Hyatt Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi

IF you weren’t convinced by Abu Dhabi from my review back in March, then this review, dedicated solely to the architectural juggernaut that is the Hyatt Capital Gate, will sway you. Quite literally.

The UAE often comes under criticism for being style over substance, but when it comes to hotels, let’s face it we’d all take this level of luxury over a B&B.

Positioned within the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), this is a strategically placed, tidal wave of a building aimed at businessmen and women attending conferences at what is the largest exhibition centre in the Middle East.

We travelled with Etihad who coincidentally offer the insightful documentary of the construction process of Hyatt Capital Gate as part of their in-flight service. You can view the video below; highly recommended for anyone planning a visit to Abu Dhabi, it will put you in good stead for understanding a country often misunderstood as lacking in any substance. It may not be historical, but the substance for the future is certainly evident.

The Hyatt Capital Gate powers out of the ground at an impressive 18 degree angle, as though the construction team had injected the soil with Viagra. It leans five times more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa but remains a resolute piece of engineering, defying gravity and leaving you stood, stupefied, beneath its towering presence upon arrival. Inside, it’s a little easier to swallow.

With 189 guestrooms, including 22 suites, the space in this 40 storey building is vast, with luxury suites larger than most penthouse apartments and complete with every hospitality trick in the book, such as your own individual lobby. Hyatt also provides you with a kitchen (with your own espresso machine), living, dining and study areas (with fresh fruit delivered daily) plus a bedroom with en suite bathroom more lavish than most spas. Just wow. The guestrooms aren’t exactly a step down either. Captivating views come as standard at Capital Gate and no stone has been left unturned, no matter what your price bracket.

Views from Hyatt Capital Gate

Once you’ve worked out how to operate the technologically advanced curtains keeping you cocooned in your new mansion, you’ll never want to close them again. The floor to ceiling glass windows allow for views stretching as far as under construction islands. You’ll feel like you rule the world as you float above the landscape; exactly what the design team had in mind.

The outer peripheral design of each of the guestrooms purposely prevents guests from seeing the ground directly beneath them, instead jutting out as though hovering in a space ship. It’s futuristic, but not without its homely qualities. In fact, the hotel has everything to make you feel right at home and beyond.

High on the list of perks is of course the suspended swimming pool. It’s the highest swimming pool in Abu Dhabi and comes complete with the adjacent sky high Rayana Spa with yet more unsurpassed views of the city. They’ve gone above and beyond to make the spa an integral part of the Capital Gate journey and will leave you floating in the clouds with the wealth of holistic treatments available, from bathing rituals to soothing massage. There’s also a state of the art fitness centre for those wishing to really earn their relaxation time.

The suspended swimming pool at Hyatt Capital Gate

Sun loungers next to the suspended swimming pool at Hyatt Capital Gate

Due to the fact the UAE is famous for building vertically rather than connecting low level buildings with back streets and communal spaces as in the UK, Hyatt Capital Gate is fairly secluded aside from the conference centre. As with anywhere in this part of the world, a taxi is required to for journeys beyond a few paces. And whilst it may initially feel frustrating being unable to go for a walk to anywhere of note, you really couldn’t be stranded in a better equipped place than here.

Clearly a consideration of the hotel’s 18 degrees restaurant, the chefs  do their utmost to provide a cross-continental catering experience. Despite being labelled as Eastern Mediterranean, the menu boasts a real mix of local and international produce to suit all tastes.

We bounced from one country to the next on our three day stay, with dishes varying from Italian pasta dishes to local seafood, chicken livers, lamb creations and comforting puds. It’s a theatrical feast day and night, with the open plan kitchen serving as the stage. Breakfast in particular, could keep you in there for hours with welcome options such as honey, straight for the honeycomb. Take it out onto the terrace and enjoy.

A lamb dish prepared before our eyes at 18 Degrees in the Hyatt Capital Gate

Honeycomb for breakfast anyone?

The UAE often comes under criticism for being style over substance, but when it comes to hotels, let’s face it we’d all take this level of luxury over a B&B.

This is a first class hotel which makes no bones about its pledge to be forward-thinking in everything, from the architectural to the honey served for breakfast. During our visit, a helipad was still being finished on the roof for the Sheikh, who also has the penthouse suite. The icing on probably the best cake I’ve ever tasted.

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