Abu Dhabi Hotels|Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal

Name: The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal
Telephone: 971-2-818-8888

Grand nostalgia for Venetian opulence

VERIFIED LUXURY

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As Abu Dhabi’s gleaming skyline careens upward, The Ritz-CarltonAbu Dhabi, Grand Canal maintains stately European luxury in a city bent on embracing everything contemporary, sky high and glitzy.

The glamorous hotel is across from the impressive Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and occupies a slice of top real estate, nestled along a striking canal just minutes from popular attractions and the city’s international airport. With its prime central location, this ultra-luxe property provides a convenient base from which to explore the capital or plan excursions further afield.

Within The Ritz-Carlton, you’ll find luxurious villas, top-notch dining, an opulent spa and impressive views.

Our Inspector's Highlights

The lobby reveals breathtaking views of the city’s No. 1 tourist attraction — Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque — on one side and Al Maqta Creek on the other.
Each villa has a large private plunge pool with an outdoor shower. Though the resort has an impressive infinity pool, the villas provide the ultimate privacy to bask in the desert sun.
If you are fan of opulence, just look up. There is no shortage of glittering Swarovski at this Ritz-Carlton.
The Ritz-Carton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal’s creek-facing infinity pool is incredible. After sunset, it’s beautifully illuminated with color-changing lights.
The facials at the luxury hotel’s ESPA-branded spa are some of the best in the city. The trained therapists analyze your skin before creating a bespoke treatment based on individual needs.

Things to Know

Splurge on a Club Level room if only to soak up some rays in the window-lined The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge. The gratis breakfast, afternoon tea service, snacks and drinks offered throughout the day are also tasty perks.
Thanks to its prime location across from the Grand Mosque, the hotel’s lobby becomes a gathering place for guests at sundown when lights, reflecting the phases of the moon, turn the mosque’s white marble from shades of soft blush gray to moonlight blue.
At 57 acres, the property is expansive. Luckily, staff is on hand to drive you around in golf carts, though the breezy grounds make for a lovely afternoon stroll, too.

The Rooms

The Abu Dhabi hotel has a total of 447 rooms, suites and villas, all of which look out on the gigantic 17,222-square-foot pool that extends to the private beach.
Swirling patterns in the carpets pay homage to the nearby Grand Mosque, while more exotic touches, like a rare and expensive hardwood from South America (ebony macassar) add a chic, modern flair.
The luxurious marble bathrooms have Asprey-branded products, a separate rain shower and deep-soaking tub. A large window over the bathtub allows you to soak up the views without leaving your respite.
At 452 square feet, the rooms are by no means claustrophobic, but if you crave a little more space to spread out, opt for one of the suites. These plush accommodations range in size from the 907-square-foot Executive Suite to the palatial 2,691-square-foot Royal Suite.

The Restaurants

Watch the sun go down while listening to the Grand Mosque’s resonant call to prayer from Li Jiang’s ample terrace. This Southeast Asian eatery is the spot to sup on classic rice and noodle dishes with a side of arresting vistas.
Steakhouse The Forge — which takes its name from the intricate process of shaping high-quality steak knives — serves succulent cuts of beef, ranging from Australian wagyu tenderloin to USDA prime rib eye. Don’t miss out on flavorful side dishes, like roasted pumpkin with carrots and pear, or braised red cabbage with apple.
Indulge in a local dining experience on Mijana’s terrace. The alfresco restaurant carries an extensive menu of mezze accompanied by live Arabic oud music and a variety of shisha.
Don’t miss out on Saturday brunch (a UAE staple) at Giornotte, The Ritz-Carlton’s all-day Mediterranean restaurant. An expansive raw bar is a highlight, as are the live cooking stations that put out everything from pan-fried foie gras to Chinese dumplings.

Amenities