Abu Dhabi's Boutique Hotels

Tucked away from cookie-cutter resorts is a sprinkling of one-of-a-kind boutique hotels.

Famed for containing a cornucopia of glittering excess, just like its neighbouring emirate Dubai, it should come as no surprise that is filled with luxurious places to stay. Sprawling resorts occupy towering skyscrapers gleaming with every mod con imaginable. However, tucked away from these cookie-cutter resorts is a sprinkling of one-of-a-kind boutique hotels. Design-driven, quirky and drenched in character, these boutique hotels offer some of the best places to rest your head. Here are just five of our favourite boutique hotels in Abu Dhabi...

1. The Village, One to One Hotel

A small chain of uniquely styled resorts, The Village is a tranquil escape located in the centre of Abu Dhabi. Surrounded by lush palm trees and landscaped gardens, this small oasis containing only 127 rooms offers a distinctly boutique hotel stay. Filled with contemporary decor and countless facilities, from a private rooftop pool to a state-of-the-art spa, guests are seamlessly provided for in a sophisticated manner. Ideal for romantic escapes or business travellers looking for a peaceful setting, there's plenty to keep those happy who simply want to relax. Enjoy barbeque meals and live entertainment during the summer, sample Lebanese cuisine at the Sennara restaurant or indulge in a signature cocktail at the stylish hotel bar, Cube. Located close to the city's bustling shopping and business districts and just 25 minutes from the international airport, this hotel is also conveniently located for those looking to explore.

Room rates for The Village start at 350 AED (per room, per night). 

2. Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi

An mini metropolis of its own overlooking the Yas Marina Circuit, the Yas Viceroy may not seem like your everyday boutique. However, with its swirling LED canopy encasing and illuminating close to 500 rooms, 11 dining and lounge venues and a range of cosmopolitan bars, Yas Viceroy is a boutique on steroids. Choose from a wide range of culinary options with restaurants throughout the hotel serving everything from fresh seafood to modern Italian, regional Indian to traditional Middle Eastern fare. Spend the day relaxing on the shores of Yas Beach, soak your toes in the hotel's rooftop pools or simply indulge in a treat from the lobby patisserie. One thing is certain - you aren't going to want for anything in this 5-star lap of luxury.

Room rates for the Yas Viceroy start at 750 AED.

3. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort

Hidden within the sandy confines of the Liwa Desert, Qasr Al Sarab is a resort like no other. Designed to appear like an Arabian palace, facing sweeping panoramas of dusty sand dunes, this luxurious sanctuary makes for an unforgettable stay.  Traverse the desert planes by dune buggy, saunter around on the back of a camel or simply spend the day reclining by the hotel's swirling freeform swimming pool. With nothing to disturb you but the sounds of flowing fountains and swaying palm trees, this uniquely styled resort is a real-life oasis and haven of relaxation.

Rates for a double room at the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort start at 1,462 AED.

4. Aloft Abu Dhabi 

Housed within the vibrant building of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), Aloft Abu Dhabi is a mecca for business travellers. Fluorescent colours and cutting-edge design predominate, with a buzzing atmosphere that radiates throughout the hotel. With countless facilities including 400 spacious suites, high-tech meeting rooms, a trendy rooftop pool and tree-lined Splash Garden, you'll find few reasons to venture far from your creature comforts. Should you wish to explore, however, the shopping and business attractions of downtown Abu Dhabi are just a short walk away.

Room rates for Aloft Abu Dhabi start at 350 AED. 

5. Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa

Forming part of the same hotel group as Qasr Al Sarab, the Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa offers an equally luxurious stay in a more accessible location. Offering a relaxing retreat amongst the heart of the city - Abu Dhabi's city centre is just a stone's throw away - here you'll discover a glamorous showcase of Arabian design with lofty corridors, arched entrances and traditional inlay filling the hotel. Surrounded by tropical mangroves giving the hotel its attractive namesake, this tempting waterfront boutique has a plethora of facilities. These include over 200 stylish rooms, a glitzy rooftop lounge, a balmy infinity pool and a traditional spa and hamman. If relaxation combined with inner-city exploration is what you're looking for, you'll be more than happy in this hotel.

Room rates for the Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa start at 950 AED.