Originally Posted by
spinmeister
We're thinking about the 4-day premium stopover on our way to India (flying in J if that matters0. We are more interested in "culture" than beaches -- and would like to go to the desert one day. My question is preferred area to stay: Al Maqta, City Centre or Corniche. My inclination is Al Maqta and Shangri-La.
First of all, taxis are plentiful and relatively cheap, so getting around is easy. Of those 3 areas you mention, what they call city centre is I think the area around the exhibition centre and honestly doesn't have a lot to recommend it (imo). Al Maqta has I think 4 hotels in a row along what they call the Grand Canal - that runs between the mainland and Abu Dhabi island; the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is opposite (worth a visit) and there's also the relatively new leisure 'destination' that includes the aquarium.
Looking at the Corniche, they have Bab Al Qasr - nice hotel. And there are several other good hotels in that area, which is relevant if you want an adult beverage with dinner. Very nearby, and worth visiting are Emirates Palace hotel, Qasr al Wotan, Founder's (Sheikh Zayed) memorial. Also on the Corniche end of the island is Qasr al Hosn and the adjacent cultural centre. Getting to Saadiyat from that end of the island is also easy - Louvre, Abrahamic Family House, Manarat Al Saadiyat.
Temperatures should still be bearable in May. Desert drive is fun.