UAE resorts are only gaining popularity among Russian tourists. Usually people come here who want to relax in the upper class and are tired of the boring hotels of the same type in Turkey or Egypt. But when they come to the United Arab Emirates, many people choose Dubai to live in, completely forgetting about such a fashionable and relaxing resort like Abu Dhabi. In the capital there are many hotels of different categories, but we will tell only about one thing - Le Meridien Abu Dhabi Hotel 4 *. Should I choose it for relaxation?
More about the resort
The city of Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE, which is both a major political and commercial center of the country. About 1,000,000 people live here. The infrastructure here is designed for wealthy tourists who prefer a measured rest. Most of the attractions are concentrated in one place - on the island of Yas, so travelers will not need to spend a lot of time to get from one place to another. There is a huge water park, a race track and numerous respectable restaurants, cafes and shopping centers.
Local beaches are considered one of the cleanest and most comfortable for relaxing. The most popular among them is Central Beach. Along its promenade are the most expensive hotels, more like palaces. For tourists on the beach, there are both free and paid recreation areas.
Shopping is also a favorite attraction for tourists who come to the city of Abu Dhabi. There are a lot of shopping centers. At the same time, not only many European boutiques and fashionable shops are open at the resort, but also bazaars and camel markets traditional for eastern countries. Tourists prefer to buy Persian rugs, aromatic oils, various spices, as well as jewelry, including real gold bullion.
Among the attractions of the resort of Abu Dhabi, you should definitely look at the palace of Sheikh Al-Jafar, as well as at the reserve adjacent to it. Pay attention to Cornish Street, numerous local mosques and tall skyscrapers. On the island of Yas, you can visit the Formula 1 track and the Ferrari Museum.
Where exactly is the hotel located?
This is not to say that Le Meridien Abu Dhabi Hotel 4 * is located in the central part of the city, but it is located only a few minutes walk from historical attractions, shopping centers and business sites. A large exhibition center is 700 meters away. The hotel has its own beach area, which can be reached in 7-10 minutes. The complex is located in a quiet tourist area, remote from the bustle of the city, so at night it is always calm.
Abu Dhabi International Airport is approximately 40 km from the hotel. Direct flights regularly fly here from Moscow. An average flight takes about 5 hours, but tickets for transfers with transfers are much cheaper. There are no direct flights from St. Petersburg. From the airport, the hotel can be reached by taxi or public transport. In addition, a free shuttle bus runs for tourists, which stops at the bus station and many large hotels.
Travelers also prefer to get to Dubai first, and only then to the capital. The fact is that Abu Dhabi airport accepts significantly fewer flights, which means that the flight directly will be much more expensive. From Dubai, the city can also be reached by bus, taxi or pre-ordered paid transfer.
General information, registration and check-in rules
The resort complex Le Meridien Abu Dhabi Hotel 4 * was built in 1978, but do not be afraid that the rooms here look dilapidated. In 2006, the hotel underwent a comprehensive renovation. Apartment renovations are held annually. In total, the hotel offers 234 rooms that are designed for budget tourists and respectable. The hotel itself consists of two five-story buildings, made in the traditional oriental style. On the vast landscaped area of the complex there is also a swimming pool, sunbathing area and other infrastructure facilities. It employs exclusively qualified personnel who speaks Russian and English.
The hotel has pretty strict check-in rules. So, tourists are forbidden to come here with any pets. When registering, the future guest is required to present their passport with a photo, a valid visa and a stamp on entering the country, which can be obtained at the Abu Dhabi airport. Check-in starts strictly from 15:00, but for a fee, an express check-in service is also offered. Guests must leave their rooms before 12:00.
It is worth considering that the UAE (and Abu Dhabi in particular) introduced a special tax for tourists from 2016 who are required to pay about 250 rubles per night. As a rule, it is already included in the price.
Description of rooms Le Meridien Abu Dhabi Hotel 4 *
As mentioned above, the hotel has 234 rooms, 3 of which are specially equipped for tourists with disabilities. Half of the apartments are strictly non-smoking. The hotel offers views of nearby city buildings, the garden or the sea. Some rooms are additionally equipped with a small furnished balcony. Employees daily clean all the premises. Bed linen and towels can be changed at any time upon request.
This hotel offers its guests rooms of the following categories:
- Deluxe Garden, Sea View - one-room apartment with a private bathroom. The area is 25-29 square meters. m. Assumes accommodation of two adults and one child.
- Club Room City, Sea View - practically do not differ from the category of rooms described above. However, the cost of living in these apartments will include additional services.
- Deluxe Suite City - spacious apartments for respectable guests. They consist of a bedroom and a living room connected by an internal door. The total area is 64 square meters. m. There is a furnished balcony and a large bed. Two adults and one child are allowed.
What amenities in the room are prepared for guests?
Not only a standard set of furniture is received by guests, checking into the Le Meridien Abu Dhabi Hotel 4 *. However, depending on the category, the number of amenities offered may vary. So, rooms without the Club prefix have the following equipment:
- central air conditioning, while the level of cooling is exclusively regulated by the hotel staff;
- telephone for communication with the administrator and making international calls;
- electronic safe, which you can use for free;
- wireless Internet;
- plasma TV with a set of cable channels;
- a set of dishes and accessories for making tea or coffee;
- a bathrobe, a set of towels and slippers for each tourist;
- built-in hair dryer;
- minibar with paid content.
Rooms with Club prefix have additional privileges that are included in the price. We list the main ones:
- breakfast in the hotel's restaurant, specializing in oriental cuisine;
- substantial discount on all treatments at the spa;
- separate sitting area where you can enjoy tea or coffee;
- the right to free access to the library and conference rooms;
- high-speed Wi-Fi in rooms;
- free ironing and washing of suits and shirts (no more than 1 item per day);
- upon arrival, guests are presented with a fruit basket;
- unlimited use of the hydromassage pool;
- late eviction - guests can extend their stay on the last day until 16:00.
Food concept
Meals at Le Meridien Abu Dhabi Hotel 4 * are usually included in the price. At the same time, even if you want to refuse it, you will have to pay for breakfast. If desired, tourists can also arrange a full board or an all-inclusive system. Coming here for the New Year holidays, guests must pay an additional Christmas dinner. Catering establishments serve common buffets or à la carte tourists. Also, guests can rent a banquet hall for any occasion. In total there are 3 of them (designed for 80 people).
The following establishments work on the territory of the hotel:
- poolside restaurant;
- English pub;
- sports cafe;
- night club;
- cocktail bar.
For a fee, tourists can also visit restaurants of Thai, Italian, Mexican, Turkish, French, Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine. The administrator needs to be informed in advance about booking a table.
Hotel Infrastructure
Service at Le Meridien Abu Dhabi Hotel 4 * is designed for respectable tourists, so the infrastructure here is quite extensive. For guests the following paid and free services are provided:
- two meeting rooms for 10 people each;
- a bus transporting tourists to large shopping centers;
- Laundry and dry cleaning - provide their services for a fee;
- car rental, as well as free parking for all hotel guests;
- the ability to call a physician in the room;
- free access to the business center for 24 hours;
- Wi-Fi throughout the complex;
- jewelry and gift shop.
Beach and Pool
A significant advantage - the hotel has its own stretch of sandy beach, the length of which is 180 meters. There are numerous sunbeds and umbrellas on it - they can be used for free. For a fee, tourists can enjoy water sports, rent a motor boat and even a yacht.
For a relaxing holiday, the hotel has two outdoor pools with a sun terrace. For a fee, you can visit the indoor hot tub. Beach towels are provided throughout the hotel.
Sports and wellness services
But not only water leisure offers guests Le Meridien Abu Dhabi Hotel 4 *. Entertainment is provided for lovers of active and wellness vacations. So, tourists can visit:
- A spa with 10 treatment rooms, including a free sauna, jacuzzi and Turkish bath;
- an open terrace with sea views, where staff prepare tea and coffee for guests;
- gym;
- playgrounds for playing table tennis, volleyball, squash and basketball;
- classic tennis court.
Conditions for the smallest guests
Despite the fact that Abu Dhabi (UAE) has the status of a fashionable resort, tourists with small children often come here. The described hotel has all the necessary set of services that helps to make the stay of this category of holidaymakers as comfortable as possible. So, in the rooms are provided cots, and in restaurants there are special chairs. An outdoor children's pool is on site. Tourists can call a babysitter for a fee.
Positive hotel reviews
Reviews about Le Meridien Abu Dhabi Hotel 4 * are most often found positive. And although guests note that the hotel has its drawbacks, in general, they liked their stay here. They indicate the following benefits of staying at this hotel:
- neat and tidy territory;
- tidy and freshly renovated rooms;
- excellent wireless internet speed;
- live music is often played on site;
- convenient location;
- polite staff, and some of the staff speak Russian well;
- subject to availability, guests are offered a free upgrade to their apartment category upon check-in.
Negative guest reviews
And of course, it was not without criticism. Negative opinions describe the following significant shortcomings that can spoil the impression of a vacation spent here:
- monotonous food in institutions, the visit of which is included in the price;
- in the evening the beach is closed to visitors, so tourists can not swim or just enjoy the sunset;
- in rooms sometimes there is an unpleasant smell from the sewer;
- small territory of the hotel;
- dirty beach on which garbage is not cleaned on time.
Thus, Le Meridien Abu Dhabi Hotel 4 * is a relatively inexpensive hotel in the resort of Abu Dhabi. The complex has drawbacks, but they are justified by the low cost of living for the capital of the UAE. Often wealthy tourists come here, including with children. The hotel is perfect for a relaxing beach holiday.