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The Cranley Report®: Emirates Palace
Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi
Hotel Address
Emirates Palace
Corniche Road
(PO Box 39999)
Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
Contact Details
Telephone: +971 2 690 9000
Fax: +971 2 690 9999
E-mail
Email hotel's reservation Desk
Cranley Rating

Emirates Palace: Click to magnify
Photo 1 of 37. Click arrows to view
Hotel Summary
Category Resort Hotel
Awards Won 2007
14th Annual World Travel Awards (WTA):
- World’s Leading Conference Hotel.
- Palace Suites named World’s Leading Suites.

American Academy of Hospitality Sciences:
- International Five Star Diamond Award.

New York-based Seven Stars and Stripes Award.

MENA Middle East Awards:
- Best Conference/Convention Centre.
- Best 5 Star Business/Conference Hotel.
- Best 5 Star Leisure Hotel in Middle East.

Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards:
Mezzaluna – Best Italian Resturant.
Sayad – Highly Recommended Seafood Restaurant.
Anar – Highly Recommended Middle East and North African Restaurant.

2006
MENA Middle East Awards:
- Best 5 Star Hotel in Middle East.
- Best New Project.
- Best Conference Hotel.
Hotel Opened
2005
Refurbishment Forthcoming Additions:

Second Palace Lounge - West Wing
Marina
Cranley Summary
Emirates Palace is a landmark development located a few miles from Abu Dhabi City Centre on the Abu Dhabi Corniche, placing it in a quiet setting but convenient for quick city access. It is a unique architectural masterpiece designed around an 'Arabian Nights' Palace scene and is set in 85 hectares of landscaped gardens with over 8,000 trees and its own 1.3 kilometre private beach. The Palace took over four years to build and is over a kilometre wide with a two and a half kilometre perimeter. The centre piece of the hotel’s design is the central dome which is 42 meters wide with a surface finish of silver and gold glass mosaic tiles. The hotel features 302 deluxe rooms and 60 suites which can be configured as one, two or three bedroom suites. There are a range of restaurants to cater for most tastes and extensive conference facilities including an Auditorium, Ballroom, Media Centre and Conference Rooms. The design of the Emirates Palace is such that it has a symmetrical style with 'Grand Rooms', gym and pool facilities in each of the East and West Wings, a spa located at the end of the West Wing, and shops and hairdressers in the East Wing. Guests can be ferried around the large complex in golf buggies should they wish.
Location & Layout
Location Description
Emirates Palace covers over 247 acres with its own private beach and gardens, it is set at the end of the Abu Dhabi Corniche next to Abu Dhabi City Centre. Its location gives it the benefit of being just about one kilometre from the city centre, placing it near the business district and shopping areas whilst keeping its own peaceful sanctuary at the end of the Corniche. The Abu Dhabi Golf Club is 40 kilometres away and the horse racing track is 25 kilometres away, providing additional leisure options for guests.
Airports
Distance
38 km
Airport Transfers
Approximately 25 minutes in light traffic.
Complimentary transfers for all suite guests.
Cities and Sights
Distance
1 km
City/Sight Transfers
Approximately 5 minutes in light traffic.
Taxi
Layout Description
The building is traditionally vernacular in style with a central palace Reception and lobby area found at the entrance of the hotel on the 4th floor, leading from this the hotel has two symmetrical East and West Wings. It is substantial in scale, being over a kilometre wide and having a perimeter of over two and a half kilometres. Features of the building are the domes, with over 114 in total, (the largest being over 42 meters wide) and the vast expanses of space in the central areas. The East and West Wings both have their own small satellite reception areas on the 2nd floor with matching guest room facilities and swimming pools at either end of the wings. The Anantara Spa is located at the far end of the West Wing and S T Beauty hairdressers at the far end of the East Wing. Golf buggies are provided to move guests externally from one end of the hotel to the other. The hotel restaurants and The Palace Suites are situated in the central palace with the 'Grand Rooms' and Khaleej Suites located in the wings.
Lobby and Guest Relations
Open Hours
24 Hours
Languages Spoken Arabic, English, European and several other languages spoken. (the hotel employs staff from 49 countries).
Payment Methods All major credit cards and cash accepted.
Foreign Exchange All major currencies exchanged.
ATM machines and banks available within the hotel.
Taxis Arranged Taxi pool on standby.
Tours Arranged A full range of tours and tailor made packages can be organised to include:

Abu Dhabi City tours
Al Ain City tours
Camel Riding
Desert Safaris
Dhow tours
Dinner Cruises
Dubai City tours
Fishing trips
Liwa full day safaris
Night at the Races
Oman Dhow tour
Sand Skiing
Sharjah and Ajman City tours
Snorkelling or Scuba Diving
Wadi Hatta or Hajar Mountains
Guest Relations Standard services
Concierge Services
The Concierge is on hand 24 hours a day and will assist guests with any arrangements including restaurant reservations, limousines, car rental or airport transfers at any time during a guest's stay.
Medical Facilities Staff are trained to administer first aid for minor incidents. A doctor is available 24 hours a day with a typical response time of within 30 minutes, according to the hotel.
The hotel has it’s own wheelchair for use if required.
Parking Complimentary valet parking.
Underground parking for 818 cars.
Total parking spaces available, 2500 cars.
Helicopter Pad within the grounds.
Cranley Comment
Guests arrive via an elevated driveway to a Reception on the fourth floor. On entering the lobby, one is taken aback by the sheer scale of the interior of the hotel, with its wide long walkways. The interior is decorated in themes of gold with elaborate gold leaf, marble and tiled flooring, prevalent throughout the hotel. Off to the right hand side of the entrance lobby is the Reception and Concierge where guests are personally greeted on arrival and from there escorted to their rooms where they are formally checked in. Off to the left of the entrance are the Guest Relations desks. On the 2nd floor of each wing there are additional satellite reception areas.
Shops & Amenities
Description
Reception:

Paris Gallery: Fine watches
10:00 to 22:00 Saturday to Thursday
14:00 to 22:00 Friday

Style Gallery: Fine watches and jewellery
10:00 to 22:00 Saturday to Thursday
16:00 to 22:00 Friday

Rolex Boutique: Fine watches
10:00 to 22:00 Saturday to Thursday
16:00 to 22:00 Friday

DAMAS Jewellers: Fine jewellery
10:00 to 22:00 Saturday to Thursday
16:00 to 22:00 Friday

Etihad Desk :for flight bookings and information
10:00 to 22:00 Saturday to Thursday
Closed - Friday

Golden Car Hire
10:00 to 22:00 Saturday to Thursday
Closed - Friday


East Wing:

S T Salon: Mens hairdressing
10:00 to 21:00 7 days a week

Yas Perfume: Perfumes
10:00 to 22:00 Saturday to Thursday
17:00 to 22:00 Friday

Al Jamal: Longines watches
10:00 to 13:00 Saturday to Thursday
14:00 to 22:00 Saturday to Thursday

Kunooz Jewellers: Breitling watches and jewellery
10:00 to 13:00 Saturday to Thursday
14:00 to 22:00 Saturday to Thursday

Arabia Press and Media: Newsagents
10:00 to 13:00 Saturday to Thursday
14:00 to 22:00 Saturday to Thursday

Rodeo Drive: Men's and Ladies' fashions
10:00 to 22:00 Saturday to Thursday
17:00 to 22:00 Friday

Emirates Palace Boutique: Vilbrequin, Mont Blanc
10:00 to 22:00 Saturday to Thursday
13:00 to 22:00 Friday

National Bank of Abu Dhabi
09:00 to 13:30 Saturday to Wednesday
15:00 to 21:30 Saurday to Wednesday
09:00 to 13:30 Thursday
Closed - Friday

East Wing Pool:

S T Beauty: Ladies' beauty salon offering hairdressing, make-up, manicures and waxing services.
10:00 to 21:00 7 days a week.
Cranley Comment
Emirates Palace enjoys a number of high end boutiques in keeping with the style of the hotel. Four of the boutiques are located next to the main Reception, whilst the remaining boutiques are located in the East Wing with the ladies' salon next to the East Wing Pool. In addition to the hotel boutiques, Abu Dhabi City Centre is only 1 km away offering a full array of city centre shops, boutiques and other amenities.
Rooms, Suites & Villas
Number of Floors 7
Total Rooms 362
Elevators 140
Rooms per Elevator 3
Total Staff 2000
Staff per Room 5.5
Check-in Time 14:00
Check-out Time 12:00
Late Checkout 16:00 subject to availability
Smoking Rooms 111 smoking rooms
East Wing Grand Rooms 37
West Wing Grand Rooms 74
Room Service 24 hours

06:00 to 11:00 Breakfast
11:00 to 06:00 All day dining menu
Laundry Service A next day, same day and express dry cleaning and laundry service is available.
Laundry and Dry cleaning handed in before 10:00 will be returned on the same day, seven days a week.
Items received after 10:00 will be returned the next day.
Items requested within 3 hours are subject to an additional charge.
Pressing will be returned within 4 hours from the time it is received.
Express pressing within 1 hour is subject to an additional charge
Shoe-shine service is available 24hours (complimentary)
Unique Features 24-hour personalised butler service to assist guests during their stay by offering laundry, unpacking and packing,
Club or Executive Facilities
Presently there is one Palace Lounge located on the 5th floor of the East Wing which is open from 07:00 to 23:00 daily. It is a non smoking complimentary lounge for guests staying in Diamond Grand rooms and suites. The lounge has a capacity of 32 within two seating areas, one with a large plasma screen and comfortable seating arrangements with a restaurant style buffet area that serves complimentary breakfast, tea,coffee and cocktails. Leading from this there is an additional private meeting room for 8 people, boardroom style. A second Palace Lounge is due to open in the West Wing during the latter half of 2008.

Palace Lounge privileged facilities include:

Private check-in and check-out services
Concierge services to accommodate specific guest requests
All day beverages and snacks
Buffet breakfast
Laptops, wireless internet access
Daily regional newspapers and magazines
DVD library
Transfers to and from Abu Dhabi International Airport
Complimentary pressing of two items of clothing per stay
Cranley Comment
Emirates Palace offers three types of accommodation; Grand Rooms, Khaleej Suites and Palace Suites. Grand Rooms are deluxe rooms with three variations depending on the views, they all enjoy a private butler service and wire-free controls for the plasma televisions, air-conditioning and lighting. Grand Rooms and the Khaleej Suites are located in the East and West wings of the hotel, with the main hotel reception, amenities and Palace Suites located centrally. Each wing also has its own dedicated satellite reception for guests and there is currently one Palace Lounge located in the East Wing for guests staying in Diamond Grand Rooms and above. There are 16 three bedroom Palace Suites situated above the hub of the hotel which are 680 square metres in size with staff kitchen, Majlis, dining room, guest cloakroom and private lift. These suites can also be configured into 48 smaller one or two bedroom suites.
Type of Room, Views & Facilities
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Coral Grand 166

Landscaped Gardens

Electronic locking system
Viewfinder spy hole
Security chain
Entrance hallway
Individually wire less controlled air-conditioning and lighting
Work space/desk
DDI Line
Voice mail
Fax – on request
WiFi complimentary
3 pin square British sockets
2 pin round European sockets
2 blade and 1 round pin American sockets
50 inch plasma television
International Satellite TV
DVD player
TV Radio
Dimmer switches
Armchair and foot rest
Round occasional table
Floor to ceiling windows
Balcony and 2 chairs
Triple closet
Full length mirror
Shoe shine service
Large safe suitable for laptop
Safety deposit boxes at Reception
Mini-bar with some complimentary soft drinks
Tea and Coffee room service menu only
Fruit basket, complimentary
Fresh flowers, complimentary
Free (local) daily newspapers
Turndown service
Down duvet (2 singles) king sized on request
En-suite bathroom
Single vanity basin unit
Bidet
Bath tub with hand held shower
Separate step-in shower
Bathrobes
Slippers
Shaving/Make up mirror
Shaving point
Laundry basket
Hairdryer
Bathroom scale
Telephone in bathroom
Television / Radio speakers in bathroom
Private Butler
Luxury Emirates Palace toiletries

2 Adults and 1 child (under 13) 55
Cranley Comment
Coral Grand rooms are located on either wing of the hotel. Each room has a small entrance hallway with two sets of triple wardrobes and a wide full length mirror and bathroom leading from this. The room has high ceilings to enhance a feeling of spaciousness and is furnished in a modern Arabian style with the use of gold and beige colours in the carpet, bedding and curtains, and contemporary wood panelling on the walls next to the desk area. The king sized beds have two single duvets, king sized duvets are available on request. There is a casual seating area to one side of the bed with a chaise loungue, there are no tea and coffee making facilities within the room. The bathrooms are spacious and furnished to a high specification with a walk-in shower and a deep raised bath. Each room has its own balcony with a table and two chairs, or if the room is located on the ground floor, it opens onto a terrace.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Pearl Grand 73

Partial Sea View / Palace Park

As for the Coral Grand room with the added benefit of:

Partial sea view

2 Adults and 1 child (under 13) 55
Cranley Comment
Pearl Grand rooms are identical to Coral Grand rooms with the exception of the view. Each room has a small entrance hallway with two sets of triple wardrobes and a wide full length mirror and bathroom leading from this area. The room has high ceilings to enhance a feeling of spaciousness and is furnished in a modern Arabian style with the use of gold and beige colours in the carpet, bedding and curtains and contemporary wood panelling on the walls next to the desk area. The king sized beds have two single duvets, king sized duvets are available on request. There is a casual seating area to one side of the bed with a chaise loungue, there are no tea and coffee making facilities within the room. The bathrooms are spacious and furnished to a high specification with a walk-in shower and a deep raised bath. Each room has its own balcony with a table and two chairs, or if the room is located on the ground floor, it opens onto a terrace.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Diamond Grand 63

Direct Sea View

As for the Coral Grand room with the added benefit of:

Direct sea views
Access to the Palace Lounge

2 Adults and 1 child (under 13) 55
Cranley Comment
Diamond Grand rooms are identical to Coral Grand rooms and Pearl Grand rooms with the exception that the Diamond Grand rooms offer direct sea views and guests have privileged access to the Palace Lounge. Each Diamond Grand room has a small entrance hallway with two sets of triple wardrobes and a wide full length mirror and bathroom leading from this area. The room has high ceilings to enhance a feeling of spaciousness and is furnished in a modern Arabian style with the use of gold and beige colours in the carpet, bedding and curtains and contemporary wood panelling on the walls next to the desk area. The king sized beds have two single duvets, king sized duvets are available on request. There is a casual seating area to one side of the bed with a chaise loungue, there are no tea and coffee making facilities within the room. The bathrooms are spacious and furnished to a high specification with a walk-in shower and a deep raised bath. Each room has its own balcony with a table and two chairs, or if the room is located on the ground floor, it opens onto a terrace.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Khaleej Suite 20

Direct Sea View

As for the Coral Grand room with the added benefit of:

Entrance hall
Separate lounge
61 inch plasma screen
Dining table for four
Three seater sofa
Arm chair with matching foot rest
Terrace or balcony
Desk and chair
Separate bedroom
Chaise longue
Dressing room with vanity unit
Raised Jacuzzi bath
Complimentary transfers from Abu Dhabi Airport
Bath prepared on arrival
Complimentary snacks
Complimentary breakfast at Le Vendome Restaurant
Access to the Palace Lounge

3 Adults or 2 adults and 1 child (under 13) 110
Cranley Comment
Khaleej Suites are located at the tip of the East and West Wings which affords them a 180 degree view and a two sided terrace. They are lavishly appointed one bedroom suites comprising of an entrance hall, a rectangular lounge area connected to the bedroom with double sliding doors and a bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and en-suite bathroom. These suites are decorated in a similar Arabian style as the Grand rooms with a gold theme, high ceilings and ornate detail in the cornices, light fittings and walls, mixed with a fusion of pale soft furnishings and silks. The bedroom is spacious with high ceilings to add to a sense of space and leads onto a dressing area with walk-in wardrobes. The suites’ bathroom features a deep Jacuzzi bath, walk-in shower and other amenities. Khaleej Suites feature double aspect balconies. Guests staying in Khaleej Suites have access to the Palace Lounge.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Khaleej Deluxe Suite 20

Direct Sea View

As for the Khaleej Suite with the added benefit of :

Separate dining area
Larger entrance hall
Larger bathroom

3 Adults or 2 adults and 2 children (under 13) 165
Cranley Comment
Khaleej Deluxe Suites have the same aspect as the Khaleej Suites but are 50% larger. They feature a larger entrance hallway which leads to a dining area with a circular table for four guests. The dining room leads in turn to a lounge which leads to the bedroom, dressing room and en-suite bathroom. Suites are decorated in a similar Arabian style as the Grand rooms with a gold theme, high ceilings and ornate detail in the cornices, light fittings and walls, complemented by light soft furnishings. The bedroom is spacious and has high ceilings which add to a sense of space, with a large ‘his and her’ dressing area. The bathroom is larger than average and features a deep raised Jacuzzi bath accessed via three steps. Khaleej Deluxe Suites feature a terrace that wraps around two sides. Guests staying in Khaleej Deluxe Suites have access to the Palace Lounge.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Royal Khaleej Suite 4

Direct Sea View

As for the Khaleej Deluxe Suite with the added benefit of:

Two en-suite bedrooms

3 Adults or 2 adults and 2 children (under 13) 200
Cranley Comment
Royal Khaleej Suites are 200sqm in size and have two en-suite bedrooms, separate living room and dining area. The four Royal Khaleej Suites are decorated in a similar Arabian style as the Grand rooms in a gold theme with hints of calming blues, high ceilings and ornate detail in the cornices, light fittings and walls. The bedrooms are spacious and also have high ceilings which add to a sense of space. The bathrooms are large and feature a deep raised Jacuzzi bath accessed via three steps, and separate shower. Royal Khaleej Suites have a large terrace that overlooks the ocean and the palace grounds. Guests staying in Royal Khaleej Suites have access to the Palace Lounge.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
One Bedroom Palace Suite

Divisible from the Three Bedroom Palace Suites below with the benefit of :

Circular entrance hall
Separate lounge with
61 inch plasma screen
Dining table for four
Three seater sofa
Arm chair with matching foot rest
Terrace or balcony
Desk and chair
Separate Bedroom
Chaise longue
Dressing room with vanity unit
Raised Jacuzzi bath

3 Adults or 2 adults and 2 children (under 13) 140
Cranley Comment
One Bedroom Palace Suites are lavishly appointed and comprises a circular entrance hall and a lounge area connected to the bedroom with double sliding doors. The master bedroom has a dressing room and en-suite bathroom. Palace Suites are decorated in a similar opulent Arabian style with a gold theme complemented by shades of blues and quality wood furnishings and marble. The Suites have high ceilings with ornate detail in the cornices, light fittings and walls. The dining room features pillars, whilst the bedroom is spacious with high ceilings which add to a sense of space. The bedroom leads to a dressing area with wardrobes and a dressing table, which in turn leads to the large bathroom with deep Jacuzzi bath, walk in shower and other amenities. Guests staying in these suites also have the benefit of complimentary transfers from Dubai International Airport.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Two Bedroom Palace Suite

Divisible from the Three Bedroom Palace Suites below with the benefit of:

Sizeable entrance room
One bedroom suite of 110 sqm
Second bedroom suite of 200 sqm
Dining room with table to seat ten guests
Majlis or lounge room
Separate guest cloakroom
Fully fitted staff kitchen
Two 51 inch plasma TVs in each bedroom suite
61 inch plasma TV in Majlis room

3 Adults or 2 adults and 2 children (under 13) 460
Cranley Comment
Two Bedroom Palace Suites comprises a large entrance hall featuring a Swarovski crystal chandelier which leads off to the separate rooms. The overall suite comprises two separate bedroom suites each with its own separate lounge, bedroom, dressing room and en-suite bathroom. The master bedroom is sizable at 200 sqm and incorporates a large main bedroom, dressing area and bathroom. In addition the overall suite also has a separate dining room, Majlis room, guest cloakroom and fully fitted kitchen. Palace Suites are decorated in a similar style with extensive use of heavy fabrics and intricate detailing on walls and ceilings. The dining room can comfortably accommodate ten guests, whilst the Majlis room is decorated with gold walls, a sizeable Swarovski crystal chandelier and features enough sofas to comfortably seat ten guests. It also features its own 61inch plasma TV with the same state of the art control system as the other televisions. Guests staying in this suite also have the benefit of complimentary transfers from Dubai International Airport.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Palace Suite 16

Direct Sea View

As for the One Bedroom Palace Suites and Two Bedroom Palace Suites combined, with the added benefit of:

Private elevator
Large reception room
Separate guest cloakroom with gold sinks
Three en-suite bedrooms

3 Adults or 2 adults and 2 children (under 13) 680
Cranley Comment
The Palace Suites are the premier suites in the Emirates Palace hotel and each one occupies 680 square metres. Each Palace Suite comprises of the One and Two bedroom Palace Suites detailed above, to provide a three bedroom suite with each bedroom having its own lounge area, en-suite bathroom and dressing area. In addition (as detailed in the Two Bedroom Suite description) the Suite features a separate Majlis, dining room and staff kitchen. Three Bedroom Palace Suites offer guests additional privacy by having a dedicated lift within each suite. These suites also have a substantial entrance hallway and a large guest cloakroom. Guests staying in these suites also have the benefit of complimentary transfers from Dubai International Airport.