It’s no surprise that in an area known for its wealth of business facilities, notable restaurants, leisure and arts, that a global five-star hotel brand takes the helm.
Introducing the Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a luxury hotel and private residences that epitomizes everything that is good about both Dubai and a brand that is synonymous with luxurious hospitality.
Hidden from the prying eyes of Sheikh Zayed Road, The Ritz-Carlton’s private entrance framed by a cascading water feature gives guests a hint at the type of discreet experience they can expect at this property. This is a hotel that sees the world’s business elite descend upon its glass-fronted lobby when they are in Dubai. It’s become known as a sanctuary for the affluent traveller and its exemplary service and renowned facilities more than justify its reputation.
For example, the hotel’s interior is understated by Middle Eastern terms but no less opulent. It’s a sleek urban oasis which exudes elegance from the handsome limestone facade to the art deco inspired lobby. The communal areas are a muted colour palette of rich earthy towns set off by an accent of deep gold and this follows through to each of the 341 rooms and suites. Blending into the well healed Financial Centre of which it resides, this Downtown Dubai hotel proudly displays its passion for art with its own rotating international collection; a nod towards the many galleries that surround it. If you look a little closer, you can see the hotel’s dedication to design through each and every corner of the hotel. A captivating crystal branch design devours the hotel ceiling highlighting the visual craftmanship that has gone into giving the Ritz-Carlton DIFC a unique sense of place.
Each room or suite boasts a comfortably yet contemporary style making the most of floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the surrounding area. Staying in a Club level access suite as we did, is highly recommended for those looking for that extra attention to detail, privacy and space when staying for short or extended periods of time.
Offering a heightened level of exclusivity, The Club Lounge at the hotel is only open to Club level guests; a hotel within a hotel. From culinary offerings including breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres and premium beverages to the dedicated concierge desk, it’s an ideal place to either conduct your business or unwind from the bustle of the city.
Our Club Level One Bedroom Suite was as comfortable as any serviced apartment; with great views out towards the hotel’s courtyard and a separate living space for work and play, at 635sq ft, it’s as comfortable as accommodation gets in Dubai. High-speed internet access and a dedicated desk area made for working ease and the subtle colour palette inspired by French art deco, splashed with the occasional hint of aquamarine creates an atmosphere of refined tranquility. An oversized King bed takes pride of place with down comforter and duvet to sink into – not to mention the 400-thread-count Frette linen. This is a hotel where no expense has been spared to guarantee your comfort. The beautifully appointed marble bathroom featured a huge walk-in shower and central soaking tub complimented by luxurious Asprey toiletries and plush, terry bathrobes and slippers. The mark of any excellent five-star property. However, we think that the Ritz-Carlton’s may have been just that extra bit fluffier….
From the comfort of your room or suite to the unrivalled dining and leisure facilities that this notable hotel offers. The on-site Ritz-Carlton Spa is one of the very best in Downtown Dubai and offers a serene sanctuary to treat yourself with customized holistic treatments. We indulged ourselves in a couples massage in a dual treatment room. Choosing from 3x distinct aromatherapy scents, designed to either energize or relax, we enjoyed a full 90-minutes of full body massage, focused on pressure points to relieve tension and melt away stress. Other recommended treatments include The Desert Reviver which inspired by the City of Dubai, is a 120-minute treatment exclusive to the Ritz-Carlton, DIFC spa that incorporates a Full Body Sand Exfoliation, the art of hot stone massage (read: heat of Dubai) followed by a cooling balm applied to the body, designed to awaken the mind. After your treatments you are invited to enjoy the private whirlpool bath or male and female steam rooms. There is also an indoor pool for those moments when air-conditioned bliss is all too appealing.
From indoor to outdoor, the rooftop pool at the hotel is small but perfectly proportioned. What it may lack in size, the rooftop pool which can be accessed through the private residences here at the Ritz-Carlton, DIFC, boasts a fully functioning bar and luxurious sun and daybeds. The great thing about a hotel that boasts a predominately business clientele, is that the pool is empty throughout most of the day, giving you uninterrupted views of the sparkling water and the amazing vista of Downtown Dubai.
The sophistication of the hotel goes far beyond its luxe accommodation and excellent service, for this is a property that is also known for its culinary excellence which each of its restaurant and bars standing out in their own individual right.
Popular with both the neighbouring DIFC crowd and also foodies-in-the-know Dubai wide, the dining options at The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC are among the very best in Downtown Dubai.Café Belge, located on the ground floor of the hotel is reminiscent of a Belgian Grand Café; a vibrant restaurant and bar with its design and gourmet roots proudly set in 1920s Brussels, celebrating the grand style and elegance of a golden era. Guests flock to this casual restaurant for its exceptional Fruits de Mer as well as the Chicken Vol-au-Vent Cromesquis.
Perhaps our favourite is signature restaurant, Center Cut, of which you can read a full review of on the dining section of our site. This stylish steakhouse serves some of the best cuts of beef in the entire emirates, coupled with a renowned wine selection.
When the weather allows the hotel boasts four different outdoor terraces for al fresco dining or drinks including the secret Sunken Garden which is a fantastic oasis for a memorable evening of cocktails and light bites.
Perhaps not such a secret is No.5 Terrace which has become not only the social hub of The Ritz-Carlton but also DIFC itself, directly linked to the Financial District by a walkway. With modern decor and lounge-style sofas, this terrace provides the perfect backdrop to a stylish evening where you can sip of expertly mixed drinks to the sounds of the Resident DJ.
Something that we particularly noticed about The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC if you strip the hotel back to its bare bones, is the exceptional service. Many five-star hotels offer luxurious accommodation but themselves down when it comes to discreet hospitality. No task was too great at this hotel; check in was swift and unquestioning, turn-down was exactly when you asked it to or not to be, the wait staff in the restaurants were attentive yet not overbearing and the Club Lounge concierge remembered our names. It’s these small touches that determine real luxury, something that The Ritz-Carlton brand knows only too well. It is these that keep both business and affluent leisure travellers coming back time and time to Ritz-Carlton properties. Few hotels install such a sense of home-away-from-home in you that you never want to leave, this property is one of them; so much more than just another business hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC is a pinnacle property representing all that both the hotel brand and the UAE stands for.
http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/dubai/difc
The Insider UAE 