Check-In: Manzil Downtown Dubai
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Dubai is globally renowned for its luxury hotel offering but as the destination looks to widen its appeal, the city is witnessing a boom in high-quality mid-market accommodation.
Emaar Hospitality Group (EHG) is a UAE-based hotel firm that has jumped on the bandwagon by launching Vida Hotels & Resorts – a brand designed to cater to the “new generation of business executives, entrepreneurs and leisure travellers”.
Vida’s growing portfolio of upscale boutique properties includes Manzil Downtown Dubai, which definitely lives up to brand expectations.
Words to describe this one-of-a-kind hotel include homely, subtly Arabesque, laid-back, friendly, contemporary, chic, relaxed and uplifting.
But perhaps the biggest selling point of this property is its staff who are polite and professional but also affable and natural. This is a balance that’s hard to find in Dubai where guest-employee exchanges are, on the whole, too formal. The approach at Manzil Downtown Dubai is totally different. Guests are treated as respected friends, which is particularly appreciated by business guests travelling solo.
From the bell boys and front office team to the pool attendants and guest services staff, the service ethic is consistent – and they all smile.
Another USP for this niche property is its unrivalled location in Downtown Dubai, within close walking distance of the world’s largest shopping centre complex, Dubai Mall, and the adjacent Arabian-themed Souk Al Bahar.
This, of course, means guests can literally ‘pop out’ to shop, eat, skate on the ice-rink, visit the Dubai Aquarium, catch a movie, watch the spectacular Dubai Fountain show or take a trip up to ‘At The Top’ – level 124 of the iconic Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.
From a business perspective, Manzil Downtown Dubai could not be better positioned. It’s close to a host of major business and commerce districts including Emaar Square, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay and also the upcoming Dubai Canal Project.
All in all, the hotel is a great base from which to explore all that Dubai has to offer and for corporate guests, it’s a welcome urban retreat after a hard day’s work.
Travel Daily UK checked into Manzil Downtown Dubai to take a closer look.
The vibe
Elegant modern décor with Arabesque design elements that celebrate Dubai’s heritage. The colour palette is clean and fresh, dominated by shades of white, and enhanced by natural daylight.
The accommodation
Manzil Downtown Dubai offers 197 rooms and suites. Each room is well designed and spacious featuring a bedroom, work area and an open-plan bathroom with bath and separate shower and toilet cubicles. There’s the all-essential Nespresso coffee machine too and in-room tech includes a 42-inch flat-screen IPTV plus complimentary Wi-Fi. Rooms boast either pool or Burj Khalifa views.
The dining experience
There are four dining outlets from which to choose:
- The Courtyard: Located in the centre of the hotel, this Mediterranean al fresco restaurant has a shisha lounge too;
- Boulevard Kitchen: Serving cuisine from the greater Middle East region with a focus on Levantine delicacies, Boulevard Kitchen is the hotel’s signature restaurant featuring an open kitchen and offering views of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard;
- Nezesaussi: Short for New Zealand, South Africa and Australia, this venue screens sports matches and coverage and serves food from the tri-nation countries;
- Fümé: This outlet reflects the trend for neighbourhood eateries and offers an uncomplicated menu of home-style cooking.
The facilities
- An open-air temperature-controlled pool where guests can swim laps, relax or tuck into drinks and snacks;
- Hotel gym open 24 hours a day;
- Four meeting rooms and an executive boardroom;
- Naturally-lit pre-function area.
WHY MANZIL DOWNTOWN DUBAI
- LOCATION: On the doorstep of Dubai’s famous landmarks, top attractions and leading business districts;
- SERVICE: Professional, affable and natural – staff stand out from the crowd in a market where many hotel employees are not empowered to show personality;
- CONCEPT: A boutique hotel with a laid-back atmosphere and lots of natural daylight plus the guest rooms are open plan, spacious and offer inspiring views;
- DESIGN: Clean, fresh and contemporary with Arabian cues;
- FACILITIES: Everything you need under one roof – four varied dining outlets including a shisha lounge, a pool and gym, plus adequate business facilities.
THE VERDICT
Ideal for business travellers seeking a relaxed home-from-home environment and for leisure visitors who want to be close to some of Dubai’s leading attractions.
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