Category: Hotels

ibis Abu Dhabi Gate hotel: A Budget-friendly stay in the UAE capital
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

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.
July 5, 2025
Oryx Grand Hotel Al Ain Review: Above the clouds
This is a story about a weekend stay, and review of Oryx Grand Hotel, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi.
Winter sun in the UAE is a refreshing treat that draws tourists from across the world. On a breezy December weekend, my partner and I ventured to Al Ain to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. We were excited to explore the city, indulge in its activities, and enjoy a cozy stay at the renowned 4 star rated Hotel Oryx Grand.

Table of Contents
Hotel Location

The hotel is nestled atop Jebel Hafeet– second highest mountain ranges in the UAE. It’s located in Al Ain, in the eastern part of the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

How to Reach

You can go by car, or take a public transport bus to Al Ain central bus station and then a taxi to the hotel. Here is the route map.

The Journey

Driving up to the hotel was an adventure in itself. The road curved sharply, winding through the mountain landscape, offering breathtaking views of Al Ain sprawled below us. With every hairpin turn, the excitement grew, and soon enough, we arrived at hotel Oryx Grand Al, where the stunning backdrop of Jebel Hafeet greeted us with open arms.

First Impressions

Walking into the hotel lobby, we were instantly enveloped by its warm and inviting ambiance. The space was airy, brightly lit, and filled with an energy that made us feel right at home. As we checked in, the staff greeted us with genuine smiles, making the entire process smooth and effortless.

A Quick Tip..

It’s worth noting that the hotel requires hard copies of the Emirates ID for check-in, so don’t forget to pack it for everyone in your group. After receiving room keys, we were ready to settle in.

The Room with view

The spaciousness of the room was apparent immediately after stepping in. It had a Juliet balcony that offered a stunning panoramic view of Jebel Hafeet mountains and the water in the pool. The sight of Al Ain city in the distance, bathed in the soft winter light, was absolutely mesmerizing.

The room was quiet and peaceful – ideal for a good night’s sleep. The bed was soft and comfortable, and we woke up feeling truly rested. Though we didn’t need air conditioning or heating due to the mild winter temperatures, the room maintained a perfect balance of comfort.

Inside, a small pantry corner with an electric kettle made it easy to brew a quick cup of tea or coffee. There was also a cozy reading nook, complete with a lamp and a coffee table, perfect for relaxing while soaking in the view.

One small hiccup was that chairs had some stains on them. A simple fix with chair covers could easily address this. The bathroom, on the other hand, was pristine, stocked with fluffy towels and premium toiletries.

Dining

The hotel restaurant offered an array of dishes, from traditional Arabic breakfasts to international favorites. Room service was swift, and the food arrived piping hot – delicious and satisfying after a busy day of exploring. In addition, there is an outdoor restaurant. But it was not open on that weekend.

Outdoors

The following morning, we ventured outside to enjoy the hotel’s lush gardens. The area was filled with vibrant flowers and plants, and there were plenty of photo opportunities to capture the scenery.

At night, the gardens transformed, their beauty amplified by the soft glow of the lights, with guests enjoying late-night strolls well past midnight.

Amenities

There are plenty of indoor amenities for both adults and kids. They include a gym, badminton court, pool table, carrom board, trampolines and more, all available for a small fee.

The hotel pool area was lively, bustling with families enjoying the sun. Kids were playing in the outdoor play area.

In the basement floor, there is a small gift shop where you can buy gifts and necessary things you missed to bring in. That actually happened to us; we had forgotten to pack outdoor flip-flops.

Bicycles are available on rent if you want to go mountain biking.
On weekends and special occasions, the hotel hosts live entertainment events, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Unforgettable Service

What truly made our stay memorable was the level of service. We were impressed by the staff at the reception, who were always quick to assist. And the housekeeping team did an outstanding job keeping the room spotless.

But there was one small detail that made a big impact. After checking in, we made tea in our room, but decided to skip sugar. After tea, we took a few moments to unwind and enjoy the beautiful vista. Then headed out to explore the nearby attractions.

The next morning, while making tea, we found something thoughtful – the housekeeping team had placed sugar-free sweeteners next to new tea bags! They had noticed we didn’t use sugar the day before, and had given an alternative without us even asking. That level of attentiveness was a lovely surprise and truly elevated our experience.

Nearby Attractions

Oryx Grand is close to popular places like–
- Mubazzarah Train Tour
- Green Mubazzarah Lake
- Jebel Hafeet Hot Springs Garden
- Bawadi Mall (for shopping)
- Beehive Tombs
- Al Jahili Fort
- Al Ain Oasis
- Hili Archaeological Park
- Al Qattara Arts Centre
Final Thoughts

Our time at Hotel Oryx Grand was nothing short of wonderful. From the stunning location atop Jebel Hafeet to the exceptional service, everything about the hotel exceeded our expectations. We left with happy memories and already planned to return, this time bringing along some friends and their families.

The hotel’s family-friendly vibe and affordability make it an ideal choice for both couples and families alike. It’s the perfect getaway for anyone seeking a peaceful retreat with easy access to nearby tourist spots.

🌞Comment your thoughts below if you have stayed, or are planning a stay in the hotel.
February 10, 2025