In a city populated by five-star hotels you can be not only overwhelmed but also spoilt for choice.
Sometimes your demands take you away from the pristine beachfronts, the tourist laden restaurants and the glitzy hotel lobbys whilst you still want to refrain the sense of indisputable luxury that this part of the world is known for. Sometimes, just sometimes, its nice to stay somewhere a little different.
Arjaan by Rotana might just be the answer. Located right in the heart of Dubai Media City, you will also know the building but perhaps not know exactly what lies inside. Boasting not only an enviable location in the middle of Dubai, Arjaan by Rotana also offers unrivalled views of the iconic Palm Jumeirah and the sea front. Mere metres away from the tram and with close proximity to the best that the emirate has to offer including shopping, golf clubs and Dubai Marina, this property’s positioning can’t be argued with.
This landmark building with its stunning Moorish design actually consists of a five-star hotel complete with serviced apartments, an office tower and even a small souk. Stepping into the large glass-covered atrium, this building really is something quite special. The entrance to the hotel apartments is actually facing the front (i.e. the beach) but upon arrival it can be tricky to navigate, luckily all routes lead to the same place. Once inside, the reception area is small and pays homage to the traditional design of the property. Check-in is swift and discreet, something that Arjaan by Rotana prides itself on. With the majority of its guests travelling from the GCC and staying for an extended period of time, the staff here know to allow each and every guest to come and go as they please making it a true home away from home.
There are 167 suites here, each with spacious private balconies that either possess views overlooking the seascape or the city and internal courtyard. There are one, two and three bedroom apartments which make this hotel a perfect choice for families and corporate stays. The suites are offered in three tiers; Classic, Deluxe and Premium – each one offering a unique twist of the traditional hotel room. For extra indulgence book one of the 16 Premium suites which come complete with their very own private plunge pool.
Having booked into a Premium one-bedroom apartment for a couple of nights, we were located on the 3rd floor of the hotel. These apartments are exactly that; an apartment. The hallways resemble that of a high-end residential building and you can go all day without seeing another soul, quite the contrast to the busy hotels that dot the Dubai beachfront. Here you manage to get the views, excellent facilities and also the ultimate luxury; peace and quiet.
Throwing open the heavy wooden door you are greeted by quite the sizable space. There is a full size kitchen complete with washing machine and dish-washer, a dining area with a large central table, a living room that leads out onto the private terrace through sliding doors, an en suite bathroom and a large bedroom and family sized bathroom. In fact, the Premium apartment is so large (81sqm) you could easily live in this for a long period of time, which is I am told, exactly what they are designed for. Business travellers will be pleased to note there is high-speed WIFI internet connection in all rooms (at a cost however), complimentary tea and coffee-making facilities, satellite televisions and personal safes.
There are also fluffy white robes and slippers for those comfortable nights in. It’s tastefully designed in neutral colours and traditional dark wood furnishings topped off with the odd modern touch. Our room overlooked a large, central courtyard which is somewhat of a hidden gem amidst an area of construction and office buildings. A beautifully tranquil space that is often the location for several high-profile events thanks to its stunning traditional architecture. Stepping out onto one of two private balconies from our room, you’re instantly transported to a world of serene calmness. Our private plunge pool is not only the warmth of a luxurious bath but also completely shaded from the sun and public view, making it the perfect sanctuary for those looking to completely get away from it all.
However, exceptional living spaces is not all the Arjaan by Rotana has to offer. There is a state-of-the-art Bodylines fitness centre, which we were pleased to note was spacious and fully equipped great for all-day workouts. Professional instructors are even available to help you with your training techniques.
Perhaps the real hidden gem is the al fresco swimming pool which is propped nicely between the building walls making it feel as if you’re up high on the rooftop. This infinity style pool has amazing views out across the Gulf and Palm Jumeirah and is not only temperature controlled but also sits alongside the Veranda pool-side snack bar where you can drink and dine throughout the day under the cover of the shaded gazebo. The ice-cream here is a must-try! A place we also spied numerous people working on their laptops from. The pool area is quiet and has excellent sun loungers and is a great place to enjoy a day relaxing in the sunshine for when the privacy of your very own pool at your apartment becomes a bit too solitary. Guests of Arjaan by Rotana can even enjoy beach access at the renowned Riva Beach Club on the Palm Jumeirah itself (some 5 minutes away) which complimentary transport being provided by the hotel. There is however, an entry fee which is considerably less on weekdays as compared to weekends. We found its always nice to have the option.
The Arabesque Restaurant is currently under refurbishment so Arjaan by Rotana have chosen to install a pop-up all-day dining eatery in the main atrium. Open for breakfast and lunch this beautiful and light and airy space which is best enjoyed in the cooler months such is the sunlight streaming through the glass skylight which is in perfect contrast to the Moorish stone clad architecture. This space is also frequented with both corporate and private events and it isn’t hard to see why. A vast space split by a long central water feature, this makes the perfect place for a pop-up restaurant. The food here is of buffet style and is extensive in its choice. For breakfast enjoy freshly prepared eggs alongside fruit platters and cereal and for lunch you can choose to feast on crisp salads, Arabic breads, international curries and even a popular fajita station. For evening dining you can choose to dine in the privacy of your suite and pick from a wide selection of the 24 hour in-room dining options such as oven-cooked lasagna, pizzas and even fish and chips!
One thing you will notice about Arjaan by Rotana is that is it very well equipped for the corporate executive and business traveller as you would expect when the adjacent building is a sky-scraper containing tens of offices. There are 6 meeting rooms in total here, all equipped with the latest in AV equipment and that all important wireless connection designed for video conferencing.
We were pleasantly surprised with Arjaan by Rotana; the services was impeccable, the quality of the food was excellent and the accommodation comfortable enough that you feel as if you really could stay for quite some time here. As an alternative to the traditional hotel, these hotel apartments are a winner for us every time. So much so in fact, we are happily recommending to everyone travelling to visit us in Dubai.
Click here to visit the website and make a booking
The Insider UAE 