Away in April 2011 – Day 2 Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, Intercontinental Hotel Abu Dhabi

Saturday, 2 April 2011

5.40am Arrived Abu Dhabi

Overnight at Hotel Intercontinental Abu Dhabi http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental/en/gb/locations/abudhabi

Anthony had arranged a transfer from the airport so we had someone waiting for us holding up our name. Felt luxurious in back of sedan – could easily have gone to sleep as we glided down long boulevards. Foggy start to the day but turned out very bright.

The little we saw of Abu Dhabi indicated multilane boulevards, signposted in Arabic and English, lots of construction going on with cranes. Many workers were Indian or Fijian – Anthony says that they have imported workers from these countries for the more menial tasks. Buildings seem to rise out of the desert – mostly white, sandy or beige. Newer high rise buildings blend with the sky in shades of grey and lots of interesting shapes. Abu Dhabi seems a city growing and emerging with constant hum of traffic and activity.

On arrival, an early check-in was arranged whilst we had coffee in the piano bar. Then up to room 1010 for a bath and few hours sleep – very comfortable bed with feather pillows.

Got up about 11.30 local time for a walk around the hotel – hotel has fish market with Asian chefs, it’s own private beach and Belgium Beer cafe franchise.

We had buffet lunch at Selections restaurant – delicious! Arabic and Indian influences with dips – baba ganoosh, potato dip, lovely rice, salads, fruit, sweets, seafood. Everything beautifully presented with efficient service.

Definitely would recommend breaking your journey with an overnight stay at a world class hotel. For a small additional cost, it helps you realize that you are truly on holidays and have many more adventures ahead of you!

	View from beach [Map]		Hotel’s private beach [Map]
	Hotel’s marina [Map]		Room 1010 [Map]
	View of hotel at dusk [Map]		Roundabout with fountains [Map]