Its stark glass facade, with rectilinear night-lighting, invites you into a vast atrium of textured surfaces and glowing hanging lamps. Things stay more classic in the rooms, with plenty of wood detailing and floor-to-ceiling windows. You'll have to pay extra for a 'view' room if you want the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque vista.
The private beach, big pool area and an entire swag of eating options, including Marco Pierre White's flagship restaurant, make this hotel a destination in itself.