Hotels near Emirates Palace

Emirates Palace opened in 2005 as the UAE's grandest luxury hotel - 394 rooms across an 850-metre seafront crescent with 114 domes, 1002 chandeliers, and 200000 square metres of marble. Now operated as Mandarin Oriental, the palace remains open to the public for afternoon tea, restaurant visits, and the famous gold-flake cappuccino at the Le Cafe lobby cafe (the original gold-cappuccino is here, 70 AED).

Afternoon tea at Le Cafe 350 AED includes scones, finger sandwiches, and a tiered pastry stand. The hotel's manicured gardens, private beach, and 2 swimming pools are accessible with a day pass (350 AED). The Conservatory restaurant serves a popular lavish brunch on Fridays. Public viewing of the lobby is free; security checks bags at the entrance. Allow 90 minutes for a visit including tea.

Pro Tip: The Le Cafe gold cappuccino (real gold flake, 70 AED) is the most photographed Abu Dhabi luxury item - quicker and cheaper than afternoon tea if you just want the experience. Visit at 15:00 for both the cappuccino and the lobby photos.