Arrival/Check-In: I was traveling with Wayne Tallman of the Global Traveler Advisory Board for a week’s worth of meetings in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. We planned to play two rounds of golf during our free time and report back to the readers of GT, so we had a great deal of luggage. We flew first class on Etihad Airways, and the carrier’s complimentary limousine service took us to the hotel. We were warmly greeted by Ali, who took care of golf bags and luggage and whisked us to the 18th floor for check-in.

The hotel is beautiful and leans at 18 degrees. Office space is located in the lower floors and the lobby. The signature restaurant (18 Degrees) is on the 18th floor; guestrooms are on the floors above. I checked in while Ali stayed by my side, ready to take care of my every need. I was assigned room 2212, which I was told has the best view and the largest windows of any room in the property.

Guest Quarters: Room 2212 is a massive suite with spectacular views. Beautiful zebrawood lines the entryway and the dining area, where four chairs surround a circular glass table. Toward the expansive windows is a functional desk with easy-to-access electrical outlets and all the necessary accoutrements. To the right is a large living area with a sofa, a coffee table and a big-screen TV on the wall. A powder room is convenient for guests. The suite has a swanky Mad Men look.

The bedroom area off to the left is separated into three rooms: an entry area, a bedroom and a huge bathroom. In the bathroom, an open shower is glassed in on two sides and there is a large soaking tub where you can gaze out over Abu Dhabi as you bathe. The bedroom includes a king-sized bed with twin side tables mounted on the wall to save space and a chest of drawers. The windows follow the semicircular shape of the building.

A special in-wall cabinet houses all the necessary items to make coffee, including bottled water — proving the point that you can have an in-room coffeemaker in keeping with the décor.

Services/Amenities: The restaurant, 18 Degrees, offers eastern Mediterranean cuisine from Turkey, Lebanon, Syria and Italy. You can choose your meal from one of these regions and enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of Abu Dhabi. Breakfast is also served daily and includes a large buffet and eggs cooked to order.

The Lounge in the lobby is a fine place to kick back at the end of a busy day and enjoy a cocktail; we found the staff at the Lounge and 18 Degrees very friendly and attentive.

The Rayana Spa is located on level 19, with four treatment rooms and another opportunity for spectacular views of the city. The spa menu has selections for both men and women.

The Experience: Wonderful staff in an iconic building.

GT CHECKLIST

• Doorman/valet
• Less than 10 minutes for check-in
• Separate tub and shower
• Large vanity
• High-quality towels
• Powerful, unattached hair dryer
• High-quality bed linens
• Large, flat-screen television
• Large desk with convenient outlets
• Large, complimentary laptop safe
• Complimentary in-room WiFi
• Complimentary bottled water
• Stocked minibar
• Ample lighting
• In-room coffeemaker
• Iron and ironing board
• On-site restaurant and bar
• 24-hour room service
• State-of-the-art fitness center

Hyatt Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi

P.O. Box 95165
Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
tel 971 2 596 1234
hyatt.com