Jutting out of the empty land at the merge nose of Oud Metha Road and Al Khail road near Dubai’s Royal residence Zabeel Palace, is the proud standing Marriott Al Jaddaf.
The majestic mashrabiya dappled building is still surrounded by scaffolding and a fine layer of dust when Hotelier Middle East takes a sneak peek of the property, but on entering the grand reception doors, guests can expect to be welcomed by an immaculate lobby area and grinning Marriott Red Coats.
The hotel, which opened on January 21, is significant for the company since it marks the first Middle East roll out of the new Marriott brand voice under the Travel Brilliantly campaign, launched last year.
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As such, the hotel and apartments promise to target a new generation of travellers who are looking to combine work and play in a mobile world.
The 408-unit complex is comprised of signature brand Dubai Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf and upscale serviced apartment brand, Marriott Executive Apartments Dubai Al Jaddaf.
The hotel offers 353 rooms across eight floors, including 192 deluxe king and 107 deluxe double rooms as well as 39 executive suites, two Zabeel suites and a presidential suite, while 128 fully furnished one, two and three bedroom apartments provide space and privacy for extended stay guests in the adjoining property.
Two rooftop swimming pool areas give views across the looming Dubai skyline, taking in the iconic Burj Khalifa, while a strong food and beverage offering with four signature restaurants is set to add iconic entertainment venues to the existing supply in the emirate.
However, perhaps the most obvious examples of the new Marriott brand voice are demonstrated in the properties’ extensive MICE facilities. These consist of 14 meeting rooms, a Zabeel ballroom with separate entrance which can accommodate 540, as well as the ‘Greatroom’ — a new lobby lounge concept, providing a space for socialising, going online, and having meetings over a coffee.
According to Graeme Lunn, the complex’s marketing director, the Greatroom complies 100% with Marriott criteria for the facility. The wide lobby with warm colours and plenty of plug sockets, as well as an Illy coffee counter serving up homemade biscuits and pastries lends a café-style accessibility to the area, offering a space equally suited to business and pleasure.
General manager of the Dubai Marriott Hotel AL Jaddaf and Marriott Executive Apartments Dubai Al Jaddaf, Khaled Al Jamal, a Jordanian national, explains: “The lobby is set up to cater to customers who want to multitask. They might be having a snack while checking Facebook, or replying to emails, while making a phone call.”
For guests looking for a more formal work space, the 14 dedicated meeting rooms offer an interactive guest experience with the new Red Coat Direct App, available from the opening day of the hotel. The app can be downloaded to guests’ mobile devices so that they can call upon Marriott Red Coat event staff for assistance without leaving the meeting room.
“Red Coat Direct will be big for us in 2014,” explains Al Jamal. “In the Middle East one of our targets is to get the Marriott Al Jaddaf on strategy with all the latest Marriott initiatives, whether it’s Red Coat Direct or the Greatroom. That mobility for our customers is something we are really proud of with this property.”
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