Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi review: A luxury city escape with top-notch food offerings

Located in Al Maryah Island, the hotel features some of the UAE capital's best fine-dining restaurants

The lobby lounge of the Four Seasons Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island.

The Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi stands as a crown jewel of Al Maryah Island.

Perched along its shimmering waterfront since 2016, this sleek skyscraper features 200 rooms and a celebrated lobby lounge that's reportedly a magnet for the city's movers and shakers. It serves as both a gastronomic destination, with six in-house dining venues, and a haven for well-heeled shoppers, offering direct access to The Galleria Al Maryah Island, home to many leading designer brands.

However, look deeper beyond the gleaming facade and you'll find a property representing many of Abu Dhabi's timeless values. The contemporary architecture offers subtle nods to the emirate's pearl-diving heritage, while its strategic location – between the Abu Dhabi Global Market business hub and a leisure promenade – reflects the city's dual spirit as both a hospitable destination and trading centre.

The National checked in to experience what's on offer.

The welcome

The Canadian brand’s famed personal touch is evident the moment we arrive. I am greeted by name and asked if my journey from Dubai was comfortable – a thoughtful gesture made possible by the hotel’s booking process, which noted my point of origin. Without delay, I am escorted into the grand lobby, a stunning space with soaring ceilings and glittering chandeliers.

The pearl-white marble walls are adorned with artworks inspired by Emirati heritage, adding a touch of cultural elegance. After being welcomed with a chilled fruit juice and a refreshing towel, the check-in process is smooth and efficient, taking only about five minutes. A friendly staff member then guides me to my room, jovially pointing out the hotel’s standout features along the way, ensuring I feel at home from the very start.

The neighbourhood

Strategically located between downtown Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat Island, Al Maryah Island has evolved over the past two decades into a hub for business and wellness, anchored by the Abu Dhabi Global Market and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. It has also evolved to become an entertainment and leisure destination, with a promenade hosting renowned restaurants such as the Michelin-starred 99 Sushi and the Abu Dhabi outposts of stylish venues Zuma and Coya, while serving as a key venue for the city's New Year's Eve celebrations.

The room

With rooms spread across nine categories, the hotel can cater to both business travellers and families. I am in the Deluxe Four Seasons Executive Suite, a spacious and refined space blending sophistication with practicality. Powered curtains unfold floor-to-ceiling windows offering natural light and calming views of the Arabian Gulf. The interior exudes an understated elegance with its neutral grey carpets, plush cream couches, a dining table and a Herman Miller Desk Chair with fine wood finishes worthy of a writer's den. The coffee table books in the living room are also notable, including those dedicated to fashion house Dior and jewellery brand Cartier.

The plush king-sized bed is customisable, while storage is ample with well-lit spacious closets and a luggage bench. The sleek marble bathroom comes with double vanities, a deep soaking tub and separate rain shower, with toiletries supplied by Eau De Magnolia. Heated floors and soft white signature robes are guaranteed to make you feel comfortable at the beginning and end of the day. Heavy blackout curtains also ensure a restful night’s sleep.

The service

It takes a lot to make an opulent place feel like home, but Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi staff pull it off through their deft mix of welcome discretion and emotional intelligence. They are confident in recommending city tips, from the best places and times to land taxis across Al Maryah Island to personal favourites on the menu. By the second day, they had already anticipated the kind of quiet corner seat I preferred for breakfast, as well as asking if I would like the same coffee order. That sense of anticipation and initiative was encapsulated by the staff's friendly mantra heard throughout my stay: "How can I make your experience more special?"

The scene

While the Four Seasons has become a favourite spot for high-profile conferences, owing to its proximity to the Abu Dhabi Global Market, it has plenty to offer families and couples. There are two fitness centres for men and women, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water, in addition to a serene heated outdoor infinity pool and accompanying cabanas. The Pearl Spa and Wellness centre is home to a suite of signature services. My pick is the invigorating Arabian Oud Tension Relief Massage (Dh790 for 90 minutes), which combines Swedish and deep tissue techniques, along with the scent of Arabian oud.

The food

If you're looking for a one-stop destination to sample some of the best fine-dining the city has to offer, then Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi is a go-to. For breakfast, head to Crust on the first floor, which serves a healthy variety of morning treats a la carte, as well as from live cooking stations. The vanilla French toast, with orange sauce and mixed berries, is a particularly decadent way to begin the day. Those looking for healthier options can opt for the creamy overnight chia seed pudding and invigorating Energy Boost, a smoothie blending fresh ginger, strawberry, mango and pineapple.

Cafe Milano, a sister location to the famed branch in Washington DC, is an elegant option for lunch. Located on the lower ground floor, it boasts staff with rich knowledge of the regional and historical roots of their dishes. The burrata Versace (Dh130) was a treat, with the creamy cheese almost melting in my mouth, while the roasted heirloom cherry tomatoes had the right amount of sweetness. The La Scala pizza (Dh115) is also a standout, with its peppery arugula, bresaola, buffalo mozzarella and shaved Parmesan.

It was a relatively light meal because we were preparing ourselves for dinner at Butcher & Still, the hotel's 1920s Chicago-inspired steakhouse. Also located on the lower ground floor, the menu takes no prisoners in its approach to providing an uncompromisingly decadent meal. We opted for the hearty surf and turf (Dh690), a 225-gram Australian Wagyu Boneless Filet and a half Maine lobster, which is the best of both worlds when it comes to appreciating the restaurant's pedigree for high-quality products and grilling techniques.

Whatever you do, save some room for the cherry pie a la mode (Dh120). It is a rustic pie baked with chunky sweet and sour cherries, topped with a generous scoop of home-made vanilla ice-cream and caramel sauce – it is something I still dream about.

Highs and lows

The Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi's exemplary service and dining options guarantee you can spend a comfortable stay without venturing out of the hotel. However, those looking for a more resort-style getaway, away from the hustle and bustle of shoppers, should probably consider elsewhere.

The verdict

A brilliant and rejuvenating stay with impeccable service. By the time I bade farewell to the friendly staff, who all seemed to know me by name, I left with both my heart and stomach full.

The bottom line

Rates start at Dh2,655 for a deluxe room, inclusive of breakfast and daily access to Saadiyat Beach Club; excluding taxes. Check-in is from 3pm; check out is until noon.

This review was conducted at the invitation of the hotel. It reflects hotel standards during this time, services may change in the future