Visiting the Middle East for the first time, I will admit that we were both a little apprehensive given that neither of us really knew what to expect. We heard a lot of great things about this part of the world, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates where we were visiting, but of course, it’s never quite the same until you see it with your own eyes. Any lingering fears soon disappeared when we arrived at the Shangri-La Hotel in Dubai, as we immediately fell in love with this ultra-modern and chic looking accommodation that typifies the Dubai culture.
Approaching Dubai from Abu Dhabi courtesy of the Etihad Luxury Coach, you immediately realize that you are arriving in a “modern day city”. Everything in Dubai oozes modernism and for the contemporary architecture aficionados out there, Dubai is THE place to be.
The stunning sight of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, undoubtedly takes the spotlight in the Dubai skyline, but there is much more to this city than just a series of iconic skyscrapers.
Staying at the Shangri-La offers not only the ultimate hotel experience but also the perfect location to get out and explore this city. We want to share why we think you will fall in love with the Shangri-La Hotel in Dubai just as much as we did.
Shangri-La Hotel in Dubai Information
The Shangri-La Dubai Hotel offers 5-star luxury accommodation for visitors from around the globe. Part of the Shangri-La global chain, the Dubai location epitomizes the culture of both the brand and also the United Arab Emirates.
An elegant retreat in a desert sanctuary
I will share more about the dining experience later but staying at this hotel offers a culinary journey through a myriad of international flavors while experiencing a relaxing environment throughout the confines of the immaculate structure.
The friendliness of all the Shangri-La staff was evident from the moment we checked in to the day we left. Every moment we stepped into the lobby area, we were greeted and treated with the highest levels of respect and dignity. A truly memorable experience and it’s safe to say that we both felt like royalty for the 48 hours at the Shangri-La Hotel in Dubai.
Location
In terms of location, the Shangri-La Dubai Hotel is just a short walk from the Financial Centre metro station which gives easy access to the rest of Dubai.
Just one station from the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall, this is perfectly situated for those wishing to visit Dubai to sample a little retail therapy or visit the “At The Top” experience to appreciate the Dubai landscape from the world’s tallest man-made structure.
Address
Sheikh Zayed Road
P.O. Box 75880, Dubai, UAE
Tel: (971 4) 343 8888
Website
Nearest Metro Station
Hotel Amenities
Fine Dining Experience
I’m sure the moment I mentioned the fine dining that you are all wanting to hear more about this. It’s a pretty bold statement to make but after experiencing two days of breakfast here, this is definitely the BEST breakfast buffet that we have sampled at any hotel around the world.
The diverse variety available makes the Shangri-La breakfast experience unique and prepares you perfectly for the day ahead.
Let’s take a look at what’s available. Whether you prefer to experience authentic, local cuisine or perhaps prefer a more traditional approach to what you are used to at home, there is likely to be something to spark your interest.
From a myriad of hot dishes to a number of perfectly manicured pastries and delicacies waiting to be indulged, the selection is almost too great to manage…don’t worry, it’s a nice problem to have!
The Dunes Café is the location for the amazing breakfast experience. A number of live cooking stations provide guests the opportunity to custom order delicacies from around the world if the array of dishes already available isn’t enough.
World-class chefs are readily available at your service to create that perfect breakfast dish, though the chicken noodle soup bar and fresh juice/smoothie station were two of the most intriguing spots.
It’s safe to say that regardless of your taste or mood, there will be something here to satisfy your palette.
If you prefer a more sophisticated dining experience, perhaps one of the alternative restaurants inside the hotel will satisfy your needs. Hoi An offers the perfect intimate ambiance for guests while offering Dubai’s only authentic Vietnamese cuisine. I’m not an expert when it comes to Southeast Asian nouvelle cuisine but the traditional bamboo platters and lotus leaves are a pretty good indication that Hoi An is as authentic as they come.
Other dining options include the Shangri-La famous Shang Palace, offering traditional Chinese cuisine in a setting inspired by Far Eastern decor and hospitality. Perhaps you are looking to sample a traditional Indian dish during your visit to Dubai, so why not visit Junoon, a trendy and innovative restaurant aimed at delivering the best dining experience while reflecting the Indian culture.
The Act Dubai is a unique setting on the 42nd floor as it offers a combination of theater, dining experience, and nightlife all in one location.
Health and Leisure
Having the opportunity to relax and take a moment to pamper yourself is certainly something you can enjoy at the Shangri-La Hotel in Dubai. The fully equipped health club provides everything you will need to ensure you remain revitalized and full of energy to explore Dubai.
Chi, The Spa at Shangri-La embraces the fundamentals of vitality, fitness and beauty to achieve balance and well-being.
The ultimate relaxation takes place in the spa at Shangri-La Dubai, Chi. Here, guests are taken on a tranquil journey to find their inner solitude while visiting with highly trained therapists that will cater to all your needs.
For those that prefer a more self-focused approach to health and wellness, the iKandy Ultralounge is perhaps a spot worth visiting.
A gorgeous rooftop swimming pool combined with a number of relaxing loungers ensures visitors can enjoy their favorite cocktail at the funky outdoor lounge before taking a quick dip to burn a few calories.
If a strenuous workout is what you are looking for, the gym on the 42nd floor is the perfect place with a variety of equipment available and stunning views of the Burj Khalifa.
Take a quick swim in the indoor pool here as you wander to the edge and gaze down 42 floors and admire the Dubai landscape below you.
The Rooms
For most of us, the most important aspect of any hotel is the comfort and relaxation available inside your hotel room. The reality is that this is where you will spend the majority of your time during your hotel visit, so it’s critical that you have a room with a relaxing environment. This is a key component of all the rooms and suites available at the Shangri-La Hotel in Dubai.
Arabian-inspired, extremely spacious, ultra-modern and elegantly precise are all ways to describe the rooms throughout this hotel. We were fortunate to spend two nights in a Deluxe Room with panoramic views overlooking the Burj Khalifa. At just over 480 square feet, the palatial feel throughout the room was obvious and supported by the “earth-tone decor based on warm sycamore veneers.”
A variety of drinks and snacks are available in the mini-bar along with a delicious bowl of fresh fruit that is always welcome, especially with a glass of your favorite beverage as you admire the breathtaking cityscape views.
We both had the best intentions when it came to getting some work done in the evening and the spacious desk in front of the large windows was the perfect setting. Unfortunately, the views were way more attractive than the thought of work but you could find a lot worse spots to get some work done than overlooking the world’s tallest structure.
I’m sure you are wondering about the comfort of the bed. Don’t worry, you won’t be disappointed. After a 13 hour flight from Chicago to Abu Dhabi and another 2 hours to Dubai, we were ready to catch up on some sleep.
I think we saved the best part of the room experience until last – the bathroom. For those that prefer to soak in a spacious bathtub, this is readily available.
However, a warm shower in the amazing walk-in enclosure, creating a fully immersive shower experience, prepares you nicely to enjoy the comforts of the bed or before you head out to explore Dubai’s vibrant culture.
Summary
Have we inspired you yet to stay at the Shangri-La Hotel in Dubai? We would go back in a heartbeat to sample more of this luxurious accommodation because that’s exactly what it feels like when you stay here – luxury!
Frequent visitors to Dubai will know that there are a plethora of accommodation options available but it’s worth noting that there are not many that offer such incredible views of the Burj Khalifa.
Waking up every morning knowing that you have such an amazing breakfast awaiting you is just the tonic to make us book this hotel again. Hopefully, you will agree!
Disclaimer – We received a discounted rate at the Shangri-La Hotel in Dubai for consideration of a blog post. The views contained within this post are entirely our personal opinion/experience and we received no final compensation for this.