Arrival/Check-In: After a full day of meetings in Dubai, we drove to Abu Dhabi to complete our journey in the U.A.E. I had stayed at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers twice before, once during the hotel’s opening month, and each visit confirmed the property’s friendly service and continuous updates to meet guest expectations. On arrival my driver could not open the trunk to retrieve our luggage; after a few tugs and a quick conversation with the doorman, we discovered the valet lock in the glove compartment was engaged. Problem solved, and we were soon on our way. The doorman and I exchanged smiles throughout our stay, a small gesture that reflected the warm service. The lobby is impressive and offers several places to relax, including the Lobby Lounge and Lobby Bar. Check-in was efficient and courteous; the team offered assistance, which I declined before heading up to my room.
Guest Quarters: I stayed in room 4303, which looks out over the beach club and warm coastal waters. There was still some construction activity on the peninsulas below, where luxury homes are rising, but the view remained expansive and pleasant.
A long entry corridor featured a built-in closet, minibar, coffee station and a safe for valuables. A wooden box held a powerful hair dryer—one of those thoughtful touches that frequent travelers appreciate. To the left, the bathroom was finished in elegant gray-veined and white marble and stocked with Jumeirah-branded toiletries. A deep white soaking tub sat to the left, and a large separate shower occupied the back, with a separate room for the commode and bidet.
The bedroom was practical and comfortable. A well-appointed built-in desk to the right became my workspace, conveniently accommodating my electronics. Floor-to-ceiling windows provided sweeping views and filled the room with light; a Modernist chaise and a small dining table with a chair created cozy seating options. A flat-screen TV was mounted on the wall; while adequate, a slightly larger screen would have been preferable. The king-size bed was exceptionally comfortable, dressed in fine linens and a plush duvet. A subtle turtle motif on the duvet reflected the hotel’s awareness of environmental themes.
Services/Amenities: Ray’s Bar and Ray’s Grill are standout venues on property. Ray’s Bar features skilled bartenders and a lively atmosphere, while Ray’s Grill presents prime cuts sourced from Ireland, Italy, the United States, Australia and New Zealand. The staff tableside-mill a signature salt and spice blend and offer a selection of sauces to complement the meat. The steak knife presentation—an assortment of different sizes and handles—was a fun and memorable touch. We paired our meal with a rich red wine from Portugal’s Douro region and enjoyed an engaging dining experience. Each night the restaurant surprises a chosen table with a complimentary gesture; on our visit the team playfully presented the bill with chants of “Cut the check,” creating a sense of camaraderie. Service felt genuine and personal, and we rewarded it with a generous tip.
We also dined at Tori No Su, a Japanese restaurant located across from the lobby. The sashimi, nori and rolls were excellent, and the staff combined attentive service with a lively sense of humor. Both Ray’s Grill and Tori No Su rank among the better dining choices in Abu Dhabi. Additional on-site dining options include Italian and Lebanese cuisine, and the breakfast at Rosewater is notably satisfying.
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
◆ Enjoy the lively happy hour at Ray’s Bar.
◆ The Irish beef at Ray’s Grill is highly recommended.
◆ Prime location — the hotel sits across from Emirates Palace, where visitors can experience unique treats such as a gold-topped cappuccino.
JUMEIRAH AT ETIHAD TOWERS
Etihad Towers
West Corniche
Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
tel 971 2 811 5555
jumeirah.com