Shangri-La Dubai – lodge evaluate

Since opening in 2003, the Shangri-La Dubai has lengthy been one of many metropolis’s grande dames — combining timeless magnificence with a helpful location close to all the highest sights. The five-star lodge is unfold throughout 43 flooring, together with seven eating places and bars, one of many UAE’s finest membership lounges and a unusual pool membership with floating breakfasts.

But it’s the views that actually seize friends’ hearts. Rooms with floor-to-ceiling home windows soak up expansive vistas over the ever-changing skyline of Dubai, with the Burj Khalifa on one facet and the huge Arabian Sea on the opposite.

---

Click to leap to…

---

Although the encompassing neighbourhoods of Al Satwa and Al Wasl have waned in reputation through the years, the lodge’s location on Sheikh Zayed Road means quick access to all of the must-visit spots. It’s only a 10-minute taxi experience to the sprawling Dubai Mall, whereas shut proximity to the Financial Centre Metro station opens up easy exploration of the broader metropolis at a cut price value.

Shangri-La Dubai will not be the latest lodge on the scene, however that’s a part of the allure. It’s a tried and examined haven of luxurious that has rigorously honed its strategy over a long time – and friends maintain coming again for extra.

Middle East Traveller checked in to the lodge’s Picture-Perfect Room to indulge in these skyline views and expertise basic service in a metropolis famend for its fast-moving hospitality scene.

The Hotel

After traversing the globe and experiencing the most effective of Europe’s luxurious panorama, Malaysian tycoon Robert Kuok launched into a mission in 1971 — to infuse Singapore’s hospitality scene with the sophistication he cherished.

Shangri-La was born, and within the 5 a long time because the group has opened greater than 100 resorts in 78 locations worldwide. But it was the revealing of the model’s Dubai property 20 years in the past that marked a pivotal second, propelling Shangri-La past East Asia and into the Gulf area whereas additionally serving as a bridge to Europe.

Since then, the lodge’s Middle East presence has expanded to incorporate properties in Abu Dhabi, with an unique kilometre-long non-public seashore, and a waterfront retreat within the Saudi Arabian coastal metropolis of Jeddah.

Shangri-La Dubai, ever widespread with enterprise travellers and more and more with leisure guests, stays the jewel within the crown.

The Arrival

Embarking on a swift 30-minute journey from the airport aboard Dubai Metro’s crimson line, the silhouette of the lodge’s sandy towers shortly emerges in opposition to the backdrop of Sheikh Zayed Road. Arriving a couple of minutes later on the grand entrance, our baggage is promptly whisked away by attentive lodge employees.

Stepping into the foyer, a soothing mix of lotions and golds is complemented by marbled carpets in placing shades of crimson and purple. Natural mild pours in by way of expansive home windows, lending an ethereal ambiance to an area that extends throughout a number of flooring.

The scene buzzes with exercise, as enterprise travellers and locals in pristine white thobes take conferences over sandwiches and cups of tea. Waiters glide by carrying trays with intricately crafted pastries, whereas a cake trolley navigates by way of elegant tables adorned with heavy glass and marble.

As evening falls, the ambiance shifts to a hotter tone, with suspended lights casting a gentle glow over plush gold leather-based seats on the elevated carpeted lounge space. Local artworks and plush floral preparations in ornate pots inject bursts of color into the environment.

Behind glossy golden counters, employees stand prepared to help with check-in formalities, that are expedited by way of touch-screen terminals.

Although our room isn’t fairly prepared upon our early arrival earlier than the official 3pm check-in time, we fortunately slink into one of many luxurious leather-based seats and savour a cup of Earl Grey as neighbouring tables take pleasure in tiers of treats for afternoon tea.

The Room

With a complete of 302 rooms and suites positioned between flooring 20 and 40, the lodge guarantees unparalleled views, whether or not you choose to look out over the sprawling skyline or tranquil waters of the Arabian Sea.

Stepping into the Instagram-focused Picture-Perfect Room, there’s a momentary pause because the drawn curtains obscure the anticipated panoramic cityscape. Yet, with the easy contact of a button, the room undergoes a change.

The curtains glide open unveiling the majestic Burj Khalifa, its shimmering facade casting a mesmersing reflection as tons of of autos far down beneath paint mild trails in opposition to an ever-changing lineup of skyscrapers.

But it doesn’t finish with that gorgeous skyline. Inside, the room is stuffed with considerate touches, similar to a Polaroid digicam to seize particular moments in opposition to the town backdrop and a Briiv Air Purifier to maintain the ambiance pristine.

The opulent marble-clad rest room – full with high-end L’Occitane facilities – invitations leisure with its walk-in rainfall bathe and deep-soaking bathtub, offering a sanctuary after a day of exploration.

When morning comes and the primary rays of solar gleam over the town, the in-room breakfast, curated by the Executive Chef, is the ultimate contact, making certain that your day begins in essentially the most luxurious means potential.

The Service

From the second you step by way of the doorways, service is spotless — a testomony to the lodge’s two-decade dedication to perfecting its craft.

A standout spot is the lounge perched on the forty second ground, an unique haven for friends residing in membership rooms. Here, mornings begin with a buffet breakfast, whereas evenings come full with a pleasant unfold of complimentary cocktails and canapés.

But it’s not simply in regards to the choices. It’s the real care proven by the employees that elevates the expertise. From crafting personalised itineraries to dedicating time to attach with every visitor, the attentiveness right here surpasses the norm.

Say goodbye to the standard uninspired cheese platters and automatic coffee you may discover at different resorts —that is basic hospitality at its best.

The Restaurants and Bars

The lodge has seven eating places and bars, starting from a daring and brash pool party lounge to a cigar hideaway and an all-day eating café with weekly theme nights. But the true gastronomic treasures are to be discovered tucked simply above the foyer on the primary ground balcony.

There, Shang Palace serves an distinctive menu of delicate dim sum (guide the weekend brunch for 3 hours of all-you-can-eat specialities and limitless drinks) in addition to Cantonese specialities like Peking duck and torch-flambéed rooster buns.

The crimson and gray decor could also be easy, though the partitions are lined with an eclectic choice of antiques, however the Chinese delicacies is among the many finest you’ll discover in Dubai. It’s a scandal that the place doesn’t have a Michelin star.

At the long-standing Hoi An, conventional lanterns dangle on the entrance of a restaurant serving up made-to-order Vietnamese dishes fusing conventional flavours with modern culinary strategies.

Their nem hải sản spring rolls are teeming with shrimp and crab meat, complemented by black fungus, shitake mushroom, carrot, spring onion and coriander, with a crunch that’s each satisfying and moreish.

For these with a desire for plant-based delicacies, the nem rau, a vegetable spring roll served with a strong peanut sauce, stands as a testomony to the restaurant’s dedication to catering for numerous dietary necessities.

The Activities

The phrase ‘Shangri-La’ refers to a spot of private peace, enchantment and well-being — so it’s little shock that the lodge has an distinctive spa the place friends can escape from the hustle and bustle into candlelit rooms for a fast therapeutic massage or a extra in-depth program of therapies.

Drawing inspiration from conventional therapeutic practices, the spa gives personalised therapies tailor-made to friends’ particular person wants and wishes. Go all-out with the signature Arabian Ritual, a lavish journey that begins with a full-body coffee exfoliation, adopted by a decadent rose-infused Rassoul clay wrap, and ends in an aromatherapy therapeutic massage to assuage the physique and soul.

For skincare aficionados, take pleasure in one in every of seven bespoke facials that includes merchandise from Margy’s Monte Carlo, an extremely luxurious model based by Swiss magnificence knowledgeable Margie Lombard who boasts greater than 40 years of experience.

After pampering bliss, unwind poolside at ikandy ultralounge — an idyllic oasis by day that transforms right into a party scene filled with vibrant pinks and palm timber as twilight descends.

Against the backdrop of the long-lasting Burj Khalifa piercing crystal-clear skies, the lounge space emerges as one of many lodge’s most Instagram-worthy spots (except, in fact, you’re staying in one of many Picture-Perfect Rooms).

Satisfy your cravings with a tempting menu of snacks together with mac and cheese bites, buffalo wings, and curly fries topped with braised beef and pico de gallo. And for an Instagram shot that’s actually unforgettable, go for lunch served on a floating platter.

Why Stay?

It will not be the latest lodge within the metropolis, however this beloved fixture in Dubai’s hospitality scene continues to captivate discerning travellers with its timeless allure, impeccable service, and affordable room charges.

From iconic views of the town skyline to a tranquil spa and distinctive eating places, the Shangri-La Dubai gives a tried and true expertise that transcends fleeting traits and leaves a long-lasting impression.

The Essentials

• Rates: Deluxe Sea View rooms begin at AED570 per evening in off-season on the advance buy price
• Phone quantity: +971 4 343 8888
• Website: shangri-la.com/dubai/shangrila/
• Address: Shangri-La Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Near Financial Metro Station, Dubai, United Arab Emirates