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JUMEIRAH AT ETIHAD TOWERS

Reviewed by Francis X. Gallagher

Arrival/Check-In: After a day of
meetings in Dubai, we drove to Abu Dhabi
to complete our journey in the U.A.E. I’d
stayed at the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers
twice before, the first time during the first
month it was open. I find the property
friendly and constantly evolving to suit the
tastes of its guests. When we arrived, my
driver could not open the trunk to retrieve
our luggage; we all tugged, to no avail. I
chatted with the doorman, and we thought
it might be the valet lock in the glove
compartment. Eureka! This was the issue,
and we were soon off and running. The
doorman and I became fast friends, smiling
at each other as I arrived and departed.
The lobby is grand, offering options for
relaxing, including the Lobby Lounge
and Lobby Bar. Check-in was swift, and
the friendly team asked if I needed help
or guidance, which I politely refused and
retired to my room. TOP TAKEAWAYS:

Guest Quarters: I was in room 4303, with sweeping views of the ◆ Don’t miss the super
beach club below and the warm waters. A great deal of construction happy hour at Ray’s Bar.
was still taking place below, with several peninsulas dotted with luxury
homes. ◆ I loved the Irish
A long entrance hallway included a built-in closet and a minibar, beef at Ray’s Grill.
coffee station and safe for valuables. I noted a wooden box contained
a powerful hair dryer — not that I planned to use it, but this is a key ◆ Location, location,
item with my team. To the left, a large bathroom decorated with location — across the
lovely gray-veined marble contrasted with white marble offered all street from the Emir-
the required amenities, including Jumeirah-branded shampoos and ates Palace where you
conditioners. A large white soaking tub stood to the left, and a separate can enjoy a 24K gold-
massive shower was at the back next to a door for the commode and States, Australia and New Zealand. The team crafts a specially milled topped cappuccino.
bidet. salt/spice at the table, and you can select from a variety of sauces.
The bedroom was functional. A nicely appointed built-in desk I was particularly fond of the steak knife selection, all different sizes JUMEIRAH AT
sat to the right, where I immediately set up shop and conveniently and handles. We enjoyed the meal with a tasty red wine, Carm, from ETIHAD TOWERS
hooked up all my electronics. Large floor-to-ceiling windows offered Portugal’s Douro region. Every night the staff selects one table for a Etihad Towers
a spectacular view with a Modernist chaise in front along with a small complimentary dinner. Out came the team chanting, “Cut the check” West Corniche
table and chair for dining. A flat-screen TV hung on the wall at the far and offered me the bill to slice in half! We felt like we had new friends Abu Dhabi
PHOTOS: © JUMEIRAH AT ETIHAD TOWERS motif on the center of the duvet signified the property’s environmental lobby on the ground floor. We had a lovely table and ordered some of jumeirah.com
left; it could have been a little larger. An extremely comfortable king-
and, of course, left a generous tip.
United Arab Emirates
sized bed offered luxurious sleeping with a finely made duvet. A turtle
We also tried Tori No Su, a Japanese restaurant across from the
tel 971 2 811 5555
awareness.
the best sashimi, nori and rolls and again found a team that combined
a great mind for service with a fantastic sense of humor. I recommend
either restaurant as some of the best in Abu Dhabi. The property’s
Services/Amenities: I cannot say enough about Ray’s Bar,
dining options also include Italian, Lebanese and the wonderful
boasting wonderful bartenders, and Ray’s Grill. The Grill chef offers
prime cuts of beef from all over the world: Ireland, Italy, the United
breakfast at Rosewater.
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