Formula 1 has recently released its provisional race calendar for 2022 and the Abu Dhabi event will run from 18 to 20 November 2022.
High hotel rates
As expected, room nights in Abu Dhabi, in UAE‘s peak holiday season, during an F1 weekend are selling for much higher than the usual rate.
The lowest cash rate (prepaid and non-refundable) on F1 race day, for Andaz Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi is currently going for about US$380 nett (S$520), twice the usual rate!
Of course, you can bet on it getting more expensive as the date nears. In fact, the hotel is already completely sold-out for this year’s race on 12 Dec 2021.
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How to get a HUGE discount (the hack)
If you’ve seen my article on World of Hyatt sweet spots, you would have found Andaz Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi in there.
It is a Category 2 hotel, requiring only 6,500 points for off-peak nights. This hotel is already a steal for points redemptions even when there are no international events in the area!
If you do not have Hyatt points, you can buy 6,500 points for just US$109 (S$150) during the current sale. That’s over 3 times cheaper than the cash rate!
As Hyatt’s peak/off-peak award calendars of every hotel are pre-determined and fixed, the stars have aligned perfectly for us!
P.S. You can also book a night at Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi and Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi for 15,000 and 25,000 points respectively.
Do I need to book now?
We do not know for sure how many rooms are available for award bookings but from my experience browsing around, I am guessing that as long as cash rates for a certain room type is available, there should be award rates as well.
What are the risks of making a booking now?
Award bookings with Hyatt points at this hotel gets you free cancellation up till 24 hours before the stay. And of course, no cash will be required.
If you are buying Hyatt points, the points purchase is non-refundable. However, if you decide to cancel the booking at Andaz Abu Dhabi in future, you will be happy to know that there are plenty of amazing sweet spots to use your Hyatt points at, including some in Asia.
Reminder to keep your plans flexible
We all know by now that the pandemic situation is ever-changing. If you decide to book a night or two at this property, remember to keep your plans flexible and avoid making any non-refundable/prepaid reservations so far in advance.
Also note that F1’s 2022 race calendar is subject to changes, depending on the pandemic situation in each country.
Bottom line
The pandemic has brought us plenty of amazing deals. Some, like the cheap overwater villas at Le Méridien Maldives are risk-free, while others, like the Turkish Airlines Business Class deal to Europe came with some uncertainties at the point of booking.
While it lasts, this hack that I’ve shared today is of course, risk-free as it offers free cancellation.
If you are planning to watch the Football World Cup in Qatar, the first game starts right after race day on 21 Nov 2022!
P.S. I am keeping an eye on possible points redemption options at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island. This hotel is located right next to the F1 circuit! I will share it on Suitesmile’s Telegram channel and chat group first, as always.