Hotel check: Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
Background Quite a colourful history. This opulent palace was originally going to be managed by Rixos – you can still find references to ‘Hotel Zabeel Saray By Rixos’ on the web – but then Jumeirah stepped in, and the Al Fattan Resort that Jumeirah was going to manage on the Palm will now open under the Rixos Residences banner in December.
Where is it? Drive onto Palm Jumeirah, go under the tunnel, take a left at Atlantis along the Western Crescent and it’s the penultimate property before One & Only The Palm. It’s a bit puzzling why Nakheel didn’t consider creating a road link at the end of the crescent to the mainland to avoid the circuitous drive; as it happens, the last stretch pleasantly hugs the water, but allow a bit of extra time getting off the island should you be in a rush on departure. It’s around a 35-minute drive to Dubai International airport.
What’s it like? There was a valet parking log-jam on arrival, and Patrick apologised for not being able to carry my small bag into the hotel. To the left of the main entrance is the impressive 300-seat Mehteran Theatre, which hosted the 2011 Business Traveller Middle East Awards (click here). Inside the Ottoman-theme is taken to its ne plus ultra – it’s probably more lavish than anything you’ll find in Turkey. The lobby has a bending water fountain – a nod to Burj Al Arab – and the intricate designs reminded me a bit of Mina A’ Salam, albeit on a grander scale. A kaleidoscope of yellows, greens, browns, reds and turquoise – and that’s just the lobby. I was ushered to an arrivals area nearby for check-in formalities.
Room facilities I was booked into room 609, a suite on the top-floor Imperial floor, which features extremely wide corridors. The lounge area has a sofa, two chairs, LCD TV (excellent HD clarity – I felt I was at the Rose Bowl cricket ground), circular mahogany dining table, and outside terrace which could be accessed through the lounge or the bedroom. Curiously for the Gulf though, the room felt heavy and dark. Connection to iJumeirah wireless internet was quick. The bedroom had tea/coffee facilities and LCD TV, and the attached bathroom had two sinks, separate toilet and rainshower – and a magnificent deep marble white bath that I could barely touch the end with my toes outstretched.
Restaurants and bars The breakfast buffet in Imperium was comprehensive, with cereals, pastries, breads, hot dishes and surprisingly wide range of Asian dishes. The trendy Voda Bar next door has its own circular pods which completely enclose you – a curious concept, though they may appeal to solitary business travellers. Other options include the signature restaurant Lalezar (Turkish, open for lunch and dinner every day except Tuesdays), Amala (Northern Indian), Al Nafoorah (Lebanese), the Vietnamese Voi (due to open in September), the spa-side Ixir, Sultan’s Lounge (lobby) and Plaj on the beach for light lunches or relaxed business meets.
Business and meeting facilities The Club Lounge, open to Sirius Gold members and suite guests, isn’t your standard offering; you have to walk up 19 steps and right before you is an arresting mural and series of majlis-style alcoves. Further along this floor is a discreet business centre with four workstations and smattering of papers and magazines (complimentary internet for guests). Complementing the theatre, which is gaining a name for corporate events, is a private screening room (seats 29), four meeting rooms (40-70 guests) and 675sqm outdoor space which can seat 250 or host 350 for cocktail receptions.
Leisure facilities Probably worth a review in itself, with 42 treatment rooms at the Talise Ottoman spa. I didn’t sample anything during my stay but I did remember it taking the best part of 15 minutes to walk through during the hotel opening tour. This is a significant move by Jumeirah, designed to put Dubai on the international spa destinations map. I did happily kill a couple of hours in the large pool at the back, which was swarming with families, and leads onto the beach.
Verdict The scale, colours and designs may not be to everyone’s taste but there’s enough going on here, both in terms of F&B and R&R, to keep most people happy.
FACT FILE
How many rooms? 405 rooms (Superior Double, Deluxe King, Grand Deluxe Double, Deluxe Family, Grand Deluxe Family) with 41 suites (and 38 residences). Rooms start from 40sqm.
Room highlights Definitely the marble bath. Good TV picture clarity, pleasant Gulf-facing balcony.
Price An ‘Advanced Purchase Rate’ for stays in mid-July cost from AED880 per night (Deluxe King), rising to AED1,000 per night for ‘Stay Breakfast’ package (Superior Double, which includes buffet breakfast at Imperium and free wifi). Rates are subject to 10% PCFC fee and 10% service charge. GCC residents can avail of a 10% discount on the best available rate until September 30.
Contact The Palm Jumeirah, Crescent Road (West), Dubai, UAE. Tel: (+9714) 4530000 Fax: (+9714) 4530001, email:JZSreservations@jumeirah.com; www.jumeirah.com
Dominic Ellis
