Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai, UAE

The Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai is a new addition to Dubai’s lineup of luxury boutique hotels for discerning travellers to the most populated city in the United Arab Emirates. A complimentary mix of modern and luxe combined with captivating city views, make it an ideal hotel for a couple seeking something vibrant and fresh for a romantic escape.

• Location: The Business Bay District, Dubai. 
• Accommodations: There are 298 rooms, including 187 Deluxe Rooms with canal views, 46 Club rooms with Burj Khalifa views, and 65 suites. Every room in the hotel comes with a freestanding bathtub and separate shower, tastefully decorated in shimmering tiles.
• Dining options: There is a choice of six chef-led culinary experiences with six food and beverage outlets offering an interesting mix of world class international and local cuisines. They include Morimoto Dubai, which is Japanese, BHAR, a modern Middle Eastern brasserie, the Italian BASTA!, the French Bleu Blanc, the BHAR Lounge by the pool, and a coffee shop called Grounded.
• What else is there: The hotel’s pool on the third floor is both indoor/outdoor and there is a modern leisure club fitness centre, spa and wellness centre. The only Six Senses Spa in Dubai is located on the fifth floor, with six treatment suites, each dedicated to a different sense.
• What’s nearby: The iconic Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower, and the Dubai Mall are a five-minute taxi ride, or a 25-minute stroll if it’s not too hot. If shopping your socks off is not appealing, consider ice skating or observing marine life at the Aquarium and Underwater Zoo at the Dubai Mall.
• Why go: This modern hotel has everything for a romantic escape, offering diverse dining options and a great location only a 10-minute drive from the Dubai nightlife scene.

The Space

Greeted by a doorman dressed in tails and a top hat is a nice twist on customary Arab attire. Once through the revolving doors and into the uncomplicated foyer area, the eye is immediately drawn to a modern hand-blown glass chandelier suspended above the three unpolished concrete check-in pods. It stretches all the way to the ‘navigator’ desk (their term for concierge) where you’ll find expert guidance to Dubai’s highlights. Throughout the hotel are clever acknowledgements to the indigenous heritage of the Middle East. High-end finishes are used, with natural timber, exposed ironwork beams, soft furnishings and gold harmonising stylishly. The room colours are designed to emulate the contrast of light and dark – representing the desert sun and eventual night-time. A deep blue accent colour works perfectly with pale grey and the sandy floor colour used all over the hotel. Art features are skilfully interspersed, with gold camel statues symbolising gold found in local souks. Some rooms have a wall adorned with a metal sculptured camel, an Arabesque reinterpretation of Picasso’s camel sketch.

Where We Stayed

Our 60-square metre Club Room had floor to ceiling windows and incredible vistas of the grand Burj Khalifa building, especially at night time from the free-standing bath. The luxurious Amouage toiletries also feature in the ‘other’ room (loo and bidet.) The room is cleverly designed with large sliding doors, providing an option to completely close off the large bathroom area.  A walk-in robe area with safe and many shelves and drawers to the left of the entrance was thoughtful, hiding any clutter. The sofa and coffee table in the corner meant we did not have to stay on our bed while watching the mirror TV. The colourful fruit platter and delicious block of chocolate, topped with sweet pistachios, was yet another appreciated personal touch.

UltimateTravelMagazine.com Loves 

• The bathrobe, which was the softest and most comfortable I’ve ever tried. And the Neom of London sleep kit, is heavenly for a wonderful night’s rest.
• The 23rd floor terrace views and dining experience at Morimoto Dubai.
• The buffet breakfast served in the BHAR restaurant – mix western eggs, bacon and hash browns with local dishes like spinach fettayer, cheese manakish with a side of olives and hommus.
• For a refreshing cocktail, ask for the “Eastside” BASTA! or in the upstairs Poppy Bar. 

Insider Tips  

• Before booking your room, decide whether you’d prefer to overlook the Bhurj Khalifa or the canal, although both offer stunning vistas.
• If you don’t mind walking in the heat, it’s possible to stroll to the Dubai Mall, but consider taking a taxi, in five minutes you’ll be ready for all the Dubai Mall has on offer. 

The Details 

The Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai is located at Marasi Drive, Dubai