THE OVERNIGHT AT HOLIDAY INN ABU DHABI DOWNTOWN

THE OVERNIGHT AT HOLIDAY INN ABU DHABI DOWNTOWN

It was getting late at night, my friend Issa, who was driving the car the whole day showed no signs of exhaustion while we navigate the main thoroughfare of Abu Dhabi to locate my booked transient abode after the whole day road trip and tour from Dubai and within Abu Dhabi.  Non-stop conversations ensued as we haven’t seen each other for more than 2 years I suppose.  We stopped in one corner and later found out that it wasn’t the hotel where I was booked.

Apparently, we were at another branch of the Holiday Inn and that I was booked at Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi Downtown situated at the city center and business district.  It was the former Sands Hotel, to make it more familiar to residents.

I was after the fact that I would be getting the good night sleep I was longing for since I arrived in UAE.  I had no expectations of the hotel.  After presenting my passport and confirming my reservations, the receptionist checked me in swiftly.  He is a Filipino, born and raised on the same region that I am – Eastern Visayas.  It felt like I was just in Metro Manila as we converse and informed me that I would be assigned to a room where I could get a good vantage of the city as viewed from my window. 

The Room


THE OVERNIGHT AT HOLIDAY INN ABU DHABI DOWNTOWN
THE DELUXE ROOM
The humidity obstructed my view of the city lights as I hurriedly went to the window upon entering my assigned deluxe room.   And so I sit back and open my laptop to stay connected with my family and friends back home through my social media accounts, with their wifi that is fast and reliable.  The room is decorated in warm maroon tones featuring the low-back arm chair in a working space at the corner.  I opened the flat-screen TV which has access to multilingual satellite channels before I finally sleep at the comforts of the soft pillow and the king-size bed.  Beside my bed is an alarm clock and there is an available closet as well. (click to check rates and room types)

THE OVERNIGHT AT HOLIDAY INN ABU DHABI DOWNTOWNTHE OVERNIGHT AT HOLIDAY INN ABU DHABI DOWNTOWN

THE OVERNIGHT AT HOLIDAY INN ABU DHABI DOWNTOWN
THE KING SIZE BED
I opted for the non-smoking room, neatly carpeted, sound-proofed and air-conditioning that rejuvenates and comforts my weary self that day.

The room was indeed spacious that I keep on thinking it would have been great if I have my family and friends with me.  I am not used to solo travel.

The morning after, the panoramic city view was a sight to behold while I peek on the window.  It was a scene that seduces me to brave the scorching heat of the sun and the 45-degree weather in acquainting myself of the city. As what I imagined for an Arabic city, the hues of cream for a cityscape, the remarkable architectural details and the towering skyscrapers as backdrop makes my second morning in United Arab Emirates an exceptional visual treat.
THE OVERNIGHT AT HOLIDAY INN ABU DHABI DOWNTOWN
MOSQUE AS SEEN FROM MY WINDOW
THE OVERNIGHT AT HOLIDAY INN ABU DHABI DOWNTOWN
THE CITYSCAPE
Bathroom

The spacious clean bathroom separates the shower and the toilet area. Bathrobe and slippers are likewise available.  Free toiletries and towers are also provided.


THE OVERNIGHT AT HOLIDAY INN ABU DHABI DOWNTOWNTHE OVERNIGHT AT HOLIDAY INN ABU DHABI DOWNTOWN

THE OVERNIGHT AT HOLIDAY INN ABU DHABI DOWNTOWN
TOILETRIES
Service

The hotel provides a myriad of services ranging from the 24-hour front desk, currency exchange, luggage storage, concierge service, babysitting/child service, laundry, dry cleaning, ironing service, shoeshine, trouser press, daily maid service, meeting/banquet facilities, business center, fax/photocopying, barber/beauty shop, gift shop and of course the room service.


THE OVERNIGHT AT HOLIDAY INN ABU DHABI DOWNTOWN
THE LOBBY AREA
THE OVERNIGHT AT HOLIDAY INN ABU DHABI DOWNTOWN
THE RECEPTION AREA
THE OVERNIGHT AT HOLIDAY INN ABU DHABI DOWNTOWN
THE BUSINESS CENTER
The hotel has the most accommodating and friendly staff.  A number are Filipinos.  As I check-out and head for Dubai, I have to commute on my own since my friends have work, and directions to where I am headed to, were clearly given by the staff.  Since I should have loose coins, two dirhams for the bus ride, I requested my paper bills to be changed.  But they have no change for my bills, so the receptionist gave me two (2) dirhams for the bus ride.  Service is indeed exceptional and I commend a fellow Filipino who works on the hotel, Ms. Sotomayor, for the kindness.


THE OVERNIGHT AT HOLIDAY INN ABU DHABI DOWNTOWN
THE LOBBY AREA
There are a number of facilities that unfortunately, I wasn’t able to try due to time constraints.  The hotel features a rooftop swimming pool which I only learned later on when I was about to check-out.    

The location, service and quality sleep I had makes Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi Downtown one of the most recommended places to stay while in UAE.


ELECTRA STREET
HOLIDAY INN ABU DHABI DOWNTOWN
Electra Street, Zayed The 1st Road
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
+971 2 615 6666

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1 comments

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