Abu Dhabi

[sailorsgal]

We are thinking of going at easter. Just looking for hotel recommendations/things to do for a 7 year old.

We are going at Easter so watching for your responses!

Where are you staying?

With relatives so that's straightforward & no doubt they will suggest a lot but would like to have an awareness of options!

Oooh. I grew up there and parents only just moved back here in retirement.
A friend of mine was asking the other day and I recommended St Regis on Saadiyat which has a fab beach (tho beaches aren't actually that good anywhere as sand is big so not soft like Caribbean). It's out of town which is good if you want peace and quiet, little shops, few restaurants in the area. The Beach Rotana is good, has a great pool but ignore the name, the beach is rubbish. It's in town though and right next door to a huge really good mall.
There's quite a bit to do, the Corniche is great to walk along, especially early evening, there's Zayads Mosque, amazing, tea at Emirates Palace which is a hotel, pricey but great to see. Saadiyat has a museum/gallery too. Umm. Is that enough? How long are you going for?

What would you budget, twinsplusonesurprise? We are staying with rellies so accomodation is free but days out, probably a fair few meals out etc...

Well it used to be cheap but the dirham is very strong now. I'd allow as much as you would here if you were eating out. You will have change from that though!

Thanks We probably will only go for a week. Funny dh grew up there too and would love to go back though he knows it will have changed a great deal.

The St Regis looks fabulous but can't justify £5000 plus for a weeks room only.

I stay at the Emirates Palace. It's not the cheapest, but there may be deals to be had. My DD (8) loves it. You can sunbathe right next to the children's pool and there is a lazy river. The kids area/kids club is also fantastic. Good mix of restaurants too.

There is also a new Ritz Carlton who were offering deals when I was looking to go back a few months ago. Have also stayed at the Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa but not with children.

Abu Dhabi isn't really the place to go if you are on a budget. If you are room only then meals and drinks can soon rack up the extras bill as I know to my cost!!

Sorry just also seen you want things to do. There is a new water park. Ferrari World (which I didn't particularly enjoy even as an F1 Fan!) and Dubai is only an hour away. My DD loves Kidzania in the Dubai Mall

Not on a budget as know it will add up for meals etc.

If you stay at the Ritz Carlton they have a Club Room option which gives bed and breakfast, lunch (if you eat it) afternoon team and happy hour free alcoholic drinks (although happy hour seemed to last much longer than an hour).

Otherwise for the 3 of us it usually averages out £150 per day - but that is very nice restaurants and wine with the odd cocktail by the pool

sounds right up my street!

All booked. Staying at the beach Rotana.

is the water park any good?

Got back last week and am wishing we were still there! Dh found his old house and it was derelict now. Getting very hot there now! Water Park very enjoyable!