"Set the scene for us. The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal is a grandiose, glistening example of Middle Eastern opulence. The drive toward the entrance to the 52-acre property, situated on the banks of Al Maqta Creek, is a memorable one, with Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque across the road and a castle-like Venetian driveway ahead. Who stays here? Plenty of wide-eyed tourists immersing themselves in some of the best examples of glitz and glamour the emirate has to offer, plus well-to-do locals. The good stuff: Tell us about your room. Our Ritz-Carlton Suite, which clocked in at 1,356 square feet, had a stylish four-poster bed, spacious powder room, full marble bathroom with a soaking tub, his-and-hers vanities, a color therapy shower, separate living and dining areas, a kitchen, and two terraces overlooking the Grand Canal. Access to the hotel's executive lounge is included in any booking here; translation: continuous snacks all day, personal concierge services, and panoramic views of Al Maqta Creek. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth a mention? Asprey toiletries are a welcome touch, as are the high-quality linens and accompanying furnishings, made from marble, leather, dark polished wood, and suedes. The views are certainly wow-worthy, especially in the evening, and the proximity to the Grand Mosque is also a plus. Is it worth eating here? You can get practically anything you want. There are eight restaurants, all with a different focus: Southeast Asian cuisine at Li Jiang, meat at The Forge, one of the best steakhouses in the city, and modern Arabic at Mijana, which has an outdoor dining setup and serves modern Arabic cuisine. Giornotte, the all-day dining outlet, hosts a lavish Friday brunch with live-cooking stations and hospitable flair. Did the staff do you right? Our butler and housekeeping team went above and beyond to ensure everything was exemplary. And anything we missed? The 21,500-square-foot Bedouin spa, a short ride from the hotel, is a standalone oasis with a private beach, 16 treatment rooms, plunge pools, saunas, separate his-and-hers relaxation zones, and a plethora of luxurious treatments. Families can make use of Ritz Kids, available daily for children ages four to 12. Those keen on visiting the mosque and learning more about the cultural landmark can catch the hotel shuttle, which runs every 30 minutes. Meanwhile, the pool is one of the largest in the city. Bottom line: Why are we staying here? To stay here is to experience a real taste of local extravagance, just a short drive from the airport." - Melinda Healy
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