Sheraton Khalidiya Hotel

The Sheraton Khalidiya Hotel’s decor is a bit of a mixed bag. The elegant lobby has marble floors with a vast sunburst pattern in the middle, dramatic paintings in huge, heavy gold frames, and ornate Rococo couches, as well as a sweeping marble staircase with wrought-iron bannisters. Meanwhile, the hotel’s bar is outfitted like an English pub, complete with Chesterfield sofas and wingback armchairs, bar stools around giant barrels, and a lengthy, dark-wood bar with beer pumps. Upstairs, the hotel’s à la carte restaurant is a sophisticated space with a wall of glass looking out over Abu Dhabi, ivory velveteen chairs around black wood tables, and a marble floor polished up to a high sheen. Certainly the standout, however, is the roof deck with a pool and lovely panoramic views. The hotel attracts both business travelers and vacationing tourists.

The Sheraton Khalidiya is well-located in Abu Dhabi’s downtown, only a 10-minute walk from popular Corniche Beach and the scenic Corniche Road that runs along the coast. The Khalidiya Mall is 10 minutes by car in the other direction. The gorgeous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a 25-minute drive away, while Le Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi are both 20 minutes away, over in the Cultural Quarter. Farther afield, the Yas Marina F1 circuit is 30 minutes away, on Yas Island. Expect a 35-minute transfer time to Abu Dhabi International Airport.

The hotel’s 262 rooms are all sizable, but they have a generic and bit bland design, decorated in shades of champagne with diamond-patterned carpet and dark-wood furniture. Classic Rooms have space for a bed, work desk, and a large and comfy armchair. Club Rooms are furnished in much the same way, but are far more spacious. Junior suites, meanwhile, have a bedroom and separate lounge with a couch, two armchairs, and a coffee table, as well as a kitchenette in another area with a mini-fridge, four-burner stove, sink, kettle, and various items of cookware and crockery. 

Executive suites are larger still, with an open-plan kitchen and living area, a large granite breakfast bar, and full-size fridge. Bathrooms are in need of a revamp, equipped with shower/tub combos that have plastic shower curtains, plus bidets, hairdryers, and toiletries. While all rooms have free Wi-Fi, a safe, bathrobe, and flat-screen TV, some guests complain that they are poorly maintained.

The most impressive thing about the Sheraton Khalidiya is surely its rooftop pool terrace, which provides views over the ocean and Abu Dhabi’s skyline. It's surrounded by cushioned loungers, umbrellas, and a covered area for shade. There are two restaurants on-site, the more casual of which serves a global menu including sushi and American steakhouse-style food, while the more formal of the two serves a buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a Middle Eastern and Mediterranean focus. The hotel’s bar is decorated like an English pub and serves drinks and a menu mostly consisting of British pub grub. Club-level guests have access to a lounge with all-day snacks and a business center, plus breakfast is included in their rates.

A small gym has cycles, treadmills, and cross-trainers, as well as various free weights, but equipment could use an update. There is also a sauna and Turkish bath. Note that it was only open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. during our visit, so don't plan on early morning workouts. There are eight meeting rooms in the hotel, the largest of which can accommodate 200 people. The hotel has secure underground parking and free Wi-Fi throughout, though the service can be slow.