Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi

This hotel offers a truly memorable experience, distinguished by its Arabic elegance and traditional design, providing a unique atmosphere that sets it apart from typical corporate styles. A signature feature is the enchanting Abra boat ride along the internal canals, offering picturesque views of the property and the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Guests consistently highlight the exceptional staff service, the hotel's overall cleanliness, and the spacious, comfortable accommodations. This destination is particularly well-suited for couples seeking a romantic and relaxing getaway, families looking for a welcoming environment with attentive staff, and sightseers keen to explore nearby cultural landmarks. To enhance your stay, consider taking the Abra boat ride in the evening for a magical experience and be sure to indulge in the hotel's highly praised breakfast buffet.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a comprehensive array of facilities designed for relaxation and enjoyment. Guests can choose from multiple pools, including a popular infinity pool, and enjoy direct access to a private beach, though some note the water quality can vary. A well-equipped fitness center is available for guests, and the spa offers a range of treatments with skilled therapists. The exclusive Horizon Club Lounge is frequently lauded for its serene ambiance, excellent service, and additional food and beverage offerings, making it a worthwhile upgrade for many. The unique Abra boat ride is a beloved amenity, providing a charming tour of the hotel's waterways. Additionally, valet parking is available, and guests appreciate the overall well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing shared spaces.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the cleanliness and spacious nature of the rooms, often describing them as tidy and well-maintained. Many rooms feature a balcony, offering delightful mosque view, waterfront view, or garden view options that enhance the overall experience. While most guests find the beds comfortable, some have noted that the mattresses can be uncomfortably firm. The bathrooms are generally described as spacious and well-designed, equipped with high-quality toiletries. However, a few guests have reported issues such as the absence of a coffee machine in the room, dirty curtains, or concerns about fungus in the bathroom, and some found the air conditioning to be excessively cold, leading to humidity.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience receives widespread acclaim, particularly the breakfast buffet, which is consistently praised for its immense variety, high quality, and extensive selection of international cuisines. The main restaurant, Sofra BLD, is a highlight, known for its lavish buffet and popular Saturday brunch. Guests also enjoy the offerings at the pool bar and the lobby lounge for lighter meals and snacks. While the overall food quality is described as excellent, some guests, particularly those with dietary restrictions, expressed significant disappointment regarding the vegetarian options, citing a lack of variety, limited quantity, and issues with replenishment during breakfast service. A few reviews also noted that the machine-dispensed coffee was below expectations.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a central location in a quiet part of the city, offering convenient access to key attractions. It provides stunning mosque view of the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which is just a short drive away, with a complimentary bus service available. Guests appreciate the proximity to the Al Qana marina, a vibrant area with restaurants, a cinema, and an aquarium, accessible via a pleasant walk. An adjoining souk offers additional shopping opportunities, though some guests found it to be quiet. The hotel is also conveniently located approximately 15 minutes from the airport by taxi. Valet parking is available for guests, and taxis are readily accessible, making it easy to explore the wider city.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receive overwhelming praise for their exceptional friendly staff, helpful, and attentive service. Guests frequently highlight the professional and accommodating nature of the team across all departments. The reception staff are commended for their warm welcome, quick check-in process, and willingness to facilitate suite upgrades and special requests. Housekeeping is noted for its attention to detail and prompt, often twice-daily, service. The pool staff are particularly appreciated for their attentiveness, providing cool towels and water. The concierge service is highly valued for assisting with local information and transportation. While most dining experiences are positive, a few guests reported instances of slow service in the restaurants.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several unique aspects and policies. The Abra boat ride is a complimentary and highly recommended experience for in-house guests, offering a unique perspective of the property. For those seeking enhanced amenities, the Horizon Club is frequently cited as a worthwhile upgrade, providing exclusive lounge access and services. The hotel is known for its thoughtful anniversary surprises and birthday surprises, often providing cakes and room decorations. However, there have been mixed experiences regarding the photography policy, with some guests encountering strict enforcement regarding professional cameras. While the hotel is planning renovation plans, some areas currently show signs of age. Feedback on sunbed availability around the pools is mixed, with some guests finding it challenging to secure a spot.