In October, my husband and I honeymooned in Oman, so we decided to do a brief two day/ one night layover in Abu Dhabi en route.
I ended up choosing The St. Regis Abu Dhabi Corniche, since I could use my American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant 35K anniversary free night award for the stay. I checked the Bonvoy app prior to booking, and the cash rate for one night in a standard Superior King room that I had booked would have been about $400 per night – making this a pretty good use of my annual certificate.
Because I have Titanium Elite status with Bonvoy, I also had some suite night awards burning a hole in my pocket. I used one for the stay, and was notified via email 3 days before check in that my upgrade was confirmed to a Grand Deluxe King Suite with a sea view.
The Room
Our suite was modern, spacious and nicely appointed. On top of that, the suite offered dramatic, panoramic views of the Al Bateen Marina and the Corniche. It was 600 sq ft of timeless elegance. You will note the classical decor, typical of the St Regis style, with polished dark wood and ornate detailing throughout.
Both the sleeping area and living areas had flat-screen TVs, and I loved having a separate lounge and work area, which gave us plenty of room to both work and relax during our stay.
My favorite part of the suite hands down was the out-of-this-world bathroom. It was decked out in stunning marble and had an incredible view with floor-to-ceiling windows. I also appreciated the his-and-hers sinks, the spacious rain shower, and the glorious soaking tub. And one of the coolest features of the bathroom was a 19-inch TV integrated into the mirror! I just love being able to brush my teeth and do my makeup, while I catch up on the morning news!
The Location and Guest Experience
Centrally located along the Corniche Road in downtown Abu Dhabi, this five-star twin towers property is within walking distance of Emirates Palace and the capital’s new Founding Father Memorial. The airport is a 30-minute drive away, while Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi are roughly 20 minutes away.
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi effortlessly combines authentic Arabian hospitality with over a hundred years of bespoke St. Regis tradition. This luxury beach hotel offers guests complimentary access to the private Nation Riviera Beach Club, inclusive of a health and fitness center, Treasure Island kids club and waterpark, a wonderful, renovated swimming pool, and a pristine 200 meter stretch of white sandy beach along the turquoise waters of the Gulf. In addition, those with jet lag or in need of some R&R can pamper themselves at the lovely Remede Spa, which overlooks the celebrated Corniche and sparkling Arabian Gulf.
The hotel is connected to Nation Galleria Mall with more than 60 retail shops, restaurants, a cinema and a variety of entertainment options, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi is also in close proximity to the trendy and sophisticated district of Al Bateen, Qasr Al Watan, and many of the Embassies, oil and gas companies, and other business institutions of the city. Being a five-star hotel, yet crafting boutique experiences, The St. Regis is the social epicenter for luxury vacationers, business travelers and royalty alike, who are looking to be in the heart of downtown Abu Dhabi.
Because I have Bonvoy Titanium Elite status, we were able to indulge in a delicious, Sunday brunch buffet breakfast for free, which is one of the many perks of this level of top-tier status with Marriott. This complimentary breakfast was the best I have ever had at any St Regis in the world. Make sure to check out this delectable brunch if you are staying at the St Regis Abu Dhabi on a Sunday!
With my elite status, I was also able to secure a late checkout at 4 PM. That way, we could come back from sightseeing to freshen up and take a rest before heading back to the airport for our flight.
I have to give a major shoutout to the St Regis Abu Dhabi staff. They went above and beyond during our brief stay to help us when Qatar Airways lost our luggage. The concierge team was in constant contact with both myself and the airline, and without their help, I am not sure that our bags would have been found and arrived at the hotel before we left for Dubai. This superior service is one of the things that sets the St Regis brand apart from other luxury hotel chains, and I am forever grateful to the entire hotel staff for helping us navigate a very complex and stressful situation!
HOT TIP: On select dates throughout the year — mainly in high season when the weather is temperate in October through March — St Regis Abu Dhabi hosts a “Sky High Experiences” exclusive experience for only 20 hotel guests. Located 225 meters above sea level on the Middle East’s highest active helipad, a lucky few can indulge in high tea or a champagne toast during sunset over the sparkling Gulf!
Final Verdict
If you are looking for a luxury hotel to stay at in the heart of Abu Dhabi then look no further than the St. Regis! For only 35K points per night, this hotel is wonderful and the staff is world-class! Plus, being able to take advantage of all of the Bonvoy Titanium Elite perks makes this hotel a fantastic choice for those with top-tier Marriott status!
This place has (or at least had, prepandemic), the best free breakfast for platinum members. Hands down!
I agree, Michael! The breakfast I had here in October was one of the best I have ever had as a Marriott Titanium Elite!