The 14 Best Hotels in Abu Dhabi To Book With Points [Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, IHG]

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is the perfect city to redeem your points for a hotel stay. It’s about a 1- or 1 1/2-hour drive away from Dubai by car, and is a little more relaxed, less hectic, and more affordable than its glitzy neighbor.

These comparisons also apply to Abu Dhabi’s hotel scene. You can find fancy, glamorous hotels in Abu Dhabi, but they’re usually not quite as flashy as hotels in Dubai and might make a lighter dent in your wallet, whether you’re paying with cash or points.

Most large hotel brands have a presence in Abu Dhabi, so it’s an excellent city for earning or spending hotel points. My favorite way to redeem hotel points in Abu Dhabi is to stay during a 24- to 48-hour layover. I usually fly from the U.S. or Europe to Asia on Etihad or Emirates with a 1- or 2-night stop in the city to visit its beautiful Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and enjoy the warm Arabian sunshine.

Here are some of the top hotels in Abu Dhabi to stay at if you want to spend your points, whether you’re a Marriott Bonvoy, IHG One Rewards, World of Hyatt, or Hilton Honors loyalist.

Where To Stay in Abu Dhabi

If you’re wondering which neighborhood in Abu Dhabi is best for a hotel stay, there are a few to choose from. The Abu Dhabi Corniche is a 5-mile stretch of beachfront ideal for travelers who want to take advantage of the family-friendly, inviting outdoor atmosphere, which includes walking and cycling paths and playgrounds. Al Zahiyah is ideal for tourists looking for affordable hotels, restaurants, and bars.

Saadiyat Island is an upscale cultural destination, home to museums, galleries, and beaches (including the famous Louvre Abu Dhabi), while Yas Island is where you’ll find theme parks, such as SeaWorld, Warner Bros. World, and Ferrari World, among others. If you want to stay somewhere peaceful and off the beaten path, the Rub’ al Khali Desert that surrounds Abu Dhabi is an ideal choice.

Hot Tip:

If you want to visit Abu Dhabi’s theme parks, take this into account when booking your hotel. Some Yas Island hotels offer packages that include entrance to Abu Dhabi’s most popular theme parks. For example, the Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island offers 1 access per night per registered guest to a Yas Island theme park of choice.

What To Know About Visiting Abu Dhabi

Flying to Abu Dhabi is relatively simple from the U.S., as you can typically fly into Zayed International Airport (AUH) on Etihad. You can also fly into Dubai International Airport (DXB) on Emirates, then drive around 85 to 90 miles from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. Visitors from the U.S. don’t need a visa for stays of fewer than 30 days, but their passports need to have at least 6 months of validity.

Though the city has a planned metro system, the best way to navigate it as a visitor is currently by taxi or on foot. This is why it is especially important to pick the right neighborhood to stay in based on what you’d like to do while there.

Most hotels, stores, restaurants, and bars in Abu Dhabi accept credit cards, but having some of the local currency, the UAE dirham (AED or Dhs), can be especially helpful for tipping or shopping in local markets.

Abu Dhabi is relatively safe, though the U.S. State Department does rank the UAE as a Level 2 destination because of the threat of drone or terrorism attacks. Make sure to check local rules on entering the country with prescription drugs, as the UAE has very strict laws on this.

The 6 Best Marriott Hotels in Abu Dhabi

Marriott has a large presence in Abu Dhabi across luxury, midrange, and affordable brands. That said, we love the brand’s more luxurious Arabian properties, from the stunning St. Regis to the serene Al Wathba.

1. The Abu Dhabi EDITION

The first EDITION property in the Middle East, The Abu Dhabi EDITION deems itself a boutique property with 198 rooms. You might notice the hotel’s unique geometrically patterned exterior, which represents the sail of a traditional Abu Dhabi dhow boat, adding a bit of local flavor to the property.

The guest rooms are decorated with neutral furnishings, featuring black-and-white photos of the city’s desert surroundings and views of the marina. The outdoor swimming pool is the best hangout spot, where you can admire the hotel’s boxy structure and the marina while soaking in the desert sunshine. Rates start at $200 or 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

2. The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal

This waterfront, 10-building property feels almost Italian, decked out in Renaissance-style decor and Venetian elements (except you may catch sight of the nearby Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which makes you realize you’re in Abu Dhabi once again). Guest rooms at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, are spacious and luminous and feature balconies with views of the gardens, beach, sea, or mosque.

The 8 distinct restaurants (a few of which offer Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, keeping in line with the property’s theme) source sustainable produce from the hotel’s on-site vertical farm and garden. The hotel’s large, outdoor swimming pool overlooks the white-sand beach and sea, and there are padel courts, a soccer pitch, and a fitness center. Rates start at $180 or 44,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Hot Tip:

If you love a Ritz-Carlton vibe but want a more boutique or even overwater lodging experience, keep an eye out for the opening of the Ritz-Carlton Reserve Ramham Island later this decade, hopefully in 2029. The hotel will feature around 50 private villas, some of which will sit directly above the water.

3. The St. Regis Abu Dhabi

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi is an emblematic, 2-building high-rise hotel that overlooks the sprawling Corniche. Many of the hotel’s guest rooms and suites have large windows that allow guests to admire the sandy coastline. The rooms and suites also feature Arabian-inspired textiles and art.

The hotel offers guests complimentary access to the Nation Riviera Beach Club, which includes a fitness center, kids’ club, swimming pool, and beach. Numerous outdoor restaurants are also available, and the hotel even has a helipad for those who want to arrive or depart in style. Rates start at $200 or 58,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

4. W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island

The W Abu Dhabi—Yas Island is a hotel for car enthusiasts. This Yas Island escape has 499 guest rooms and suites, each with floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the Yas Marina Circuit racetrack. The rooms are decked out with modern furnishings and crisp white bedding.

The hotel also has an outdoor pool, sun deck, fitness center, spa, and various restaurants, and it is within walking distance of Yas Beach. Room rates start at $185 or 49,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

5. Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa

Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, a boutique desert escape, isn’t far off from central Abu Dhabi but just far enough to take you away from the hustle and bustle of the city to the Arabian sands. The peaceful resort offers activities like camel rides, archery, falconry, dune bashing, desert walks, horseback riding, and more — or you can relax at the outdoor pool or the Saray Spa.

Guest rooms and suites all come with some form of outdoor space, while some villas have private pools or Jacuzzis that look out onto the desert sands. Room rates start at $200 or 44,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

6. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort

Abu Dhabi has all the trappings of a capital city, but you can still have that serene beach getaway there, too — just head to The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, which sits on its own private beach. Sun seekers can relax on the beach or at 3 outdoor pools, and there are 6 restaurants and bars at the hotel, many of which offer outdoor seating. There’s also a kids club and a spa, plus a nearby golf course.

Rooms come with balconies and garden views, though upgraded rooms have sea views. There’s also a selection of 2-bedroom suites ideal for families. Rates start at $208 or 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Hot Tip:

Need more Marriott Bonvoy points? Consider a co-branded Marriott Bonvoy credit card. One of our favorites is the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy^® American Express^® Card, which offers perks such as automatic Gold Elite status and 15 elite night credits each year.

The 3 Best Hyatt Hotels in Abu Dhabi

Hyatt has a limited presence in Abu Dhabi, focusing on quality over quantity. Here’s where you should stay if you want to spend or earn World of Hyatt points in Abu Dhabi.

1. Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas

Perched on Saadiyat Island in the Arabian Gulf, the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas claims to have one of the largest swimming pools in the city. There’s the Camp Hyatt Kids Club for the little ones and the Atarmia Spa for adults, which also has a fitness center and thermal water circuit facilities.

Rooms are large and all feature balconies, though the ocean views from the upgraded, sea view rooms are worth the extra cost. You also have access to a few restaurants and bars, including the Beach House and Beach Lounge, which are on the golden sands. Rates at this Category 6 property start at $197 or 21,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Hot Tip:

Love a Park Hyatt property, but don’t feel like the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas is the right fit? Head to the Park Hyatt Dubai instead. According to Juan Ruiz, Upgraded Points’ senior editor and contributor, the property’s family-friendly Lagoon Beach pool is the place to be, “with sand imported from Saudi Arabia and the Maldives.”

2. Andaz Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi

The Andaz Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi, has a claim to fame: It holds the Guinness World Record for the furthest-leaning building (it leans 4 times more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa). But you don’t even notice this tilt when you’re relaxing on the 19th-floor pool deck or snoozing away in your king bed (and beds are incredibly comfortable, according to Keri Stooksbury, Upgraded Points’ editor-in-chief, who reviewed the Andaz Capital Gate in 2024).

Even the lowest category rooms have expansive views, and the hotel also has an on-site art gallery (as well as funky art scattered throughout the hotel’s rooms and other spaces) for guests to enjoy. Rates at this Category 3 property start at $98 or 9,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

3. Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl

Set along the West Corniche, the Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl has contemporary, neutral rooms with balconies offering stunning views of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and the Arabian Gulf. This hotel has a welcoming and upscale feel, starting with its bright and airy lobby, which has massively high ceilings.

The fitness center has an outdoor area where guests can take yoga and other fitness classes, and the pool and beach area is large and inviting. The Luma Spa also has a special signature facial collection and curated massages. Rates at this Category 4 hotel start at $122 or 12,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Hot Tip:

You can always apply for The World of Hyatt Credit Card, which offers up to 9 points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels, to bulk up your points balance. However, World of Hyatt is also a 1:1 transfer partner of Chase, so you could transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to the Hyatt program earned from a card such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card.

The 2 Best IHG Hotels in Abu Dhabi

Although IHG‘s more luxurious properties are limited (though you will find a few Holiday Inns and Staybridge Suites), Abu Dhabi does have a few places for IHG One Rewards enthusiasts. And more rooms are coming to the city in late 2025: The gigantic Straylight Yas, Vignette Collection, will open on Yas Island, a culmination of 6 former hotels transformed into an enormous, 1,389-room Vignette Collection resort.

1. InterContinental Abu Dhabi

Families should consider the beachfront InterContinental Abu Dhabi, home to a private beach (and Bayshore Beach Club), an infinity pool, splash pool, kids pool with waterslide, a life-size chess set, and tennis courts. The hotel has 7 different restaurants, including a Belgian cafe, an Argentine steakhouse, and a Pan Asian eatery.

Even the lowest-level classic rooms (which do have a more classical aesthetic and furnishings) have sweeping views of the marina, beach, and Abu Dhabi skyline in the distance. Room rates start at $113 or 18,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

2. Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi – Yas Island

Set near Yas Island’s Cyan Beach, steps from all of the area’s top theme parks, just 10 minutes from the Abu Dhabi airport, and behind the Yas Links Abu Dhabi Golf Course, the Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi – Yas Island features rooms and suites with balconies, some of which come with useful, family-friendly amenities like kitchenettes. Families will also appreciate that kids stay and eat for free at this property.

Guests can also swim in the outdoor pool, work out at the gym, or relax at the spa. Rates start at $183 or 34,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Hot Tip:

IHG One Rewards points are valuable for stays at properties like InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Iberostar, and beyond. Stock up by applying for an IHG co-branded credit card such as the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, with which you can earn up to 26 points per $1 spent at eligible IHG properties and receive complimentary Platinum Elite status, among other perks.

The 3 Best Hilton Hotels in Abu Dhabi

Hilton has a few properties in Abu Dhabi across its various brands. Picking where to stay if you want to spend or earn Hilton Honors points primarily comes down to the area of town you want to stay in: Yas Island or the Corniche. Here’s where to stay in Abu Dhabi with Hilton Honors points.

1. Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers

The striking Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers appears to rise directly out of the white sands of its private beach. The high-rise hotel has rooms with stunning views and, if that’s not enough, a 74th-floor observation deck from which you can admire Abu Dhabi, the Gulf, and the Arabian desert.

Dip into the hotel’s 3 pools or relax on the private beach, enjoy a spa treatment in one of the spa’s 13 treatment rooms, or dine and drink at any of the 12 restaurants and bars (including the observation deck, where you can get light bites). Adults can enjoy fitness classes, and kids get 4 complimentary hours daily at the kids club. Room rates start at $163 or 47,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

2. The WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection

The little ones will adore this Warner Bros.-themed hotel, where rooms have funky amenities like bright red vintage telephones and framed Batman art. Still, it feels sophisticated enough for the grown-ups, too, offering 5 dining venues, a spa, floor-to-ceiling windows with views in guest rooms, and different types of swimming pools.

Warner Bros. World and Yas Waterworld are next door to The WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton, and Ferrari World and SeaWorld are a short drive away, making exploring the theme parks during your stay easy.

Room rates start at $478 or 305,000 Hilton Honors points per night. These rates include access to 1 Yas Island theme park per registered guest per night.

3. Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island

If you’ve got an event or meeting at the Etihad Arena, the Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island overlooks the building, making it an easy choice for convenient accommodations. Rooms are basic and contemporary; the lowest category room can fit 1 child and 2 adults. With its 5 restaurants and bars, a large outdoor pool, a kids club, kids pool, and close proximity to Yas Bay Beach and the Yas Island theme parks, the main draw for this hotel is convenience: There’s plenty to do and see without having to go too far.

Room rates start at $300 or 70,000 Hilton Honors points per night, and this includes access to 1 Yas Island theme park per day.

Luxury Hotels Through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts

While it’s not a traditional points program, the Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) program lets you can stay at some of the most luxurious hotels in Abu Dhabi, including the Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Maryah Island, the Anatara Qasar Al Sarab Desert Resort, the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, and the Rosewood Abu Dhabi. The aforementioned Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, St. Regis Abu Dhabi, St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, and Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, are also part of Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts.

Booking through FHR means you get the following perks during your stay:

• 12 p.m. check-in, when available
• Room upgrade upon arrival, when available
• Complimentary daily breakfast for 2 people
• $100 experience credit, unique to each property
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout

Note that you can only book these hotels through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts if you hold one of the following credit cards: The Platinum Card^® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, and Centurion^® Card from American Express.

Final Thoughts

Abu Dhabi has all the glitz and glam of its neighbor Dubai, but with better prices, whether you’re paying in cash to earn points or looking to redeem points for top value. Whether you opt to stay on Yas Island to enjoy the theme parks or prefer to roam the Arabian sands of Corniche, staying in one of these Abu Dhabi points hotels will likely offer solid value.