Long layover and hotel accomodation
Apr 22, 2023, 2:09 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Philadelphia, USA
Programs: Marriott Platinum, American Platinum, Singapore KrisFlyer
Posts: 138
Long layover and hotel accomodation
According to Etihad, they offer complimentary hotel accommodation close to AUH if you have a long layover (https://www.etihad.com/en-us/abu-dhabi/stopover)
I have a layover of 20 hours in AUH and meet the criteria stated. When i enter my booking reference and name, it shows me 2 hotels, but the website also displays a cost for the room. Shouldn't this be free? How can I fix this?
I have a layover of 20 hours in AUH and meet the criteria stated. When i enter my booking reference and name, it shows me 2 hotels, but the website also displays a cost for the room. Shouldn't this be free? How can I fix this?
Apr 22, 2023, 6:21 pm
#2
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: NYC
Programs: BA Gold, HH Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,261
According to Etihad, they offer complimentary hotel accommodation close to AUH if you have a long layover (https://www.etihad.com/en-us/abu-dhabi/stopover)
I have a layover of 20 hours in AUH and meet the criteria stated. When i enter my booking reference and name, it shows me 2 hotels, but the website also displays a cost for the room. Shouldn't this be free? How can I fix this?
I have a layover of 20 hours in AUH and meet the criteria stated. When i enter my booking reference and name, it shows me 2 hotels, but the website also displays a cost for the room. Shouldn't this be free? How can I fix this?
It shows the amount but at the last stage where you checkout it will show 0. It asks for a card but does not charge anything.
Keep in mind, if your ticker does not qualify(minimum spend/award etc.), the reservation will be cancelled in few days
Apr 23, 2023, 4:15 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Philadelphia, USA
Programs: Marriott Platinum, American Platinum, Singapore KrisFlyer
Posts: 138
Apr 23, 2023, 10:25 am
#4
Join Date: Jan 2020
Posts: 38
Unfortunately I learned this the hard way. Had 2 day stopover on an award flight, booked a hotel. Then they cancelled a few days later. Had to go back and read the fine print. But wish the booking system would upfront tell you you are ineligible instead.. 
Apr 23, 2023, 1:17 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Philadelphia, USA
Programs: Marriott Platinum, American Platinum, Singapore KrisFlyer
Posts: 138
Jul 2, 2023, 3:41 pm
#6
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: CGK
Programs: Starwood PLATINUM, BA GOLD, KrisFlyer Blue, GFF Silver, BATS After Work Club, Emirates Silver
Posts: 391
Also, does the stopover system work well? Any hidden costs eg taxis or they provide a shuttle? For four people would they provide 2 rooms?
Jul 5, 2023, 10:07 pm
#7
Join Date: Jan 2020
Posts: 38
"6. Valid for bookings made in any fare choice within any class on Etihad Airways issued tickets starting with 607 and JetBlue tickets starting with 279 provided that at least one of the flights connect via Abu Dhabi (inbound or outbound). Excludes frequent flyer redemption bookings, award upgrades or cash plus miles promotions."
My flight was an award flight from Aeroplan, which didn't start with 607 so wasn't eligible.
Jul 10, 2023, 8:51 am
#9
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: CGK
Programs: Starwood PLATINUM, BA GOLD, KrisFlyer Blue, GFF Silver, BATS After Work Club, Emirates Silver
Posts: 391
I think if you choose a cheaper 3* hotel it is free, but if you choose the five-star hotel they just give you a 40% discount.
Jul 10, 2023, 4:21 pm
#11
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: CGK
Programs: Starwood PLATINUM, BA GOLD, KrisFlyer Blue, GFF Silver, BATS After Work Club, Emirates Silver
Posts: 391
If you have a long layover more than one day, do you have to go through and take your luggage to the hotel and check it in again later?
Jul 13, 2023, 1:20 pm
#12
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Between BWI and IAD
Programs: UA, Hilton HHonors
Posts: 56
Bumping this up....
Would they provide a free shuttle or transportation to the hotel? I have a long (19 hours) layover in AUH early next month. Etihad has provided a free room at the Aloft Abu Dhabi which is about 20 miles away from the airport. Would they be providing free transportation to/from the airport or am I stuck on getting a taxi on my own dime?
Would they provide a free shuttle or transportation to the hotel? I have a long (19 hours) layover in AUH early next month. Etihad has provided a free room at the Aloft Abu Dhabi which is about 20 miles away from the airport. Would they be providing free transportation to/from the airport or am I stuck on getting a taxi on my own dime?
Jul 21, 2023, 8:48 am
#13
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: HK
Programs: Qantas (Lifetime Gold), PAL (Elite), British Airways (now sadly blue), Cathay MPO DM
Posts: 647
Excellent question. I had the same issue as the OP but will go back and make the booking now....and hopefully figure out transportation Although it's a business class ticket I found out (too late) that it does not quality for a chaufeur.
Jul 24, 2023, 3:42 am
#14
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: Etihad Guest Platinum; Accor Platinum; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,356
Taxis are so cheap in AUH that you won't notice it
Sep 10, 2023, 2:42 pm
#15
Join Date: Dec 2020
Posts: 63
So did they pick you guys up or did you arrange a taxi by yourself? I've had a chauffeur drive from Etihad once and that was nice. Gonna travel businessclass with them again. Hotels that you can choose from are not that great as they used to be. Once had a 5 star hotel for a knight.