(This is part of a trip report to the South Pacific, flying Singapore Airlines and Etihad first class and Lufthansa business class home! This summer trip has a value of $33,996 and we paid $3,996 for all these flights/hotels plus lots of miles and points!)
When we arrived in Abu Dhabi, our chauffeur took us to the St. Regis. We could have used points to stay at this Starwood hotel, but prices are so inexpensive there in the summer, we paid for our two nights. It was great to get early check-in and here are some pictures of this amazing property!
I had read about the grand mosque and really wanted to visit, so I took a cab there. The design, architecture, and opulence of this $545 million building are unreal! It covers 30 acres and was finished in 2007, built by the late president of the UAE. More than 40,000 people can be accommodated inside and it has the world’s largest carpet, which weighs 35 tons! The chandeliers have millions of Swarovski crystals and the marble walls and floors are inlaid with floral designs made from mother of pearl. Take a look…
One day we went to the Emirates Palace for tea. It’s a luxury hotel which describes itself as, “Beyond five stars.”
Another day we went to the Hyatt Capital Gate, which leans eighteen degrees, AKA, the “Leaning Tower of Abu Dhabi.” We went to 18 Degrees, the Hyatt restaurant on the 18th floor. Later, we got a tour of the Hyatt hotel, which occupies floors 18-33. (That’s a lot of 18’s)!
Our third chauffeur ride was to the airport to experience the brand new Etihad First Class lounge before our last flight to Frankfurt! We had a complementary spa treatment and breakfast.
