Top 5 Hotels in Dubai
Dubai's Newest and Finest - The Address Downtown Burj Dubai
Located in the happening heart of Downtown Burj Dubai, the hotel has the world's tallest tower, Burj Dubai and the stunning Dubai Fountain on its doorstep and is flanked by Dubai Mall, the world's largest shopping and entertainment centre. Neos, the art deco-inspirDubai's Newest and Finest - The Address Downtown Burj Dubai
ed sky bar is a great place to round your day off with a grey goose and tonic and watch the spectacular fountain show without getting drenched. Rooms are loaded with all the luxury features we have come to expect, including complimentary WiFi and iPod docks. Business booming? Upgrade to a Club Room which comes with its own dedicated concierge and access to the Club Lounge where complimentary food and drinks are served all day.
Rooms from 959 AED (£159 GBP)
The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai, PO Box 123234, Dubai, UAE.
Tel: +971 4 436 8888
www.theaddress.com/en/hotel/downtown-burj-dubai
In the Heart of Dubai - The Shangri-La Hotel
With its minimalist chic and excellent facilities, the Shangri-La is close to Dubai's business centres and tourist attractions. This luxurious hotel is just 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport and five minutes from the World Trade and Convention Centre. One to three bedroom serviced apartments are also available for longer stays.
Rooms from 1020 AED (£169 GBP)
Shangri-La Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Po Box 75880, Dubai UAE.
Tel: 971 4 343 8888
www.shangri-la.com
The Most Iconic Building on the Strip - The Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel
A sleek architectural masterpiece of steel and glass, Jumeirah Emirates Towers redefines the business hotel, seamlessly combining high technology with unparalleled luxury. Highly tuned to the corporate traveller, all rooms come with work stations, and free WiFi. The suites are all fitted with their own business centre (fax, printer and scanner) and TV screens with CD, DVD and iPod interface. And for something a bit different - H2O - a health spa just for men!
Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE.
Tel: +971 4 330 0000
www.jumeirah.com
A Bit More Sedate - The Old Town - The Palace Hotel
The Palace is a classic antique-style resort hotel, in the middle of the Old Town island. Next door to it's sister hotel, The Address on one side and Dubai Mall on the other, it manages to maintain an atmosphere of seclusion whilst not skimping on the luxuries. Two hundred rooms and suites are tucked away throughout the complex - even the most basic comes with a private balcony and five-star amenities. With five further levels, there is plenty of opportunity for upgrades.
Rooms from 1099 UAE (£184 GBP)
The Palace Hotel, Emaar Boulevard, Old Town Island, Downtown Burj Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 4 4287888
www.theaddress.com
Totally Over the Top, No holds Barred - The Burj Al Arab Hotel
Even Vegas can't match this hotel. The Burj Al Arab is the world's first and only seven star hotel. Rising like a sail crest out of the Arabian Gulf, all 28 stories of this building are covered in double knit Teflon which is why it is white by day and rainbow coloured by night. Standard bedrooms have canopied beds, Versace bedspreads and mosaic detailing and the Royal and Presidential suites come with twenty-seven telephones, rotating beds (!), a private cinema and an elevator. Also included is your own kitchen complete with butler. An experience to Twitter about.
Rooms from 4690 UAE (£761 GBP)
The Burj Al Arab Hotel, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 4 301 7777
www.jumeirah.com
Dubai's Top Ten Restaurants
Al Muntah
Gastronomic Strict dress code $
Al Muntaha has the best location in Dubai, suspended hundreds of metres above the Arabian Gulf, at the top of the Burj Al Arab Hotel. Service is immaculate and the slanted windows give the restaurant the feel of a great ocean liner heading out to sea. Al Muntaha also delivers on the plate, with starter such as lobster Caesar salad or seared scallops and mains of grilled hammour, a local fish or roasted prime beef rib with mustard crust. There is live music at the restaurant six times a week.
Burj Al Arab Hotel, Jumeirah Beach, Dubai
Reservations: 04 301 7600
www.burj-al-arab.com
Cafe Chic
French Smart $
With food to rival to rival any cafe in Paris, Michelin-starred head chef Philippe Gavreau has created a menu incorporating all the French classics (and a few Italian ones thrown in too) making this a perfect business lunch venue. Try the roasted Guinea Fowl, or the succulent sole meuniere, mopping up divine juices with walnut encrusted rolls or garlic twists.
Le Meridian, Airport Road, Dubai
Reservations: 04 217 0000
www.starwoodhotel.com
Pierchic
Seafood Smart/Casual $
Seafood-loving trendies are flocking to this 110-seat eatery at the landmark Madinat Jumeirah development. Set out on a wooden pier, with views out over the ocean, the venue is perfect for trying some local and international seafood dishes. Favourites are the freshly shucked oysters, the mouth melting yellow fin tuna or the Arabian chilled seafood platter laced with Iranian caviar finishing with the decadent valhrohna chocolate fondant.
Al Qasr Hotel, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai
Reservations: 04 366 6730
www.madinatjumeirah.com
Peacock
Chinese Casual $
Although atmosphere and intimacy aren't the main draws at Peacock, this modern and spacious Chinese restaurant is located in the Sheraton Jumeirah, at the very end of the beach strip, so it's a good place for business diners to take clients to escape the city. Delivering steaming bowls of seafood broth or crispy spring rolls packed with fresh vegetables or chicken, the waiting staff attend you with exceptional service and friendliness. Avoid the sweet and sour chicken and opt for the king prawns with chilli garlic gravy and sliced vegetables or the red snapper filet.
Sheraton Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah Beach, Dubai
Reservations: 04 399 5533
www.starwoodhotels.com
Verre
Contemporary Smart $
Gordon Ramsay's Dubai venture has proved a resounding success and is firmly established as one of the best places to eat in Dubai. The Minimalist decor might not suit all tastes but the simple surrounds and the well though-out lighting help focus deserved attention on the food. A nice touch is the chef's specialities - tasty morsels of food that come between the impressive courses. Mains include salmon with a fricassee of peas and horseradish or poached chicken on a bed of tagliatelle. Save room for the fabulous desserts such as the refreshing mint Creme Brulee. The three course lunch specials are excellent value.
Hilton Dubai Creek, Beniyas Road, Dubai
Reservations: 04 227 1111
www.hilton.com
Butcher Shop and Grill
Grill Casual $
Located in Nelson Mandela Square (complete with bronze statue),this South African steakhouse is all about superlative meat (with some concession for fish in the form of mouth-taking Scottish salmon). Juicy Australian steaks, served just how you like them. The bonus is a full butchers counter displaying a fine array of meat and seafood available for those of you with cooking facilities.
Mall of the Emirates, Dubai.
Reservations: 04 347 1167
www.malloftheemirates.com
India Palace
Indian Casual $
India Palace is very popular with the local expat community. The open kitchen is a nice touch, as are the family booths upstairs, with privacy available at no extra charge. The excellent value menu features starters such as lentil soup and prawn bisque with fresh vegetables or try the tantalising banjara kofta - a soft ball of crushed paneer rolled in spinach, deep-fried and served with a spicy tomato gravy. Mains include chicken and vegetarian kebabs and a range of delicately spiced curries. Alcohol is not available but the lassis are excellent, especially the unusual lassi seasoned with salt.
Opposite Dubai Marine Hotel, Bur Dubai
Reservations: 04 286 9600
Sushi
Japanese Smart $
Fans of sushi and sashimi should head to the lapis lobby atrium of the Grand Hyatt Dubai for either lunch or dinner. This buzzing seafood eatery is a current favourite of the local beautiful people with a fresh and refreshing menu of Japanese treats, most prepared before your eyes as you sup on a saki or chilled Japanese beer.
Grand Hyatt Dubai, Al Qutaeyat Road,
Reservations: 04 317 1234
www.dubai.grand.hyatt.com
Al Qasr
Lebanese Casual $
Consistently one of the best Lebanese restaurants in the city, Al Qasr offers patrons a chance to sample some of the local cuisine in a setting that takes its nod from local flavours in architecture and decor. There is no a la carte menu for dinner, but a vast set menu of hot and cold mezze, salads, dips, grilled meats, fruit and desserts accompanied by live music well into the night. Lunch on the terrace is a quieter affair (no entertainment) and allows you to dine more temperately on herb-infused goat's cheese and the spicy walnut-strewn mohamara tomato and chilli dip. The kibbeh nayyeh, or raw ground lamb with bulgur wheat is a measure of the high quality of meat and produce at this exotic and diverse restaurant.
Al Qasr, Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa, Jumeirah, Dubai
Reservations: 04 346 1111
www.dxbmarine.com
The Cellar
Eclectic Smart/Casual $
An oasis of calm from the hurly burly of The Irish Village, the Cellar is a popular venue for business brunches or post-work meetings with a quieter atmosphere for chat. You can dine inside or outdoors at this popular restaurant, which serves well- cooked and well- presented food in elegant surroundings. Signature dishes such as duck leg marinated in Asian spices and served with bok choy or a succulent lamb pie. With one of the largest wine cellars in Dubai, you can always skip the meal and just stroll in for a glass or two instead.
The Cellar, The Aviation Club, Garhoud, Dubai
Reservations: 04 282 9333
www.aviationclub.ae