Arrival / Check-in: After a long day of meetings in Dubai, I decided to stay overnight in Abu Dhabi to make my early Etihad Airways flight to JFK more convenient. Abu Dhabi is very close to Dubai—roughly an hour by car—so staying there the night before your flight is an easy and practical option even if most of your meetings are in Dubai. At the last minute, colleagues recommended Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, which put me just minutes from the airport.
On arrival I was struck by the extensive glass façades and the dramatic lobby with its soaring ceilings. Porters collected my luggage and a welcoming front desk agent escorted me to my room.
Guest Quarters: My suite offered expansive views of the Arabian Gulf and the Corniche with windows in multiple directions. The bathroom was particularly impressive, featuring a large soaking tub overlooking the Gulf, a separate shower, double sinks and generous counter space. The hotel also highlights its “Joey” sea turtle conservation initiative throughout the property—cute turtle figures appeared by the tub and soft plush turtles were placed around the suite. I took a couple of the plush turtles home for my Dalmatian and shared a photo with the hotel; they featured it on their social channels to support the initiative.
The bedroom was spacious and well appointed with a king-sized bed, bedside tables, a work desk and chair, a comfortable sofa with a side table and a stylish lounge chair. The design balanced contemporary elegance with practical conveniences.
Services & Amenities: Bathroom amenities included luxury Jumeirah-branded shampoos, conditioners, soaps and moisturizers, along with a vanity kit and cotton swabs. The hotel supplies high-quality towels, a powerful unattached hair dryer and other essentials expected at a luxury property.
I dined at Quest on the 63rd floor, where panoramic evening views of the Abu Dhabi skyline, the Corniche and the Gulf created a memorable backdrop. Quest serves Pan-Asian cuisine with inventive fusion dishes from Chef Benjamin Whatt, presented with care and creativity. The restaurant’s Champagne Trolley offered a well-selected range of French champagnes by the glass, a thoughtful touch that enhances the dining experience.
The Experience: Jumeirah at Etihad Towers is a striking addition to the Jumeirah portfolio and a standout choice in Abu Dhabi. This is their first hotel in the city, and it delivers on service, style and location. I regretted not having time to visit the hip Lobby Bar—which features a cigar menu—or to enjoy the Talise Spa, but those are excellent reasons to return.
GT Checklist
- Doorman / valet
- Efficient check-in under 10 minutes
- Separate tub and shower
- Large vanity
- High-quality towels
- Powerful, unattached hair dryer
- High-quality bed linens
- Large flat-screen television
- Spacious desk with convenient outlets
- Large complimentary laptop safe
- Complimentary in-room WiFi
- Complimentary bottled water
- Well-stocked minibar
- Ample lighting
- In-room coffeemaker
- Iron and ironing board
- On-site restaurant and bar
- 24-hour room service
- State-of-the-art fitness center
Jumeirah at Etihad Towers
West Corniche
P.O. Box 111929, Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
tel 971 2 811 5555
jumeirah.com