Yas Island, without a doubt, is a must-visit tourist destination. It is home to the Yas Marina Circuit, the wet and wild Yas Waterworld and the fastest rollercoaster on the planet — the Formula Rossa at Ferrari World.
With several memorable things to do on the island, it is highly likely you would remember a hotel stay here. Park Inn by Radisson is proof of that.
The property has always been the coolest party hotel. Having stayed at the venue and the others on the island a handful of times in the past, there’s just something about the Park Inn. It’s a bit more affordable than the rest, it shares facilities with its neighbour the Radisson Blu, and it is home to the fun Acapulco Friday brunch at Mexican restaurant Amerigos, which goes by the catchphrase #FiestaNoSiesta.
Earlier this year the brand splurged about Dh9 million to overhaul the hotel — making it much more millennial-friendly. Besides the colourful, futuristic and cosmetic changes, the hotel has upped its technology as well.
The room
The rooms now feature upgraded television screens equipped with Apple TV and a Bose Sound system, which connects to your phone via Bluetooth. While Wi-Fi is a basic human right in hotels, The Park Inn is currently upgrading its connectivity for faster downloads and better speeds. The suites are spacious and quite homely. Plus, if you opt for a room with a pool-facing balcony, the music from Amerigos and the party vibe around the pool is absolutely infectious.
Highlights
The highlight of the entire experience for me is the bed’s new headboards. Yes. The bed’s new headboards. It doesn’t take much to impress me by the way. The new state-of-the-art headboards feature colour-changing LED mood lighting snaking around the trimming. The control panel is a coaster-sized touch pad featuring an entire spectrum of colours. The lighting is bright, but gentle enough to fill the entire room. So if it’s a yellow, blue, purple or red room you’re after — you got it. You can further dim the lights or throw it into pulse, fade or my personal favourite — strobe-light-party mode.
The grub
After a long night of strobe-light partying, head down to the Mint Restaurant for a wholesome breakfast. The massive space features an egg station and a heaving buffet with your usual breakfast options, along with a range of international dishes. You can choose to dine outdoors on the terrace near the pool.
If you’re staying over a weekend, the Acapulco Friday brunch at Amerigos is a must-do. The buffet is spread over a number of food carts serving up authentic Mexican cuisine. My personal favourite is the taco stand and the cart that prepares fresh hot churros. While the entire buffet is an amazing experience on its own, the loud Mexican music by the pool and the cool Mexican beverages makes the Acapulco Friday brunch a very memorable experience. Another option for amazing grub is a one-minute stroll away at the Belgian Beer Café next door. The venue that needs no introduction has something on every single night.
The energy and excitement on Yas Island, coupled with brunches and theme nights at the Radisson restaurants, and an entire strobe-light after-party in your hotel room with your music blasting away makes this the perfect weekend venue.
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Check it out!
Park Inn by Radisson, Yas Plaza, Abu Dhabi
Rooms: 5/5
Service: 4/5
Value: 5/5
Cleanliness: 5/5
Location: 5/5
