Review: A walking gallery of art inside the bold architecture of Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi
Experience the world’s most dramatic leaning hotel, where Emirati art flows through the floors and the city’s cultural landmarks are just a short drive away
Staying at Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi is like stepping into a living piece of art. The hotel occupies the world’s most extreme leaning building, officially recognized by Guinness World Records, tilting 18 degrees above the Abu Dhabi skyline. The 35-storey building makes an immediate impression. Towering above the city, the building signals from afar that this is a place where architecture, art and culture converge.
Art in the Middle’s Hayley Alexander checks in and checks it out, experiencing a hotel that is as visually arresting as it is immersive.
The iconic leaning tower
Arriving at Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi, the structure is not just visually striking, it is a feat of engineering. A steel diagrid wraps the exterior, stabilizing the building while allowing its bold geometry to shine. Inside, floor-to-ceiling windows accentuate the lean, offering sweeping views of Abu Dhabi that tilt subtly with your perspective.
The interior immediately draws attention, balancing bold architecture with a sense of warmth and calm. Guests are welcomed in the lobby on the 18th floor by the smiles of hostesses and striking works of art. Calligraphy by artist Wissam Shawkat commands attention, immersing visitors in a cultural narrative from the moment they arrive.
Guestrooms and suites continue this blend of artistry and design. Open layouts, warm interiors and subtle nods to Emirati heritage, including Mashrabiya-inspired patterns and Arabic calligraphy. Each room also features curated artwork, ensuring every guest experiences a personal connection to the local culture.
The art
From the lobby to the corridors to the guestrooms, the hotel feels like a gallery in motion. Every piece invites discovery and conversation, transforming the stay into an immersive experience where architecture, design, and Emirati storytelling intersect.
As part of the Hyatt group, Andaz Capital Gate encourages engagement with the art and local creativity. Rotating installations, curated programs, and community-focused projects allow visitors to interact with contemporary Emirati culture, turning the hotel into a living, evolving exhibition.
A Short Drive to Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Scene
The hotel’s location is ideal for exploring Abu Dhabi’s rich cultural landscape. A short drive away lies Saadiyat Island, home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, and the Natural History Museum. Guests can spend the day wandering exhibitions and galleries, then return to the leaning tower for a different kind of cultural encounter, one that combines luxury, design and storytelling.
By the end of a stay, guests leave with more than memories of sleeping in a Guinness World Record-holding building. They depart with a sense of having connected to Abu Dhabi’s culture, art, and architecture in a deeply personal way. At Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi, design, creativity, and community come together to create an urban escape that is as inspiring as it is luxurious.
Art in the Middle tip
For those looking to maximise their stay, wander the hotel’s corridors and floors as if exploring a curated exhibition. Each level offers new insights into contemporary Emirati art and cultural symbolism, turning every corner into a discovery.
Be sure to unwind at The Lean Rooftop Pool, the hotel’s newly refurbished pool and terrace. Relax with a book during the day and enjoy live music in the evening.
Visit: www.hyatt.com/andaz
Hayley is passionate about everything 90s, from art and fashion to music. Her love for glossy, artful coffee table books started early during her days in book publishing and has only grown since. She collects luxury magazines from around the world, enjoys exploring creative workshops around the city, and always chases dinners with a view, preferably by the beach.
