Andaz Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi

This hotel occupies 19 floors of the breathtaking Capital Gate building, which leans a record-breaking 18 degrees. Connected to the convention center, the property primarily attracts business travelers needing to be near it, or leisure travelers familiar with the Hyatt brand. The building's glass design is spectacular, and common areas are also striking, including X-shaped beams, polished marble and glass windows, and glistening crystal fixtures. A high-end feel pervades throughout, except for lower-category rooms, which are generic and a bit underwhelming in comparison. Views of the city and sea are lovely, from the rooftop infinity pool to the on-site restaurant. Overall, this is a high-end pick at an affordable price, though tourists not visiting the convention center or nearby embassies will likely be happy closer to downtown.

The hotel's location has its pros and cons. Directly connected to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) and a five-minute drive to the embassies district, it's perfect for travelers with those destinations on their agenda. However, with nothing around but gated embassy entrances, guests will need to take a taxi or drive to reach downtown and the area's sights. The stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a 10-minute drive and it's three minutes farther to reach the Eastern Mangroves Promenade. Downtown Abu Dhabi and Corniche Beach and its promenade are a 20-minute drive, while it's 25 minutes for Abu Dhabi, Marina and Al Wahda Malls, and Yas Island's Mall and circuit. Ferrari World is a half-hour drive. Abu Dhabi International Airport is 20 minutes away by car without traffic.

Contemporary rooms are start at a spacious 40 square meters (431 square feet), a lot of which is used by the luxe bathrooms. Although certainly elegant, rooms are a bit generic and underwhelming, outfitted in neutral tones -- think wood paneling, gray carpets, and white walls -- with little embellishment aside from vases in wall cutouts, black-and-white patterned throw pillows, and chain artwork. Still, standard amenities are high-end, consisting of desks with leather chairs, small sitting areas, Illy coffeemakers, kettles, bottled water, minibars, and flat-screen TVs. Wardrobes have ironing facilities and laptop-compatible safes, and floor-to-ceiling windows let in lots of light. Decadent bathrooms with floor-to-ceiling marble have sumptuous soaking tubs and separate glass-panelled rainfall showers, in addition to robes, slippers, hairdryers, and a range of quality toiletries, which get more extensive in Suites. Upgraded units are more impressive, with MP3 docks, living spaces, and sound systems. Views are of the city or sea. 

A standout here is the Rayana Spa, which offers great treatments, a hot tub, a well-equipped gym, and a small rooftop infinity pool with sensational views. An adjacent terrace has various seating and a bar for cocktails. An indoor lounge is available for beverages and light bites, and afternoon tea. Show kitchens are found at the 18 Degrees restaurant, which serves buffet breakfasts and Mediterranean dishes for lunch and dinner. Four meeting rooms and a business center are available, as is free parking and Wi-Fi.

Travelers familiar with the Hyatt brand may be disappointed that there's no Executive Lounge here.