With one of the most-anticipated racing events of the Formula One season just three weeks away, it’s time to start locking down plans for your Abu Dhabi F1 weekend.
Taking place from Thursday, November 28 until Sunday, December 1, this year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix coincides with the National Day holidays so it could be the ideal pick for your long weekend entertainment.
If you’re flying in from overseas or travelling to Yas Island from Dubai, Sharjah or one of the other Northern Emirates, you’re going to need a place to rest your head after the racing action winds down. Even if you’re based in Abu Dhabi, a hotel stay can put you in the heart of the action and eliminate the need to organise transport to and from Yas Marina Circuit every day.
Many of the hotel rooms on Yas Island are already booked, but there are still some stays available and some last-minute deals to be had. If you’ve not purchased your ticket yet, take a look at the F1 Hotel packages that come with an overnight stay, circuit action and tickets to the after-race concerts.
On the island
W Abu Dhabi — Yas Island
Yas Island’s newest hotel is set to open just ahead of race day and the W Abu Dhabi is as close as fans can get for an overnight stay in the heart of the driving action. For the very best views, book a racetrack viewing room. There’s a minimum four-night stay policy in place over the Formula 1 weekend which will set you back Dh30,895. The rate includes breakfast and F1 passes for two, including tickets to all the after race concerts.
Centro Yas Island
Typically one of the best budget options on Yas Island, Centro Yas Island has race weekend rates starting from Dh2,100 per night, for a minimum of three nights. As well as having access to the dining and leisure options a Centro, you’ll also get use of facilities at its sister hotel, the Rotana Yas Island. That means you can pop next door to make use of the pool, gym or spa. The 24-hour C-deli is ideal for late-night cravings after a day of motor sport action.
Yas Island Rotana
The closest of Yas Island’s cluster of hotels to the racetrack, the Rotana Yas Island has rooms from Dh3,010 over race weekend, if you book a minimum three-night stay. This room-only rate includes complimentary transfers to Yas Island attractions and access to the kids club. If you want to make your stay more memorable, the hotel can also arrange F1 tickets and access to any of the concerts. The Y Bar constantly buzzes with activity during race weekend and Rangoli does great Indian food, if you’re looking for a spot to dine.
Radisson Blu Hotel
Check-in for three nights at Radisson Blu Hotel over race weekend for a fun time. The hotel is a popular socialising spot for F1 fans and it gets fairly busy with guests checking out the alfresco Filini Garden or lounging by the mangrove-lined swimming pools. There’s a minimum three-night stay policy in place for room rates which start from Dh2,770. Otherwise, book the F1 package and you’ll get breakfast included plus race access and concert tickets from Dh3,100 per room, per night.
Park Inn by Radisson Abu Dhabi, Yas Island
There’s a minimum four-night stay policy at the Park Inn by Radisson if you want to avail of the discounted Dh2,399 rate on F1 race weekend. If you’re just looking to book a one or two-night stay, there’s 35 per cent off the hotel’s F1 packages with rates starting from Dh2,780 per room, per night. This includes breakfast, access to the races and tickets to the after race concerts. The hotel has a playful vibe and is home to Mexican, Italian and Belgian eateries so you won’t be bored when it comes to dining options.
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
Another top-pick in the Yas cluster of hotels is the Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island which offers rooms with views over the Yas Links golf club and the Arabian Gulf. Try Jing Asia or Barouk for dinner options. Rates over the F1 weekend start from Dh2,800 per night inclusive of breakfast and a free room upgrade. You’ll need to book for a minimum of three nights to get this rate.
Nearby picks
Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa
If you don’t want to be in the thick of the action, the Anantara Eastern Mangroves is a good option and it’s only a 20-minute taxi ride from the circuit. The Ultimate Yas Race Weekend package gives guests two grandstand premium tickets for the race, as well as daily breakfast and 30 per cent off at the hotel bars and restaurants. After a day of motor sport action, you can unwind in the mangrove-backed swimming pool or visit the Anantara Spa where you’ll also get 30 per cent off any treatment. Rates start from Dhs7,499 for a three-night stay.
Marriott Hotel Al Forsan
If you want to get off the island, but keep the adrenaline-vibes going, book a room at the Marriott Al Forsan. Part of Al Forsan International Sports Resort in Khalifa City, you can replace race car action with wakeboarding, waterskiing or horse riding action and it’s also close to Abu Dhabi’s Grand Mosque if you want to squeeze in a visit. Rates start from Dh1,800 for room only with a minimum stay of three nights.
The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
Just behind Yas Island lies Saadiyat Island and The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort is the ideal place to stay if you’re looking to splurge. Not only does it overlook its own pristine beach, it has three outdoor swimming pools and an indoor lap pool to choose from. The Play Pause Repeat package starts from Dh4,067 (at the time of writing) and includes breakfast. Guest will also get VIP seating and welcome refreshments at Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi where live international acts Ash and DuoViolins will take to the decks.
Arriving by air or sea
Aerotel Abu Dhabi
Only for those flying in and out for the event, the hotel at Abu Dhabi International Airport is a good pick if you have an early flight or a late departure. You’ll have to pass through immigration before you check-in at the hotel which is located in Terminal 1. Rates over the F1 weekend start from Dh450 plus 5 per cent tax for double plus rooms for 12 hours.
Marina yacht berthing
If you’re planning to bring your own yacht to the race, you’ll have to act fast as there are only a small amount of track-view berths available at this stage. There’s a bespoke procedure for booking the berths, which comes via a one-on-one with Yas Marina’s sales experts. They’ll need to know more information on how big your boat is, what’s the entry access point, the electricity power and further details to determine the best berth spot for you.
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