Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi - King Bed Deluxe Room
My Room at Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi - King Bed Deluxe Room
An excellent stay with its refreshing interior, great views and relatively convenient location at Abu Dhabi. Also one of the best ways to redeem Hyatt Points!
Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi - King Bed Deluxe Room
Abu Dhabi Highlights
Etihad Business Lounge AUH
AUH-MCT Etihad Regional Business Class
Oman Air First Class Lounge
MCT-BKK Oman Air First Class
Gate43 Airport Hotel - Deluxe Twin Lake View
Thai Airways Royal Orchid Lounge BKK
BKK-SIN Thai Airways Business Class
When I was planning this trip, hotels were low on my list of priorities because I observed that hotel prices in the UAE were relatively reasonable, even for upscale options. After securing an award booking at Al Maha Dubai, my next idea was to book another great deal using Hyatt Points, this time in Abu Dhabi, at the opposite end of the UAE. With rates ranging from 6,500 to 9,500 points per night, and with the off-peak award nights aligning with my Al Maha Dubai booking, it was almost irresistible not to give it a try! And that's exactly what I decided to do.
However, what caught me off guard were the excessively high prices for private transportation, Although I had read about it beforehand, I couldn't find a cheaper option! At that moment, I instantly regretted making flight plans landing in Dubai and exiting out of Abu Dhabi!
(Well, my regret was somewhat eased by my departure experience from Abu Dhabi with Oman Air, but more on that later!)
Damage: I redeemed 6,500 Hyatt Points (equivalent to approximately USD97.50) for an off-peak rate. Considering it was a Category 2 room, this was really super worth it!
Check-In
After a journey of about 2-3 hours from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, I stepped out of my Sixt limousine to a warm welcome from the very proactive staff, eager to assist with my luggage and provide directions.
Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi, conveniently located just 15 minutes from the airport and major attractions, and adjacent to ADNEC, boasts a striking presence within the iconic Capital Gate building. With its impressive lean of 18 degrees, it holds the Guinness World Record as the farthest leaning man-made building in the world, serving as the hallmark of this luxurious lifestyle hotel.
Upon entering the main lobby on the ground floor, guests are greeted by the hotel's art gallery.
The check-in lobby, located on the 18th floor, captivated me with its spaciousness and contemporary furnishings. I have always admired Andaz’s lobby designs, characterized by warm wooden tones and understated elegance, providing a refreshing visual experience! The lobby also offers breathtaking views of Abu Dhabi cityscape and the coastline.
Despite lacking Hyatt status, I was pleasantly surprised to receive a one room category upgrade to the King Bed Deluxe Room, courtesy of the check-in staff, who also accommodated my request for a late check-out until 4pm—a gesture I greatly appreciated!
With check-in formalities complete, I made my way to the room on the 32nd floor, and promptly marvelled at the intriguing architectural design from above. I also admired the thoughtfully designed room key—a small detail that added to the overall experience.
Room
The 45 sqm (484 sq ft) King Bed Deluxe Room offers remarkable spaciousness, especially considering its Category 2 classification. I particularly appreciated the positioning of the desk, which provides a splendid (albeit partially obstructed) view of the city. This setup allowed for capturing some truly breathtaking photographs.
Hyatt rooms also feature their iconic Hyatt Grand Bed, known for its “unique cooling system, which is designed to regulate body temperature and ensure a comfortable night's sleep.” True to its reputation, I experienced a truly restful night here, comparable only to the quality of sleep I typically enjoy at Hilton hotels.
The next stand out feature was the desk, offering flexibility as you can comfortably sit on either side (although there's likely an optimal direction). I appreciated the inclusion of both standard and USB charging points, as well as HDMI ports, catering to various need. However, USB charging points were notably absent near the bedside.
The wardrobe was also very spacious and even included an ironing board for convenience.
In the minibar, I found JING Tea, a brand also featured in Cathay Pacific lounges, offering unique tea flavours that I enjoy. However, I was disappointed by the absence of a Nespresso machine 😣. Not nice!
Due to post-COVID regulations at the time, there was no offerings in the fridge, although they would definitely be chargeable.
One notable feature of the 55 inch OLED TV is the availability of Chromecast and YouTube, which proved quite handy as I caught up on my MMA on YouTube 😁
I couldn't help but notice the body massage offer displayed on the TV though. Very tempting after that extensive journey from Dubai to Abu Dhabi!
Bathroom
Another outstanding feature of this room was definitely the bathtub, spacious enough to accommodate two people comfortably. Additionally, the rain shower provided just the right water pressure, ensuring a comfortable bathing experience.
No automated bidet here, but in line with Middle Eastern norms, there is a separate bum washer located beside the main toilet.
Andaz Capital Gate provides bathroom amenities under the Hyatt house brand, and I particularly noticed the soap, which was packaged in a unique Middle Eastern feel.
Dining
As mentioned, my room rate did not include breakfast, but I ordered an Arabic Mezze platter from the in-room dining menu, which turned out to be very delicious but the serving was too large for me to finish on my own.
While heading towards the lobby, I passed by Cyan Brasserie, one of the main restaurants, which I had heard great online reviews about. Additionally, the 18 Degrees Bar in the hotel lobby also serves breakfast for guests during their stay.
Facilities
The hotel also houses a Wellness level which has the swimming pool, gym and relaxation area. Again, I particularly appreciated the design of the relaxation area, which was very refreshing. Complimentary infused water was also provided there.
The infinity swimming pool offers stunning views of the city, while the gym provides a similar panorama and is quite functional. I couldn’t help but took advantage of the facilities to burn some calories during my stay, and it wasn't too crowded either.
Service
A noteworthy mention about the service: in addition to what's been mentioned, the receptionist who checked me in was exceptionally friendly and courteous, even engaging in small talk proactively. When I returned with my partner a few months later, she also happened to be the duty staff member who checked us in, and she actually remembered me! It showcased the outstanding staff service that I had experienced throughout my stay. Even the housekeeping team was proactive in offering amenities when needed.
Conclusion
It speaks volumes that I decided to book another stay for my next trip with the missus! With its lovely rooms, fantastic amenities, impeccable staff service, and great location, Andaz Capital Gate provided a wonderful experience. As I checked out of the hotel, I couldn't help but feel a hint of regret for not being able to stay longer.
Meanwhile, it was time to experience another highlight of the trip: let’s just say it had a touch of UAE and Omani feel to it.
