Emirates Palace

Overlooking its 0.8-mile (1.3-kilometer) private beach, Emirates Palace is a modern Arabian showstopper, with soaring arches, domes, and windows fronted by fountains and a gigantic staircase. The hotel measures just over a half-mile (1 kilometer) from wing to wing, and features vast halls; gold, crystal, and marble décor; Swarovski chandeliers; and 394 rooms and 92 suites.

Visitors not ready to splurge on a stay can experience the hotel in other ways: eating at an on-site hotel restaurant or booking a spa treatment. Many Abu Dhabi city tours include an exterior photo op or time to explore the hotel's public areas, while others include lunch at one of the restaurants.

• Emirates Palace is a must for luxury travelers, sightseers, and culture vultures.

• Experience the hotel on a photo op or brief visit on a wider city tour.

• Most communal areas are open to visitors, so you can view the interior independently.

• Dress code is smart-casual: Expect to be refused entry if wearing shorts, flip-flops, or open sandals.

• The hotel and grounds are wheelchair accessible.

There are several ways to reach Emirates Palace. Visitors can view the hotel on a guided Abu Dhabi tour, or catch a cab or self-drive to the entrance on the city’s West Corniche Road. Alternatively, several public buses run by the hotel—look for those heading to Al Marina and ask to hop off just before for a short walk to the gate.

Nonresidents can view the hotel’s communal areas free, any time. That said, it’s best to avoid weekends—Fridays and Saturdays—or during any big event, as the hotel may refuse entry if it’s busy. To ensure admission, you may want to reserve a table at a restaurant or the café.

To experience the opulence of Emirates Palace’s without staying there, pop in to enjoy its signature Palace Cappuccino, sprinkled with 24-carat gold flakes. Otherwise, up the luxury with an afternoon tea of scones, sandwiches, and dessert cakes with premium teas or coffees. Both are served at Le Café, and you’re advised to book ahead due to high demand.

Yes, nonresidents can visit the Emirates Palace. You can explore the hotel’s designated areas, book hotel tours, purchase beach passes, prebook restaurants and spa treatments, or join Abu Dhabi tours that include photo stops. Be aware that the hotel may sometimes deny access to visitors without reservations or tour tickets.

There's no obligatory overall dress code for the Emirates Palace, but male and female visitors are encouraged to dress modestly, with knees and shoulders covered, to respect local customs. Most of the hotel restaurants require smart-elegant attire, with men required to wear long pants and no shorts or beachwear allowed.

Yes, Emirates Palace has a private beach reached through its gardens. Under a mile in length (1.3 kilometers), this immaculate ribbon of white sand has multiple facilities, including sun loungers; watersports such as windsurfing, catamarans, kayaking; and a kids’ ocean water park. Beach day passes are available for nonresidents.

There are no specific Emirates Palace visiting hours. Nonresidents can usually explore the designated communal areas independently at any time. You can book the restaurants or spa and buy full-day beach and pool passes. Be aware that the hotel may sometimes deny entry to non-residents without a reservation or pass.

The best time to visit Emirates Palace is the morning, when the hotel is quietest. Try coming in for a gold-sprinkled cappuccino. Be aware that the hotel is busy on Friday afternoons, Saturdays, and Sundays. Evenings are also good for a visit: Book dinner to experience the hotel's nighttime glamor.

Yes, residents and nonresidents can take photos inside Emirates Palace using smartphones. However, it's best to avoid taking photos of other guests to respect their privacy. Nonresidents are also prohibited from taking pictures outside of designated all-access areas. Professional photography is only allowed with prior permission.