On the approach to The WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton property on Yas Island, it’s very hard to not imagine hearing the recognisable soundtrack as you see the iconic logo loom over the driveway.
The hotel has the distinction of being the world’s first Warner Bros-themed hotel, where characters and stories from the entertainment company’s vault come to life in a way that delights kids and ardent movie buffs.
The exterior of the hotel.
The lobby.
From the iconic FRIENDS fountain right outside the building to the references to Looney Tunes as soon as you enter the lobby, storytelling through the medium of cinema and television is everywhere to be found. The lobby, apart from creating a direct path to the adjacent Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi theme park, offers comfortable seating with large TV screens running up the walls of the cavernous space, playing cartoons all day. If you stay long enough, characters such as Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck show up to entertain the kids and take photos with them.
The Living Archive can be accessed through the lobby.
Movie and TV memorabilia awaits.
But there’s plenty for adults too – especially if you love movies. I spent some time walking slowly up the Living Archive (a spiral staircase in the lobby) and looked over, in amazement, at artwork and props from a number of Warner Bros. movies and TV shows across the years. From Michael Keaton’s cowl from the 1989 film, Batman, to original drawings from The Great Gatsby, and memorabilia from 1994 movie The Mask… there was plenty to keep me enthralled.
The corridors are filled with artwork.
The rooms are stylishly designed.
Each floor also has its share of stunning artwork laid out in diptychs and triptychs, and I was inordinately excited to have my room right next to triptychs from the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The rooms, all stylishly designed with their SMEG fridges and subway tile bathrooms with dressing room lightbulbs around the mirror, are also homages to the silver screen. My room’s artwork was dedicated to behind-the-scenes photographs from Green Lantern (2011), with a comic book also placed near the TV for some light reading.
Dinner at the signature restaurant, The Director’s Cut, was a delight. The menu offers classic American dishes served in a sophisticated way, with an open kitchen and charcoal ovens running alongside one part of the dark and elegant interiors. Steak is definitely a highlight; my filet mignon was cooked to perfection while the baked Alaska lit up my table in a theatrical manner. But never fear, a vegan menu is available, along with a fun brunch on Saturdays. If you’d like a nightcap (or a sundowner before dinner), why not head to the rooftop lounge, The Overlook, with an infinity pool and panoramic views of the capital city, theme park and the sea? The comfortable couches lend themselves to complete relaxation while a DJ spins tunes as the stars start twinkling overhead.
The next day you can head to the gym if you’re keen for a workout; the corridor to the equipment is lined with portraits of superheroes like Wonder Woman and Thor, while a buff Bugs Bunny watches you sweat it out on the treadmill.
The entertainment continues at the poolside restaurant, The Matinee, and outdoor cinema screen, which plays one movie every evening. The night I stayed, Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them took over the big screen. The next day, I sat by the pool with my lunch while watching Tweety and Sylvester try to one-up each other. Nostalgia was everywhere.
The WB Abu Dhabi is quite an experience for adults and kids alike, and with each in-house guest able to access one Yas Island theme park per day during their stay – what’s not to like?
