Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi

BACKGROUND This grand palace on the UAE capital’s stunning corniche is not only a local landmark, but one of the world’s most famous hotels.

W H AT ’ S IT LIKE? Gold is in no short supply at this palatial property where Arabian architecture meets absolute decadence. Set on 85 hectares of land, it is expansive and grand beyond belief. Now 15 years old, it is well established and feels like a timeless part of the city. Though a little tired, it will soon be getting a total revamp under the new management of Mandarin Oriental, which took over the property just before the pandemic. The full reveal is due in 2022.

WHERE IS IT? Set on the west corniche, the property is just a few minutes from Marina Mall and the actual presidential palace, Qasr Al Watan, which is now open to visitors.

ROOMS There are 302 rooms and 92 suites (with up to three bedrooms) located in the property’s two wings, although only one is currently operational due to COVID-19, with Abu Dhabi enforcing strict restrictions on incoming domestic and international visits at time of press. Rooms and suites are decadently furnished, including lavish marble bathrooms, but the light-coloured décor creates a warm and homely vibe – think luxurious Arabian home meets palace. I stayed in the Khaleej Deluxe Suite with a wrap-around balcony, walk-in wardrobes, living room, study and butler service.

FOOD AND DRINK Dining is always a high point when you visit Emirates Palace, with its many of its restaurants and cafés considered world class. Upmarket Indian restaurant, Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi, is a new addition to the property’s signature outlets, while international Chinese dining hit, Hakkasan, remains a firm Abu Dhabi favourite. The hotel now offers breakfast on the beach at

BBQ Al Qasr, usually more of an evening destination for meat-lovers. Emirates Palace also prides itself on exclusives such as its gold-dust sprinkled cappuccino and its signature camel burger, adding a local touch to the international offerings.

BUSINESS Famed for its expansive business and conference facilities, including a 1,100-seater auditorium and a ballroom accommodating up to 2,400 guests, the meeting and conference space at the palace spans some 7,000 sqm. With more than 40 meeting rooms, six large terraces and a variety of pre-function areas, the hotel is more than equipped to offer socially distanced gatherings.

LEISURE Although each wing hosts a gym and spa, not all facilities were available due to COVID-19 restrictions, plus the bicycles guests can usually use to cycle around the beautiful grounds are currently out of action too. However, the extensive beach now has cabanas for those who prefer more seclusion – the first of many Mandarin Oriental touches to be rolled out.

VERDICT Large and a little impersonal, Emirates Palace is not to everyone’s taste and some may say it’s a bit over the top, but for others it’s the heart of the city, bringing together an events space, business venue and a dining destination of distinction, all under one palatial roof. Melanie Swan

ROOMS The 76 rooms range from small Nests (15-16 sqm) to larger Lofts (18-23 sqm) and look out either on to the main street or rear buildings. All have excellent soundproofing, blackout curtains, highquality linen and good-sized, comfortable beds, although the mattress was a little soft for me. They come with free Wi-Fi, safes and Marshall amps – if you’ve not brought your own guitar, you can borrow one from reception, although I was glad that no one decided to do this next to me. The hotel also broadcasts Ruby Radio, the group’s own station, which you can tune into in your room or listen to in the bar downstairs. The rainshower was not very strong but the hand shower was much more powerful.

Fixed to the wall were two shower gels, a shampoo and a conditioner. If you want an ironing board, they are in the galley area on each floor opposite the lifts, where you’ll also find a hot water machine and free tea; you can go downstairs for free coffee.

FOOD AND DRINK There is no restaurant, although snacks are available and in the morning breakfast is served in the bar. As well as a small buffet, there was the option of toast, boiled eggs, a cold meat platter, tea and excellent coffee. Staff were friendly and helpful. The bar serves a great range of cocktails. On the third floor is a vending machine for snacks and a terrace overlooking Lower Marsh. Food is easy to come by in the area and it’s worth exploring – we ate at nearby Turkish eatery Tas the Cut (highly recommended) and Korean restaurant Gogo Pocha, which was superb and inexpensive.

MEETINGS No rooms, although people use the bar/lounge area for one-to-ones during the day.

LEISURE No facilities, but day passes are available for the nearby Mindset gym for £7.50 (US$10).

VERDICT A fun, convenient and goodvalue hotel in a convenient location for exploring the South Bank and for reaching the rest of London via public transport. The rooms are comfortable, well designed and lack little. Lean luxury describes it perfectly. Tom Otley

A carnival theme runs throughout, with circus drums, juggling pins and even a couple of swings

WHERE IS IT? Hackney Road, in the thick of London’s eclectic East End, which is currently undergoing rapid gentrification. It’s a short walk to Cambridge Heath and Bethnal Green stations and 20 minutes from Liverpool Street Station and the City of London/Square Mile. It’s also ideal for anyone flying into London’s City Airport.

ROOMS There are 194 rooms that focus on simplicity with style, guided by up-andcoming French designer Dion & Arles.

Mine was cosy, compact, but perfect for a night or two, featuring a king-size bed with what Mama describes as “five-star bed linen” that was soft and comfortable. A corner bench with cushioning around a small dining table, coffee machine and a bedside table that doubled up as safe made the most of the space. The bathroom had a shower (no bath) and products from the MAMA SKIN range of organic amenities, designed in partnership with French skincare brand Absolution. Wi-Fi and movies-on-demand are complimentary.