Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Ras Al Akhdar
Vibe
Uniformed butlers and crystal chandeliers greet guests beneath soaring arches, surrounded by sweeping marble rotundas and fountain courtyards.
“Gilded palatial beacon”
Dedicated butler service attends every room, complemented by traditional date greetings and curated bath amenities.
A 238-foot central dome adorned with gold leaf crowns sweeping marble rotundas and crystal chandeliers.
A 1.3-kilometer private beach, marina, two expansive pools, water sports, and twelve distinct dining destinations.
On a private estate along the West Corniche, fronting a private beach on the Arabian Gulf.
“UAE's only palace concept hotel, the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi is the place for statesmen and dignitaries as well as families…”
Rooms
Backlit Arabic screens and carved wood frame serene interiors, with private balconies opening toward manicured grounds or the Arabian Gulf.
“Its 302 rooms and 88 suites, renovated in 2023, blend traditional influences such as geometric patterns and ornate designs with a soft, contemporary palette...”
Wellness
A traditional Moroccan hammam anchors the spa alongside two expansive outdoor pools, private cabanas, and a mile of private beach.
“Dripping in gold and boasting the largest dome in world, the five-star property screams luxury.”
Backstory
Conceived as a coastal landmark, the palace opened in 2005 across 240 acres, crowned by 114 domes adorned in gold leaf.
Eat & drink
Twelve dining venues include Michelin-starred Italian at Talea, Cantonese dishes on Hakkasan's terrace, and open-fire coastal grilling at Sand and Koal.
The neighborhood
Set along the Ras Al Akhdar peninsula on the West Corniche, the grounds sit directly beside the presidential palace of Qasr Al Watan.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.