Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi

The Swiss embassy in Dubai is located in the neighboring emirate of Abu Dhabi. Due to the obligation to notarize our signature, it was a perfect opportunity to spend a night in Abu Dhabi. Although Abu Dhabi – with a population of just over one and a half million – is considerably smaller than Dubai, it is not lagging behind in terms of attractions and sights.

Not surprisingly, Abu Dhabi also has a whole range of hotels in different price categories that cater to all kinds of needs. In this blog, we are focusing on the “Rixos Marina” hotel, which we can highly recommend.

Arrival

Even the journey to the hotel was a highlight, as the gigantic building catches the eye from afar. It is not for nothing that the Rixos Marina is referred to as the little Atlantis of Dubai, and this comparison is certainly apt. The architectural styles of the Rixos and Atlantis hotels are similar and both proudly present their beauty in close proximity to the sea.

Those arriving by car or rental car can use the free valet parking. The service of having an employee take care of parking is fitting for this luxury hotel. So we ended up directly at the check-in. The extremely friendly staff at the round-the-clock reception took care of everything elegantly and quickly. Faster than expected, we were already in our prepared room, but without our daughter. She wanted to try out the kids’ club right at the beginning.

It was tempting to take a first short tour to get an overview. From the spacious lobby, we had a breathtaking view of the pool all the way to the sea. A staircase led us not only to the pool, but also to various restaurants serving international cuisine.

The hotel has two beautifully designed outdoor pools with a nod to Arabian architecture. There are plenty of sun loungers and cabanas, which can be rented for an extra charge. For us, however, this offer was superfluous, as with our daughter Ayleen, relaxation mode is not a priority. So we followed her wish to romp around in the water. She rewarded us for this with her subsequent patience at the pool bar. Both pools have a great pool bar, which is even popular with children. The bartender conjured up delicious mocktails for us, which, together with the fantastic surroundings, were a great reward.

Pool / Beach

For those who love sandy beaches and a view of the endless sea, the Hotel Rixos is not the first choice. The bay is small, the sand relatively coarse and the view is limited to a pile of stones. Those who love the vastness of the sea are therefore well advised to look for a hotel on Saadiyat Island. The beach on Saadiyat is perfect and similar to the beach on the Maldives, but the hotel prices are therefore also similar to those on the Maldives.

Room

The hotel offers various types of air-conditioned rooms, all of which are spacious in every respect, especially the bathrooms. Some rooms even have a kitchen with a fridge, dishwasher and microwave. We were lucky in that we got one of the few rooms with a balcony. There is hardly anything better than sitting on the balcony in pleasant temperatures, enjoying a drink and extending the small talk with a view of the sea of lights of Abu Dhabi.

The beds are extremely comfortable. Those who are demanding in this respect will get their money’s worth. We felt like we were floating on a cloud. The rooms are also excellently insulated, which guarantees a good night’s sleep.

In large hotels, the waiting time for the elevator often drags on. The Hotel Rixos does not have this problem. The wait for the elevator was never longer than a minute or two.

Hotel – Restaurants

The choice of restaurants at the Rixos Marina may not be overwhelming, but the quality of the food fully compensates for this shortcoming. From breakfast to dinner, the “Turquoise” buffet restaurant is top class. The international cuisine impresses with its excellent preparation of dishes. The service is just what everyone wants. The only point of criticism is the relatively expensive wines, especially as the selection is too small. When booking, we recommend giving preference to half board, as the surcharge is low, and this is particularly worthwhile for families.

Turquoise Restaurant (Buffet)

Breakfast: 6:30 – 10:30 h

Lunch: 12:30 – 15:00 h

Dinner: 18.30 – 22 :00 h

People’s Restaurant à la carte

Lunch: 12.30 – 17.30 h

Dinner: 19.30 – 22:00 h

Vero Italiano and The Flame Steakhouse will soon be opening their doors at the Rixos Marina.

Bars

Anti-Dote Bar: 18.30 – 01.00 h

Cuba Cigar Bar, Privé Lounge and Isla Beach Bar will soon complete the offer.

Kids club

At the Rixy Kids Club for children aged 4 to 12, every child is treated like a VIP – and that’s no exaggeration. The club offers a variety of activities from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the commitment of the supervisor leaves nothing to be desired. There is nothing missing, even drinking water is available. Our daughter’s multiple visits for this Kids Club deserve an extra exclamation mark!

Fitness

The Couples personal trainer studio in the hotel is equipped with professional equipment and, fortunately, the atmosphere is also extremely pleasant. The wide range of courses on offer is exceptional: yoga, Tabata workout, group cycle, functional workout, stretching and aqua gymnastics.

Spa

Just like other luxury hotels, the Rixos Marina also has to offer a wonderful spa area. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to indulge ourselves extensively. But even a short visit was enough to get us excited about the extravagant design. We have therefore already planned another visit to enjoy the wealth of massages and treatments on offer. 😊

Location

The Rixos Marina is located in the vibrant center of Abu Dhabi, which includes both the entertainment and financial districts. Those interested in culture can easily reach two important sights by cab in a maximum of 15 minutes: the Qasr Al Watan government palace and the Grand Mosque. The Seaworld, Warner Bros and Ferrariworld amusement parks are a little further away, around a 30-minute drive. As in many cities in the UAE, cabs are the main means of transportation. Unfortunately, no sights were within walking distance for us.

Our conclusion

For those looking for a luxurious 5-star hotel in Abu Dhabi without digging too deep into their pockets, the Rixos Marina in Abu Dhabi is an ideal choice. The stylish furnishings, friendly service, fine cuisine and Kids Club for families are the hallmarks of this luxury hotel. Only the beach and the sea leave something to be desired. You can bet that it won’t just be a one-off visit!