Inside the F1 McLaren-Honda Suite at Hilton Abu Dhabi – in pictures

Those who decide to stay in and pass on the pool or the private beach across the road – yes, that’s how funky the suite is – can browse through the glossy, picture-filled coffee-table book McLaren: The Art of Racing, or thumb through a copy of the November issue of F1 Racing magazine, the cover of which sports a glorious close-up of the Fernando Alonso.

The suite isn’t crammed with all manner of merchandise, but is tastefully decorated with a curated collection of memorabilia on loan from the racing giants.

A three-tier glass cabinet (locked, of course) proudly holds a limited-edition reproduction of an F1 steering wheel, a racing helmet and an exquisite model of a racing car.

The extra sofa in the living room – which opens up into a decent-sized bed – is cosy, with a pile of cushions and a McLaren teddy bear, and can easily accommodate two children.

In the master bathroom, above the oversized bath, hang two plush towelling robes with “Alonso” and “Button” embroidered on the back in bold, black type. And no, you can’t take home any mementos. Housekeeping has a full inventory of every last, artistically arranged item.

A limited-edition reproduction of an F1 steering wheel.

Step into the McLaren-Honda Suite at the Hilton Abu Dhabi Al Khubeirah on the Corniche and you’ll find yourself automatically revving up for the Grand Prix weekend.

Words by Christine Iyer. All photos by Irene García León for The National