“Balancing luxury and lifestyles, EDITION marries innovative design with vibrant food, beverage and entertainment experiences.” Marriott Hotels
Part of the prestigious Marriott Distinctive Luxury collection, The Abu Dhabi EDITION has changed Abu Dhabi’s hotel scene forever with its chic interior, impeccable service and exciting dining and nightlife options. Located downtown at the waterfront of the redeveloped Al Bateen marina, this contemporary boutique style hotel, which opened in November 2018, has already attracted a lot of worthy attention.
Part of the globally renowned EDITION Hotel group, The Abu Dhabi EDITION has nine sister boutique properties in London, Miami Beach, New York, Sanya, Bodrum, Barcelona, Shanghai, Times Square and West Hollywood. The vision of Ian Schrager, long time hotelier and co-founder of the iconic nightclub Studio 54, each EDITION hotel embraces the culture of their locale, a modern interpretation of that particular city combining regional influence with the underlying aesthetics of the brand.
There are 198 guest rooms and suites spread over five floors as well as 57 serviced apartments. We stayed in a spacious marina view superior suite, a sanctuary of calm and modern design with a neutral, desert coloured interior offset by grey oak timber floors with a separate living room, dining area, bedroom, two balconies and bathroom. The extremely comfortable king size bed draped with soft throws guarantees a good night’s sleep. The large glass fronted white marble bathroom with a modern freestanding bath, double sinks, walk-in shower, separate toilet and bespoke Le Labo toiletries is a haven of luxury.
Two-Michelin starred British celebrity chef Tom Aikens is the culinary master behind the three signature restaurants, each one a destination in its own right with different cuisine and decor. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available at Market, the informal, health conscious, plant filled restaurant that offers a menu packed with fresh and organic dishes. Enjoy watching the chefs at work at the live cooking stations or dine outside on the terrace overlooking the marina. The avocado on toast and banana bread are worth the visit alone.
Mediterranean flavours are offered at Alba Terrace, the warmly lit classy restaurant with a lush, plant filled terrace with outdoor pavilions or sunken tables surrounded by water. This is the spot to enjoy an Aperol Spritz from the brass clad aperitif and some tasty, Italian inspired cuisine from the extensive sharing menu. A relaxed Friday Brunch is served here from 12:30pm – 8:00pm offering a menu of sharing dishes such as the charcuterie board, burrata cheese trolley, seafood risotto, truffle pizza and desserts such as coffee pannacotta and gelato. We enjoyed an alfresco dinner with a selection of dishes including aubergine parmigiana, risotto verde, 30-hour Spanish lamb shoulder and raspberry sable.
The Oak Room is a warm and elegant place to dine, a low lit space with the largest light pendant I’ve ever seen. The walls are adorned with photos of British music legends and Bowie, The Beatles and The Clash were on the playlist while we dined much to the other half’s delight. The restaurant boasts two sommeliers, the regular wine kind along with Charlie Grainger, a trained butcher come meat sommelier who is a subject matter expert and has his own glass meat room inside the restaurant.
The large menu has, as expected, copious options for carnivores, steak fans are spoilt for choice but it’s lacking on the vegetarian front. Must tries alongside the obvious include the homemade sourdough bread served with the delight that is marmite butter and the array of British inspired desserts. Service is on point, the perfect combo of friendly yet efficient, the wine list is extensive and includes the Coravin wine system (read more about that HERE) and diners opting for steak can choose their own knife. Their quintessential weekend roast is definitely on my radar.
The Library bar is hidden behind floor-to-ceiling curtains, a craft gin establishment with a distinctly British feel, an elegant and comfortable spot to relax pre and post dinner with its floor-to-ceiling literary inspired gallery wall and excellent service. Annex Abu Dhabi, the standalone three-storey social space offers a rooftop bar, lounge bar and nightclub with state of the art sound system and a programme of live DJ’s and events.
The EDITION Spa has seven treatment rooms with a couples room, hamman and it’s also the first and only spa in the region to offer Himalayan Sound Therapy (read more about our couples massage and sound therapy treatment HERE). Other facilities include an outdoor pool with loungers, cabanas and pool bar, hair salons and a fitness centre with marina views.
The spacious, plant and lantern filled Lobby is a social gathering space with a large kinetic art installation suspended over various seating areas and a pool table. The Market coffee bar offers a selection of drinks and grab and go options, afternoon tea is also served here alongside signature cocktails and fresh juices. The lesser known fifth floor lobby area offers a place to chill out or catch up on work with it’s communal desk and power points.
Staying at the Abu Dhabi EDITION is a unique experience, a sophisticated hotel with contemporary interiors and design, offering top notch dining, exemplary service and entertainment options.
The Nitty Gritty
The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen Marina, Abu Dhabi
Telephone: 02 208 0000
Website: www.editionhotels.com/abu-dhabi/
Check-in: 3:00pm
Check-out: 12 noon
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The Good…
Spacious, modern and luxurious accommodation
Marina views
Excellent dining options
Modern spa with great selection of treatments
Free & fast wifi
The Not so Good…..
No plugs near mirrors for convenience
Not enough vegetarian options at the Oak Room
Read more about The Abu Dhabi EDITION in previous posts HERE
Read more about The Abu Dhabi EDITION Spa in previous posts HERE
We booked our stay through Marriott Bonvoy. Dinner at Alba Terrace and the couples massage were gifted by the hotel. All views are my own based on my experience. Unless otherwise stated all photos © Jo Brett 2019. All rights reserved. Additional photos used with courtesy of www.editionhotels.com/abu-dhabi/
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