The world's most expensive hotel to build — AED 22 billion of gold leaf, marble, and excess. And yes, you can visit for a coffee without booking a room.
Emirates Palace opened in 2005 and at AED 22 billion (USD 6 billion), it remains the most expensive hotel ever built. The design draws on traditional Arabian palace architecture — arching domes, vast corridors, and gold leaf applied to almost every surface. 394 rooms and suites spread across a 1km beachfront site.
The hotel is managed by Mandarin Oriental (since 2023, previously by Kempinski). What makes it unique is that non-guests can dine, have coffee, and explore the public areas without booking a room — making it accessible to any visitor to Abu Dhabi.
The famous gold cappuccino (AED 65) is served here. The most photographed cup of coffee in the world — regular espresso topped with 24-karat edible gold flakes. Worth every dirham.
Non-guests can walk through the spectacular main lobby, galleries, and corridors. The gold leaf, chandeliers, and marble are genuinely extraordinary — allow 30-45 minutes just for exploring.
Multiple restaurants open to non-guests. Hakkasan (Cantonese fine dining, AED 300-600), Le Vendome (French brasserie, AED 150-250), and Sayad (seafood, AED 200-400).
Guests have access to a 1km private beach with calm Arabian Gulf waters. Day passes may be available for non-guests — inquire directly with the hotel.
| Room Category | From | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Guest Room | AED 1,500/night | 90-120sqm, garden or sea view |
| Khaleej Suite | AED 4,000/night | 300sqm, Arabian Gulf views |
| Palace Suite | AED 15,000/night | Multiple rooms, butler, terrace |
| Royal Palace Suite | AED 50,000+/night | Grand ballroom suite, full staff |
Best non-guest experience: Book afternoon tea at the Majlis Lounge (AED 150-200 per person, includes gold cappuccino, pastries and sandwiches). The hour you spend exploring this extraordinary space makes for a perfect Abu Dhabi afternoon.
Yes — non-guests are welcome to dine at the hotel's restaurants, have coffee at the Majlis Lounge, and walk through the public areas. There is no charge to enter and explore. Restaurants and the Majlis Lounge do require food/drink orders.
Classic rooms start from approximately AED 1,500-2,000 per night. Suites range from AED 4,000-50,000. The price varies significantly by season — summer (Jun-Aug) rates can be 40-50% lower. Check mandarin oriental.com/emirates-palace for current rates.
The Emirates Palace Cappuccino (AED 65) is a regular espresso cappuccino topped with 24-karat edible gold leaf flakes — applied at the table for full theatrical effect. It tastes like a normal cappuccino but is one of the world's most Instagrammed drinks. Available at the Majlis Lounge.
Definitely — even for non-guests. An afternoon exploring the palace corridors and having the gold cappuccino gives you a genuine sense of the UAE's extraordinary ambition and wealth. It is genuinely one of the world's most impressive buildings, inside and out.
Emirates Palace is at the western end of the Abu Dhabi Corniche. Taxi from Abu Dhabi city centre: AED 15-25, 10-15 minutes. From Dubai by car: 1.5 hours via E11, follow Corniche Road west. Free parking on site. Rideshares (Careem/Uber) are available in Abu Dhabi.
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