The credentials:
The five-star Shangri-La Hotel Dubai is among a string of hotels on the extensive stretch of the eight-lane Sheikh Zayed Road, yet arguably boasts the best views available of the famed Burj Khalifa, nearby Dubai Mall, and towards the Burj Al Arab.
The hotel’s lobby has recently been completely refurbished and we were taken aback to find out that the building, built in 2004, is reaching 14 years, which calls for a complete refurbishment, two floors at a time. This is testament to change being the local zeitgeist and that a decade in Dubai is like a century elsewhere.
The extensive art installation behind the reception desk is the work of Lebanese artist, Imad Bechara. The piece displays an array of books in various languages hung as a mural and serves as a reminder of the incredible diversity of this cosmopolitan metropolis. Boutique Le Chocolat, based in nearby City Walk, was holding a competition during our Easter visit. With a chocolate egg the size of a large child, complete with attached truffles, it reminded us that in this vibrant city of limitless scale, nothing is average.
The iKandy lounge and pool with the built-in bar is a stunning space with views of the cityscape. The tennis court and squash courts provide alternative options to the large gym area, though in the already soaring temperatures, people were happily using the pool and ordering cool drinks.
We didn’t have time to explore Chi, The Spa (which includes separate spas for men and for women), but we were led to the Horizon Club’s private pool, whirlpool, lounge area with a small gym and what might be the best view of the Burj Khalifa in the city.
Sleep:
Floor-to-ceiling wooden walls and triangular-shaped windows gave our room a lovely warmth and elegance while a bouquet of fresh lilies, fruits, chocolates and baklava welcomed our arrival.
The pillow menu gave us some amusement. Were we in the mood for the buckwheat, lavender or cassia seed pillow? Maybe we should opt for the contour pillow (for back sleepers) or the foam pillow for side sleepers?
The spacious bathroom included a separate walk-in shower, but it was our room views that wowed us: we didn’t want to go to bed for watching the Blade Runner-style skyline.
When we finally stopped staring at the lights and put down our cameras, we slept easily in the firm bed, despite forgetting to order our scented pillows from the pillow menu.
Dine:
It is easy to see why this hotel’s many restaurants have scooped awards. The Shang Restaurant, found at all but two Shangri-La hotels, only hires Chinese chefs for its authentic kitchen, and there is also an indoor smoking and dining area to cater for guests who don’t want to step into the oppressive heat to smoke.
We were lucky enough to experience the Vietnamese food at Hoi An. The ambience of the restaurant, complete with coloured silk lampshades hanging from the ceiling, provided a relaxing environment. Not hesitant to joke about her weight loss efforts and her love of food, the petite proprietor Phan had us laughing each time she stopped at our table and we noticed the same at all the tables where she made her rounds.
Our dinner was divine. We started with a mix of appetisers, which included rice paper roll with chicken and shrimp; lobster and shitake mushroom ravioli; crispy chicken spring roll with black mushroom, yam, coriander and home-made sweet chili sauce; and the grilled duck and foie gras sausage wrapped in pepper leaves; which was followed by a traditional Vietnamese soup.
For the mains, we had an absolutely satiating combination of dishes, including the black Angus beef tenderloin; ‘mutant’ prawn with garlic; and steamed sea bream wrapped in banana leaf. The hubby raved about the succulence of the beef, while I couldn’t believe the size of the prawn.
We topped off our Vietnamese experience with a refreshing chilled mango soup with coconut milk and coconut ice cream.
Who goes there?
Families, business guests, and couples. The hotel is a draw for Emiratis, Saudis, Brits, Americans, and Germans.
Jackie Chan stayed while filming his most recent movie, which was evidently taking advantage of Dubai’s nearby world-famous attractions, including Dubai Marina and Dubai Camel Race Track.
Out & about:
There are a few not-to-miss places very near to the Shangri-La, including some that we could view right from our window… At seven times the height of Big Ben, the Burj Khalifa (828m) is worth a visit to either the 124th or 148th floors. We could also see The Dubai Mall from our room. The shopping complex, with 1,200 stores, is the largest in the world – check out the Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, 24-metre The Waterfall with sculptures of divers, and The Dubai Fountain, designed by the guys behind the fountains at Bellagio Hotel Lake.
Souk Jumeirah Madinat is an atmospheric marketplace built to resemble a traditional souk, although, if you want to escape the buzz of the city and experience Old Dubai, head towards the Arabian Tea House and taste a medley of Middle Eastern cuisine – it was one of our favourite experiences.
The worst thing:
The sound of supercars speeding along Sheikh Zayed Road carried all the way up to the top floors.
The best thing:
The city views. Since the Shangri-La arrived before a certain world’s tallest building’s foundation was placed, they lucked out on location with some of the best views of Dubai and the Burj Khalifa, which dominates the skyline. The hotel allows amateur and hobbyist photographers, and others ascend to the Horizon Club balcony to host events, as it is one of the most stunning and romantic spots in the city.
The Horizon Club floors affords opportunities to really enjoy the stunning views as well as the amenities of the business centre, the separate gym and pool on the 42nd floor and the special breakfast area. Besides that, there are many extra concierge benefits and complementary beverages and snacks – something to look forward to after a dip in the pool and whirlpool.
