Hilton Capital Grand Abu Dhabi

It's hard not to be impressed upon first glimpse of the majestic wall of undulating green glass that fronts the Hilton Capital Grand Abu Dhabi. Inside, the hotel's contemporary lobby is no less elegant, with striking hanging fixtures, glass-paneled stairways, and swathes of polished white marble (though not without the odd corporate chain touch to detract from the effect). The hotel's various lounges and eateries are bright and airy, with a real 21st-century vibe. The property also has a small garden with pool terrace, and while the vibe is business-like during the week, the weekend leisure crowd sees Friday evening pool parties. 

The hotel is set in a commercial area of Abu Dhabi and part of the Zayed Sports City neighborhood, which is centered around the iconic multi-purpose stadium that's a five-minute walk away. It's one of a cluster of hotels that also serves the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre in the Embassy District, five minutes away by car. While removed from most of the main tourist sights, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a five- to 10- minute drive away, and the sandy Corniche Beach overlooking the Persian Gulf is around 20 minutes away. The private jet airport of Al Bateen is across from the hotel, while the main Abu Dhabi International Airport is a 20-minute drive from the property.

The hotel has 281 bright, spacious rooms and suites decorated in neutral tones and contemporary furnishings. While high-end amenities include 40-inch flat-screen TVs with movies on-demand, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and minibars, in-room Wi-Fi costs extra (for non-Hilton HHonors members) and can be slow. Luxury touches include 300-thread-count sheets and feather pillows, while upgraded rooms and suites also come with Nespresso coffeemakers and fluffy bathrobes. Spacious mosaic and marble bathrooms have separate tubs and walk-in rainfall showers, plus hairdryers and Peter Thomas Roth toiletries.

The hotel's main restaurant is Oceana, an airy space that opens early to serve a buffet breakfast (not included in some room rates), and stays open through dinner. There's also the relaxed, yet romantic, Rouge restaurant, which serves Pan Asian dishes such as sushi and curry. The Tea Lounge has a variety of English and Arabian teas, and serves food as well. There are two bars on-site -- one overlooking the pool and the other in a glass atrium with panoramic vistas. 

A long outdoor swimming pool features a shaded splash area for kids and a swim-up bar that gets plenty of use during weekend pool parties, which can be noisy. The pretty spa is a standout, and includes a small pool, whirlpool tub, saunas, and hammams. Adjacent is a large fitness center with modern cardio and strength-training equipment, free weights, and standing punching bags. 

The Executive Rooms and Suites also have access to the Executive Lounge; there, guests are served a free breakfast, and food and drinks throughout the day. Multiple meeting and event spaces, and a 24/7 business center are also available.