Tried and Tested: The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai

BACKGROUND
The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai opened its doors on October 1 and is Emaar Hospitality Group’s first and flagship project under its own five-star global luxury hotel brand, The Address Hotels + Resorts. The brand’s focus is on location, advantage, guest benefits and service.This hotel offers 196 rooms and suites.

LOCATION 
You’d be hard pushed to find a better city location for a Dubai hotel. The Address is in the new downtown district overlooking the tallest building in the world — Burj Dubai — and very close to Dubai’s financial district, Sheikh Zayed Road and the Dubai Convention & Exhibition Centre.Not only that, but the world’s largest mall — Dubai Mall — is its next-door neighbour featuring not only a bevy of international retail outlets, but an ice rink and an aquarium too.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS
When pulling up at The Address, you really feel like you have arrived. The 63-storey hotel stands elegantly next to two behemoths — Burj Dubai and Dubai Mall — and is surrounded by the new downtown development that comprises apartments, hotels and a souk.

The lobby is vast with contemporary furnishings and creative lighting and fixtures incorporating earthy tones and many diverse textures.

The inspiration for the hotel’s interiors was taken from the dramatic Gulf landscapes such as the rugged Hajar mountains, golden sand dunes, the deep blues of the Arabian Sea and the reds and oranges of the sunsets, according to Emaar Hospitality Group CEO Marc Dardenne.

I was particularly impressed with the innovative lighting designs that ranged from funky lampshades to electric blue light boxes and shimmering veils of lit crystals.

ROOM FACILITIES
The impactful design theme was carried through to the Executive Suite in which I stayed where the neutral tones were enhanced by orange leather accessories such as magazine racks and remote control holders.

The suite featured a large living room with separate WC, large seating area with TV and coffee table and a mini bar, which led into the main bedroom featuring a king-sized bed, desk and a very sizeable bathroom with free-standing bath (complete with ‘Serenity’ bath pillow) and a large walk-in rain shower.

I very much appreciated the Acqua Di Parma bathroom amenities and the sumptuous robes and slippers. All wardrobes and hanging spaces were neatly tucked away and the in-room reading material was fantastic including magazines such as Wallpaper and Conde Naste Traveller. A highlight was the outdoor balcony boasting views of the Burj Dubai.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS
I sampled three outlets, all of which impressed me with their design and service credentials. The Friday brunch at Fazaris on the ground floor was one of the best I’ve sampled in Dubai, with a particularly impressive seafood offering and good quality champagne.

Neos on the 63rd floor is a sophisticated sky bar, decked out in black, silver and sparkling crystals with floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of Sheikh Zayed Road, Jumeirah and beyond. The hotel’s signature restaurant, Hukama, serves contemporary, yet authentic Chinese dishes that are served by waiters and waitresses in beautiful Chinese silk uniforms.

LEISURE FACILITIES
The Address boasts arguably the best outdoor pool (complete with swinging sunbeds/hammocks) and gym at any hotel in Dubai. The fitness centre was kitted out with the latest Precor equipment and was light, airy and inspiring.

SPA
Again, probably one of Dubai’s best. The spa itself was calming due to the creamy and rugged colour scheme of the décor and the facilities were impressive, particularly the ergonomic chaise lounges in the relaxation room and small details like hair straighteners in the changing rooms.

The treatment itself — an aromatherapy massage using ESPA products — was relaxing thanks to the professionalism of my therapist who listened to my specific requests.

WORTH A MENTION
24-hour stay for guests in suites or executive rooms.

Officially one of my favourite hotels in Dubai offering all the facilities a business or leisure traveller could wish for, with the exception of a beach. The contemporary and innovative design and service ethics are key selling points. This is a true lifestyle brand that lives up to its philosophy, ‘Where life happens’.

TO BOOK: Call 800 ADDRESS (UAE) or +971 4436 8888; email stay@theaddress.com; visit www.theaddress.com