Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi

Occupying a high-rise building (and surrounded by plenty more), the Crowne Plaza Hotel offers a convenient setting for business travelers in the heart of the city's financial and shopping center. While the lobby puts off a sleek, modern impression with wall-to-wall marble, sumptuous sitting areas, and a lofty chandelier, rooms are less impressive, outfitted in an old-fashioned, generic look. The same is true for the buffet-style Garden Restaurant, though its atrium setting is attractive, as is the chic and contemporary Cho Gao Restaurant, which has atmospheric lanterns and photo murals. Although bars and a rooftop pool are available for tourists, guests here are far and away business travelers. The vibe is upscale and quiet, making it a suitable pick for those wanting a comfy place to rest their head.

The hotel sits on a busy main street, surrounded by offices and a wealth of restaurants and shops. Taxis are the preferred way to get around the city and generally inexpensive. Corniche Beach and its promenade are a 10-minute drive, or 30-minute walk, and both Abu Dhabi and Marina Mall are within a 15-minute drive. The World Trade Center Mall is just five minutes away by car (13-minute walk). Al Mariya Island's business district is a 15-minute drive, as is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Fountains and greenery at The Capital Garden are a seven-minute walk, but expect a nearly 25-minute drive to reach the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Yas Island and Abu Dhabi International Airport are both around 35 minutes away by car.

Starting at 29 square meters (312 square feet), rooms are spacious and largely outfitted in characterless, old-fashioned decor. Expect traditional honey-toned wood furniture and floors, white walls with small pieces of artwork, and curtains and couches with patterned linens. Despite the underwhelming look, everything is well-maintained and clean, plus city views from floor-to-ceiling windows are pleasant, especially on higher floors. Quality amenities consist of desks, flat-screen TVs with CD and DVD player, tea- and coffee-making facilities, minibars, and safes, as well as ironing facilities, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. All units have sitting areas, either two chairs and a table in lower-category rooms, or full living spaces in upgraded categories. Some higher-category rooms also have kitchenettes and dining tables. Marble bathrooms are a bit small and lackluster for a hotel of this caliber, outfitted with shower/tub combos, bathrobes, wall-mounted hairdryers, basic toiletries, and bidets.

A standout here is the heated rooftop pool, which is a decent size and sits next to a hot tub. On the terrace are loungers and seating for the evening bar. Two casual sports bars are also on-site, one of which, Heroes, has live music at times. Varied dining options include well-reviewed pan-Asian fare at Cho Gao, Italian dishes at Spaccanapoli, and buffet meals at the Garden Restaurant. A small spa offers treatment rooms and a sauna, plus there's a spacious, well-equipped gym open 24/7. Seven meeting rooms and a grand ballroom have a 400-person capacity. Club-level guests get access to a lounge with business services. On-site valet parking is free, as is Wi-Fi.