Ideal for…

What: The Ritz Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal

Where: In the midst of the city in Abu Dhabi, facing the beautiful Sheikh Zayed mosque

The Rooms: They have rooms, suites and villas. I stayed in a Club suite, which was spacious and felt like a little home. The hotel has a venetian style, so the rooms felt in line with the theme – gold and glam. FYI The hotel is huge (the third largest Ritz Carlton in the world) and they have two towers, so expect quite a bit of a walk to get to the rooms.

The Bed: Comfortable but could have been a little more cosier so I’ll give it a 7/10

The Toilets: Using Asprey toiletries, I had two toilets – one by the door and one bathroom inside which had a bathtub, soft robes and marble mosaic walls in the shower room and toilet. Struggled to find the slippers though.

The Breakfast: If you’re staying in the club suites, you get access to the club lounge for breakfast as well as other meals – which is a little simple compared to the larger breakfast in the promenade (which has different sections as well as egg bars!)

The Food (restaurants & bars): They have quite a few restaurants in the hotel, so you don’t really need to leave the hotel! During my short staycation, I tried the Friday brunch, which really spoils you -they have an alcoholic as well as a non alcoholic package with a market feel with choices like Burritos, Dumplings to a pasta bar and finishing off with desserts like chocolate fountain and cotton candy. For Dinner, I tried one of the best Asian restaurants I’ve had (and I’ve checked out a lot) – Li Jiang, a South Asian restaurant and lounge – which feels like the Chinese version of Zuma. Make sure to order Wasabi prawns, chicken sweet and sour, and the tender black pepper beef.

Minibar: I had a Nespresso machine in the room, as well as minibar options such as wine, m&m’s, nuts, and chocolate.

Pool, Spa & Gym: Due to the sandstorm and quick schedule, I didn’t get the chance to check out the beautiful pool (they also have their own beach) or the spa (they use ESPA products). They do have a fitness centre and group classes you can take part in.

Price: Rates start at AED2,800/night for a deluxe room.

Extra points:
-The view of the Sheikh Zayed mosque from the hotel is everything.
-They have a lovely romantic walk you can take at the promenade, which has a venetian style with fountains and water features.
-The suite had two balconies.
-I was greeted with berries and macarons as soon as I arrived, always a lovely touch.
-Wifi was free and the room had a few docking stations.
-They have a pillow menu – with up to 11 types of pillows to choose from!
http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/AbuDhabi/Default.htm