The best places to stay on Yas Island and in Abu Dhabi for F1 fans attending the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit
- The 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is on December 6-8
- Support F1Destinations by reserving your accommodation via Booking.com
- Accommodation & circuit transfers can be added to F1 Experiences Ticket Packages
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If budget is no issue, the best places to stay for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix are on Yas Island, within walking distance of the circuit (or inside the circuit, in the case of the Yas Hotel Abu Dhabi!) The next best option is to stay at one of the many fine hotels in the centre of Abu Dhabi; the best are close to the Corniche beachside boulevard.
Budget options are limited in Abu Dhabi and accommodation prices are high when compared to most Grands Prix. There are no hostels and the offer from airbnb is not so large, so you will need to go for a hotel (or aparthotel). If you don’t mind staying further afield, Dubai is also worth considering for a much larger range of accommodation at cheaper prices but the 2-hour commute each way needs to be taken into account.
Please be aware that hotel prices in the UAE are normally quoted without 6% city tax, and that most hotels also charge an additional 10% service charge, to be paid at the hotel.
Where to Stay on Yas Island
Yas Island is home to several luxury hotels, including the iconic W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island within the circuit complex. Not surprisingly, this hotel is in high demand on Grand Prix weekend, prices are high and you will need to book almost one year in advance to secure a room. One note of caution – some rooms at the W facing the marina can be very loud due to the all-night yacht parties taking place on Grand Prix weekend. The W Abu Dhabi offers everything you would expect from a world-class 5-star hotel, spread across two distinct buildings bordering the race action itself. Garage is a restaurant offering all kinds of fusion cuisine, while the W Lounge showcases top tunes from the coolest DJs, and the Wet Deck provides the opportunity to take in the sunset at the pool with the perfect musical soundtrack.
The cheapest option on Yas Marina itself is the Centro Yas Island-by Rotana. It’s next to a beach, and only a ten-minute walk from the circuit. The hotel offers services you’d expect of a premium purchase, such as babysitting and childcare for an additional charge, free shuttles to take you to nearby attractions, and 24-hour room service. Meanwhile, there’s also the reliable Park Inn franchise, whose Park Inn Radisson Yas Island is just a few minutes’ walk from the circuit, and features a large outdoor swimming pool. Some of the well-appointed rooms offer circuit views.
Accommodation & Circuit Transfers Available With F1 Experiences Ticket Packages
Hotel rooms are available at selected hotels for guests who purchase an Official Ticket Packages with F1 Experiences. Currently available for 2024 are rooms at the Centro Yas Island-by Rotana (walking distance to the circuit) and Novotel Abu Dhabi Al Bustan (daily circuit transfers available).
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Where to Stay in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is now one of the world’s top tourist destinations, as well as hosting millions of tourists each year who pass through the emirate’s ultra-modern airport on their way between the hemispheres. There’s no shortage of luxury hotels in Abu Dhabi, including all the big global brands.
One of the very best is the Anantara Eastern Mangroves, a highly-rated 5-star hotel with huge rooms and nice views. A deluxe room with a balcony will cost you from €380 per night. You’ll never tire of the view, which overlooks the Eastern Mangrove National Park on the coast. Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers makes up part of the spectacular Etihad Towers complex, with amazing views of the Arabian Gulf. The circuit is 35 minutes’ drive away. If you’re looking for somewhere secluded, with a private beach, Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri is a great choice. It’s 23 minutes’ drive along the E10 and E12 highways.
For those who want to stay in less costly accommodation in Abu Dhabi, there are some options available. Phoenix Plaza features good-standard studio apartments, in a central location close to bars and restaurants. As this is a hotel apartment, there is no catering, but you do get a kitchenette, washing machine, microwave, and all other amenities you’d expect from, say, a premium AirBnb. It’s 25 minutes’ drive to the circuit, along the E10. The Al Diar Dana hotel offers admirable value for money. Meanwhile the Grand Mercure Abu Dhabi gives you the trust and certainty of a global brand hotel with a good selection of standard and superior double rooms at reasonable prices on race weekend.
Where to Stay in Dubai
Dubai is the more famous and visited of the two most-populated emirates. It is around 100km from the circuit at Yas Marina. If you are willing to put up with a two-hour trip to and from the circuit each day, then Dubai has more accommodation to choose from, and prices are cheaper (comparatively) on Grand Prix weekend. There is also arguably more to do in Dubai, and it can be a better base if you have plans to stay in the Emirates before or after the race.
For those in the market for an excellent hotel at a price that isn’t among the highest in Dubai, the First Collection Jumeirah Village Circle is rated highly for the quality of its rooms and service, winning the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice award 2022. Situated right in the middle of Jumeirah Village Circle, you’ll have wonderful views of the coast and Palm Jumeirah from your window. It’s just over an hour’s drive to Yas Marina.
Nearby, but several steps up in terms of luxury, is the Radisson Beach Resort Palm Jumeirah, where you can expect to pay high prices during race week, but in return you get copper-plated brand-name certainty, and facilities such as an outdoor swimming pool, three kinds of breakfast served every morning, and one of the best fitness centers at any of the local hotels. Again, you can reach Yas Marina in little more than an hour from here.
For a more inexpensive option, take a look at TRYP by Wyndham Dubai, which is in Barsha Heights, walking distance from Jumeirah Beach. There is high-speed WiFi in every room, and an outdoor pool with sun loungers so you can relax after a long day’s racing. All Dubai locations are accessible from the circuit using the E11 highway which stretches across the desert between the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. It’s a stress-free route, with clear driving on most days, and plenty of gas and charging stations along the way if needed.
G,day Andrew,
hoping you can give me some tips ,we are travelling to the Abu Dhabi F1 this year(2017).
We will be travelling with a party of3-6 people,sorry No.not finalised yet.Looking to stay at least 8 nights.
Good Hotel or Apartments,reasonably priced,good track seating.
All the party are males.
Thanks Eric
Adelaide South Aust.
Hi Eric!
The trackside hotels are a bit on the expensive side, so go for something in the center of Abu Dhabi, near the beach (Corniche). Decent double rooms can be had from $150-200 AUD per night. Apartments are also worth considering if you want to stay together and save some cash. Consider also spending a few nights in Dubai to see the sights there. As for tickets, don’t go for the Abu Dhabi hill (I found it disappointing). Consensus seems to be that the best is the West Grandstand – it sells out well in advance, so don’t delay buying when tickets go on sale. Enjoy!
Has the Saudi Arabian F1 canceled for 2021 ? Can you buy tickets ??How much are they ???Where is a good place to stay ???? Can you get a room with a view of the track ?????
Hi David, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is going ahead on December 3-5. At this stage, grandstand tickets are not yet available – but we expect sales to begin either later in June or in July. The race takes place near the Corniche in Jeddah, next to the beach. I really don’t know yet if there are hotel rooms which will be overlooking the track, but it’s possible. We are still waiting for proper track map and more information about the event.
Hi Andrew
I’ve read a few articles that mention staying outside of Yas island can have you sitting in hours of traffic trying to get to the circuit. Does it matter how far out/not from the circuit you stay because traffic will be congested closer to the circuit anyway?
What areas would be good for general access to everything
Hi Angelique, this really hasn’t been my experience attending the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. It was never a problem driving to and from the circuit – when staying in Abu Dhabi. Maybe it was worse last year, or coming from Dubai. But in general, most parts of Abu Dhabi should be ok for getting to the circuit. Perhaps the best place would be somewhere between the Corniche and Yas Island.
If you stay to the south or west of the circuit is there an entrance on that side? In the area of the Hilton or the Raddison? You recommend the west grandstand?
Yes there are entrances to the circuit on the south and west sides. In fact, each grandstand area has it’s own entrance. Yes, West has really good views. North also good, and closer to the concerts.