Day 2 – Hotel Intercontinental Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi

Tuesday, 17 September 2013

We arrived in Abu Dhabi airport just before 6.00am and were fast tracked through customs and immigration – another business class perk. Most passengers were transiting so it wasn’t very busy. We were through in minutes and our luggage was already on the carousel. A driver from the Intercontinental hotel met us and, as we went out the doors, we hit a wall of heat. I said to our driver that “it’s quite warm” and he replied “this is normal!” You should have seen Anthony’s glasses steam up from the change in temperature – he was walking blind to the car park!

It was probably a 20 minute car ride to the Intercontinental. We were last here in 2011 for a one night stop over on the way to London. It was as we remembered it along the way, except perhaps for more traffic and a bit more build up. The hotel is much the same, very gold and somewhat gaudy but immaculately presented and the staff are very attentive.

Our room was ready, even though it was just after 7.00am. We had decided to take out intercontinental hotel membership prior to booking our accommodation (membership is free) and were told we are entitled to 20% off all food and beverages. This is a great savings. And we have free wifi in all parts of the hotel.

Our room is just as comfortable as we remember it being. lovely big bed with very comfy mattress and pillows, and large bathroom with rainwater shower head, separate toilet and bidet. 

Decided we needed to take advantage of our surroundings so changed and checked out the gym. This was my first time on a walking/ running machine. I think I can get the hang of this, just need to concentrate so I don’t lose my footing. Can’t watch what Anthony is doing and run! It’s a very well equipped gym and leisure centre, with spa pool, sauna, squash courts, rooms for classes, and lovely outdoor swimming pool.

Shower and then downstairs to the cafe for an English breakfast tea and a tub of yoghurt! Then feeling weary – jet lag setting in – we went upstairs for a nap before lunch. Lunch at the Selections Restaurant on the 3rd floor where we had stunning views over the marina, and an amazing array of foods, smorgasbord style. We were first to be seated but it soon became quite crowded with many different kinds of groups – conference attendees, groups of women in full burkas, locals and internationals alike, many in traditional clothing.

Then catching up on emails and writing. Are we really here?

A short workout at the gym, then a dip in the spa, and a short walk before dinner around the marina. Beautiful sunset and rising moon.

Later, we had dinner in the Yacht Club, one of the many restaurants at the Intercontinental. Not at all like the image that “yacht club” conjures,up. Rather a rather swish Asian inspired bar that won the best restaurant in Abu Dhabi this year. Tuesday is sushi night so we had a beautiful selection of sushi and sashimi with a Japanese beer. 

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