Munjeet Kaur Sagoo: Hyatt Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi

The recently opened Hyatt Capital Gate caught my attention the other day.

The hotel is located in one of Abu Dhabi's most iconic buildings which actually leans by 18 degrees. ..apparently that’s more than the leaning tower of Pisa! It occupies the 18^th to 33^rd floors of the Capital Gate building, with floor to ceiling windows - perhaps one to avoid if you aren’t so comfortable with heights!

Despite the curvaceous exterior, the interior is much more linear with strong architectural lines forming the backbone to the design. This is primarily a business hotel and given the extensive use of hard materials (glass and marble), I’m guessing this place is going to attract some serious no-nonsense business guests! However, despite the apparent lack of “soft touches” (I guess if you are a business man or woman, perhaps you need that steely environment in which to harness your deals!), I was totally drawn in by the exceptional lighting, which throughout the spaces has been used to achieve various effects. Different types of lighting can be seen to be highlighting the reception desk, creating a talking point in the public dining area as well as illuminating the architectural lines of the building. Even the choice of lighting in the pool has been specifically chosen to evoke a certain feeling with the starry sky effect, whereas the vast scale and sculptural nature of the chandeliers act as art.

In my opinion the use of lighting throughout this hotel contributes a huge part to the overall design.

I’ve not been to Abu Dhabi, but when I do, I shall certainly be making a point of staying here….for research purposes, obviously!