This Eid holiday, we opted for a local getaway and discovered the Shangri-La Hotel in Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi. We indulged in a 2-night staycation and here's how it went. The hotel was absolutely fantastic. Those two days were incredibly relaxing and well worth the drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. Starting with check-in, the staff greeted us with a refreshing cold towel and welcome drink, which was especially appreciated in the summer heat. The staff members were exceptionally helpful and kind, going so far as to upgrade us to the Horizon Rooms. I've stayed in many hotels and resorts, but the team at this hotel truly stood out. From check-in to concierge, housekeeping, and the breakfast crew, everyone was courteous and ensured our comfort. The staff really make a difference in the guest experience, regardless of how luxurious the hotel itself may be. Moving on to the room, we stayed in a Horizon room with a lovely balcony overlooking the beach and offering a glimpse of the Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi. The room was cozy and comfortable. The technical team even assisted us in connecting our laptop to the TV via HDMI, which was very convenient for us. The bathroom was spacious with a large bathtub, separate shower, and toilet cabins. They provided luxurious L'Occitane products in the bathroom, adding to the indulgent experience. The swimming pool was enjoyable, although not exactly an infinity pool. It was shallow enough to comfortably float in. Evenings at the pool were busy, but mornings were more peaceful. One drawback was the pool opening at 8 am; an earlier opening around 6:30-7 am could attract more guests wanting to swim during sunrise. The hotel has a well-equipped gym and yoga center, with separate facilities for men and women. There's also an exclusive yoga studio for weight exercises and yoga sessions. A unique feature of the hotel is the Abra experience within the property. Small abras take guests on short rides around the property, offering a fun and enjoyable experience. We only dined for breakfast at the hotel, and the quality and taste of the food were excellent. It was a typical, high-quality breakfast buffet with a variety of options. However, the breakfast menu was largely repetitive both days, and a lack of sufficient dish labels made it challenging to discern vegetarian from non-vegetarian options. Overall, our stay was phenomenal. The Shangri-La Hotel provided a quintessential 5-star hotel experience and was well worth the drive.
