Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi is one of the most expensive hotels ever built — a $3 billion palace on 1.3 kilometres of private beach. It is, quite simply, like staying inside a royal residence.
The Scale
The numbers are staggering: 394 rooms and suites, 114 domes, 1,002 chandeliers, and 85 elevators. The main dome at 72 metres rivals the Pantheon in Rome. Gold leaf, semi-precious stones, and hand-laid mosaics cover virtually every surface. It is ostentatious in the most magnificent way possible.
The Rooms
Standard rooms (Coral rooms) are 65 sqm and feel more like suites elsewhere. The Palace Suites are 680 sqm with private pools, and the Crown Prince Suite remains one of the most extravagant hotel rooms on the planet. Gold dust is used in the cappuccino machine — the Camelccino (camel milk cappuccino with edible gold) is the hotel’s signature drink.
Beach & Pools
1.3km of private beach, five swimming pools, and a private marina. The beach is considerably less crowded than anything in Dubai — Abu Dhabi’s quieter tourism profile is an advantage here.
Dining
Fourteen restaurants including Michelin-starred Hakkasan and the famous Le Café for afternoon tea. The breakfast spread at Bab Al Qasr is one of the finest anywhere in the world.
Verdict
Emirates Palace is Abu Dhabi’s answer to the Burj Al Arab — and in many ways surpasses it for sheer scale and consistent excellence. Rates from AED 2,000/night for a Coral room are strong value for what’s delivered. For honeymoons and major celebrations, this is our top UAE pick.