO from all walks of life.