Background
25 Hours Hotels is part of Ennismore, a joint venture with Accor formed in 2021. With 13 hotels in the brand, it’s the first outside Europe and opened in December last year.
Where is it?
Next to the Dubai World Trade Centre, overlooking the Museum of the Future and close to Dubai Finance Centre. It’s a 20-minute drive from the airport or you can take the Dubai metro red line direct to the World Trade Centre and then it’s a ten-minute walk to the hotel.
What’s it like?
The look, created by interior designer Woods Bagot, is modern-day urban nomad and celebrates ancient Bedouin traditions of the region. Its 434 rooms and suites draw on local influences to create the playful feel of a nomad’s oasis.
The lobby is a buzzy area dominated by the eye-catching ‘Fountain of Tales’, a large, tiered, circular structure combining seating and more than 2,500 books. There are huge, hanging, egg-style seats, colourful Kilim rugs and shelves of vintage memorabilia. Over 6,000 artworks are displayed around the hotel, including quirky Dioramas in the lifts. There is a large co-working table, which is a popular meeting point, the Nomad café and more seating in the courtyard. This is all topped by an extraordinarily ornate ceiling.
Rooms
The rooms range in size from 30 sqm to a whopping 228 sqm plus a 52 sqm balcony for the largest suite.
My room was an entry level Medium Bedouin. A glass-cube rain shower dominated the middle of the room with a very comfortable king-size bed next to it, with rattan-fronted bedside tables, power points and a telephone. A heavy, colourful curtain can be pulled around the shower for privacy. The room had a refreshingly easy-to-use lighting system.
A hanging seat by the window overlooked the central courtyard, alongside a large desk with plenty of power points and USB ports, free wifi and a UE Boom Bluetooth speaker. Behind the desk was a smart TV with an open shelving unit, safe, and free minibar (no alcohol, but water, soft drinks and chocolate; refilled every three days). Also provided, tea and plastic-free filter coffee, a kettle and glass bottles of water. The open wardrobe had plenty of shelving and drawers plus complimentary slippers but, unusually, no bath robe.
The bathroom’s stone sink had distressed copper fittings and the amenity kit came in paper eco packaging. Large containers of shower gel, shampoo and conditioner had a bold reminder to use water sparingly. It’s easy to forget you are in a desert.
Food and drink
The hotel has three dining venues and a bar. The Nomad café is an all-day bar and café serving Nightjar, a local brand of sustainably sourced coffee, (try the delicious cold brew) and light meals, cakes and pastries.
Tandoor Tina is the sister restaurant of London’s Tandoor Chop House where Northern Indian meets British cuisine. The tandoori is exceptional, and the sharing Thali is a great way to sample everything. The service was attentive and quick. There is a good selection of wines, a gin-and-tonic menu, and Tina’s cocktails with an Indian twist. Try the Coconut Negroni; it’s surprisingly good.
A buffet breakfast is served in the same venue, offering local cuisine and egg dishes from eggs benedict to Shakshuka.
The Monkey Bar is on the sixth floor with impressive views. It offers a variety of drinks and a Latin American-inspired menu. Its nightly DJ sets make this a popular venue, especially on Friday. Booking is essential.
Ernst Biergarten and Wirtshaus was due to open just after my stay in March. A 400-seat Bavarian beer garden, it will offer draught German beers, home-baked Pretzels, pork dishes and traditional sausages.
Meetings
There are three meeting rooms with large central tables, polished concrete floors and break-out Bedouin tents outside the rooms.
Leisure
A well-equipped gym is on the sixth floor, including an outdoor exercise space and rooftop pool, bar and plenty of sunbed space. There’s a spa and hair salon and Dubai’s first mixed-use sauna.
Verdict
This is a fun and creative blend of cultures combined with all the style and service expected of a 5-star hotel.
FACT BOX
- Best for A hip and trendy vibe, quirky décor with lots of hidden spaces to discover
- Don’t miss A Champagne Pina Colada in the Monkey Bar admiring the view
- Price Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in May started from £258 for a Medium Bedouin room
- Contact Trade Center Street, Dubai, UAE, +971 4 219 2525; 25hours-hotel.com
Annie Harris
