Radisson Blu Hotel, Abu Dhabi Yas Island

The Radisson Blu is a combination of a resort and business hotel, outfitted in generic chain-like decor. Expect a large metal ceiling fixture, seating in shades of red and purple, and lots of marble in the lobby, while three restaurants have their own distinct look. Everything is contemporary and well-maintained, but nothing really stands out here. It's a suitable pick for travelers familiar with the Radisson Blu brand, who want to be near the Formula One track or Ferrari World. A pleasant pool area sees lots of activity during the day, and overlooks a golf course and creek in the distance. Despite some noise from nearly attractions and the airport, the property offers a relaxing retreat for those that don't mind not being on the beach.

The Radisson Blu Hotel is located on Yas Island, a 30-minute drive from downtown Abu Dhabi. It's not the most convenient location for business travelers with meetings downtown, but it's within a five- and seven-minute drive of Formula One race track, Marina Circuit, and Ferrari World. Yas Beach is about a five-minute drive away, while it's under 10 minutes by car for Yas Waterworld and Yas Mall (all of which are accessible via free hotel shuttles). Abu Dhabi's diplomatic district is under 20 minutes by car and Abu Dhabi International Airport is an 11-minute drive without traffic.

Spacious rooms aren't bursting with character, but they're contemporary and well-equipped. The chain-like design consists of dark-wood furniture, brown carpeting with red or lime-green stripes that are typically reflected in patterned bed runners and color blocked drapes. Colorful wall panels and bucket chairs also add bright additions. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors lead to narrow, furnished balconies, which can be quite long in some units. Additional amenities consist of desks, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, minibars, and kettles, plus closets with ironing facilities, trouser presses, safes, robes, and slippers. Upgraded units add Nespresso machines and iPod docks, as well as separate sitting areas in suites. Balconies overlook either the pool, race track, or sea. Modern bathrooms have either showers or shower/tub combos in lower-category units, and showers alongside separate tubs in suites. Toiletries, bidets, magnifying mirrors, and hairdryers come standard.

The Radisson Blue Hotel offers a good mix of amenities for travelers looking to stay on-site. An outdoor pool is a popular spot for swimming or stretching out on the surrounding loungers and shaded cabanas. The hotel isn't on the beach, but guests can take the hotel's free shuttle to Yas Beach in about five minutes. For further relaxation, an attractive spa offers massage treatments, a sauna, and hot tub. A well-equipped fitness center is bright and modern, but it's not open 24/7. A range of dining includes the 1920s-inspired Belgian Beer Cafe, which has a menu consisting of mussels, schnitzel, and draft beer. The wood-adorned cafe has bar seating, TVs showing sports matches, and old-fashioned portraits along the wall. Filini Garden is an open-air Italian eatery that serves Friday brunches and daily dinners accompanied by DJ sets. Assymetri serves international cuisine buffet-style all day, plus there are a Mexican eatery and bar, and a grab-and-go cafe available. Club-level guests get access to a lounge with free breakfasts, daytime appetizers, drinks, and newspapers. Seven meeting rooms and a ballroom are on-site and Wi-Fi is free throughout.