Corniche Hotel Abu Dhabi

Surrounded by five-pearl properties with glistening glass facades and ritzy interiors, the Corniche Hotel (formerly a Millennium property) is a solid four-pearl option for business travelers and value-seeking tourists. The bright lobby has a classical design consisting of carved pillars and a grand crystal chandelier, plus patterned marble floors that complement the room's golds, caramels, and whites. Sophisticated seating areas in striped fabrics surround a floral centerpiece and sash drapes around large windows have an old-fashioned charm. This traditional look extends to the rooms, which some guests find stuffy and dated. Though geared toward the corporate clientele, a small outdoor pool is available with views of high-rise buildings, however, the deck and loungers are looking worse for the wear. Its central location and quiet setting make this a decent pick, but the only slightly higher priced Southern Sun Abu Dhabi is highly rated for its huge rooms with sleek interiors.

The Corniche Hotel has an excellent location right in Abu Dhabi's center. Roads here are large and can feel dwarfing, but they're fine to wander. The closest stretch of beach is six minutes' walk away, while the central area of Corniche Beach and promenade are a 15-minute walk. Free shuttles run to Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Corniche Beach, and the World Trade Center Mall, with maximum rides taking 30 minutes. Taxis are cheap, plentiful, and the preferred form of transport. Abu Dhabi and Al Wahda Mall are within a 12-minute drive and corporate travelers will find rides to many businesses are much shorter. ADNEC Exhibition Center is a 20-minute drive, as is the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Allow 30 minutes by car to reach Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Overlooking The Capital Garden, Arabian Gulf (via distant parking lots), or Corniche Beach from floor-to-ceiling windows, rooms start at 35-square-meter (377-square-feet) Deluxes and Clubs, moving up to larger suites. The traditional decor will either feel classically elegant or outdated, but nonetheless, they're well-maintained. Expect wood paneling, patterned carpets, peach, green, or russet accents from fabrics on seating areas, crisp white linens, and lamp wall sconces. Amenities include phones, desks, flat-screen satellite TVs, minibars, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Also standard are trouser presses and wardrobes with safes, slippers, and robes.
Attractive bathrooms have beige marble tiling green marble countertops, shower/tub combos with plastic curtains, bidets, phones, hairdryers, and toiletries. Some higher-category rooms add separate shower stalls. Suites have full living areas -- some with dining spaces and additional bedrooms. All rooms can be fitted with cribs. Club Rooms and all suites get Club Lounge access.

Though most guests are business travelers, the Corniche Hotel does have a small outdoor pool for leisure-seekers. It has a partial protected section and striking city views, but loungers and the deck are well-worn, and some road noise is audible. Additionally, it loses sun by mid-day and smokers tend to gather here. Overlooking the pool is the modern and spacious fitness center with floor-to-ceiling windows and a good range of equipment. A spa is on-site, offering massage treatments, a sauna, and steam room. Free shuttles provide transport to Yas Waterworld, the mall, and beach. Meeting rooms and a 525-person-capacity ballroom are available, and Wi-Fi is free and accessible throughout the property. Valet parking is free.
Dining-wise, Citrus serves buffet meals both indoors and out, and its breakfast has live egg stations, plus cooked and continental options. Moroccan dishes at Marakesh embrace the Middle East's spiced flavors, and textured ceilings with bold reds and Arabian-style arches around murals are as authentic as the menu. Biscotti offers wood-fired pizzas in a refined Italian-feel setting. Cristal offers cigars and champagne, as well as a popular happy hour with live music. The Club Lounge provides free breakfast, snacks, and soft drinks, in addition to evening cocktails and gorgeous panoramic views.