Waldorf Astoria is continuing to grow its luxury portfolio, with plans for a fourth Waldorf Astoria property in the United Arab Emirates.
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Basics of the Waldorf Astoria Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s former Anantara property is set to become a Waldorf Astoria, after a transformation. However, as of now the timeline for the property opening hasn’t been announced, which usually isn’t a good sign, if you’re hoping for something to open in the near future.
While Abu Dhabi already has a lot of luxury properties, what makes this unique is that it’s a short distance from Mangrove National Park, which is a pretty cool area. It’s home to 60 bird species, and wildlife like turtles, dolphins, and more. There are all kinds of cool outdoor activities here, from kayaking to boating. The property is still close to many of Abu Dhabi’s other attractions, from Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre, etc.
The Waldorf Astoria is expected to feature 167 rooms and suites. When it comes to amenities, the resort will have three pools (one for adults, one for families, and one for kids), a fitness club, and a spa. As far as dining goes, the property will boast a brasserie, a rooftop specialty restaurant, a pool lounge, and Waldorf Astoria’s signature Peacock Alley lobby bar.
For those curious, below is a promotional video about the old Anantara, to give you a sense of the location and layout. However, the renderings of the Waldorf Astoria look drastically different, including the “bones” of the structure, so I’m curious just how big of a refresh this property is undergoing.
Hilton’s presence in Abu Dhabi is growing nicely!
Hilton’s growth in the luxury sector around the globe is impressive in general. In terms of the Waldorf Astoria portfolio in the UAE, this will be the fourth property, after the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre, and, the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah.
When it comes to Hilton’s footprint in Abu Dhabi, the brand has lagged the competition a bit with luxury options, but that’s slowly changing. In 2020, we saw Jumeirah at Etihad Towers rebranded as a Conrad, marking the first real Hilton luxury property in the city.
In 2022, plans were also announced for a Hilton LXR property on Al Nawras Island. This island resort is supposed to feature 80 accommodations, including some overwater villas. The plan was for it to open in 2023, but I haven’t heard a single update since then, and there are no signs of the resort opening. Does anyone know what happened? Is it just delayed, or have the plans changed altogether?
Bottom line
A Waldorf Astoria is expected to open in Abu Dhabi, overlooking Mangrove National Park. The property represents a conversion of the former Anantara, and it’s nice to see Hilton’s luxury portfolio in the city grow. Now the big question is just when the hotel will actually open…
What do you make of the upcoming Waldorf Astoria Abu Dhabi?
Agreed - Hilton doing great things int he UAE. Nice to see.
Hi Ben this is Ahmed a local citizen of Abu Dhabi the hotel is across the street of my home
Comment :
There is no structural change in the building its the same one anantara is using + the extension previously it was residential the rendering look exactly like the residential building attached to anantara hotel
I am not able to upload the image of the entrance to gave a reference
The road to Mangrove Nat’l Park was unfortunately closed when I was there last