Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche is the smart choice for travellers who want to stay in the real city rather than in a resort. It rises over the eastern end of the Corniche, Abu Dhabi’s long seafront promenade, in the downtown business district, close to the historic Qasr Al Hosn fort, the souks and the city’s older neighbourhoods. The hotel brings the Sofitel blend of French style and Arabian hospitality, with rooms and suites that look out over the Gulf or the skyline. Facilities include the Sofitel Spa, an outdoor pool, a fitness centre, the Corniche all-day dining restaurant and Club Millésime for club guests. Breakfast has a good reputation, and the lobby bar and restaurants are popular with locals and business travellers. Prices sit in the mid-range for a five-star in the capital, often less than the beach resorts, which makes it good value for a city-focused trip.
Location and getting around: the hotel is on the Corniche in downtown Abu Dhabi, with the promenade, beaches and parks across the road and the Qasr Al Hosn heritage site and city-centre malls within a short walk or taxi ride. The Grand Mosque is around twenty minutes by taxi, Emirates Palace and Qasr Al Watan around fifteen, Saadiyat Island around fifteen to twenty, and the Yas parks around thirty to forty. Taxis are inexpensive, and the downtown location gives the widest choice of restaurants and cafés.
Rooms and who it suits: rooms are contemporary and comfortable, with high-quality bedding and large windows; ask for a sea view. It suits city-breakers, business travellers and couples who want to walk the Corniche and eat out in the city, as well as anyone combining sightseeing with work. Families are welcome and the hotel runs family packages, though those wanting a beach on the doorstep may prefer Saadiyat.
Good to know: the Corniche beaches across the road are public and well kept, so you can still swim even though the hotel is not a beach resort. Club rooms with access to Club Millésime are worthwhile for longer stays. Parking is available, and the downtown traffic can be heavy at rush hour, so allow extra time for trips to Yas and the airport.
Why stay here
- ✓Sea and skyline views
- ✓Sofitel Spa
- ✓Outdoor pool
- ✓Fitness centre
- ✓Corniche all-day dining restaurant
- ✓Club Millésime lounge
- ✓Opposite the Corniche promenade
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
Good questions
Where is the Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche?+
On the Corniche in downtown Abu Dhabi, opposite the seafront promenade. Qasr Al Hosn and the city-centre shops are close by.
Does the hotel have a beach?+
It has no private beach, but the public Corniche beaches are just across the road. There is also an outdoor pool.
Is it a good base for sightseeing?+
Yes, its central location keeps taxi rides short to the Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan and Saadiyat Island. Yas Island is further, around half an hour or more.
