Howard Johnson by Wyndham Abu Dhabi

This hotel offers a central and vibrant stay in Abu Dhabi, characterized by its spacious rooms and convenient access to city attractions. Its unique feature is the presence of in-house clubs and bars, providing a lively atmosphere for guests. The hotel is well-suited for sightseers and business travelers due to its prime location, and for socializers or party-goers who appreciate on-site entertainment. Many guests also find it a good value for budget-conscious travelers. While the staff generally receives praise for their helpfulness, some guests note significant noise from the clubs, especially on lower floors. To ensure a more peaceful experience, it is advisable to request a room on a higher floor away from the entertainment venues, and be aware of the limited on-site parking options.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests find the hotel's amenities to be comprehensive, with many appreciating the provision of complimentary water bottles and a fruit basket upon arrival. While some rooms include a kettle, a few guests noted issues with its cleanliness. The safe in rooms was sometimes reported as non-operational, and some power outlets were not universal, lacking adapters. The air conditioning system received mixed feedback, with some finding it too cold and others reporting it not fully functional. Wi-Fi coverage was a concern for some, indicating inconsistent connectivity. A standout feature is the highly praised Apple Tree Spa, offering rejuvenating experiences. The hotel also provides ice machines for guest convenience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel rooms are generally described as spacious and clean, with many guests highlighting the comfortable beds and fresh towels. However, feedback on cleanliness is mixed, as some guests reported dirty floors and unclean bathrooms, including issues with bad smells and dripping ceilings. A significant concern for a number of guests was the presence of cockroaches in rooms, which negatively impacted their sense of comfort and security. Noise levels are a recurring issue, with loud music from the in-house clubs on upper floors and street traffic audible, making it difficult for some to sleep. Some rooms feature sealed windows, preventing fresh air circulation, and bright exit lights were noted as disruptive.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on dining experiences is varied. Many guests found the general food offerings to be tasty and affordable, particularly praising the in-house Indian restaurant for its excellent quality. However, the breakfast received mixed reviews; while some considered it good value, others found the selection to be poor, lacking variety, and noted that the coffee was often instant. Some guests felt the food options were too focused on Indian/Oriental cuisine, desiring more universal choices. The breakfast is typically not complimentary, which some guests found disappointing given the cost. There were also suggestions for better kitchen maintenance and a wider range of vegetarian options.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a central location in the heart of Abu Dhabi, which is consistently highlighted as a major advantage. Guests appreciate its proximity to various attractions, including the Corniche, numerous shops, and diverse restaurants. The hotel's position allows for easy taxi access and is conveniently located near bus stations, facilitating travel around the city and to the airport. This makes it an ideal base for exploring the vibrant district. However, a significant and frequently mentioned drawback is the lack of dedicated parking facilities for guests. Finding parking, especially after 9 PM, can be very challenging due to limited public and residential parking options in the surrounding area.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff generally receives positive feedback for being accommodating, friendly, polite, and helpful. Guests often commend their responsiveness to requests and the efficiency of the quick check-in and check-out processes. Many appreciate the staff's willingness to approve late check-outs and their thoughtful gestures, such as providing wake-up calls. However, there are notable instances of highly negative experiences, with some guests reporting rude staff behavior, particularly from certain managers and security personnel at the in-house bars. Some guests also felt a perceived bias in service, and a lack of assistance with luggage was mentioned. Housekeeping was sometimes criticized for providing excuses regarding bed sheet changes.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of certain operational aspects that may impact their stay. Some experienced issues with the key card system upon arrival, requiring staff assistance to access their rooms. There were instances where pest control was carried out during guest stays, sometimes disrupting privacy by ignoring "Do Not Disturb" signs. The hotel has a policy of changing bed sheets every two days, which some guests found inconvenient. While the hotel features multiple clubs and bars, some guests reported issues beyond just noise, including concerns about crowd control and the behavior of bar management, leading to unpleasant interactions. Some rooms also had TVs that would turn on unexpectedly.