Southern Sun Abu Dhabi

From the outside, this 27-story tower looks more like a glassy corporate high-rise than a hotel. Inside, a long elegant lobby is decked out in polished stone, with a massive wire, mesh installation that's reminiscent of gently billowing linens. The tame, quiet atmosphere is geared toward the business traveler who needs convenient access to the downtown business district. It's not an obvious choice for couples or leisure vacations (apart from the vibe, it also lacks a spa and isn't on the beach), but it's proven to be a popular base for tourists to explore the city. The views from the rooftop pool help, though it's not big enough for families to let their kids run loose.

The hotel is located right off one of the major roads into downtown Abu Dhabi, surrounded by banks, office buildings, and corporate towers. Tourists who want to see the sights will need a car to get around, since this isn't the best location for getting to the main attractions. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a 20-minute drive away, and popular sights such as Yas Island, the Formula One racetrack, and Ferrari World Park are 30 minutes by car. The Abu Dhabi International Airport is around a 30-minute drive without traffic.  

The hotel's 353 rooms and suites have contemporary decor in neutral tones, with almost imperceptible Arabic decorative touches. Standard rooms are large, with dark-wood furnishings and sitting areas that have boxy, tufted couches connected to long work desks in front of floor-to-ceiling windows. Free Wi-Fi is standard and 40-inch Smart TVs are set flush into dark-wood wall accents opposite king or twin beds. Other amenities include minibars and electric kettles, but there are no coffeemakers. Larger Executive Rooms forego the couches in favor of even bigger work desks, along with armchairs and ottomans. Suites add kitchenettes with coffeemakers, mini-fridges, microwaves, and glass stovetops. The open bathrooms have glass partitions with frosted geometric designs, but they don't obscure the view. All bathrooms have bidets, walk-in rainfall showers, and separate soaking tubs. 

There's no full spa here, but the other features are extensive. The rooftop pool has a sundeck with comfortable loungers and a few large sunbeds. The pool is small, but the city views from the 27th floor are a plus, and there's an adjacent bar. On a lower level, a bar and shisha lounge has a menu of light bites, plus an outdoor terrace that has covered lounge seating around a wading pool that's bigger than the rooftop pool. There's also a popular sports bar, Blu Sky Lounge & Grill, with a nightclub vibe and a dining room filled with TVs. Kahraman serves contemporary Middle Eastern cuisine with the addition of a sushi bar, while The Foundry does double duty as a daytime buffet and an evening steakhouse. A 24-hour cafe is located in the lobby. Other facilities include a 24-hour fitness center with steam room and sauna, and a business center. Valet parking is available for free.