Background
This is one of Marriott International’s flagship luxury properties in the UAE’s financial capital. There are two Ritz-Carlton hotels in Dubai at Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC), and another property at Dubai Marina. I stayed at the DIFC property, which is itself divided into two sections, the hotel wing and the Executive Residences wing. I was booked in the latter.
What’s It Like
The overall decor of the hotel is Art Deco-inspired. The cavernous lobby has a sense of understated elegance, is bathed in natural light and has gorgeous flower arrangements all over. The hotel has a lot of beautiful works of art and sculptures dotting the public spaces. To access the Executive Residences, you have to walk through a passageway towards a smaller, more private lobby. This wing also has a discreet separate entrance, if you want to avoid the lobby. From this lobby, you can access the elevators to the residence. The breakfast is, however, in the main wing.
Where is it
For business travellers, this hotel’s location is ideal. It is located at the DIFC. The Dubai metro station is a couple of metres away offering great connectivity. The Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre is a ten-minute drive away. The airport is no more than 20 minutes away.
Rooms
I was staying in a two-bedroom Executive Residence. While it has all the perks of a hotel suite, it still gave me the feel of being in a private apartment, with its homely vibe. The large living room has a dining table, a sitting area and a work desk. There is an open kitchen with basic equipment, utensils, a stove, a fridge and a Nespresso machine. The bedroom is spacious and the bed is an absolute delight, with plush linen and pillows. I absolutely loved the marble bathroom and the Asprey London amenities. This residence is a great option for a long-stay guest, or if you have to travel with family.
Food and Drink
A big thumbs up to this hotel’s breakfast at Cara, where you can enjoy the lavish buffet spread indoors or on the outdoor terrace. I enjoyed the Middle Eastern breakfast options, fresh juice and eggs prepared to order. The iconic Italian restaurant Le Cirque is extremely popular among fine diners, while Cake is a great casual all-day cafe, perfect for informal business meetings over good coffee and light eats.
Meetings
This hotel is an important MICE venue and boasts over 2,600 sq m of event space and also has one of Dubai’s largest ballrooms. The sprawling Samaya Ballroom is said to be the largest on Sheikh Zayed Road. In addition, the hotel also features eight private salons for smaller groups.
Leisure
Pencil in an appointment at the uber-luxe Ritz-Carlton Spa, DIFC, for an anti-jet lag treatment. The hotel also features an indoor pool and a gorgeous outdoor pool on the rooftop. The fitness centre is open for
24 hours.
Verdict: These Executive Residences are an extremely luxurious option if you want the comforts of a hotel, but prefer the feel of an apartment. Great for a long-stay!
Price: Upwards of Dhs 1,316 / ₹25,000
Contact: The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International, Financial Centre, Off Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai.
