Observation Deck at 300

"From the impressive three-story lobby to the box of chocolate-covered dates that turns up in your room at check-in, an air of refined elegance pervades Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, the 382-room hotel set in one of five slender blue towers on the corner of Abu Dhabi island. Richly detailed elevators bring you to lavish gold-accented accommodations with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the presidential palace or the Persian Gulf.Impeccable service follows you throughout the property: at three pools and an umbrella-studded private beach, a spa and marble-clad hammam, a high-end shopping mall, and six restaurants that serve everything from Italian and Lebanese to Japanese and Indian."

"Set the scene for us. Jumeirah At Etihad Towers is a glistening example of the best Abu Dhabi has to offer. Located on the western end of the Corniche , opposite Emirates Palace , the luxurious hotel provides a jaw-dropping welcome thanks to sparkling Swarovski chandeliers and amethyst-encrusted elevators. Who stays here? Tourists, business travelers, and some locals. The good stuff: Tell us about your room. Our generous Grand Deluxe room had floor-to-ceiling views of Emirates Palace, a comfortable king bed, a daybed, a good-sized desk, and a beautiful bathroom with a mosaic tiled soaking tub. The color scheme was largely soothing beiges and whites, with floral floor coverings and pops of color. Is it worth eating here? With a dozen restaurants and bars, Jumeirah doesn't lack for options; the landscape ranges from Japanese and Italian to Lebanese and steak. VaKaVa, exciting and relatively new, is a fun, colorful Latin American restaurant with an open-air alfresco bar. Breakfast at Rosewater is an elaborate must-try. How did you find the staff? Service is collectively impressive. And anything we missed? The hotel has a private beach and three pools, including a swim-up bar. The Avenue, also part of the complex, boasts shops, cafes, and a supermarket. Talise Spa offers a variety of regionally inspired treatments. For families, there's a children's pool and a kids' club, as well as babysitting services. And even if you're not here for business, be sure to peek around the conference level, which has a pearl-encrusted ceiling. Bottom line: Why are we staying here? You're spoilt for choice here. There's really no need to leave if you're looking for rest, relaxation, dining, and shopping in a luxurious setting." - Melinda Healy

"Jumeirah At Etihad Towers is a glistening example of the best Abu Dhabi has to offer. Located on the western end of the Corniche , opposite Emirates Palace, the luxurious hotel provides a jaw-dropping welcome thanks to sparkling Swarovski chandeliers and amethyst-encrusted elevators. Generous Grand Deluxe rooms have a comfortable king bed, a daybed, a good-sized desk, and a beautiful bathroom with a mosaic tiled soaking tub. The hotel also happens to be home to some of the best restaurants in the city." - Melinda Healy

"One of Abu Dhabi's most iconic images, is its modern, ever-evolving skyline. The best place to scope out the view? Observation Deck at 300, a sleek, 360-degree lookout on the 74th floor of the posh Jumeirah At Etihad Towers. Although it's the highest vantage point in the city, this isn't your typical tourist spot. As its coveted address suggests, the vibe here is high-class. Rooms are lined with dramatic marble and sleek leather chairs. Hint: Ditch the fanny pack." - Jenna Scatena