A city oasis all the family can enjoy in the heart of Abu Dhabi
When it comes to Abu Dhabi hotels, Le Royal Meriden Abu Dhabi is a truly special place for us. In fact, it was the first hotel we ever stayed at in Abu Dhabi back in 2012 when our Master L was just a newborn and we were making our first tenuous steps to becoming an Abu Dhabi expat family.
We were invited back in 2017 for a family review of the hotel (and we’ve been back their numerous times since!) – so here’s what you can expect from a family stay at one of Abu Dhabi’s 5-star city properties.
This post is part of our Tried & Tested Hotel review series
For years Le Royal Meridien has also been a ‘home’ to the Australian social club here in Abu Dhabi – Aussies Abroad. When we held our recent Australia Day celebration at Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi, it was a delight to take a proper look behind the scenes at what they have on offer for the family market and explain why it’s one of our family favourites.
Family Sized Rooms at Le Royal Meridien
For our visit, we stayed in two interconnecting Deluxe Rooms. The size was OK with the two standard double beds but when they bought in the extra bed for the third child it got a little tight – families of 5 you will know our pain!!! The rooms are beautifully fitted, the bathrooms very sleek and modern, including a tub which is great for kiddy washing time.
There are, of course, some larger options for family-sized groups. If you only have one extra child you will comfortably fit in a deluxe corner suite, or larger families may want to look into the one, two and three-bedroom apartment options. We stayed in one of these during our very first visit to the UAE, and took another little sneak peek around on our visit. With a little kitchen and several bathrooms, large dining and living space, these are super for longer-term family stays.
Some rooms come with spectacular oceanside views – expect to pay a slight premium for these but worth it.
Got a few days to spend in Abu Dhabi? Check out this 3-day itinerary
Leisure Facilities
This central city location hides a little oasis inside. The outdoor pool is well shaded by the buildings around in the mornings which will be perfect over the hot summer months, but you are bathed in brilliant sunlight in the afternoon if you’ve come for a winter escape and some rays.
In addition, there is also an indoor pool and gym Aqua Club, ideal for dealing with the hot weather extremes you will experience in Abu Dhabi over the summer months. (This is a must to look out for when researching UAE hotels).
Unlike most of Abu Dhabi’s large luxury hotels, it does lack on onsite spa (there is a beauty salon) but things like massages can be arranged in house.
Seeking ideas on what to do with the kids in the UAE? We have 100+ of them to share…
Dining Options
One of the real highlights of Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi is the vast range of dining options that are available. Modern and inviting all-day dining restaurant Café Palmier never disappoints serving breakfast, lunch & dinner buffet style. The kids were spoilt to a wide range of choices for breakfast and of course live cooking stations always go down a winner.
In addition, they have casual eatery Wheat with some of the most exquisite pastries (check out the creation they made for the Globetrotters visit!).
There are plenty of other dining options on hand including Market Kitchen – a very classy restaurant come bar with an emphasis on fresh food; PJ O’Reilly’s Irish Pub and Stratos Lounge and Bar – Abu Dhabi’s one and only revolving restaurant for some spectacular city views. Amalfi Italian Restaurant is closed for renovations at the time of writing.
Over the years living here we had the pleasure of dining at all of these restaurants and have never been disappointed. (They all came under this year’s Entertainer book too! check details below how you can purchase and save).
For families, the most appropriate are Wheat, Café Palmier and outside at PJ O’Reilly if the weather is not too hot there’s a lovely play area and picnic-style relaxation area by the pool.
Globetrotters Recommend
Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi may not be the first hotel that jumps to mind if you are expecting a beachy resort holiday with the kids in the UAE. They do, however, undoubtedly cater to the family market and there are enough facilities and dining options to keep them happy during a stay in the capital.
Whilst Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi does not have immediate beachfront access, it’s only a short walk away and the indoor and outdoor pools will bring the opportunity to relax after a busy day or exploring.
The hotel is clean, modern, comfortable and has excellent customer service. With its central location along with great dining options, we rank it as one of the best value for money luxury stays you will find in Abu Dhabi.
Thanks again to Le Royal Meridien for hosting not only the Globetrotters but being loyal supporters of the Australian Community here in Abu Dhabi
(Aussies Abroad Members can get 30% off at all food and beverage outlets at Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi! If you’re not a member yet or even just in town a short while it can be worth signing up for this great offer!!)
Fast facts & booking Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi
Rooms: 202 Rooms, 74 Suites
Price: From 400AED ($108USD) for a city view room; From 750AED ($204 USD) for a deluxe corner suite (sleeps 3); 1, 2 & 3 bedroom Suites available.
Booking: Via the hotel’s website, or check prices using our favourite comparison tool Hotels Combined or Bookings.Com. They are also part of the Starwood Preferred Group so SPG points can be used (now Marriott Bonvoy).
Location: On the Abu Dhabi Corniche, approximately 30 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport. 9 minutes walk to Corniche beach.
Other Inclusions: Free valet, wifi
Still searching for hotel options in Abu Dhabi? Check out this bumper listing that explains all the different locations and the pros and cons for each neighbourhood
Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post that will earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you if you book with them – thank you! We were given complimentary accommodation for the purpose of conducting an honest review. All opinions as always are our own.
© Our Globetrotters
We’ve never been to Abu Dhabi, but I’ve always quite fancied visiting. This hotel looks like it might be a good option for us as we have three kids. Thanks for sharing. Jemma
That’s great to hear -plenty of hotels here have 3 kid options which really helps. We have a detailed guide on the best areas to stay which you may have seen: https://www.ourglobetrotters.com/where-to-stay-in-abu-dhabi/ and we also contribute to another website which has a good choice of Abu Dhabi hotels for all budgets https://www.littlecitytrips.com/best-family-hotels/family-hotels-abu-dhabi/ – if you make it out here, always happy to help with ideas! Keri
Another great family friendly option! Is that artists palate edible!?
Absolutely – I may have had to ‘help’ the kids over the next few days but we got their finishing it off – DIVINE!!
This all looks so amazing. I’m not sure when we will get a chance to visit Abu Dhabi but when we do, I’ll be sure to check this place out. Finding a family friendly place is so hard to find these days, it’s disappointing really.
Very few are as family friendly as they advertise to be so it pays to get inside scoop from other parents on what facilities and rooms etc they should expect
It’s always interesting to read a review of a hotel by someone who really knows what you will want out of a hotel in a particular region. Iwouldn;t have thought of the importance of having an indoor as well as an outdoor pool, but I can well imagine…
It’s lovely to go back somewhere which has great memories for you – and those desserts look spectacular.
it sounds like a great hotel for families. dining facilities on site and a pool are among my main criteria to choose accommodation and this seems to deliver brilliantly on both fronts. And those pastry creations… how beautiful are they? almost too much to eat!