Marriott Bonvoy hotels in Abu Dhabi
Apr 12, 2014, 8:36 pm
#47
Join Date: Jul 2013
Programs: Marriott Tit, Hyatt Diamond, AA EXP, UA Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 427
StR Saadiyat is a very nice resort. Plat recognition is good. The platinum breakfast is a full buffet and there are great dining options on the grounds. I was upgraded to a suite on a C&P stay.
Btw, C&P is great at 5k+$110, if it's still a cat 5. Saadiyat island doesn't have too much else yet, but will eventually have some nice cultural destinations.
LRM is acceptable. It was undergoing some renovations when I was there in Nov. The lounge has a good selection of hors d'oeuvres and the plat breakfast was a full buffet, just not as large as the StR's. I was upgraded to a suite here as well. LRM is popular with expats.
Btw, C&P is great at 5k+$110, if it's still a cat 5. Saadiyat island doesn't have too much else yet, but will eventually have some nice cultural destinations.
LRM is acceptable. It was undergoing some renovations when I was there in Nov. The lounge has a good selection of hors d'oeuvres and the plat breakfast was a full buffet, just not as large as the StR's. I was upgraded to a suite here as well. LRM is popular with expats.
Apr 13, 2014, 8:17 am
#48
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Europe/SEA
Programs: TK E+, Bonvoy LT Plat, Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum, Dusit Gold
Posts: 1,714
Abu Dhabi hotels?
IMO the new c&p rates aren't good at all. on a two night stay I'd better use points on one night and pay for the other. aloft auh rates are available on Spg.com ... good prices now I think.. but meridiens are only 15 USD more expensive so I will go for it.
May 11, 2014, 12:55 pm
#49
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Europe/SEA
Programs: TK E+, Bonvoy LT Plat, Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum, Dusit Gold
Posts: 1,714
i have a reservation "flexible rate" for Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi in December, which is not flexible at all... they had a prepaid rate and flexible available . My flight date has changed now :/ Cancellation deadline has passed... 7 months in advance for a flexible rate.... that's a joke. But my own fault i should have read the t&c. Didnt't expect a flexible rate to be prepaid and nonrefundable though....
May 11, 2014, 1:27 pm
#50
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: HEL
Programs: SPG LTP, hotels, OWE, STE+, *G, Octopus
Posts: 5,789
i have a reservation "flexible rate" for Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi in December, which is not flexible at all... they had a prepaid rate and flexible available . My flight date has changed now :/ Cancellation deadline has passed... 7 months in advance for a flexible rate.... that's a joke. But my own fault i should have read the t&c. Didnt't expect a flexible rate to be prepaid and nonrefundable though....
Nov 13, 2014, 7:13 pm
#51
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 64
Can folks chime in on this again? I'll be going to Abu Dhabi for the third time this year. So far, I've stayed at St. Regis at Nation Tower twice and been treated like gold and given two amazing suite upgrades on both occasions. The facilities and the beach club are amazing.
My negatives for the property are that it's away from downtown which has caused me not to explore as much as I'd have liked. There is also no club lounge, so there are no free snacks or drinks. Even though the breakfast is amazing, it's expensive and not included.
This time around, i'm very keen to stay there again, however, I'd like to get out in the downtown area this time. It looks like my best options are Le Royal Meridien and the Sheraton. Both don't look anywhere near as nice as St. Regis, but I guess I shouldn't expect them to be. That St. Regis is one of the nicest hotels I've ever been in. They do have pools and the sheraton has beach access. They look like they have Plat Lounges, drinks, and snacks.
I was also able to get a rate at St. Regis Saadiyat Island, but that looks like it's also off on it's own and away from everything. Is there any merit to staying there?
Any input is appreciated.
My negatives for the property are that it's away from downtown which has caused me not to explore as much as I'd have liked. There is also no club lounge, so there are no free snacks or drinks. Even though the breakfast is amazing, it's expensive and not included.
This time around, i'm very keen to stay there again, however, I'd like to get out in the downtown area this time. It looks like my best options are Le Royal Meridien and the Sheraton. Both don't look anywhere near as nice as St. Regis, but I guess I shouldn't expect them to be. That St. Regis is one of the nicest hotels I've ever been in. They do have pools and the sheraton has beach access. They look like they have Plat Lounges, drinks, and snacks.
I was also able to get a rate at St. Regis Saadiyat Island, but that looks like it's also off on it's own and away from everything. Is there any merit to staying there?
Any input is appreciated.
Nov 14, 2014, 12:04 pm
#52
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold / OnBusiness, SPG Lifetime Plat 100, AmEx Centurion & BAPP, Superking Westin Heavenly Bed :)
Posts: 1,142
Saadiyat Island is incredible, far better than the city property even - and that is the reason to stay there. But, as you point out, it's miles away from anywhere (although taxis are obviously very cheap). The Saadiyat property is one of my favourite properties in the world- a real must. But also no lounge!
Regarding the downtown properties, I personally prefer the Sheraton. Yes, it's absolutely in a different league to any St. Regis, but it's still more than reasonable for the price rooms sell for. There are things around the area to explore and it's far closer to areas you might want to check out. Service was fantastic, rooms are reasonable and the pool is pretty good too, along with the beach access you mention.
Hope that helps a little!
Regarding the downtown properties, I personally prefer the Sheraton. Yes, it's absolutely in a different league to any St. Regis, but it's still more than reasonable for the price rooms sell for. There are things around the area to explore and it's far closer to areas you might want to check out. Service was fantastic, rooms are reasonable and the pool is pretty good too, along with the beach access you mention.
Hope that helps a little!
Nov 17, 2014, 4:38 pm
#53
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 64
Saadiyat Island is incredible, far better than the city property even - and that is the reason to stay there. But, as you point out, it's miles away from anywhere (although taxis are obviously very cheap). The Saadiyat property is one of my favourite properties in the world- a real must. But also no lounge!
Regarding the downtown properties, I personally prefer the Sheraton. Yes, it's absolutely in a different league to any St. Regis, but it's still more than reasonable for the price rooms sell for. There are things around the area to explore and it's far closer to areas you might want to check out. Service was fantastic, rooms are reasonable and the pool is pretty good too, along with the beach access you mention.
Hope that helps a little!
Regarding the downtown properties, I personally prefer the Sheraton. Yes, it's absolutely in a different league to any St. Regis, but it's still more than reasonable for the price rooms sell for. There are things around the area to explore and it's far closer to areas you might want to check out. Service was fantastic, rooms are reasonable and the pool is pretty good too, along with the beach access you mention.
Hope that helps a little!
Nov 19, 2014, 11:57 am
#54
Join Date: Sep 2002
Programs: Marriott Ambassador elite & lifetime Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, Emirates Plat, Flying Blue Plat
Posts: 236
I stay regularly in Abu Dhabi and have alternated between the St Regis Abu Dhabi in nation towers, St Regis Saadiyat and the LRM.
St Regis Abu Dhabi is a very nice hotel for staying in the city. The beach and pool and facilities at the beach club are very good. Rooms are spacious and comfortable (with some glitches in the bathroom/shower from time to time), room service is fine, and there is a good Italian restaurant. The gym is not great, but one can use the facilities at the beach club as well. Direct access to the mall in the neighboring tower, a small mall but a couple of good food options. SPG elite treatment varies a lot, depending on occupancy. But to me, the standard rooms are already quite good. Sea view better. Don't need more. Overall, it is a very good city hotel with the addition of beach access.
Le Royal Meridien. Located in a different area, more central I guess. Newer rooms are ok, bu nowhere near as good as at the St Regis, completely different league. The older rooms are not good. To me, the advantages of the hotel are: relatively better location, restaurants are very good (Market restaurant is great, the italian is fine, there are a few others), the breakfast buffet is better than at the St Regis Abu Dhabi, and it has a lounge. Since occupancy seems to be lower, I have received upgrades more often (actually, always) in the LRM. But I would not move to the LRM just because of location. Take a taxi, or use Uber or Careem if you want to go to that area: from the St Regis Abu Dhabi it takes 20-25 minutes and it costs 5-8 USD.
St Regis Saadiyat: great _resort_ hotel. Very different than the other St Regis. If you have not been there, you'll be surprised to see a really nice beach in front of the hotel, unexpected. The view in the morning from sea view rooms is great. The pools are amazing, food outlets are very good. This is an 'outdoors' hotel, a resort, very different feel than the LRM and St Regis Abu Dhabi. For instance, with my partner or family, I would not hesitate, Saadiyat is 10 times better than the other options. For business, it depends on your taste. The drawback of Saadiyat is that it 'feels' far (although again, a taxi to the city will take 15-20 minutes maximum and 8-10 USD). Rooms here are very different as well, no carpet on the floor, marble and wood decoration, the bathroom is great. Chances of an upgrade are thinner though, the place is often fully booked, and then you have many consultants and alike staying there on a semi-permanent basis. One warning in this hotel: staff is very inefficient, and most rooms have a loud AC, not a problem for most, but it definitely annoys me a lot.
In summary: if there are no budget concerns I would not consider LRM, go to St Regis Saadiyat and see if for yourself, or stay at your regular St Regis Abu Dhabi in Nation Towers. If you want to explore the 'centre' take a taxi.
St Regis Abu Dhabi is a very nice hotel for staying in the city. The beach and pool and facilities at the beach club are very good. Rooms are spacious and comfortable (with some glitches in the bathroom/shower from time to time), room service is fine, and there is a good Italian restaurant. The gym is not great, but one can use the facilities at the beach club as well. Direct access to the mall in the neighboring tower, a small mall but a couple of good food options. SPG elite treatment varies a lot, depending on occupancy. But to me, the standard rooms are already quite good. Sea view better. Don't need more. Overall, it is a very good city hotel with the addition of beach access.
Le Royal Meridien. Located in a different area, more central I guess. Newer rooms are ok, bu nowhere near as good as at the St Regis, completely different league. The older rooms are not good. To me, the advantages of the hotel are: relatively better location, restaurants are very good (Market restaurant is great, the italian is fine, there are a few others), the breakfast buffet is better than at the St Regis Abu Dhabi, and it has a lounge. Since occupancy seems to be lower, I have received upgrades more often (actually, always) in the LRM. But I would not move to the LRM just because of location. Take a taxi, or use Uber or Careem if you want to go to that area: from the St Regis Abu Dhabi it takes 20-25 minutes and it costs 5-8 USD.
St Regis Saadiyat: great _resort_ hotel. Very different than the other St Regis. If you have not been there, you'll be surprised to see a really nice beach in front of the hotel, unexpected. The view in the morning from sea view rooms is great. The pools are amazing, food outlets are very good. This is an 'outdoors' hotel, a resort, very different feel than the LRM and St Regis Abu Dhabi. For instance, with my partner or family, I would not hesitate, Saadiyat is 10 times better than the other options. For business, it depends on your taste. The drawback of Saadiyat is that it 'feels' far (although again, a taxi to the city will take 15-20 minutes maximum and 8-10 USD). Rooms here are very different as well, no carpet on the floor, marble and wood decoration, the bathroom is great. Chances of an upgrade are thinner though, the place is often fully booked, and then you have many consultants and alike staying there on a semi-permanent basis. One warning in this hotel: staff is very inefficient, and most rooms have a loud AC, not a problem for most, but it definitely annoys me a lot.
In summary: if there are no budget concerns I would not consider LRM, go to St Regis Saadiyat and see if for yourself, or stay at your regular St Regis Abu Dhabi in Nation Towers. If you want to explore the 'centre' take a taxi.
Feb 25, 2015, 9:40 pm
#55
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Alameda, CA, USA
Posts: 4,907
My family and I have a layover in Abu Dhabi from about 13:00 to 23:00. I am thinking of booking a hotel room so we can nap, just have a place to exhale for a bit, and probably hit the beach or pool. I doubt we'll be up for anything like a mangrove tour, unfortunately. We have three kids, aged 7, 4, and 1. I have a reservation for one room at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island, and a separate reservation for two rooms at Le Meridien. I have not booked a suite at the St. Regis, and booking a second room for a partial stay seems crazy. Do they upgrade plats to suites in advance? Obviously, I would like to see the upgrade on my reservation before the cancellation deadline. Is the beach at Le Meridien nice? Any advice on choosing between the two? Other advice for such a short stay? Are there any decent food alternatives around Saadiyat Island, or will we be eating at the St. Regis? Thanks.
Feb 26, 2015, 1:13 pm
#56
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: HEL
Programs: SPG LTP, hotels, OWE, STE+, *G, Octopus
Posts: 5,789
I've not stayed at the St Regis Saadiyat, but I have stayed at the St Regis Abu Dhabi and LM. When you first see the LM from a distance and the lobby, it feels like a good 3*. There's nothing luxurious about the LM. Once you see the pool area, it's closer to a 4*, and there is a man made beach!
Having said that, I ended up liking the property - it has a plethora of f&b outlets and a semi-resort feel to it.
The St Regis felt at least 2 notches up. Sorry, I can't compare directly, but I hope this helps in some way
Having said that, I ended up liking the property - it has a plethora of f&b outlets and a semi-resort feel to it.
The St Regis felt at least 2 notches up. Sorry, I can't compare directly, but I hope this helps in some way
Feb 28, 2015, 12:10 pm
#57
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Rotterdam
Programs: AMEX Platinum, BA Gold, Flying Blue Platinum, Marriott Platinum Elite, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 1,280
Stay at the Sheraton
I stayed at the Sheraton Beach during newyears and have to say I was really suprised. Although the beach is not really a 'beach', more a bay the property is clean, well groomed and has a feel about it. Its an 'old' hotel compaired to many other new 5 star hotels. But I still had a stay at a great 4 star hotel, with also a nice homely feel about it. And to make clear, the hotel doesn't feel old or looks that way. Its just that most hotels on the block are much newer and might be more luxerieus, but some of them also have less of an atomsphere. If I go back to Abu Dhabi, I would def stay here again.
Mar 1, 2015, 5:54 am
#58
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 4
Avoid St Regis!
I recently stayed at this property and while the hotel itself is very nice I was very disappointed by the service level. In a five star hotel in general and especially at a St. Regis hotel you'd expect better service. The staff is from all over the world which is a plus, but it is obvious to the guest that they are not acting as a team. The understanding of service differs quite a bit, but the following incidences will let me pick a different hotel when back in Abu Dhabi in April.
Check in: upon check in I was escorted by someone from the "butler team" to the room. It was awkward walking towards the room as she didn't try to make any conversation. Once at the room she wanted to "explain" me my room which I thankfully declined. Even though she realized that there should have been a coffee machine in the room she didn't take action to actually get me one. She solely referred to the 24 hrs service I could call. I feel that having a machine is more comfortable than always calling someone in case I am looking for coffee. From other experiences at St. Regis hotels I typically received the butler's business card - which didn't occur here either.
Breakfast: The hosts at the breakfast buffets were often overwhelmed with the people that arrived at the same time. I was taken to a table I didn't like and asked for a different one. I was told that I had to take it as other people were waiting for tables as well. Excuse me? Is this the way we are talking to guests now? I thankfully declined the table, went to the buffet and took a table outside where plenty of space was available. The staff sometimes tries to take your plate when you haven't even finished your meal and sometimes I went back for the third time to the buffet and my old plates were still there.
While enjoying the overall hotel amenities I got thrown off by the service level which wasn't warm and welcoming. A few days after check out I received an invitation from Starwood to rate my stay. As open as I share my experience on Tripadvisor I shared my feedback with them. In response to the survey I received the generic letter of acknowledgement from a "guest experience manager" -Damir Boshnjak. Not sure what his role is, but Mr. Boshnjak clearly missed the boat understanding the issues. By sending Starwood generic letters of acknowledgement you don't make a guest feel valued. Especially guest that have status with Starwood for years and have the ability to compare across brands or chains should be taken more serious. The straw that broke the camel's back for me is his reaction and general inability to regain the trust of a loyal customer to return. As I visit this region regularly I won't stay at the St. Regis again - especially now that to the left and right next to the resort construction occurs.
The problem is that the service is not homogenous and specifically service staff from Eastern European countries are rather rude than welcoming. I respect everyone's origin, but if you work in a five star hotel you should adapt to international standard!
I recently stayed at this property and while the hotel itself is very nice I was very disappointed by the service level. In a five star hotel in general and especially at a St. Regis hotel you'd expect better service. The staff is from all over the world which is a plus, but it is obvious to the guest that they are not acting as a team. The understanding of service differs quite a bit, but the following incidences will let me pick a different hotel when back in Abu Dhabi in April.
Check in: upon check in I was escorted by someone from the "butler team" to the room. It was awkward walking towards the room as she didn't try to make any conversation. Once at the room she wanted to "explain" me my room which I thankfully declined. Even though she realized that there should have been a coffee machine in the room she didn't take action to actually get me one. She solely referred to the 24 hrs service I could call. I feel that having a machine is more comfortable than always calling someone in case I am looking for coffee. From other experiences at St. Regis hotels I typically received the butler's business card - which didn't occur here either.
Breakfast: The hosts at the breakfast buffets were often overwhelmed with the people that arrived at the same time. I was taken to a table I didn't like and asked for a different one. I was told that I had to take it as other people were waiting for tables as well. Excuse me? Is this the way we are talking to guests now? I thankfully declined the table, went to the buffet and took a table outside where plenty of space was available. The staff sometimes tries to take your plate when you haven't even finished your meal and sometimes I went back for the third time to the buffet and my old plates were still there.
While enjoying the overall hotel amenities I got thrown off by the service level which wasn't warm and welcoming. A few days after check out I received an invitation from Starwood to rate my stay. As open as I share my experience on Tripadvisor I shared my feedback with them. In response to the survey I received the generic letter of acknowledgement from a "guest experience manager" -Damir Boshnjak. Not sure what his role is, but Mr. Boshnjak clearly missed the boat understanding the issues. By sending Starwood generic letters of acknowledgement you don't make a guest feel valued. Especially guest that have status with Starwood for years and have the ability to compare across brands or chains should be taken more serious. The straw that broke the camel's back for me is his reaction and general inability to regain the trust of a loyal customer to return. As I visit this region regularly I won't stay at the St. Regis again - especially now that to the left and right next to the resort construction occurs.
The problem is that the service is not homogenous and specifically service staff from Eastern European countries are rather rude than welcoming. I respect everyone's origin, but if you work in a five star hotel you should adapt to international standard!
Mar 1, 2015, 6:29 am
#59
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CDG
Programs: SK Gold, AF Gold, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 3,730
Are you implying that Eastern European hotel service standards are lower than international ones? I'm just wondering, because my experience is quite the opposite - whether it was Westin Warsaw, Metropol Palace in Belgrade or Le Méridien in Split, I was addressed and treated in a much more heartfelt way than in SPG properties across Western or Southern Europe.
Mar 1, 2015, 3:39 pm
#60
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 573
St.Regis at Abu Dhabi - most staffs came from Bosnia and Serbia, they are young and they don't have to much experience in hotel business. There is problem not with Eastern European people but problem is that they hire anyone without experience.