Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi - REVIEW - MASTER THREAD
Dec 21, 2011, 4:04 am
#1
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Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi - REVIEW - MASTER THREAD
Here's the updated post. You can find the video and 70 photos of the suite I had, and around the property at http://bit.ly/fthyattcg.
Last week, I was scheduled to fly out from Abu Dhabi. The opening date of the Hyatt Capital Gate had been brought forward by couple of weeks. Previously, it was not bookable before the beginning of 2012. Decided to spend the night there and just take a cab to the airport the following morning. The location of the hotel is about half way from both the city center of Abu Dhabi and the airport. My stay there ended up being on the opening day.
The Capital Gate building is an iconic one already due to being the largest man-made tilted structure. The hotel part of the building begins from the 18th floor. The lower floors are reserved for office space. You can read more about the building itself at www.capitalgate.ae.
Getting to the hotel
My original plan was to be at the hotel around 11AM, but I was late leaving the rather wonderful Sheraton Abu Dhabi Resort & Spa, where I have stayed at several times. The taxi driver was a bit confused first and thought that I was going to the newly opened Park Hyatt in Saadiyat island. I had stayed at the Park Hyatt eight days prior to my stay at the Capital Gate. You can also read about my experiences there. After giving the taxi instructions to drive to the Aloft/exhibition center, we were on our way to the right direction.
There is still quite a bit of construction going on in the immediate area of the exhibition center, although not on the side where the Hyatt hotel is located. The taxi first took me to the Aloft side of the exhibition center. Due to the construction, it is a bit difficult to get to the hotel unless you know exactly the way around the area. We just had to make few turns before getting to the correct destination.
Check in:
So, I got to the hotel around 1:30PM. My bags were promptly moved out from the trunk. The lobby of the hotel is on the 18th floor. The general manager and other management members were welcoming me to the hotel. We briefly exchanged pleasantries, and I was then on my way to the 18th floor lobby with the front desk manager.
I had made the reservation around 1AM for same day arrival. It was nice to see that the hotel was on the ball when it came to reservations. The front desk manager commented that she had been working in the night when my reservation had come through to their system from the Hyatt’s reservations. The same lady had worked at the Grand Club in Grand Hyatt Hong Kong previously and mentioned that I had stayed there several times, although we had never met. She also commented on the number of lifetime Hyatt Gold Passport points (1.4 million +) that I had earned over the years.
The paperwork was prepared before my arrival and I was escorted to the “room” 2212, that had been preassigned for me, straight from the lobby. They needed me to handover my passport for making a copy/scan of it, which is the usual process in the UAE, and a credit card. These were promptly returned for me.
Suite 2212
This is for sure not the usual Hyatt Gold Passport Diamond upgrade at this property. It was a proper two room suite with a panoramic view of the island where the ruling family of the Abu Dhabi lives.
The living room was very spacious with a circular table where the fruit plate was waiting. The work desk area. The sitting area with another table next to the TV, where the Diamond amenity bottle of red wine, marinated olives, and cheese jar were. There was a guest bathroom on the living room as well as space for some storage. The lamp ensemble in the living room was interesting and looked very nice especially in the evening.
The bedroom consisted of a nice bed, another TV set, and some macaroons on the table by the mirror. The view of the “royal” island, where some work was done was nice.
The bathroom was very spacious with a nice infinity bathtub next to the window. You could control the TV that was on the ceiling using the panel on the tub. Also, there was mood lighting you could turn on.
There was the vanity area with couple of sinks. Surprisingly they didn’t have razors, mouthwash, or toothbrushes available on the suite. You can, however, request them from the housekeeping and they were, at least in my case, brought up promptly.
Shower area had the usual rainforest and the regular shower heads. There was a toilet and a bidet, although not the Japanese ones that I would prefer.
Overall the suite was very nice.
There were some problems with the wireless signal on the bedroom. It was going on and off later in the evening, when I prefer using my laptop on the bed while watching the TV. The hotel didn’t have additional wireless routers or bridges available, but they were able to locate one and brought it to the suite. I spoke with the technical guy and found out that the structure of the building complicates the wireless set up. My suggestion was just to have additional wireless access points to ensure that the signal is strong enough.
18 Degrees, Lounge & Profiterole
The Lounge is on the lobby level at the 18th floor. It was very contemporarily setting. I decided to sit out in the terrace that is shared with the 18 Degrees restaurant and the Lounge, although in the evening they apparently would prefer it to be used by the diners. There was a beautiful view of the islands and the surroundings from the terrace. Decided to have a caipirinha there, but they hadn’t got cachaça liquor yet, so settled for a caipiroska, which was done correctly.
I only ate the breakfast at the 18 Degrees, but took a photo of the evening menu that described it as Eastern Mediterranean. To my understanding it was mainly tapas style food to be shared with a group of people. It sounded a bit too complicated to what I was looking for, and I actually walked to the Aloft to have a look at the property and have a snack there. Also, the evening view of the Capital Gate building is stunning from the Aloft’s rooftop bar.
The breakfast is available through the room service, the lounge, or the 18 Degrees. I decided to try the breakfast at the 18 Degrees early in the morning. There were some pastries, breads, cold cuts, fruits etc. available on buffet style and then a menu of hot items that could be ordered.
At the ground floor they have Profiterole “café”. You can get sweet or savory puffs and other small snacks.
Fitness Center/Pool
The fitness center is what one would expect from a brand new hotel. The locker room includes a steam room but not a dry sauna.
The pool area and the pool bar were being opened when I was there.
The pool area is not huge but adequate for the size of the hotel, and it is on the 19th floor of the building. There are quite a few sun chairs out. The sunset view from the pool area is very nice.
Conclusion
Overall, everything went very smoothly considering that it was their first day of opening. The attention paid to my stay was borderline overwhelming. I spoke with many managers and gave them feedback about my stay.
This location is very good if you have business to conduct at the exhibition center. There are quite a few embassies, including the United States one, located in the immediate area. Also, the location is good if you have an early flight out from the airport.
The highest floor of the building is the private residence of the sheik who owns the building. There is also a helipad on the top of the building that can be used for transport.
Last week, I was scheduled to fly out from Abu Dhabi. The opening date of the Hyatt Capital Gate had been brought forward by couple of weeks. Previously, it was not bookable before the beginning of 2012. Decided to spend the night there and just take a cab to the airport the following morning. The location of the hotel is about half way from both the city center of Abu Dhabi and the airport. My stay there ended up being on the opening day.
The Capital Gate building is an iconic one already due to being the largest man-made tilted structure. The hotel part of the building begins from the 18th floor. The lower floors are reserved for office space. You can read more about the building itself at www.capitalgate.ae.
Getting to the hotel
My original plan was to be at the hotel around 11AM, but I was late leaving the rather wonderful Sheraton Abu Dhabi Resort & Spa, where I have stayed at several times. The taxi driver was a bit confused first and thought that I was going to the newly opened Park Hyatt in Saadiyat island. I had stayed at the Park Hyatt eight days prior to my stay at the Capital Gate. You can also read about my experiences there. After giving the taxi instructions to drive to the Aloft/exhibition center, we were on our way to the right direction.
There is still quite a bit of construction going on in the immediate area of the exhibition center, although not on the side where the Hyatt hotel is located. The taxi first took me to the Aloft side of the exhibition center. Due to the construction, it is a bit difficult to get to the hotel unless you know exactly the way around the area. We just had to make few turns before getting to the correct destination.
Check in:
So, I got to the hotel around 1:30PM. My bags were promptly moved out from the trunk. The lobby of the hotel is on the 18th floor. The general manager and other management members were welcoming me to the hotel. We briefly exchanged pleasantries, and I was then on my way to the 18th floor lobby with the front desk manager.
I had made the reservation around 1AM for same day arrival. It was nice to see that the hotel was on the ball when it came to reservations. The front desk manager commented that she had been working in the night when my reservation had come through to their system from the Hyatt’s reservations. The same lady had worked at the Grand Club in Grand Hyatt Hong Kong previously and mentioned that I had stayed there several times, although we had never met. She also commented on the number of lifetime Hyatt Gold Passport points (1.4 million +) that I had earned over the years.
The paperwork was prepared before my arrival and I was escorted to the “room” 2212, that had been preassigned for me, straight from the lobby. They needed me to handover my passport for making a copy/scan of it, which is the usual process in the UAE, and a credit card. These were promptly returned for me.
Suite 2212
This is for sure not the usual Hyatt Gold Passport Diamond upgrade at this property. It was a proper two room suite with a panoramic view of the island where the ruling family of the Abu Dhabi lives.
The living room was very spacious with a circular table where the fruit plate was waiting. The work desk area. The sitting area with another table next to the TV, where the Diamond amenity bottle of red wine, marinated olives, and cheese jar were. There was a guest bathroom on the living room as well as space for some storage. The lamp ensemble in the living room was interesting and looked very nice especially in the evening.
The bedroom consisted of a nice bed, another TV set, and some macaroons on the table by the mirror. The view of the “royal” island, where some work was done was nice.
The bathroom was very spacious with a nice infinity bathtub next to the window. You could control the TV that was on the ceiling using the panel on the tub. Also, there was mood lighting you could turn on.
There was the vanity area with couple of sinks. Surprisingly they didn’t have razors, mouthwash, or toothbrushes available on the suite. You can, however, request them from the housekeeping and they were, at least in my case, brought up promptly.
Shower area had the usual rainforest and the regular shower heads. There was a toilet and a bidet, although not the Japanese ones that I would prefer.
Overall the suite was very nice.
There were some problems with the wireless signal on the bedroom. It was going on and off later in the evening, when I prefer using my laptop on the bed while watching the TV. The hotel didn’t have additional wireless routers or bridges available, but they were able to locate one and brought it to the suite. I spoke with the technical guy and found out that the structure of the building complicates the wireless set up. My suggestion was just to have additional wireless access points to ensure that the signal is strong enough.
18 Degrees, Lounge & Profiterole
The Lounge is on the lobby level at the 18th floor. It was very contemporarily setting. I decided to sit out in the terrace that is shared with the 18 Degrees restaurant and the Lounge, although in the evening they apparently would prefer it to be used by the diners. There was a beautiful view of the islands and the surroundings from the terrace. Decided to have a caipirinha there, but they hadn’t got cachaça liquor yet, so settled for a caipiroska, which was done correctly.
I only ate the breakfast at the 18 Degrees, but took a photo of the evening menu that described it as Eastern Mediterranean. To my understanding it was mainly tapas style food to be shared with a group of people. It sounded a bit too complicated to what I was looking for, and I actually walked to the Aloft to have a look at the property and have a snack there. Also, the evening view of the Capital Gate building is stunning from the Aloft’s rooftop bar.
The breakfast is available through the room service, the lounge, or the 18 Degrees. I decided to try the breakfast at the 18 Degrees early in the morning. There were some pastries, breads, cold cuts, fruits etc. available on buffet style and then a menu of hot items that could be ordered.
At the ground floor they have Profiterole “café”. You can get sweet or savory puffs and other small snacks.
Fitness Center/Pool
The fitness center is what one would expect from a brand new hotel. The locker room includes a steam room but not a dry sauna.
The pool area and the pool bar were being opened when I was there.
The pool area is not huge but adequate for the size of the hotel, and it is on the 19th floor of the building. There are quite a few sun chairs out. The sunset view from the pool area is very nice.
Conclusion
Overall, everything went very smoothly considering that it was their first day of opening. The attention paid to my stay was borderline overwhelming. I spoke with many managers and gave them feedback about my stay.
This location is very good if you have business to conduct at the exhibition center. There are quite a few embassies, including the United States one, located in the immediate area. Also, the location is good if you have an early flight out from the airport.
The highest floor of the building is the private residence of the sheik who owns the building. There is also a helipad on the top of the building that can be used for transport.
Last edited by holtju2; May 8, 2012 at 3:45 pm Reason: update
Dec 22, 2011, 12:30 am
#3
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Overall the service was far better at the Capital Gate compared to the Park Hyatt. I still don't quite get it why so many things went wrong during my one night stay at the PH.
If you want beach, this is NOT a location for you to be frank.
Dec 22, 2011, 2:58 am
#4
Join Date: Aug 2009
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May 4, 2012, 5:15 pm
#6
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: West Africa
Programs: Flying Blue, Mileage Plus
Posts: 204
Just got back from a weekend getaway to the Capital Gate. The service really is very good, almost too attentive. As a Platinum (from the promo going on now), got a nice room upgrade. The room was enormous, with a beautiful bathroom, although facing the city instead of the more attractive seaside. Room design is earthy, modern, with lots of interesting texture that blends well with the unique architecture of the building.
As for the room, everything is automated but not too confusing to figure out. Minibar is pretty lacking, with a pretty standard lineup of beverages but only KitKats, nuts or Pringles for snacking. Didn't have any meals from room service but did order some incredible homemade ice cream flavors -- I tried saffron yogurt, cardamom peach, pine nut, and Turkish coffee flavors. All were excellent.
Asked for a 2pm late checkout, was told to feel free to stay until 6 pm (I left at 3 anyway). Very generous offer, but I guess now is a pretty quiet time in Abu Dhabi. The hotel really isn't very close to anything except the convention center and many embassies, but the front desk will call a taxi which will arrive in just a few minutes and sweep you off to wherever (but the cost does add up to take taxis from here downtown too many times).
Their breakfast concept is a little odd, a bit of a hybrid between buffet (for cold items) and a la carte, but all included with the breakfast rate. Fresh baked pastries were outstanding -- whole wheat croissants lovely, and good selection of fresh fruit. Cooked a la carte items were just OK, but presented well. Open kitchen so you see what's going on. Didn't eat any other meals at 18 Degrees, but I heard from locals that the Friday brunch is good/unique.
It's hot now, but I still found it bearable enough on the cantilever pool to swim late morning/midday. I was the only one with either the heat tolerance or the free time to be out there over the two mornings. Small pool but great view. There's just enough breeze blowing across at 19 stories up, and the pool water is either cooled or not enough in the sun yet to warm up at that hour. Didn't try the spa or fitness center.
Highly recommended if you don't mind the location. The price was even good as far as luxury hotels in the Emirates go -- definitely one of the finest hotels I've stayed at, and best overall values for luxury I've ever experienced in the Gulf.
As for the room, everything is automated but not too confusing to figure out. Minibar is pretty lacking, with a pretty standard lineup of beverages but only KitKats, nuts or Pringles for snacking. Didn't have any meals from room service but did order some incredible homemade ice cream flavors -- I tried saffron yogurt, cardamom peach, pine nut, and Turkish coffee flavors. All were excellent.
Asked for a 2pm late checkout, was told to feel free to stay until 6 pm (I left at 3 anyway). Very generous offer, but I guess now is a pretty quiet time in Abu Dhabi. The hotel really isn't very close to anything except the convention center and many embassies, but the front desk will call a taxi which will arrive in just a few minutes and sweep you off to wherever (but the cost does add up to take taxis from here downtown too many times).
Their breakfast concept is a little odd, a bit of a hybrid between buffet (for cold items) and a la carte, but all included with the breakfast rate. Fresh baked pastries were outstanding -- whole wheat croissants lovely, and good selection of fresh fruit. Cooked a la carte items were just OK, but presented well. Open kitchen so you see what's going on. Didn't eat any other meals at 18 Degrees, but I heard from locals that the Friday brunch is good/unique.
It's hot now, but I still found it bearable enough on the cantilever pool to swim late morning/midday. I was the only one with either the heat tolerance or the free time to be out there over the two mornings. Small pool but great view. There's just enough breeze blowing across at 19 stories up, and the pool water is either cooled or not enough in the sun yet to warm up at that hour. Didn't try the spa or fitness center.
Highly recommended if you don't mind the location. The price was even good as far as luxury hotels in the Emirates go -- definitely one of the finest hotels I've stayed at, and best overall values for luxury I've ever experienced in the Gulf.
May 8, 2012, 3:46 pm
#7
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May 9, 2012, 1:31 am
#8
Join Date: Jan 2010
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Jun 18, 2012, 12:04 am
#9
Join Date: May 2007
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Amazing architecture, very nice staff - but a few glitches
I stayed in the Hyatt Capital Gate for the first time on a business trip in July. The architecture both from the outside and also within the building is really stunning. Staff was efficient and very friendly throughout the stay and the room was superb (though I probably got an upgrade as a Diamond).
Really the only downside was the painfully slow internet connection. Staff promised to check that with the internet provider. And there's perhaps one small warning: What is described as a lounge, is not a club lounge - i.e. no complimentary drinks and snacks. As a Diamond, I got a few nibbles and drinks on my room and breakfast in the restaurant was complimentary - so nothing to complain about.
Really the only downside was the painfully slow internet connection. Staff promised to check that with the internet provider. And there's perhaps one small warning: What is described as a lounge, is not a club lounge - i.e. no complimentary drinks and snacks. As a Diamond, I got a few nibbles and drinks on my room and breakfast in the restaurant was complimentary - so nothing to complain about.
Oct 11, 2012, 6:20 am
#10
Join Date: Jan 2010
Programs: Virtuoso, Marriott Stars/Luminous, Hilton Impresario, IHG Luxury & Lifestyle, Hyatt Prive etc
Posts: 2,004
We stayed in August. A nice hotel - staff eager to please, great room (although the blinds have a mind of their own), fantastic architecture, nice pool. Only negative: restaurant seemed over priced.
Full review with pictures on Driven2travel
Full review with pictures on Driven2travel
Jan 9, 2013, 4:46 am
#11
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Once and not again
I was staying there for one night - after a beautiful stay in the aLoft. Oh wow, what a shocker! As a diamond member I got an "upgrade" to a slightly larger room with city view on the 22nd floor. No sea view and no high floor was offered to me. The room smelled like a smoking room and it was much smaller than the junior suite which I got at the aLoft. The room was modern but over all, it was rather depressing, probably like in a prison. The hotel has no club lounge and also nothing like a free drink or food is given to diamond members. Restaurant was extremely overprices, so I had dinner at the aLoft. I deeply regret that I stayed at the Hyatt Capital Gate but I would chose the aLoft without doubt again. Price in the Hyatt was double the one I paid at the aLoft. Once again a big disappointment with Hyatt and a nice experience with SPG.
Aug 29, 2013, 8:35 am
#12
Join Date: Jan 2010
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Posts: 2,004
The Hyatt Abu Dhabi and Maldives event was a great success. A particular highlight of Capital Gate was the Iftar buffet - good value and excellent quality.
Report and pictures are here for those interested (of the event, not so much the hotel).
Report and pictures are here for those interested (of the event, not so much the hotel).
Last edited by price123; Aug 29, 2013 at 8:40 am
Nov 19, 2013, 12:39 am
#13
Join Date: Dec 2008
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Posts: 960
Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi - REVIEW - MASTER THREAD
Quick 1-nighter. Upgraded to suite, nice room. Nice breakfast selection.
Pool was extremely windy, non-useable.
Cki/cko slow and inefficient.
Good hotel but not blown away. Very business-like, but lots of locals at the same time.
Pool was extremely windy, non-useable.
Cki/cko slow and inefficient.
Good hotel but not blown away. Very business-like, but lots of locals at the same time.
Jun 6, 2014, 4:29 am
#14
Join Date: Feb 2014
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Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi Review
I just came back from 6 days at the Hyatt Capital Gate in Abu Dhabi after getting an awesome deal. I had found the hotel room for £35 on an OTA and did a price promise /match from the original £85. As I am doing the Diamond challenge I upgraded to their Capital Suite, which in my opinion was excellent value and so happy it worked OK for me.
Hyatt Capital Gate is a beautiful hotel, excellent staff and customer service. If you are there ask for Abishek who is the front desk leader, he will definitely look after you. The hotel itself is beautiful, modern, a little far out of the main city but close to the Mosque and a short 20min drive to the corniche.
When we checked in we were given the Capital Suite on the 23rd floor (2301), i think many of their suites are hit and miss, this one was not worth it as it is in a diagonal shape and I couldn't stay in there more than 2 hours, it was so spread across the whole floor. I asked to change rooms and Abishek happily put as in another capital suite on the 20th floor (2010) which was beautiful.
Massive living room, guess bathroom, jacuzzi in the main bathroom and the bedroom had impressive views. Very spacious room, i would happily pay the full price if I have to. We also received the free breakfast and as they don't have a lounge we got free minibar.
If you are using an upgrade certificate or just paying for it, i will strongly recommend for you to email them and ask for the 2010 suite!
I was trying to upload photos but I couldn't, once I write up a full review on my blog will share it here with all the photos.
Hyatt Capital Gate is a beautiful hotel, excellent staff and customer service. If you are there ask for Abishek who is the front desk leader, he will definitely look after you. The hotel itself is beautiful, modern, a little far out of the main city but close to the Mosque and a short 20min drive to the corniche.
When we checked in we were given the Capital Suite on the 23rd floor (2301), i think many of their suites are hit and miss, this one was not worth it as it is in a diagonal shape and I couldn't stay in there more than 2 hours, it was so spread across the whole floor. I asked to change rooms and Abishek happily put as in another capital suite on the 20th floor (2010) which was beautiful.
Massive living room, guess bathroom, jacuzzi in the main bathroom and the bedroom had impressive views. Very spacious room, i would happily pay the full price if I have to. We also received the free breakfast and as they don't have a lounge we got free minibar.
If you are using an upgrade certificate or just paying for it, i will strongly recommend for you to email them and ask for the 2010 suite!
I was trying to upload photos but I couldn't, once I write up a full review on my blog will share it here with all the photos.
Jun 7, 2014, 3:56 pm
#15
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Frankfurt
Programs: MR Plat.
Posts: 95
Thanks for the review, eleanik! I stayed also in 2301 recently and found the suite layout unorthodox... Walking back and forth in it could count as serious workout. I liked the suite (second suite upgrade at Hyatt), but will definitely remember your room recommendation, if I stay again.
The minibar thing seems to be undocumented. When I checked out I was asked if I had something from it. Which I had. that was charged, but the other item I took the night before was not.
Overall I liked the hotel, but not so much its remote location and lack of taxis.
The minibar thing seems to be undocumented. When I checked out I was asked if I had something from it. Which I had. that was charged, but the other item I took the night before was not.
Overall I liked the hotel, but not so much its remote location and lack of taxis.