Abu Dhabi is a cosmopolitan city with a rich cultural heritage and a dazzling array of attractions, activities, and experiences for visitors of every persuasion. And while the city is full of luxury hotels, there are also some fantastic affordable options, not scrimping on quality or location. If you are looking for a chic stay without breaking the bank, here are the five best chic but cheap hotels in Abu Dhabi.
ERTH Hotel
Embracing the UAE’s rich heritage and culture, ERTH Hotel Abu Dhabi opened in early 2023, transforming the city’s beloved Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel into a modern hotel with 237 rooms, 42 suites and 13 villas. Inspired by traditional Emirati hospitality, the property incorporates locally sourced natural materials and muted sand tones and is just 15 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and close to iconic landmarks such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Wahat Al Karama Memorial. Spacious and comfortable rooms and villas offer guests a sanctuary of tranquillity, with city or garden views, and some units also feature fully equipped kitchens and private pools, providing the ultimate in luxury and convenience. ERTH’s restaurants and cafes offer guests a culinary journey through the rich flavours of Emirati cuisine, while after a day of exploring the city, guests can unwind at ERTH’s outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, spa, and sauna. The property is also an anchor of community with world-class sports and entertainment facilities, like a 3,500 sqm gym, indoor, Olympic-sized pool, FIFA-certified 11-a-side pitch, squash, padel, tennis, spinning, bowling, and so much more (memberships are available for the public to use). There’s also a huge 631-seater theatre regularly hosting family-friendly shows – making this one of the best cheap hotels in Abu Dhabi for families.
Doubles from AED550 a night (low season); erth.ae, @erth.uae
Anantara Eastern Mangroves
Located south of the city centre on the fringes of the Eastern Mangroves National Park, Anantara Eastern Mangroves is known as one of the city’s most tranquil escapes – loved by staycationers and tourists alike. The hotel overlooks the national park, a sanctuary that offers a contrast to the urban landscape and is teeming with wildlife. The hotel boasts 224 elegant and spacious rooms and suites, each with a breathtaking view of either the mangroves or the city. You can enjoy the comfort and convenience of modern amenities and services, such as six dining venues offering a range of culinary delights from around the world, a spa and wellness centre providing holistic treatments and therapies, a fitness centre featuring state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, an infinity pool that affords a panoramic view of the mangroves.
Doubles from AED445 (low season); anantara.com, @anantaraeasternmangroves
Bab Al Qasr Hotel
Nestled within the Emirates Palace complex, Bab Al Qasr Hotel is an approachable option to the former’s unashamed opulence, offering a similar Arabian grandeur and beachside views, at a more affordable price point. Overlooking the Arabian Gulf and the Presidential Palace, the hotel is one of the most visually impressive cheap hotels in Abu Dhabi – taking its inspiration from regal elegance with its palatial architecture and gilded interiors, and welcomes guests in 677 spacious rooms, suites, and residences feature contemporary design with Arabian influences, creating a warm and inviting ambience. All accommodations boast premium amenities, and some even feature fully equipped kitchens and private balconies. After a sumptuous meal at its restaurants, guests can relax and unwind at the hotel’s private beach, outdoor pool, fitness centre, spa, or hot tub. With its prime location in the heart of Abu Dhabi, right off the Corniche, Bab Al Qasr Hotel is the perfect base for exploring all that the city has to offer.
Doubles from AED425 (low season); millenniumhotels.com, @babalqasrhotel
W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island Hotel
W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island is one of the city’s most famous hotels. Located on Yas Island – the city’s premier entertainment and leisure destination – the five-star property is best known for being smack bang in the middle of the famous Formula 1 track, and is still the best place in the city to enjoy the annual event (though room rates skyrocket). With its striking design, half-land and half-water, the hotel commands breathtaking views and has stylish and spacious rooms and suites with panoramic water views and many with balconies or terraces. As expected of the W brand, the property is all about entertainment and living life to the fullest, and the property is home to seven world-class restaurants and lounges and an array of recreational facilities and activities, ensuring guests a stay filled with excitement and relaxation. With its direct connection to Yas Marina Circuit, W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island is the perfect base for exploring all that Yas Island has to offer. Guests can enjoy thrilling rides and attractions at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, shop till they drop at Yas Mall, or simply soak up the sun and sand at Yas Beach.
Doubles from AED595 (low season); marriott.com, @wabudhabi
Hilton Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
As one of the newest resorts in Abu Dhabi, Hilton Abu Dhabi – Yas Island is a fantastic contemporary oasis championing family fun and entertainment. Located in the fast-developing entertainment an leisure hub of Yas Island the hotel is a fantastic base for fun and exploration, with soothing, ocean-inspired interiors and all the modern amenities – with a glossy new feel. Rooms are expected of Hilton’s high brand standards, many with balconies overlooking the ocean, and there are plenty of restaurants and lounges to enjoy – including bars with happy hours on the terrace. Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island offers guests endless recreational possibilities, including an outdoor temperature-controlled pool, kids club and splash pad, 24-hour fitness centre, spa with body treatments, facials, and massages, and separate female and male facilities with whirlpools, steam rooms, saunas, relaxation rooms, hammams, and dedicated couple’s rooms. What’s more, every stay at Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island includes access to Yas Island’s world-famous theme parks, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. The hotel’s prime location on Yas Bay Promenade Waterfront provides guests with direct access to the waterfront and is just a few steps away from Etihad Arena and Yas Island’s shopping, golf, and other sports attractions.
Doubles from AED855 a night (low season); hilton.com, @hiltonabudhabiyasisland
