Hyatt Capital Gate | Abu Dhabi

“Delight in intuitive personalised service and comfort.” Hyatt Capital Gate

Well known architectural landmark, the Hyatt Capital Grand hotel known locally as ‘the leaning tower of Abu Dhabi’, offers breathtaking skyline views from its elevated lobby, spa and rooftop pool areas. It’s not only the view that’s impressive at this elegant five-star property, that features 189 rooms including 22 suites, but also the award winning Rayana Spa, the excellent dining options, stunning interiors and charming staff.

Some may regard this centrally located property purely as a business hotel and while its locality to the nearby National Exhibition Centre, Embassy area and proximity to the airport may confirm this notion, it has much more to offer the leisure traveller too. We checked in for a weekend couples retreat, a relaxing staycation filled with massages, delicious food, poolside cocktails, incredible views and top notch hospitality. Stunning art installations greet you in reception and grace all the public areas, the check-in procedure was fast and efficient and everyone we encountered were very courteous and welcoming.

Our amazing twenty-first floor 100 sqm executive suite was one of the most impressive and fabulous rooms I have ever had the privilege to frequent and by far the most spacious too. Floor to ceiling windows in every room offer a fabulous vista from every possible angle whether you are relaxing in the lounge, resting on the king-size bed or bathing in the infinity jacuzzi bathtub that even lights up, has a radio and an inset TV in the wall above.

Tastefully decorated throughout, the executive suites are the epitome of modern design offering guests an indulgent stay, each layout slightly different due to the angles of the building. Elegantly furnished with expanses of wood and marble offset by colourful art and textiles that complete the overall aesthetics. Well equipped is an understatement there’s a small kitchenette, second washroom, large study area, plenty of storage and three TV’s in addition to the more standard features, all of which combined make this an upmarket home away from home. Automated curtains in every room provide a touch of sophistication and much entertainment. Who doesn’t like lying in bed opening the curtains by remote-control, embracing a new day and the unrivalled view whilst still horizontal under the duvet.

We enjoyed a signature couples massage at Rayana Spa located on the 19th floor that also houses the gym and provides access to the rooftop pool. The ‘Spa in the Sky’ offers a range of holistic treatments and wellness from its four large treatment suites and one couple’s room. Previously a winner of The Best Luxury Boutique Spa at the World Luxury Spa Awards, Rayana which means ‘Gates of Heaven’ in ancient Arabic, is a contemporary space that embraces its desert locality with sandy accents, light wood, mini potted cacti and greenery that give it an air of tranquility.

Our synchronised 60-minute massages were relaxing and the perfect weekend de-stress, the treatments began with warm footbaths before our tension and knots were eradicated by the therapists adept skills. A post massage chill by the pool to watch the sunset from this unique elevated position was spectacular.

During our stay we sampled both lunch and dinner at 18°, named after the building’s inclination of 18 degrees. The sophisticated and contemporary restaurant offers a Mediterranean inspired menu, three interlinking show kitchens allow diners to enjoy the theatrics of the busy chefs preparations. The venue offers guests the opportunity to dine with an uninterrupted sweeping view of the skyline from the tables strategically positioned alongside the floor-to-ceiling windows. Comfortable booth seating is also available with more options on the outdoor terrace (currently closed due to the summer’s high temperatures and humidity).

Our dishes were well presented and the menu had plenty of choice, our lunch options included such tasty treats as halloumi and watermelon salad, chicken livers and salmon. We choose dishes from the tapas sharing concept menu for dinner, inspired by French, Italian and Spanish coastal cuisine, notable dishes were the beef carpaccio, creamy burrata salad and prawns. There’s an extensive wine list to compliment the food, the staff are knowledgeable and more than happy to make recommendations, the service was prompt which is always a bonus.

Due to the start of Ramadan combined with not wanting to leave the suite we chose to order room service for breakfast, unfortunately the food was cold by the time it was delivered and quite unappealing. This was the only disappointment in what was otherwise a fantastic stay.

Afternoon tea in the Sky is both delightful and affordable, served at the elegant yet relaxed Lounge in the hotel’s lobby area. The traditional presentation has its own modern twist with three tiers of sweet and savoury options accompanied by teas, coffees and bubbles if you should so require, there’s also plenty of vegetarian options. I recommend it based on the scones and chocolate covered caramel lollipops alone.

The striking Hyatt Capital Gate is actually four times more tilted than the famous leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, its curvature (which can best be seen poolside) has even won a place in the Guinness World Records for The Furthest Leaning Manmade Tower in the world. Occupying the eighteenth to thirty-third floors this hotel is definitely worth a visit, I can thoroughly recommend from personal experience the spa, The Lounge afternoon tea, the cheese and grape evening, the dining options at 18° including Iftar and of course if your budget allows the amazing executive suite. Thank you Hyatt Capital Gate team for a truly wonderful and memorable staycation and for the exciting Instagram takeover during our stay.

The Nitty Gritty

Location: Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates,

Telephone: 02 596 1234

E-mail: abudhabi.capitalgate@hyatt.com

Website: abudhabi.capitalgate.hyatt.com

Check-in: 3:00pm

Check-out: 12 noon

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The Good……..

Luxurious Executive Suite

Rooftop Pool

Fast and free Wi-Fi throughout the property

Warm and friendly staff

The Not so Good…..

Room Service

*SUMMER OFFER* If you book on Hyatt.com from 7th – 20th June you receive 25% discount on room rates for your stay from 7th June – 8th September 2017 #CelebrateWithHyatt