Royal M Hotel & Resort Abu Dhabi

Rooms start at 40 sqm with a king or two beds: the Deluxe faces the city and marina, the Premium faces the sea. The Deluxe Suite adds a separate bedroom and a living room with a dining set, the Premium Suite grows to 78 sqm with pool and sea views, and the Presidential adds lounge privileges. At the top — the 268-sqm Royal M Suite. Rooms also include a fridge, microwave and small kitchenette per the website — unusually handy for families.

The outdoor pool overlooks the city, with The View Pool Bar beside it; inside, a spa with sauna and steam room, and a gym. Dining is varied: Al Mizah for the all-day buffet, the Lebanese Batroun Aal Bahr (closed Mondays), Cuvee with an unusual Italian-Japanese fusion, and Lobby14 for coffee and pastries.

Business travellers get a business centre and three meeting rooms, and parking is free. Note: check-in and check-out times are not published on the official website — confirm with the hotel when booking.

Who it suits less: there's no private beach — for the sea you head to the Corniche — no kids' club, and Al Bateen is far from the big attractions of Yas and Saadiyat. For a few relaxed city days, good food and a marina outside the window, this is luxury at a friendlier price than the big brands.