Hotel Review: Radisson Blu Yas Island
There is rarely a week that goes by I don’t pass by a Radisson Blu and wish I was staying there at that moment. With so many popping up all over the world, even in some pretty remote places, I’ll always be down to try another location and that is just what I did in Abu Dhabi a couple weeks ago when I tried out the Radisson Blu Yas Island for a quick weekend getaway from my hectic life in Dubai.
Just an hour or so south, Abu Dhabi offers a ton of entertainment, dining and relaxation options many rarely experience as they stick to Dubai and dare not venture outside of the glitz and the glamour. Settled right on a beautiful golf course and right by the coast, the Yas Island location is not only in a scenic and serene setting, it is just steps from Ferrari World, one of the biggest attractions that Abu Dhabi has to offer.
The hotel boasts an impressive lobby, a delicious restaurant with plush outdoor seating, a massive pool area and to top it off, an amazing Belgian Beer Cafe, which I was ecstatic to find – you’d be surprised how hard it is to find a good dark beer in Dubai!
The rooms are light, airy and offer huge balconies overlooking the golf course and pool area. With cast views the area is notably more silent, a welcome relief from busy city life. Rarely did I think how close I was to Dubai, I felt like I was miles away laying in the pool with a cold drink in my hand.
As with all Radisson Blu hotels, the buffet options are absolutely world class, especially their ‘super breakfast’ which rivals any breakfast spread you have ever witnessed. That paired with the available late checkout, always friendly staff and stunning views made the short overnight trip feel like an entire week.
After prying myself away from the scenery and beer cafe it was an easy jump over to the Grand Mosque, one of the most truly stunning buildings I have ever witnessed – even more so than the Taj Mahal. If you are ever in Abu Dhabi forget Ferrari World and head for the mosque, it is well, well worth it – and if you need a comfy place to stay you know where I’ll be.