antithesis of the other Burj. It’s all under-
stated elegance with a colour scheme of
cream, chocolate brown, grey, black and the
occasional splash of scarlet coupled with
satin-covered walls. The sophistication is
further emphasised by Armani-branded
everything, from the sugar cubes to the
shampoo.
address doWnToWn
dubai luXury hoTel $$$
Map p216 (%04-436 8888; http://www.theaddress
.com; emaar blvd, Downtown Dubai; r from Dh1400;
iWs) This hotel embodies every thing Du-
bai has to offer: beauty, style, glamour and
ambition. Since its opening, the Address has
drawn the cognoscenti in droves, not only
to its rooms but also to its edgy restaurants
and buzzy bars. If you do stay, you’ll find
oversized rooms dressed in rich woods and
tactile fabrics, endowed with killer views
and the latest communication devices. If
that’s not enough, the 24-hour gym and five-
tiered infinity pool beckon.
palace – The old ToWn luXury hoTel $$$
Map p216 (%04-428 7888; http://www.thepalace-dubai
.com; emaar blvd, The old Town island, Downtown
Dubai; r from Dh1200; iWs) City explorers
with a romantic streak will be utterly en-
chanted by this luxe contender in the shad-
ow of the Burj Khalifa. A successful blend
of Old World class and Arabic aesthetics,
the Palace appeals to those with refined
tastes. Rooms are chic and understated,
styled in soothing earth tones, with balco-
nies overlooking Dubai Fountain. Personal
attention is key, from the personal check-
in desk to the intimate spa and fabulous
restaurants.
address dubai Mall luXury hoTel $$$
Map p216 (%04-438 8888; http://www.theaddress
.com; emaar blvd, Downtown Dubai; r from
Dh1200; iWs) A modern interpretation of
Arabic design traditions, this fashionable
hotel is directly connected to Dubai Mall
and thus tailor-made for shopaholics. Lug
your loot to spacious rooms where sensu-
ous materials – leather, wood and velvet –
provide a soothing antidote to shopping ex-
haustion, as do the ultracomfy beds draped
in fluffy pillows and cloud-soft Egyptian
cotton. Rooms include huge flatscreen
TVs, iPod docking stations and espresso
machines. Wi-fi is free throughout and the
gym and business lounge are both open
around the clock.
qaMardeen hoTel h oTel $$
Map p216 (%04-428 6888; http://www.qamardeen
hotel.com; burj khalifa blvd, Downtown Dubai; r
from Dh805; iWs) Sister to the Al-Manzil,
the Qamardeen manages to be hip but not
overbearing, with bold splashes of colour
in its soaring lobby and large rooms. The
look appeals to the lifestyle crowd, thanks
at least in part to fresh, ultrasuede uphol-
stery, bright-white linen and uncluttered
rooms. The palm-lined, blue-tiled pool is at
the centre of a classic courtyard but doesn’t
get much sun. There is a small gym.fairMonT luXury hoTel $$$
Map p216 (%04-332 5555; http://www.fairmont.com;
Sheikh Zayed rd, Financial District; r from Dh1200;
iWs) The Fairmont is a distinctive sight
at night when its four-poster towers are il-
luminated by coloured lights. Beyond the
flash entrance portals, it also packs plenty
of design features in its public areas and
rooms with their firm, extra-comfy mat-
tresses, high padded headboards and large
desks. There are two rooftop pools and the
restaurants are exceptional. Don’t miss
the fashionable king of bling’s Cavalli Club
nightclub.shanGri-la luXury hoTel $$$
Map p216 (%04-343 8888; http://www.shangri-la
.com; Sheikh Zayed rd, Downtown Dubai; r from
Dh1200; iWs) Shangri-La is the mythical
paradise first described in James Hilton’s
1933 novel Lost Horizon. In Dubai, it’s a
business hotel imbued with an understat-
edly sexy vibe. Rooms are a winner in the
looks department, with their blond woods,
soft leather headboards and free-standing
tubs. The range of first-rate restaurants is
superb, as is the sizzling Ikandy rooftop
bar (p86).ibis World Trade cenTre hoTel $
Map p216 (%04-332 4444, reservations 04-318
7000; http://www.ibishotel.com; behind World Trade
Centre, Sheikh Zayed rd, Financial District; r
Dh350-500; i) Of several Dubai branches
of this good-value chain, this one near the
World Trade Centre is the most central (the
cheapest is in Deira). After the airy feel
and modern design in the public areas, the
ship’s-cabin-sized rooms are a bit of a let-
down, but at this price it’s hard to find a
hotel that’s cleaner or more comfortable.s
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