Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental — Hotel in Abu Dhabi

I am spending my last night in the Mandarin Oriental and will be leaving tomorrow morning . I have been looking forward to staying in this hotel for a long time and finally managed to book 3 nights in.

Check in was swift, it’s quite busy in the lobby as there are a lot of tourists , taking pictures etc . They offered me a wet towel to freshen up and also a date and drink. A room was allocated and the person serving me took me up to the lifts and told me what floor the room was on. In Most hotels this would be ok but not in the Emirates Palace as it’s huge. I would have liked someone to take me to my room and often in these hotels they show you the room and the amenities/ how things work. The plug in the sink didn’t work (needed to hand wash something ) and the water in the shower wasn’t very hot on max (I like a super hot shower ) and I didn’t inform the reception and also there is a whatapp thing you can message them on. Both of these seemed disintegrated and the reply to the whatapp came but I left the room for an hour to give them time to sort it out and when I came back neither issue was. I was a bit irritated and let them know. They did apologise and moved me to a room where these things worked and it was a nicer room - for which was kind of them , with a sea view.

The gym was nice and I believe recently refurbished. I tried to find a yoga mat on one occasion but no one was there (they keep them in the office ) which was a bit annoying as I couldn’t start my work out . Being hung up like most hotels would be better. Gym itself was nice with good new machines that worked and they give you a towel and a can of water. The hotel practices this sustainability drive so no disposable bottles for water - I like Saving the environment but a bit of a hassle when you want to go out and want to take some water with you (ok msybe I’m being lazy as could just take a water bottle - but on holiday I didn’t bring one- the St Regis in Abu Dhabi used plant based bottles which worked well … just a thought ?) Another issue with the gym was they weren’t very sure what classes were on and what days. They had to ask and phone other people and didn’t seem to know- I got the real impression the hotel wasn’t busy in the hot months so they don’t do all the classes. It would have been good if they had definite classes . I booked a Pilates class on the machines which was good. I noticed there was some mishap and someone turned up as she thought she was booked and she wasn’t - little embarrassing .

I tied to get a golf buggy from the gym to another area and waited 15 mins and it didn’t come - wasn’t the end of the world but just as it’s such a big hotel they say you can take them and it’s east to get one - but this isn’t always the case - beware ! And to walk across the whole hotel can take ages as it’s so big… if it’s summer then you can’t walk outside .

Another thing was I ordered room service - and the room was cleaned the next day and they left the dirty plates there and didn’t remove them. I then left them outside my room at midday and even by 5pm they hadn’t been taken! Which was a little sloppy. Today I went to the pool and was seated but there wasn’t good care and attention - no one came to offer me some water and it was 40 Celsius - I know I could have just walked up and got some - but it’s these small little things that you notice - first world problems some might say!

Finally I asked about the kids club as I might come back with my daughter (was solo on this trip ) and they said to me it’s no longer there and they are going to do a kids palace and that will cost extra! Seems a bit money making - I’ve stayed in some fabulous hotels in the Middle East and they always offer them as a service and don’t charge … sometimes I just go and see if my daughter wants to spend an hour there and then get her back as I miss her - but it’s a bit bad charging in my opinion.

Overall a bit of a disappointing trip to this hotel after I had hyped it up in my mind so much. Try the st Regis saadiyat -...

Ah, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. Well, if you’ve ever wondered how the other half live, allow me to spoil the surprise: they live in palaces. Real ones. Not those “we slapped a few chandeliers up and called it a palace” palaces, but the sort where you half expect a sultan to wander past, polishing a Fabergé egg while dictating the weekend’s itinerary.

This isn’t my first rodeo with the Mandarin Oriental brand, but it’s certainly the one that had me thinking, “Right, this is what they meant when they said ‘go big or go home.’” My first brush with the chain was in Jakarta, where we signed up for their loyalty program – a not-so-subtle call to declare yourself a ‘fan’ of the brand. A tad corny, sure, but it works. And after experiencing the Abu Dhabi iteration, I can confirm: I am, indeed, a fan. This place is absurdly fabulous.

Now, let’s get into the service. It’s beyond good. It’s borderline supernatural. You can almost hear the whispers: “I hear they’ll do anything for you.” I mean, we’re talking iced towels that appear out of thin air, the occasional ice lolly by the pool (because what’s luxury without the odd frozen treat?), and cans of water lovingly stuffed into bespoke cool bags. You begin to think they’d pedal the bike for you if you even hinted at needing exercise.

And as for WhatsApp, can we just make this the new global standard for all hotel communication? It’s seamless. You need something? You send a message. You need a restaurant booking, or to find the elusive poolside sunbed? A message. No more awkward phone calls where you fumble with the room’s bizarrely outdated telephone. It’s 2024, people. Keep up.

Now, I’m more of a modern decor man myself – minimalism, clean lines, and that sort of thing. But the rooms here manage to strike the perfect balance between the opulence you expect in a palace and the conveniences of the 21st century. First off, there are sockets. And not just one or two strategically placed to ensure maximum frustration. No, here you’ve got more ports than an international airport – old USBs, USB-C, possibly a USB-Y by the time this review goes live. And the genius move? All of it is hidden away in a little drawer by your bed, because God forbid we let our charging cables ruin the aesthetic. It’s thoughtful. It’s practical. It’s also rare to find a hotel that hasn’t decided plug sockets are too ‘yesterday.’

Food? You’ll be fed, and then some. The offerings are broad, and while not every dish will have you weeping with joy, you’ll find more than enough to keep you satisfied. Want a pizza in a plush setting? Done. Looking for Michelin stars? There are two restaurants ready to satisfy your inner snob. It’s like that greatest hits album where a few tracks don’t hit, but the standouts are pure gold.

Now, activities? Oh, they’ve got you covered. Everything from canoes to camels, Pilates to pottery. There’s even a kids’ club, the somewhat regally named Kids Palace, where you can send the little ones when they’ve had enough of swimming pools and cultural enrichment. You will not be bored. And if you are, that’s on you.

So, what’s the catch? Well, it’s big. Palatial, even. You’ll need a map and perhaps a Sherpa to navigate your way around. If you’re someone who gets winded walking from the lobby to your room, this might not be your jam. But fret not – they’ve got buggies to ferry you about, just in case your sandals aren’t cut out for the vast marble expanses.

To sum up, yes, it costs a pretty penny. But does it deliver? Absolutely. You’ll leave feeling a bit like royalty, and isn't that what holidays...

The Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi is not just a luxury hotel; it is a symbol of Arabian opulence, architectural splendor, and world-class hospitality. Nestled along the pristine shores of the Arabian Gulf, this palatial property seamlessly blends traditional Arabian design with modern sophistication, offering an experience that is as grand as its name suggests.

The Architecture & Setting

From the moment you approach the Emirates Palace, the sheer scale and beauty of the structure take your breath away. The majestic domes—114 in total—are adorned with intricate gold, crystal, and marble detailing. The façade, bathed in shades of gold and rose, glimmers against the backdrop of manicured gardens, a private marina, and the azure waters of the Gulf.

The interiors are equally awe-inspiring, with gilded ceilings, Swarovski crystal chandeliers, and walls embellished with mother-of-pearl. Every detail, from the marble floors to the hand-crafted furnishings, exudes elegance.

The Accommodations

The Emirates Palace offers a range of suites and rooms fit for royalty. Each room is a masterpiece, with plush fabrics, gold-accented decor, and state-of-the-art amenities. Balconies open to breathtaking views of the gardens, the Gulf, or the Abu Dhabi skyline. Personalized butler service ensures that every whim is catered to with impeccable precision.

For those seeking the ultimate indulgence, the Palace Suites redefine luxury, offering expansive living spaces, opulent decor, and private entrances for enhanced exclusivity.

Dining Experiences

With over a dozen restaurants and lounges, the Emirates Palace is a culinary haven. Each venue offers a distinct experience: • Hakkasan serves exquisite modern Chinese cuisine in a chic setting. • Le Vendôme offers all-day dining with a sumptuous international buffet and terrace views. • Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi presents a contemporary twist on Indian flavors. The crowning glory, however, is the famed gold cappuccino, sprinkled with real 24-karat gold flakes—a must-try for every guest.

Leisure & Activities

The Emirates Palace is more than a place to stay; it is a destination unto itself: • Pools and Beach: Two temperature-controlled swimming pools and a private 1.3 km beach allow for ultimate relaxation. • Spa: The award-winning Emirates Palace Spa offers luxurious treatments, including gold-infused facials and Arabian rituals. • Marina & Water Sports: The private marina and extensive water sports facilities cater to adventure enthusiasts. • Cultural Immersion: The Palace frequently hosts art exhibitions, cultural performances, and events celebrating Emirati heritage.

Service & Hospitality

The hallmark of the Emirates Palace is its impeccable service. Every staff member, from the concierge to the butlers, exudes warmth and professionalism, ensuring that each guest feels like royalty. The attention to detail is extraordinary, with personalized touches that elevate the experience to unmatched levels.

Final Thoughts

The Emirates Palace is not merely a hotel; it is a destination that encapsulates the essence of Arabian luxury. Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape, a family retreat, or simply an unforgettable experience, the Emirates Palace delivers on every front. From its awe-inspiring architecture to its world-class amenities, it sets a standard of opulence that few properties in the...