W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island is the only hotel in the world built over a Formula 1 racetrack, making it a defining choice for Grand Prix visitors, drivers, and luxury travellers seeking direct track access during the Abu Dhabi F1 weekend.
Last checked: 2026-07-08
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Hotel name: W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island (formerly Yas Hotel Abu Dhabi / Yas Viceroy) · Star rating: 5-star · Rooms: 499 rooms and suites · Notable feature: Only hotel on top of a world-famous racetrack · View: Direct track and marina views · Brand: W Hotels by Marriott International
How This Profile Was Researched
This OSINT-style profile draws on official property listings, verified travel databases, and editorial reviews to present a verifiable snapshot of W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island. Data sources include the Yas Island official site, Marriott’s W Hotels page, booking platforms such as Expedia and Trivago, travel editorial outlets including Remote Lands and Prince of Travel, and user-generated content from Trip.com and YouTube. All claims are anchored to their published sources. No on-site visit or staff interview was conducted; rates and availability vary by season and are not independently verified.
W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island: Quick Facts
- Star rating: 5-star — confirmed by Yas Island official site (source) and multiple booking platforms.
- Rooms and suites: 499 — with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the Yas Marina Circuit or Yas Marina (source).
- Location: Directly atop the Yas Marina Circuit — marketed as the world’s only hotel built on a Formula 1 race track (source).
- Distance from Abu Dhabi airport (AUH): Approximately 10 km, about 15 minutes by car (source).
- Previous brand: Formerly Yas Hotel Abu Dhabi, then Yas Viceroy, before reopening as W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island in 2019 (source).
- Restaurants and bars: 7, including the Garage food hub with 5 concepts (source).
- Pools: Two large rooftop pools (WET Deck adults-only and SUN Deck), plus a family pool and kids’ splash pad (source).
Specifications at a Glance
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hotel name | W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island (formerly Yas Hotel Abu Dhabi / Yas Viceroy) |
| Star rating | 5-star |
| Rooms | 499 rooms and suites |
| Notable feature | Only hotel on top of a Formula 1 racetrack |
| View | Direct track and marina views |
| Brand | W Hotels by Marriott International |
| Pool count | Two large rooftop pools plus family pool and splash pad |
| Restaurants and bars | 7, including Garage food hub with 5 concepts |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Unmatched location directly above the Yas Marina Circuit — no other hotel offers track-side rooms with views of the race.
- Exclusive F1 weekend atmosphere: drivers, team principals, and celebrities are regulars on the property (source).
- Extensive on-site dining and nightlife, including the Garage food hub and rooftop WET Deck with DJ performances.
- Short transfer from Zayed International Airport (roughly 15 minutes).
- Complimentary shuttle to Yas Mall and theme parks, plus access to Yas Beach Club (source).
Cons
- Premium pricing during Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend — rates rise significantly and track-view rooms sell out early.
- Noise levels during race days: cars pass directly under the hotel’s glass bridge, which may not suit all guests.
- Not a 6- or 7-star property; rating is firmly 5-star, which may surprise those expecting ultra-luxury classification.
- Some amenities (kids’ club) may have limited hours; verification from official sources is recommended before booking.
How Far Is the W Hotel from Abu Dhabi Airport?
W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island sits on Yas Island, approximately 10 kilometres from Zayed International Airport (AUH). Travel guides and booking sites report the drive at roughly 15 minutes (source). The hotel’s location places it minutes from Yas Island attractions including Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and Yas Marina (source).
Getting There from the Airport
Taxis are readily available at AUH; the fare to Yas Island typically ranges around 70–80 AED (public knowledge). The hotel may also arrange private transfers — guests should confirm directly with the property. A complimentary shuttle serves Yas Mall and theme parks once guests are on the island (source).
Best For
- F1 fans and race attendees: Direct track views, pit lane walk access via packages, and the chance to see cars testing from the hotel bridge.
- Celebrity spotters and luxury seekers: The property is a known hangout for drivers and VIPs during Grand Prix weekend.
- Couples wanting a unique stay: The W brand’s trendy design, rooftop pools, and nightlife create a distinctive romantic escape.
Pricing and Value
Standard room rates at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island vary significantly by season. During the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, track-view rooms command a premium and often sell out months in advance. The hotel is not a 6- or 7-star property — it is a 5-star W Hotel, and pricing reflects its unique location and brand cachet rather than an ultra-luxury rating. No specific rate figures are available from the sources consulted; guests should check Marriott’s official booking channels for current pricing.
Which Hotel Do F1 Drivers Stay in Abu Dhabi?
During the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, many F1 drivers, team principals, and celebrities stay at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island. The hotel’s location in the centre of the Yas Marina Circuit means guests are immersed in the race from the moment they arrive (source). Cars pass directly under the glass bridge connecting the hotel’s two towers (source). The property is a noted nightlife venue during race weekend, with rooftop pool parties and DJ sets (source).
Why Drivers Choose the W
The W Abu Dhabi offers direct track access and F1 hospitality packages that include pit lane walks and post-race concert entry (source). For drivers, the convenience of staying on the circuit and the hotel’s luxury amenities make it a preferred choice. The hotel’s official F1 packages feature multi-night stays with epic circuit views (source). Travel reviews note that track-view rooms provide clear sightlines of test laps without needing grandstand tickets (source).
Is W Hotel a 6 Star Hotel?
W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island is officially rated 5 stars. Yas Island’s own listing and multiple booking platforms confirm this classification (source). No Marriott property is rated 6 or 7 stars; the world’s only 7-star hotel is Burj Al Arab in Dubai. The W’s premium pricing during Grand Prix weekend stems from its exclusive location on the racetrack, not a higher star rating.
Who Is the W Hotel Owned By?
W Hotels is a brand of Marriott International. The W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island property is operated under Marriott’s management, though the physical asset is owned by a separate entity linked to Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment Company or similar sovereign wealth funds — a common structure for major UAE hospitality projects (source). The hotel was originally built as Yas Hotel Abu Dhabi, rebranded as Yas Viceroy, and then reflagged as W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island after a renovation completed in 2019 (source).
What Are W Hotels Known For?
W Hotels are known for their trendy design, vibrant social scenes, and innovative dining. The brand targets luxury travellers seeking a lively, contemporary experience rather than traditional formality. W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island exemplifies this with its Garage food hub, rooftop WET Deck pool parties, and DJ performances (source). The property features seven restaurants and bars, including concepts such as Steam Table (noodles and dumplings), Nikkei House (Peruvian/Japanese), Mezza Bar (Lebanese mezze), Meat Vault (grilled cuts), and Tart Van (tarts) (source).
Why Is the W Hotel So Expensive?
The W Abu Dhabi commands premium rates primarily due to its location atop the Yas Marina Circuit — a unique selling point with no direct competitor. During Grand Prix weekend, demand surges as drivers, teams, and fans compete for track-view rooms. The W brand’s positioning as a trendy luxury hotel also contributes to higher price points.
Sample Grand Prix Weekend at W Abu Dhabi
For F1 enthusiasts, a weekend at W Abu Dhabi might look like this:
- Thursday: Arrive at AUH, check in, and secure a track-view room. Thursday evening includes pit lane walk access (subject to package).
- Friday: Practice sessions on the circuit — watch from the hotel’s glass bridge or rooftop pool area. Dinner at Garage food hub.
- Saturday: Qualifying day. Relax at WET Deck pool with track views. Evening nightlife at the hotel’s bars.
- Sunday: Race day. View the race from the hotel or attend the grandstands. Post-race concert access (included in some packages).
- Monday: Explore Yas Island theme parks (Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World) via complimentary shuttle before departure.
Related reading: Formula 1 Hotel Melbourne · 5 Star Hotels Singapore: Top Picks, Prices & Celebrity Stays
Frequently Asked Questions
Do F1 drivers pay for hotels?
Many F1 drivers stay complimentary through team partnerships with hotels. The W Abu Dhabi often hosts drivers and teams during the Grand Prix.
Where do celebrities stay in Abu Dhabi?
Celebrities frequently stay at the W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island during the F1 weekend, along with other luxury hotels on Yas Island such as the Yas Viceroy and the St. Regis Saadiyat Island.
How much does a taxi cost from Abu Dhabi airport to the city centre?
A taxi from Zayed International Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi city centre typically costs 70–80 AED, based on publicly available fare information.
What is the only 7-star hotel in the world?
The Burj Al Arab in Dubai is widely recognised as the world’s only 7-star hotel.
Does W Abu Dhabi have special rates during the Grand Prix?
Yes, premium pricing applies during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend. Yas Island’s official F1 packages offer multi-night stays with circuit views, but specific rate figures are not available from the sources consulted.
What is the W Hotel Abu Dhabi contact number?
The hotel’s phone number is available on the Marriott and Yas Island official websites; it is not provided in the research sources for this profile.
Our Recommendation
For F1 enthusiasts and luxury travellers seeking the ultimate trackside experience, W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island is the definitive choice. Its unique location directly above the Yas Marina Circuit offers views and access that no other hotel can match. While premium pricing and race-day noise are considerations, the combination of exclusive F1 atmosphere, celebrity clientele, and extensive amenities makes it a strong pick for those prioritising novelty and immersion over budget.
Location
W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Map embed placeholder.