AMBurns1512

Hello.

I am going on a six day trip just after new year to Dubai, and am considering a day in Abu Dhabi. However I cannot decide between the Hilton Capital Grand Abu Dhabi hotel, or the Ritz Carlton Grand Canal hotel. Obviously the Ritz Carlton hotel is more expensive but I have an Amex Plat card and so would get the FHR benefits with this. I am, however, also a HHonors Gold cardholder, so would potentially get room upgrade and free breakfast at the Hilton Capital Grand. Ideally I am looking to visit the mosque on the day we arrive and the Emirates Palace for lunch the next day. Would anyone be able to recommend one or the other? Any money saved on the Abu Dhabi hotel would be used for Dubai hotels. Thank you in advance

csdf

Definitely the Ritz Carlton. The Hilton is next to a KFC and a petrol station. The Ritz Carlton is next to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque...

mecabq

I would say the location is much better for the Hilton. Sure, the R-C has nice views, but it's in an isolated area a 20-minute drive from downtown, whereas the Hilton is within walking distance of the city center, such as it is.

So it depends what you're looking for. The R-C is a nice property, while the Hilton is a bit dated; if you plan to relax around the hotel, then of course the former is better, but there is literally no place to walk or eat nearby.

muscat

I know that new buildings go up all the time in Abu Dhabi, but you think the Hilton Capital Grand is a bit dated already??? As for walking to the city centre, that will take at least an hour.

Chgo2AD

I'd definitely go with the RC. It's a gorgeous property right by the Mosque. Last time we were upgraded into a one bed villa which was really nice.

Chgo2AD

I'm going to guess that perhaps he is confusing it with the Hilton on the corniche?

AMBurns1512

Hi, thanks for replying. I know the RC is much closer to the mosque than the Hilton Capital Grand, but didn't think the Hilton was that much further away. Though I suppose it all looks a lot closer on a map. I also didn't know the Hilton was next to a KFC or petrol station! I think I shall go with the RC, thanks very much for your help!

mecabq

You are correct. I have stayed at the old Hilton several times but didn't even know there was another one. Apologies.

christravelblog

I was once in Abu Dhabi only for 3 nights in the Intercontinental. Perfect for me. They have a Brazilian restaurant, which was awesome. I just love meat :-)

marcwdebeer

I just completed a one night stay at the Hilton Capital Abu Dhabi. While I did get the HH Gold upgrade to Exec Lounge, the hotel itself is soulless, boring and the Lounge offering is minimal.

jepiv

I have an approximately 20 hour stop over in Abu Dhabi in June (arriving around noon, leaving the next morning). Does anyone have any suggestions for hotels? Right now I'm between the Park Hyatt as a Diamond, Rosewood through FHR and Yas Viceroy to do some laps on the F1 track. Should I be considering any other options? I do have Hilton Diamond now thanks to the match. Is there a reason to rule any of those three out? Thanks.

milesinthemiddleeast

All three are nice properties. I would go with the Park Hyatt, but it is simply down to personal preference. Park Hyatt is only 10 min drive from Yas Island in case you want to do some laps on the F1 track.

sharp5flat9

The airport is 35km from downtown but close to Yas Island. I would base your choice around what you want to visit. If you just need to crash out, then stay on Yas, but it's a modern man-made resort that could be anywhere in the world. If you want a more authentic sense of place, stay nearer the city proper.

The PH is on Saadiyat Island. Secluded and beautiful but quite close to downtown. The Rosewood is on Maryah island, again close to downtown.

KBX

Yas is max 10 min from the airport, Yas is not 10 min from the PH. In June it can already by very hot, so consider that as well..

milesinthemiddleeast

you are right, I was a bit optimistic. Around 20 min.