Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas

Whilst the Hotel Guru can be a bit sniffy about large chain resort-style properties, in some locations they are quite simply the best options and you’d be very stupid to look past the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas. The interior is sumptuous as you’d expect, but it is also elegant and the bling element which you might anticipate in a UAE hotel is not here. Just tasteful public areas including a vast lobby with a wide array of squashy sofas. The rooms and suites are decorated in similarly restrained fashion and well laid out, each with private balcony or terrace. Bathrooms feature deep tubs and marble wet room style rainshowers, plus his and hers sinks and lovely complimentary toiletries. But you’ll not want to spend much time in your rooms here. It’s all about getting out and enjoying the sunshine….there’s four pools to choose from (including one adults only) set amid lush palm filled gardens, with loungers placed either poolside or on the lawns, and access to the Saadiyat Island beach with yet more loungers and their all important shades! The service poolside (and on the beach) is excellent, with complimentary water on hand to keep you hydrated throughout the day, and there’s an ice-lolly man who’ll deliver something cooling mid morning! If you’re not one for lounging by the pool or beach, then there’s a spa (with its own pool), gym and tennis court on site, plus the Championship Saadiyat Island Golf Course next door (chat to the concierge to sort out your tee time). Dining is a real high point at the Park Hyatt. In addition to the usual buffet restaurant (the breakfast here is excellent) there’s the Beach House Restaurant (with roof top bar which is ideal for sundowners) serving delicious lunches and dinners with a Mediterranean theme, and the Park Bar and Grill where the emphasis is on superb Beef and seafood cooked to perfection in the open kitchen – it’s a real treat. The staff here are a great asset too – the service is friendly and helpful and everyone is very eager to please. Put simply, don’t let the chain hotel name put you off. The Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and villas is a superb choice for those who want a traditional beach holiday, and it’s just a taxi ride from downtown if you want to go further afield. For the best of all worlds (beach and city) it’s the perfect luxury choice which delivers on all levels.