ERTH Abu Dhabi hotel review: where fitness meets family-friendly fun

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My verdict

Don’t be fooled by ERTH’s military origins – what once served as a private haven for UAE Armed Forces personnel is now one of the most surprisingly family-friendly resorts we’ve stayed at. It’s not flashy or over-the-top in the way some big-name resorts in Abu Dhabi are, but that’s exactly what gives it its charm.

At first, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. From the outside, ERTH doesn’t look particularly "family holiday" – it’s clean-cut, calm and carries a kind of quiet prestige (and there’s a fair bit of hardscaping around the place). But once we’d settled into our ground-floor family suite (which was modern, huge and had everything we needed), I started to see the appeal. There’s space here. And there’s so much to do, if you want to.

It takes a little while to walk across the resort to the pool and restaurant, especially with young kids

For families with active kids, especially those old enough to get involved in sports or group activities, the facilities here are next-level. We’re talking Olympic-sized pools, football pitches, tennis, squash, bowling, a gym that puts most UK leisure centres to shame, and a kids' club that actually feels purposeful rather than a box-ticking add-on. 

Our two loved the pool, the beach, the kids club and the bowling alley most – and I have to admit, I quite enjoyed how wiped out they were by bedtime.

That said, it’s not perfect, and families with very young children or picky eaters might find things a bit more challenging. There’s no specific kids’ splash zone, and while the beach is beautiful, it doesn’t have the shallow, shaded spots that make toddler paddling easy. Similarly, while the food was fresh and full of flavour, there wasn’t always something on offer for younger palates (think more hummus and grilled fish than pizza and nuggets). We didn’t mind – ours love Arabic bread and sushi – but it’s worth being aware.

The resort's main buffet restaurant, Al Rimal, offers a mix of Emirati and international cuisine

Still, what really stood out for me was the balance. We could have busy, active mornings and peaceful, lazy afternoons. We could drop the kids at the club and sneak off to the Greek café for a drink. We could have proper conversations by the pool while they splashed in arm's reach. It’s rare to find a place that lets you combine all those elements – fun, fitness, family time, and rest – without ever feeling overcrowded or overly polished.

ERTH might not be the first resort that comes up when you Google "family hotels in Abu Dhabi" – but it’s definitely worth considering. It’s thoughtful, well-designed, and ideal for families who want a blend of beach, activity, and a bit of cultural context too.

How I tested

We stayed at ERTH Abu Dhabi for seven nights in April during the Easter holidays. I travelled with my husband and our two young children (aged four and three years old), and we were hosted by Experience Abu Dhabi and the Department of Culture and Tourism to review the emirate’s family-friendly offerings. 

We were in a spacious, ground-floor family suite with two bedrooms, a living area, and a master bathroom. Despite temperatures reaching 42°C on some days, we found plenty to do at the resort and across Abu Dhabi – both indoors and out.

We stayed on a bed and breakfast board, which was handy on a morning when we needed to feed our two DC quickly. 

The hotel’s modest entrance lacks a "sense of arrival", according to my architect DH

The history of ERTH Abu Dhabi hotel 

Originally the UAE Armed Forces Officers Club, ERTH (meaning "legacy") was reborn in 2021 as a flagship resort. It now blends five-star hospitality with a deep connection to Emirati culture and heritage. Its motto – "Always Honourable, Proudly Emirati, Genuinely Personal" – reflects the warmth and service we encountered throughout our stay.

Located just 15 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and next door to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, ERTH offers a peaceful setting, away from the bustle of Yas Island but close enough to reach theme parks and shopping malls with ease.

What are the rooms like? 

ERTH’s rooms, suites and villas are tastefully decorated with subtle nods to local culture – from woven palm ceilings to natural, earthy tones. 

The super king bed was incredibly comfy and the lounge area was great to unwind

Our two-bedroom suite felt homely and private, with modern touches and thoughtful extras. I particularly appreciated the addition of a sink and counter space in the lounge. While I’m beyond that stage, that would be a very helpful space for families with younger babies who need bottles sterilising during the stay. 

(L) the room’s counter, fridge, cupboard and sink and ® the boys’ bunk beds in their own bedroom

One thing we didn’t like, however, was the lack of fencing around the room’s patio areas. Great if you have children who know not to run off, not so great for flight risks. 

In terms of safety however, you needn’t worry about leaving your things to dry on the patio here. The UAE’s strict laws mean that theft and burglary is extremely rare, and on a resort like this one, you and your belongings are safe… Even in a ground floor suite.

Thankfully our boys learned quickly not to go beyond the patio 

For those with a bigger budget and in need of more space, the villas here are especially impressive. They sit on the edge of the Khor Al Maqta channel with private pools or direct beach access – ideal for larger families or multigenerational stays.

We were very comfortable in the suite and found it offered enough space for four of us

And finally, despite being home to 21 event venues (including a ballroom and a cinema), we never felt disrupted during our time here. The resort always felt calm and uncrowded, even during the school holidays. I’d imagine it’d be even quieter during a summer trip here (if you can handle the heat). 

What activities are on offer at ERTH Abu Dhabi hotel? 

Fitness is central to the ERTH experience – and the facilities are seriously impressive. Although admittedly, we didn't have a chance to try all of them out during our stay due to our itinerary.

• Olympic-sized indoor pool (eight lanes, available for private hire)

• Football pitches (five-a-side to FIFA-standard 11-a-side)

• Squash, padel and tennis courts

• Fully equipped mixed and ladies-only gyms

• Dedicated martial arts and gymnastics studios

• Bowling alley (four lanes, with neon lights)

• Kids' club, Al Baraha

• Water sports including paddleboarding, kayaking and jet skis

• Two large oasis-style pools and a 350m private beach

Etizan – the resort’s 58,000 sqm fitness hub – offers classes, personal training, and wellness treatments, catering to all ages and ability levels. Here you’ll also find a spa that offers massages, a sauna, steam bath and jacuzzi to help you unwind after a session in the gym. 

The resort’s outdoor pool was our favourite place to unwind after excursions

Can’t forget the beach, either. Here you’ll find ample sunbeds and sunshades, and plenty of space to relax in peace. Although we found that the water was a little murky here due to the construction on the other side of the waterway, our DC were happy enough building sandcastles for a morning! 

(L) the resort’s private beach and (R) our favourite poolside spot for the kids

What amenities are available for kids? 

ERTH is packed with child-friendly activities – especially for active older kids. Ours particularly loved the beach, indoor pool, and bowling alley. 

The Al Baraha kids' club, open daily, is a colourful, engaging space for little ones to play, craft, and burn off energy. They accept children from four years old and above (although, we visited on a very quiet day and they were more than happy to take our youngest who is three and a half years old). 

The Al Baraha Kids Club is strategically located next to the resort’s pool, bar and Greek restaurant

(L) Inside the very clean, modern but welcoming kids club and ® outside toys

For families with toddlers or babies, there’s less on offer in terms of splash pads or shaded playgrounds, but there is a small baby pool and the calm resort vibe overall is still welcoming and manageable, even with a pram in tow. 

A small baby pool is located next to the main outdoor pool

What’s the food and drink like at ERTH hotel in Abu Dhabi? 

Food is a highlight at ERTH – think fresh Arabic bread, mezze, grilled meats and plenty of fruit and salad.

The main buffet restaurant, Al Rimal, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. There's a strong emphasis on local flavours, but international dishes are also well-represented. Outdoor seating overlooks the gardens and central plaza and the buffet is beautifully presented, as I’d expect from a UAE resort.

(L) Enjoying breakfast on the terrace at Al Rimal and (R) poolside chips from Asrah

That said, after a few days, the buffet offerings began to feel repetitive. There’s also limited "kids’ menu" fare (no nuggets or pizza on standby) but our children were more than happy with Arabic bread, hummus, eggs and sushi.

Other dining options we tried during our stay include:

• Ergon Deli & Café: modern Greek cuisine next to the kids’ club. Lovely for a peaceful adult lunch while the kids played nearby.

• Asrah Pool Bar: casual poolside snacks, perfect for a lazy lunch in your towel.

• ERTH Al Hosn: this Emirati restaurant is actually located in downtown Abu Dhabi, but is part of the ERTH hotel restaurant offerings.

We didn’t get to sample Beetza, the pizzeria, or Al Rayeh Lounge, but both came highly recommended. We also visited ERTH Al Hosn, their elegant downtown Abu Dhabi restaurant next door to Qasr Al Hosn – delicious food, though no kids’ menu there either.

(L) My all-time favourite dessert, kunafah, and (R) an example of the lovely fruit available

On a couple of nights, I’ll admit, we did order food to be delivered to the hotel (via Talabat, but you can also use Careem or Deliveroo). Which, in true UAE fashion, is actually very common. So DH and I ordered some old favourites from our time living in the UAE (Zataar w Zeit, specifically). Thankfully, the hotel reception staff were very happy to help bring this to our room once it had arrived. 

What is there to do nearby? 

We found that ERTH is ideally located for exploring Abu Dhabi’s top sights and family-friendly attractions. As it’s more central, you’re not too far from either end of the city and any journeys won’t be longer than 30 minutes.

With that said, you will need to pay for a taxi or private driver to help you get from the hotel to attractions as there’s no central transportation system, like the Dubai Metro in neighbouring Dubai. 

Our boys loved the mosque, always shouting out when we drove past it ("we’ve been there!")

Very close to the resort you’ll find: 

• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: literally next door and breathtaking to explore 

• Wahat Al Karama: a poignant memorial just across the road

Slightly further afield, you’ll find Yas Island, the home to Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Mall and more. It takes up to 25 minutes to drive to Yas Island from ERTH Abu Dhabi hotel, which in a national taxi will cost you approximately 60 dirhams (AED), which is around £12. 

There’s also downtown Abu Dhabi where you’ll find shopping malls, cafés, Qasr Al Hosn, and the Corniche Beach that are a 15 to 20 min drive from the hotel. 

Mangrove walks and kayaking tours are also easy to reach for nature-loving families, and for adventurous families wanting to experience a desert safari, many companies will pick up and drop off from your hotel.

Trips to Louvre Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena and the emirate’s cultural district on Saadiyat Island take a little longer, roughly a 30 minute drive away. 

What are the staff and service like at ERTH Abu Dhabi? 

True to UAE hospitality that we're accustomed to having lived in the country, we were unsurprised to receive a very warm welcome from the hotel reception and concierge upon our arrival.

During our stay, every member of staff was eager to help us, whether it was offering to carry our bags, or guiding us to the facilities (although I was sad to find there was no shisha bar onsite). 

Staff remembered our children's names and preferences after just one interaction, which made our little ones feel special throughout our stay. Particularly at breakfast when a glass of milk would magically appear before them!

(L) Enjoying a drink in peace while DC were at kids club, and (R) the inside of Ergon

What's more - every single person spoke English throughout the resort. Which again, is unsurprising given English is the most spoken language next to Arabic in Abu Dhabi and the UAE overall. 

This made communication seamless, especially when asking for specific accommodations for the children and ordering at restaurants.

Check availability at ERTH Abu Dhabi

Final thoughts 

ERTH Abu Dhabi is unlike any other resort we’ve stayed in, and is a unique fusion of wellness retreat, military heritage site, and family-friendly base. 

Its origins as the UAE’s Armed Forces Officers Club give it a strong identity, and while it might not initially scream ‘family resort’, it’s surprisingly well suited to families looking for something a little different. Just don’t be alarmed if you find yourself eating breakfast next to UAE or Saudi Arabian soldiers in their uniform. 

The expansive hotel lobby was warm, welcoming and not crowded at any point

The biggest draw with this hotel? The sheer volume and variety of sports and fitness facilities. Whether you’ve got tweens who want to try padel tennis, a partner who enjoys a morning swim in an Olympic pool, or you’re keen to sneak off for a gym session or massage while your young kids are at the club, ERTH offers something for every age and energy level. It’s the kind of place where even a quick walk around the grounds feels restorative (weather permitting) – calm, clean, and safe.

The resort's location is also spot on: close enough to Yas Island to enjoy theme parks and shopping, but far enough away to avoid the noise. And having Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque just next door makes it feel truly rooted in Abu Dhabi’s cultural landscape.

That said, ERTH isn’t without its drawbacks. The buffet restaurant, while high quality, becomes repetitive over a week-long stay, and there’s room for improvement when it comes to catering specifically for younger kids – especially in terms of food variety and splash-play options. Families with toddlers may find they have to be more creative with entertainment, as much of the action here is geared towards older children and teens.

It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to stay at ERTH Abu Dhabi

But if you’re a family who enjoys being active, values space and calm, and wants a taste of local culture without sacrificing comfort, ERTH Abu Dhabi is a solid choice. It may not be as glossy or commercial as some of the city’s newer five-star hotels, but it has real charm, substance, and soul, and for many families, that’s what really matters.

About the author 

Rebecca Roberts is a writer, editor, and content marketing expert hailing from Leeds. She spent six years living and working in Dubai so knows the UAE well. Here at Mumsnet, she commissions, writes, and edits to bring parents content designed to make life easier. As a mum of two herself, she knows all too well how difficult travelling with kids can be. Whether it’s within the UK or abroad, she’s on a quest to find only the best and most family-friendly locations, with the help of Mumsnet user recommendations. 

Beyond her role as an editor here at Mumsnet, Rebecca can be found balancing life as a working mum of two toddlers and when she’s not at her desk, you’ll likely find her at a local playgroup, in a nearby coffee shop, or walking the dog up and down country lanes.

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