Reviewed : Asia is back in the capital of the UAE to discover a “So French” hotel this time, the Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche. Here’s a review of our stay…
The setting
The Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche is part of the recent real estate complex, the Capital Plaza Complex, located at the entrance of Abu Dhabi’s Corniche. Occupying an entire tower, the hotel is imposing and boasts 282 rooms. You can’t miss it when arriving at Abu Dhabi’s Corniche.
Due to its location, the Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche is close to many points of interest, tourist attractions, and cultural sites in the capital. You can reach the Marina Mall or Heritage Village in less than 10 minutes, the Iranian souk in 5 minutes, and Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Ferrari World, and Yas Waterworld parks in about 20 minutes by car.
Upon entering the grandiose lobby of the hotel, you will be welcomed in the tradition of Sofitel hospitality. While you complete the check-in procedure at the reception, you’ll be served a refreshing mint and lemon juice. If you’re visiting the capital for the first time, take the opportunity to ask the concierge for recommendations on must-visit places during your stay. The hotel’s concierges are well-versed in the city and its attractions.
"If you're looking for a sure bet, with French luxury and refinement, then look no further: the Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche is the place for you.”
THE ROOMS
The Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche offers three types of rooms: Superior, Luxury, and Luxury Club, as well as four types of suites ranging from 78 to 200 square meters (the largest). The Opera Suite that we occupied during our stay is spacious and consists of a large living room with a sofa, a workspace, a minibar area with a coffee machine and tea service, a very comfortable large bedroom, and a spacious bathroom with a bathtub and Italian shower.
Our corner suite provided a perfect view, on one side overlooking the stunning Abu Dhabi Corniche with its turquoise waters, and on the other, a panoramic city view extending as far as the eye can see.
The ambiance and decoration of the rooms are typically Sofitel. The style is chic and contemporary, with modern black furniture and decor in shades of turquoise blue, midnight blue, and beige. The well-thought-out color combination contributes to relaxation and well-being during your stay.
The bathroom is very spacious with two sink areas and a large bathroom with a bathtub and integrated TV screen, allowing you to follow your favorite programs while taking a bath, along with an Italian-style shower that releases very fine jets of water, imitating a monsoon rain. The bathroom amenities in the suites are from the Hermes brand.
Included in the suite package, you can request your personal concierge to organize the bath ritual for you. We tried the experience. The bath ritual involves preparing a foamy bath in a relaxing setting with rose petals, candles, and bath oil. A truly relaxing and enjoyable experience.
The rooms feature the Sofitel MyBed bedding concept, developed in partnership with French experts, ensuring an excellent night’s sleep. Sofitel beds are a hallmark of the brand, and we confirm that we’ve never slept better than in these beds!
Leisure & Well-being
Our room granted us access to the hotel’s Club Millesime located on the 36th floor. The club is open every day from 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM. Included benefits comprise personalized concierge service, access to the lounge’s library of newspapers, books, magazines, and films, complimentary shoe shining and daily pressing, and access to the lounge on the 36th floor.
The lounge offers guests snacks throughout the day, such as light bites from noon to 3:00 PM, afternoon tea from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM, followed by an aperitif from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, and snacks from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. A selection of beverages and hot drinks is available all day in the lounge. Breakfast can also be enjoyed there.
The hotel features a tropical pool located on the upper floor as well as a fitness center. For parents, a kids club is available.
The hotel also offers a large recreational room including two large billiards tables, a foosball table, darts, and a space with sofas and a television.
The Sofitel’s recreational room has a bar serving non-alcoholic beverages and hot drinks. It’s accessible to all hotel guests.
The Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche is home to the So Spa, a franchise of the Accor group. The spa is open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM and offers a selection of treatments and massages. The spa menu is designed like a restaurant menu with appetizers, main courses, and desserts!
The two signature treatments are a facial treatment using the latest French facial care techniques and a full-body massage. We tried the facial treatment, which leaves you with a sensation of freshness and lightness once it’s done.
Other treatments on the spa menu include a body scrub, shoulder and neck massage, reflexology, Swedish and Balinese massages, foot massage, and even a special massage for pregnant women. Men are not left out, with a special treatment for them that starts with a back massage followed by a facial treatment.
The specialty of So Spa is its hammam. You can choose from several hammam rituals, including the traditional Moroccan hammam with olive oil soap, or the rose hammam ritual, or even the Turkish bath.
So Spa also offers spa and wellness packages for full or half days.
CULINARY EXPERIENCES
The Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche boasts six restaurants and bars.
Corniche
The all-day dining restaurant at Sofitel. It offers a French-style breakfast buffet, including a selection of French pastries, croissants, as well as a crepe station and a variety of freshly baked bread. For lunch and dinner, the restaurant features a buffet with North African, regional, and French cuisine influence.
Lobby Lounge Café
Located in the lobby, this chic spot is perfect for enjoying tea with a selection from the Dammann Frères brand, along with French pastries and macarons.
Silk & Spice
The Thai restaurant at the Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche offers traditional Thai cuisine with a modern twist.
Jazz & Fizz
This bar and cigar lounge serves a selection of drinks and cigars, accompanied by a live jazz band playing French, Latin, and Arabic
Grills@Chill’O
The pool bar at the Sofitel offering cocktails, juices, sorbets, shisha, and a menu of snacks served by the pool in a relaxing setting.
B…Easy
The hotel’s Italian restaurant serves contemporary cuisine in an authentic setting with a magnificent view of the waters of the Arabian Gulf’s Corniche.
FINAL VERDICT
We had a very pleasant time at the Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, thanks in part to the attentive and available staff 24 hours a day.
The hotel is located near many tourist points in the capital and major shopping centers. An ideal place to stay for those visiting the capital or on vacation in Abu Dhabi.
If you’re looking for a sure bet, with French luxury and refinement, then look no further: the Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche is the place for you.
CONTACT INFO
For more information, visit the Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche’s website: link.
