Intercontinental Abu Dhabi

Just returned from a brilliant week at this hotel, first time visiting Abu Dhabi, although been to Dubai many times. Wasn’t sure what to expect from the hotel, as varied reviews, but I did plenty of research. I emailed the hotel prior to our (very late) arrival and asked for some sandwiches in our room, and these were provided, lovely club sandwiches and bowls of hot chips arrived as we were unpacking! Check in was swift, and all aspects were clearly explained including our Premium All Inclusive option and what we were able to eat/drink. As we had booked a suite we also had Club access, which was great, breakfast was serene, and we love to enjoy drinks and canapés there before heading out for dinner. The staff in the club lounge were all lovely, especially Sheila and Rowena, also Monaliza, thanks for making our stay lovely, your service is very much appreciated! One small niggle, which I brought up on departure, the dress code in the Club lounge was bizarre! There were gents wearing cargo shorts and sandals in the evening, teenagers in ripped jeans, hats, and trainers, and people wearing gym wear, totally inappropriate in my opinion! Breakfast seemed to have a stricter dress code than dinner? I was questioned about my flip flops the first morning, when it was apparent that Emiratis were allowed to wear them but not Europeans! I think it’s very disrespectful to have a dress code that’s not adhered to, especially in the evenings, gents should definitely be wearing long trousers, and no gym wear! Our room, as others have mentioned, was on the dated side, however, it was super clean, large and bright with very effective aircon. We had a living area with a bar, fridge, and a separate loo, seating area, large windows with city views, very comfy bed and pillows, large bathroom, plenty of towels, toiletries were all provided, and the room was kept lovely and clean daily by Rebecca. Corridors lifts and public areas were immaculate, 3rd floor pool area was nice, great sun beds, plenty of towels, and a nice bar area, Poole staff were all lovely. We used the Bayshore beach club mostly, lovely area, nice beach, Freeform infinity pool, pretty grounds with plenty of areas to sit in sun or shade, toilet and shower facilities and swim up bar, and beach bar with plenty of drink options. Service here was very good! All restaurants we used were exemplary! Fish market, Asian, Chamas, Byblos, Portogina, and Jones Social in the residences, this was a beautiful restaurant, it’s a shame it’s not busier, we had fantastic service and the food was lovely, too! Some say it’s a little far to walk but you’re able to get a buggy to drive you round to the building if you’re feeling a little full afterwards! Although each restaurant had a dedicated menu for PAI customers, the Asian restaurant was a buffet, so you can have as little or as much as you like, as was Byblos, soooo much food! It just kept coming! Only go if you’re hungry, we only ever ate breakfast and dinner and were never hungry! Chamas also had buffet style starters and sides, and the meat was fabulous quality, again, just keeps coming until you say stop! The entertainment here was great too! We never used the Belgian Cafe, but it was always busy when we went by, it would be nice to have a dedicated area here to just have a drink whilst sitting outside, you can use Chamas bar area, but this is inside, I know this has been a bone of contention for a few visitors, but it was made very clear to us upon arrival that you could only have a drink whilst eating here, so we were aware! The PAI package was, in my opinion, incredible value for money, and the only extra costs were taxis to and from the airport, about £20 each way, and taxis to and from the Grand Mosque, about £12 each way (a must visit, especially at sunset!) Thanks to all at the hotel for a great holiday, we will most definitely return! Read less

We spent a nice week with wife and son in Intercontinental. Best things about it: - Big palm garden with plenty of different spaces to chill - Nice beach (not long but it's normal in Abu Dhabi hotels plus it's one of the biggest you can get here I think - Lobby and rooms have nice Arabic style I recommend to look for amazing and huge event rooms'spaces hidden in the corridors :) ) - Very good dinner with a lot of local food we really loved (both sweets and main courses) - Nice rooms with great service and cool evening view on the marina (that's unique view among Abu Dhabi hotels I think) - Of course great stuff everywhere around hotel - Pools are big and baby pool + playground is very nice. There's also indoor kids room but during our stay it was closed for some reason, but we spent more time in the garden. - It's also good place if you like watching sport as the outside area has bar with huge screen - It got big parking and taxis at the entrance too. - Even though construction year of this hotel is old I find it very well maintained and not much outstanding from the new ones. I would say it's classic and this history has it's charm. Read less