Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi

The Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, is clean, airy, and spacious, but far simpler and less visually striking than the surrounding five-star glass and chrome Abu Dhabi extravaganzas that scream wealth and ostentation. If not surrounded by these hotel palaces, the Traders would be classed exceptional, with a pretty private beach lined with comfortable sunbeds and cool dangling sunbrellas, cabanas sheltering upholstered beach sofas, and a beachy lawn with tables, chairs, and waiter service. Cocktails and fancy mocktails are plentiful, and the view of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is spectacular. The pool is tiny and not landscaped, surrounded by a few lounge chairs, but not great for more than a dip, but guests can use the facilities at the lavish neighboring Shangri-La property, for a fee. The public areas are colorful and fun, and the lobby lounge is in a sun-drenched glass-roofed atrium, furnished with mod purple and chartreuse sofas, and bright, graphic area rugs. The restaurant is buffet-style, but the menu is plentiful and varied. The Traders is a great value-minded option for tourists and travelers with business in the area.

The Traders Hotel is located in the Qaryat Al Beri complex, which includes a souk, destination spa, and the lavish Shangri-La Hotel. The Traders is in Abu Dhabi’s Between the Bridges area, between downtown and the Yas Island attractions, surrounded by five-star hotels, with nothing to see in the immediate area. The Grand Mosque is nearby, and Sheikh Zayed Stadium and Abu Dhabi Golf Course are within six miles. The airport is a 10-minute drive away. Business travelers with work in the city center may want to stay closer in, as rush hour traffic is heavy.

Rooms at the Traders Hotel are spotless and bright, with plenty of space, nicely decorated with modular furniture (including full-size writing desks) and large nature photographs, bold colors, and comfortable, pillowtop beds. Some rooms have balconies and sea views. Non-smoking rooms are available, and the seventh floor is entirely smoke-free. Bathrooms are crisp and modern, most with separate tubs and walk-in monsoon showers. Rooms come with flat-screen TVs, DVD players, minibars, in-room safes, and free bottled water. Traders Club Rooms come with special privileges, including a dedicated lounge, free breakfast, and all-day snacks, cocktails, and soft drinks.

The Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Feri, shares a lovely private beach with the neighboring Shangri-La, where guests are welcome to use the luxe Chi spa for a fee. The Traders has a small fitness center but guests can attend zumba and other classes at the neighboring property. There is a spacious, sunlit business center. Guests receive free shoeshines. The pool is tiny, but there is a cute playground with trampolines and jungle gyms for kids. Afya Restaurant offers an excellent international buffet with nightly theme menus and a weekly barbecue. The dining room is stylish and colorful, with a pretty terrace.