Jannah Burj Al Sarab, a stylish 18-story city hotel situated near the start of Abu Dhabi’s Corniche, provides a smooth and welcoming arrival experience. Guests are greeted with refreshing juice and a cool towel while the Karim service—a personalized butler—takes care of everything from check-in to unpacking your bags. While the hotel is dry throughout its public areas, you may have your own drinks in the privacy of your room. There’s a nice tea bar on the ground floor along with the main restaurant, but the big highlight is the remarkably attentive staff that takes special care to get every detail of your stay perfectly done.
Introducing the UAE’s Hidden Jewel of Abu Dhabi
Let’s face it—when hotels in the UAE come to mind, names like the Burj Al Arab or Atlantis The Palm are likely to spring to mind. But tucked away in the center of Abu Dhabi is a luxurious gem that tends to fly under the radar: Jannah Burj Al Sarab Hotel.
Regardless of whether you’re off on a business trip, family holiday, or a weekend getaway, this 5-star boutique hotel promises an amazing mix of ancient Arabian hospitality and contemporary chic at a price that won’t make your jaw drop in a hotel of this standing.
As a frequent guest in dozens of hotels throughout the Gulf, I can safely say that Jannah Burj Al Sarab is punching well above its weight. So, let’s get on with it and find out what makes this hotel stand out so much.
Where Is It, and Why Does Location Matter?
Location: Mina Street, Al Zahiyah (Tourist Club Area), Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Right in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s vibrant Al Zahiyah district, Jannah Burj Al Sarab puts you at the epicenter of the action:
- 10 minutes from Corniche Beach
- 5 minutes from Abu Dhabi Mall
- 30 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport
Easy proximity to business centers and travelers attractions
Whether you’re in the mood for a beach day, some shopping, or a business appointment downtown, everything’s at your doorstep.
What’s Around the Corner: Best Places Near Jannah Burj Al Sarab Hotel
With its central location in Abu Dhabi, Jannah Burj Al Sarab Hotel provides convenient access to some of the city’s most thrilling and varied attractions. Whether you’re an art lover, a fan of thrill rides, a nature walker, or a shopper, you’re just minutes from it all.
Saadiyat Island – A Cultural Haven
Only a short drive over the E12 highway, Saadiyat Island is a destination of choice for anyone who enjoys arts and culture.
It’s the home to:
- Louvre Abu Dhabi – where iconic and modern masterpieces unite under a work of architectural genius.
- Manarat Al Saadiyat – a gallery venue with temporary exhibitions, films, and workshops.
- Seaside vistas and peaceful waters—perfect for a serene day out.
- Saadiyat Beach Club – ideal for a posh beach day with dining, pools, and ocean views.
Yas Island – The Ultimate Entertainment District
Drive around 20 kilometers down the E12 and you’ll reach Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s entertainment hub, full of adrenaline and family entertainment.
You’ll discover:
- Ferrari World Abu Dhabi – where the world’s fastest roller coaster is calling your name.
- Yas Waterworld – one of the Middle East’s best water parks.
- Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi – where cartoon characters spring to life.
- Yas Marina Circuit – for those who love Formula 1 and driving.
- Yas Mall – shopping, eating, and cinema all in one place.
- Yas Bay Waterfront – fashionable restaurants, nightlife, and open-air atmosphere.
First Impressions: The Lobby Says It All
Upon entering the lobby, you are welcomed by chilly marble floors, soft lighting, and a lingering whiff of oud in the air. The staff, always smiling, reflect the notion of karam, or hospitality, that forms the core of Arabian culture.
Check-in is effortless due to their well-oiled front desk and “Karim” services (more about that later).
It doesn’t yell opulence in a gaudy manner. Rather, here the luxury is more subtle, more deliberate. It’s a place where a focus on detail is everything.
Rooms That Feel Like a Personal Sanctuary
Room Types:
- Deluxe Room
- Executive Room
- One-Bedroom Suite
- Family Connecting Rooms
We were lucky to be upgraded for free to the presidential suite at Jannah Burj Al Sarab during our family visit. This huge suite, occupying almost a quarter of the floor, had two large bedrooms, two bathrooms, dining area, study room, spacious living area, and a fully furnished kitchen. Even the regular suites we saw were remarkably spacious. My son soon made the study his own space, while my daughter took over the dining room as her own little space. The twin bedroom was shared by the kids, and my wife and I had the grand master bedroom with a king-sized bed to ourselves.
Every bedroom contained a contemporary bathroom with rainforest shower and bathtub, so mornings for all of us were easy to manage. The kitchenette off the living room, also part of standard suites, was a wonderful extra—particularly for families or extended stays. The suite itself was really spacious and well planned, and the warm atmosphere really made us feel home throughout our stay.
Dining Choices: From In-Between Meals to Gourmet Treat
Though Jannah Burj Al Sarab isn’t a massive resort with 10 restaurants, what it does have is quantity turns to quality.
The Restaurant Scene:
1. The Dining Room
The signature restaurant of the hotel dishes out an eclectic buffet breakfast (and à la carte lunch and dinner). Prepare for anything from freshly made Middle Eastern mezze to order-a-banquet omelets.
2. Lobby Lounge
Perfect for business meetings or just a fast cappuccino and people-watching. Try their Arabic coffee and dates—it’s tradition!
3. In-Room Dining
24/7, and reasonably priced. I had lamb mandi at 2 AM after a red-eye flight, and it was just what I needed.
Pricing and Booking Tips
Prices are seasonal, but you can expect the following generally:
- Weeknight stays: AED 300–500 ($80–135 USD)
- Peak season (Nov–Feb): AED 500–700+
- Best bargains: Book directly on the hotel’s website or reputable sites such as Booking.com
Tip: Join the Jannah Hotels loyalty program. It usually comes with early check-in/late check-out benefits and room upgrades
Amenities: Little Details, Great Convenience
Fitness & Wellness
- State-of-the-art rooftop gym with city views
- Spa treatments on demand
- Sauna and steam room
Business-Friendly Amenities
- Executive meeting rooms
- Super-speed Wi-Fi
- Concierge assistance for bookings and events
Rooftop Pool
The rooftop infinity pool isn’t Olympic-sized, but it’s great for a refreshing splash with a view of the city skyline.
What Do Other Travelers Say?
Based on TripAdvisor and Booking.com as of early 2025:
- Rating: 8.7/10 average
- Most praised for: Staff professionalism, Wi-Fi speed, Cleanliness
- Common feedback: “A great combination of value and luxury”
- Critiques: “Breakfast options could use more variety,” and “Too small for lap swimming is pool”
Final Verdict: Is Jannah Burj Al Sarab Worth Staying At?
If you want a spot that offers convenience, comfort, and class in harmony, Jannah Burj Al Sarab is an easy choice. It doesn’t aim to be flashy—it just excels at the basics, and adds all of that with warm Emirati hospitality.
Ideal for business trips, city breaks, or even a staycation, it’s the type of destination that has you feeling refreshed, appreciated, and perhaps even a little bit pampered.
Practical Takeaway
The next time you are in Abu Dhabi and crave something more local than a cookie-cutter hotel chain but still with five-star amenities—Jannah Burj Al Sarab is every dirham well spent.
Travel light, anticipate the best, and leave everything to the Karim service.
