Emirates Palace

With great anticipation I had booked a room based upon the exceptional reviews.I was traveling to Abu Dhabi on business with my wife accompanying me.It was a long trip for Montreal however upon arriva It was a long trip from Montreal however upon arrival and after being mildly jetlagged I was put through a process of renegotiating my room upon arrival. I had booked the hotel via Expedia and the prices they listed were similar to that on the hotel website. Upon arrival to the hotel the receptionist had hastily tried to get me to upgrade my room I’m period between the currency exchange us and jet leg I found this if information difficult to process and kindly requested my original reservation. I was a told also that since it was 7 AM that I would not need to Pay for the evening before as a welcome courtesy. Considering that the rooms go for up to $1000 a night after taxes and fees for a standard room I was quite pleased with this. However the relentless receptionist continue to try me to upgrade additional servicesAnd at least requested that I purchase a package for the buffet breakfast daily. I specifically asked the reservationist if the price quoted was for my entire stay and he acknowledged yes. The palace itself is an exceptional monument to Abu Dhabi and reflects its majestic architecture. However be aware that the size itself reduces the intimacy expected that one would normally receive at such a quality rated resorts. As I walked through the major hallways there were many visiting tourist that we went by on our way to our room which gave and contributed to the more touristy feel that I obtain from this place. The rooms itself were excellent and the individual housekeepers Were exceptional I did however want to settle any of my chargers the evening before I left and met with the manager. I had found that the receptionist has missed lead me and in fact I ended up being charge for the evening before and a day later than I needed to stay. Since I had booked this with Expedia they felt and informed me that I should discuss this with them and not With them as I would have expected. Overall I do not feel that the Emirates palace lived up to the expectations And service I normally would encounter at such a place. Unfortunately I only would recommend this place as a resort or hotel since the price is much higher than the surrounding hotels and that the staff appear to be under a lot of pressure to force services on those staying at the hotel. My advice would be to stay at another hotel since they are much more affordable yet still provide the same level of luxury as this place does but consider taking a day trip to experience the premises Read less

Had a long layover at AUH, and booked the Emirates Palace from 8am to 8pm. Great stay, enjoyed the perfectly appointed room for some zzz, and the beach for a nice swim. Staff is impeccable. The hotel gets a bit crowded with tour buses with tourists taking photos in the lobby/dome area. For a longer stay, I reckon one isn't hanging around the hotel anyway, so not a big deal for a "normal" stay. Read less

Def worth visiting. Huge hotel with lots to see: camels, Bedouin tent, marina, the beach, and ofc beautiful interiors of the palace. Tried their famous golden cappuccino and some sweets. Stephanie (at the reception) was exceptionally nice and helpful. That day there were no tours because of the Brazilian delegation, but she still managed to arrange a tour for us and even gave some small souvenirs. She is so sweet and def made the experience even more memorable! Read less