Looking for a comfortable, budget hotel to stay in Abu Dhabi? We recently checked into ibis Abu Dhabi Gate hotel. Here’s everything you need to know—straight from our experience!
In this Article
- Location
- Room and Apartment Options
- Check-in: Smooth but a bit tricky
- The Room
- Dining
- Facilities
- Service
- Our stay at the hotel
- Final Thoughts
Location
Ibis Abu Dhabi Gate is a 3-star hotel from Accor group and sits beside the calm Al Maqtaa creek. It’s just 15 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi. If you are coming from Dubai, it’s an easy detour from Highway E22.
Room & Apartment options
The hotel offers both rooms and apartments for guests to stay in. Here’s what you can book:
- Standard Double Room
- Standard Twin Room
- 1-Bedroom Apartment (for 2 adults)
- 1-Bedroom Apartment (for 3 adults)
The two options in rooms are similar in terms of space (204 sq ft area) and facilities. Except that the twin room has two single beds instead of a double bed, which is in a double room.
The apartment options have a bedroom, living room, dining area and semi-equipped kitchen, in a 650 sq ft area. They are equipped with free WiFi, TV, microwave oven, refrigerator and washing machine. The apartment for 3 adults has an extra single bed in it.
Tip:
The hotel often gives discounts. So check their ibis website before you book.
Check-in: Smooth but a bit tricky
Ibis Abu Dhabi Gate shares a twin-tower building with Novotel. Some facilities including parking are shared between the two hotels. That can be a bit confusing at first.
We drove in, missed the Ibis signage and accidentally ended up at Novotel. Thankfully, their valet pointed us in the right direction.
Once inside:
- Check-in time: 2 PM – 7 PM
- If you’re arriving late, call or email at:
- 📞 +971 2 5090000
- 📧 H6949-re@accor.com
- Checkout: 12 Noon
Check-in was smooth. We showed our Emirates IDs, signed on an ipad and got our eco-friendly wooden room keys in minutes. Friendly reception staff.
The Room
We stayed in a Standard Double Room. The room was simple, clean and comfortable with smart use of space. Room size: 204 sq ft – compact but efficient.
The room had:
- A comfy double bed
- TV
- Mini fridge
- Iron and ironing board
- Small pantry with an electric kettle
- Tea bags and sugar (but no coffee or whitener, sadly for us coffee fans)
Room with a View
The room we stayed in had a great view through the window—Al Maqtaa creek and the city around it. At night, it looked even better.
Bathroom
The bathroom was well-organized and tidy. Everything arranged neatly – clean towels, tissues and even a phone.
Anything missing? Toothbrush and toothpaste. Not a deal-breaker, but good to know.
Dining
When hungry, just scan the QR code in your room to see the menu. You can order food to your room or eat at their restaurant downstairs. We had plans to try the Belgian Beer Café but ran out of time.
Facilities
- Swimming Pool: Shared with Novotel. You’ll have to follow a time slot to use it.
- Spa & Fitness Center: Also shared. Open to Ibis guests from 7 AM to 10 AM.
The facilities were clean and well-maintained. Great for a short break or workout.
Parking
There is a basement parking lot which is shared between Ibis and Novotel. The direction signs guide you to correct parking spots. After parking, the lift can take you straight to the hotel reception.
Service
Room service was quick! We asked for more tea bags after 10 PM and got them in minutes. The staff were warm, helpful, and always smiling. There is also laundry service available.
Our stay at the hotel
We stayed at the hotel on the weekend trip from Dubai. Got a standard double room at a discount.
Here are some take-home messages from our stay:
- Eco-friendliness: Room key made of wood, Glass water bottles instead of plastic. The hotel is eco-certified.
- Minimalist design: No clutter, smart use of space, both in room and bathroom.
- Great value for money spent: Budget friendly hotel to stay in Abu Dhabi without sacrificing on comfort.
- Good for: Families, business travelers, weekenders and holiday stays.
Final Thoughts
ibis Abu Dhabi Gate is a great pick when looking for a comfortable stay on a budget. They offer clean, comfy rooms, helpful and friendly service in a peaceful location close to popular areas in Abu Dhabi. Would we stay there again? Absolutely.
It’s perfect for weekend trips, longer stays, or business visits in the UAE capital.
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