With Dubai's diverse population, it's not surprising that the city has a wide range of dining options, covering everything from Thai to Tunisian. A good number of the best-quality restaurants are in hotels, but they are expensive, so be prepared to break the bank. There are also quite a few good mom-and-pop places, particularly Indian and Pakistani joints.
Traditional Emirati cooking consists primarily of dates, fresh and dried fish and both camel meat and milk—not terribly appealing to most Westerners. Be sure to try Dubai's fresh dates, though—they're soft, succulent and delicious.) Outside of Emirati homes, it's difficult to get a taste of local cuisine, although some restaurants do have a few traditional dishes. Most Arabic restaurants, however, draw on Lebanese cuisine instead, with grilled meats and meze (appetizer-like small portions of salads, meats and dips). There are also literally hundreds of stands around the city that serve shawarma (pita-style flat bread filled with shaved lamb or chicken roasted on a spit), hummus, salad and pickles. They're good for a quick, inexpensive snack.
Dinner is usually a late affair: Tables start to fill up around 9 pm. Friday brunch is an institution in Dubai, and competition is fierce among the providers of all-you-can-eat (and drink) buffets, many with alcohol included. Some restaurants even throw in entertainment for children. In cooler weather, alfresco dining is popular, whether on a terrace, a rooftop or at the beach.
Expect to pay the following for a dinner for one, excluding drinks, tax and tip: $ = less than 50 AED; $$ = 50 AED-100 AED; $$$ = 101 AED-200 AED; $$$$ = more than 200 AED.
woensdag 14 januari 2009
the monarch hotel
The Monarch Dubai is a new addition to the rapidly expanding Dubai hotel scene. Opened in 2007, the property has quickly established itself among the city's premier offerings. Centrally located, the structure towers over the city, capturing the modern edge with a nod to tradition that defines this desert hub.
Entry is via a grand drive, where doormen escort new arrivals into the property's grand lobby. The marble floors shine and the modern decor extends into many furnished corners for small group chats. Registration takes place at a sleek desk just to the side of the entrance. Staff is friendly and welcoming. The concierge pleasantly arranges sightseeing trips in and around the city, including beach shuttles.
Empire is the hotel's signature restaurant. Frequented by business executives and sheiks alike, it serves from a gourmet, international fusion menu in a stylish yet subdued setting. Reservations are mandatory. For the rest, Mizaan serves a similar world-orientated menu in an intimate setting with accents of classic Arabic decor. The multi-leveled Okku is one of the city's best Japanese restaurants. The 10-meter aquarium and resident DJ makes for an interesting restaurant-cum-night club experience. For light fare and coffee, Arcadia—located in the lobby—operates around the clock. Post-dinner drinks are poured in the One on One and cigars light up in Diademas.
The on-site Mandra Spa is a relaxation treat. Specializing in new age treatments, the menu includes natural Asian and contemporary techniques. The spa uses its own natural beauty products and has a whirlpool, sauna and steam room. The facility is divided into separate men and women's areas. For travelers who want an active workout, the Monarch has a state-of-the-art Quantum Health Club, with professional trainers, modern gym, outdoor pool with city views, yoga classes, sauna and whirlpool. There is also a women-only area.
Although this is not a business hotel, the ballroom can be used for a variety of business functions. There are also several board- and conference-sized rooms available. All can be arranged as needed and equipped with the latest in business equipment. The fully-equipped business center has six computers, secretarial services, high-speed Internet and a wide selection of international business periodicals.
Rooms at the Monarch make up the Top Shelf of Dubai's luxury lineup, and all are furnished with a close eye to detail. From leather-topped desk to touch-screen LCD TV monitors and open, studio-styled floor plans, each room is comfortable and well-equipped. All come with flat-screen TVs, wireless Internet, tea- and coffeemaking facility, phones and iron and ironing board. Baths are spacious and, like the rooms, simple and contemporary with porcelain sinks, small TVs and windows providing cityscape views. Most have separate baths and showers.
Executive Rooms, designed for the business traveler, have extensive workspace. Executive Suites have an added sitting room and en suite bath within the Master Bedroom. For panoramic views, check into the Presidential Suite. Located on the 31st floor, these two rooms each have two bedrooms, separate workspace and sitting area. The decor here differs slightly in that it favors a more traditional, regional feel. The creme de la creme is the Monarch Suite, a two-level living extravaganza with a dining room, private movie theater, library, fitness center, three bedrooms, fully-stocked kitchen, outdoor terraces, pool, sauna and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the city.
Room service operates around the clock and both smoke-free and wheelchair-accessible rooms are available. Pets can be arranged. Laundry and dry cleaning service is offered. Top-notch security operates around the clock with surveillance seemingly everywhere.
When the hotel opened, nothing could compete with the Monarch. Its service, style and luxury were unmatched. But with the opening of the Atlantis and numerous other hotels currently under construction, there will be some competition for this reigning monarch.
Entry is via a grand drive, where doormen escort new arrivals into the property's grand lobby. The marble floors shine and the modern decor extends into many furnished corners for small group chats. Registration takes place at a sleek desk just to the side of the entrance. Staff is friendly and welcoming. The concierge pleasantly arranges sightseeing trips in and around the city, including beach shuttles.
Empire is the hotel's signature restaurant. Frequented by business executives and sheiks alike, it serves from a gourmet, international fusion menu in a stylish yet subdued setting. Reservations are mandatory. For the rest, Mizaan serves a similar world-orientated menu in an intimate setting with accents of classic Arabic decor. The multi-leveled Okku is one of the city's best Japanese restaurants. The 10-meter aquarium and resident DJ makes for an interesting restaurant-cum-night club experience. For light fare and coffee, Arcadia—located in the lobby—operates around the clock. Post-dinner drinks are poured in the One on One and cigars light up in Diademas.
The on-site Mandra Spa is a relaxation treat. Specializing in new age treatments, the menu includes natural Asian and contemporary techniques. The spa uses its own natural beauty products and has a whirlpool, sauna and steam room. The facility is divided into separate men and women's areas. For travelers who want an active workout, the Monarch has a state-of-the-art Quantum Health Club, with professional trainers, modern gym, outdoor pool with city views, yoga classes, sauna and whirlpool. There is also a women-only area.
Although this is not a business hotel, the ballroom can be used for a variety of business functions. There are also several board- and conference-sized rooms available. All can be arranged as needed and equipped with the latest in business equipment. The fully-equipped business center has six computers, secretarial services, high-speed Internet and a wide selection of international business periodicals.
Rooms at the Monarch make up the Top Shelf of Dubai's luxury lineup, and all are furnished with a close eye to detail. From leather-topped desk to touch-screen LCD TV monitors and open, studio-styled floor plans, each room is comfortable and well-equipped. All come with flat-screen TVs, wireless Internet, tea- and coffeemaking facility, phones and iron and ironing board. Baths are spacious and, like the rooms, simple and contemporary with porcelain sinks, small TVs and windows providing cityscape views. Most have separate baths and showers.
Executive Rooms, designed for the business traveler, have extensive workspace. Executive Suites have an added sitting room and en suite bath within the Master Bedroom. For panoramic views, check into the Presidential Suite. Located on the 31st floor, these two rooms each have two bedrooms, separate workspace and sitting area. The decor here differs slightly in that it favors a more traditional, regional feel. The creme de la creme is the Monarch Suite, a two-level living extravaganza with a dining room, private movie theater, library, fitness center, three bedrooms, fully-stocked kitchen, outdoor terraces, pool, sauna and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the city.
Room service operates around the clock and both smoke-free and wheelchair-accessible rooms are available. Pets can be arranged. Laundry and dry cleaning service is offered. Top-notch security operates around the clock with surveillance seemingly everywhere.
When the hotel opened, nothing could compete with the Monarch. Its service, style and luxury were unmatched. But with the opening of the Atlantis and numerous other hotels currently under construction, there will be some competition for this reigning monarch.
jumeirah hotel review
This hotel instantly became a Dubai landmark after it opened in 1997 thanks to its striking architecture imitating a breaking wave. The Jumeirah Beach Hotel, together with the iconic Burj al Arab across the bay and the glorified Madinat, are the most talked-about hotel complexes in the Middle East. This large beach resort is very popular with European and Far Eastern groups and is also a favorite choice of meeting organizers. The glossy glass exterior can be seen from miles away and has become a focal point from which other city landmarks are measured (more than ever now that the Burj is its neighbor).
The focal point of the busy lobby is the lounge built above a decorative pond. Several of the hotel's restaurants and the shopping arcade can be accessed from here. Culinary offerings include a German beer keller, an English pub, an Argentinean steak house, Italian, Lebanese, American and Asian eateries, and the Marina Seafood Market, built at the tip of the marina pier. The favored Middle Eastern outlet is one of the most popular and offers regular belly dance performances, elaborate meze spreads, and a comfortable introduction to the local cuisine. Reservations are recommended at most of the restaurants as locals flood the property for its massive array of choices. The Asian fusion eatery is actually a beachfront outpost offering romantic views and Oriental cuisine. A DJ keeps things lively at the dance club popular with expats. The 24th floor bar and lounge is a dusk favorite where the sea views mesmerize as much as the liquid concoctions. The pool bar is another daytime watering hole, and 360 (on the rooftop of the marina restaurant) is the hotel's signature patio lounge that swings with the sounds of live music and the breeze of its open-air setting.
Several free-form and lap pools and a private beach are at guests' disposal. Kids have their own club and pool, and the choices are amazing, including plunge pools, whirlpools, a lap pool, one with an underwater sound system, another with a wave effect, and one dedicated to the exclusive use of premium-room guests. Adults can use the large health club located within a shell-shaped building comprising a gym, squash courts and sports classes. Other recreational amenities include tennis courts, a golf course, a private yacht marina, watersports and a PADI scuba diving center. Guests also have free access to the Wild Wadi water park located within the complex. Spa services include saunas, steam rooms, and a wide range of mineral baths, beauty treatments and massages.
The purpose-built conference center of the Jumeirah Beach Hotel is housed inside a building shaped like traditional dhow boats. It boasts a dozen meeting rooms, a 416-seat auditorium and a ballroom for up to 1,200 people. Additionally, the business center provides Internet access and a host of other services for those not interested in strolling the retail areas.
When accessing their rooms, guests will notice the huge mural covering the entire height of the 25-story atrium that depicts Dubai's position in the world. All rooms face the sea, the smallest measuring 50 sq m. Decorated in shades of blue, each room has a choice of twin or king beds with sleep-inducing mattresses and comforters, ample seating space with a sofa bed sleeping an additional person, and large floor-to-ceiling picture windows. Business amenities are a must for visitors to Dubai although most here have leisure pursuits on their minds. Nevertheless, high-speed Internet access, dual-line speaker phones with voice mail and data ports, safes and work desks are firmly in place. Baths are also large and feature separate tubs and shower stalls plus hair dryers and a range of posh European toiletries.
There are two choices for room upgrades: Premium Leisure Club rooms are for families looking for additional services, whereas Club Executive rooms are for business travelers. Extra perks include, among others, separate check-in, free Internet use, use of a private lounge and access to a private pool and beach section. The former provides kid-friendly perks such as Sony PlayStations, a game room and special goodies on arrival. Several suites have two or three bedrooms, some with a private terrace, and amenities such as wide-screen TVs, wet bars, kitchenettes and half-baths. In addition to the rooms and suites in the main building, the Beit Al Bahar section comprises 19 beach villas with private gardens and plunge pools.
Room service is always an option, and housekeeping does a marvelous job keeping this small city constantly looking good. A member of Leading Hotels of the World, this place is hard to beat when it comes to wide-ranging facilities. However, its mass-market feel does not allow it to measure up to the luxury resort hotels along Jumeirah Beach such as the Burj Al Arab or the modest, low-rise Ritz-Carlton and the One&Only Royal Mirage farther afield.
The focal point of the busy lobby is the lounge built above a decorative pond. Several of the hotel's restaurants and the shopping arcade can be accessed from here. Culinary offerings include a German beer keller, an English pub, an Argentinean steak house, Italian, Lebanese, American and Asian eateries, and the Marina Seafood Market, built at the tip of the marina pier. The favored Middle Eastern outlet is one of the most popular and offers regular belly dance performances, elaborate meze spreads, and a comfortable introduction to the local cuisine. Reservations are recommended at most of the restaurants as locals flood the property for its massive array of choices. The Asian fusion eatery is actually a beachfront outpost offering romantic views and Oriental cuisine. A DJ keeps things lively at the dance club popular with expats. The 24th floor bar and lounge is a dusk favorite where the sea views mesmerize as much as the liquid concoctions. The pool bar is another daytime watering hole, and 360 (on the rooftop of the marina restaurant) is the hotel's signature patio lounge that swings with the sounds of live music and the breeze of its open-air setting.
Several free-form and lap pools and a private beach are at guests' disposal. Kids have their own club and pool, and the choices are amazing, including plunge pools, whirlpools, a lap pool, one with an underwater sound system, another with a wave effect, and one dedicated to the exclusive use of premium-room guests. Adults can use the large health club located within a shell-shaped building comprising a gym, squash courts and sports classes. Other recreational amenities include tennis courts, a golf course, a private yacht marina, watersports and a PADI scuba diving center. Guests also have free access to the Wild Wadi water park located within the complex. Spa services include saunas, steam rooms, and a wide range of mineral baths, beauty treatments and massages.
The purpose-built conference center of the Jumeirah Beach Hotel is housed inside a building shaped like traditional dhow boats. It boasts a dozen meeting rooms, a 416-seat auditorium and a ballroom for up to 1,200 people. Additionally, the business center provides Internet access and a host of other services for those not interested in strolling the retail areas.
When accessing their rooms, guests will notice the huge mural covering the entire height of the 25-story atrium that depicts Dubai's position in the world. All rooms face the sea, the smallest measuring 50 sq m. Decorated in shades of blue, each room has a choice of twin or king beds with sleep-inducing mattresses and comforters, ample seating space with a sofa bed sleeping an additional person, and large floor-to-ceiling picture windows. Business amenities are a must for visitors to Dubai although most here have leisure pursuits on their minds. Nevertheless, high-speed Internet access, dual-line speaker phones with voice mail and data ports, safes and work desks are firmly in place. Baths are also large and feature separate tubs and shower stalls plus hair dryers and a range of posh European toiletries.
There are two choices for room upgrades: Premium Leisure Club rooms are for families looking for additional services, whereas Club Executive rooms are for business travelers. Extra perks include, among others, separate check-in, free Internet use, use of a private lounge and access to a private pool and beach section. The former provides kid-friendly perks such as Sony PlayStations, a game room and special goodies on arrival. Several suites have two or three bedrooms, some with a private terrace, and amenities such as wide-screen TVs, wet bars, kitchenettes and half-baths. In addition to the rooms and suites in the main building, the Beit Al Bahar section comprises 19 beach villas with private gardens and plunge pools.
Room service is always an option, and housekeeping does a marvelous job keeping this small city constantly looking good. A member of Leading Hotels of the World, this place is hard to beat when it comes to wide-ranging facilities. However, its mass-market feel does not allow it to measure up to the luxury resort hotels along Jumeirah Beach such as the Burj Al Arab or the modest, low-rise Ritz-Carlton and the One&Only Royal Mirage farther afield.
dubai burj al arab hotel review
No other hotel has been so widely publicized as the Burj Al Arab since its opening in 1999. This place remains one of the most iconic hotels on the planet, thanks to the sheer drama of its architecture designed to mimic a billowing dhow sail. The 321-m tower stands on an artificial island connected to the shore by a bridge and has been known as the tallest all-suite hotel in the world.
Arriving guests are met at the airport by uniformed staff and driven to the hotel in a Rolls-Royce limousine. Some, however, prefer to be transported to this world landmark by helicopter and are met and greeted at the dedicated rooftop landing pad. There is no reception desk; guests are escorted directly to their suite for check-in. On the ground floor are the concierge desk and an eye-catching red designer sofa on an ornamental marble floor. An escalator takes guests up to the main lobby, past a cascading water feature and large aquariums.
A look upward reveals the dramatic atrium, the world's tallest. The white sails covering the outer side of the atrium are used as a screen for the nightly light show. Some 2,000 sq m of 22-carat gold leaf have been used in the decor of the lobby and the restaurants, together with Italian marble (one of nearly 30 different types used throughout the property), Brazilian granite and custom-made carpets. The lobby, dotted with huge golden columns, leads to several boutiques and restaurants.
Al Iwan restaurant next to the lobby serves exquisite Arabian cuisine, whereas the Al Muntaha, located 200 m above the sea, offers a more international menu. Two dedicated elevators whisk in-house guests and outside visitors (who have registered in advance with security) to the 27th floor for an unforgettable Mediterranean dining experience. Most unusual is the concept of the Al Mahara seafood restaurant, which creates the feeling of an underwater location, thanks to a simulated submarine ride and aquariums in the place of windows. Guests dine in the confines of shark and unique marine life surroundings with a freshwater seafood menu and exquisite service. Diners can witness marine life experts feeding the underwater residents and experience the full atmosphere of the menu. Professional sommeliers offer their vast knowledge of the hotel's ever-changing wine list in each restaurant. A ground-floor brasserie serves casual fare for those on the go, and a beachside outlet rustles up both fresh and hearty Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fusion cuisine. The newest restaurant is Junsui, a Japanese-influenced Asian restaurant that has a menu as appealing as its opulent decor.
In addition to the outdoor pool, there is the impressive indoor pool in the Assawan Spa on the 18th floor with beautiful Arabesque decor and dramatic views. The spa also comprises a gym, saunas, steam rooms, hydrotherapy baths, several treatment rooms, and a ladies-only section. Guests have free access to the private beach and the Wild Wadi water park.
Meeting facilities include rooms of several sizes on different floors; those on the 27th floor afford sensational views. The ballroom holds up to 220 people. A few luxury shops line the lobby to cater to big spenders who prefer not to leave the property; others save their wallets for the enormous Mall of the Emirates just a short drive from the hotel. Most guests arrive by limo or helicopter, and the evening hours cause quite a stir for guests awaiting taxis which are far and few between here.
Elevators taking guests to their floors are scented with peach aroma. Each floor has up to 12 suites serviced by the butler desk (doubling as a personal concierge and reception). In-suite check-in, unpacking, pressing of clothes and delivering food orders are some of the standard services provided by butlers 24 hours a day. The smallest units are two-floor, 170-sq-m suites. The living room with floor-to-ceiling windows occupies the entire lower floor boldly colored in blue and gold. There is a seating corner, a dining table, a bar, a pantry and a powder room. The working desk comes with a laptop providing free Internet access, and wireless high-speed Internet is available throughout the property. A curved staircase leads up to the bedroom and the dressing room as well as to the large bath with a decadent Roman feeling. A circular whirlpool, a glass-enclosed shower stall and twin vanities are standard amenities. Also on hand are full-sized Hermes toiletries (we're talking department-store size) and luxuriant robes and slippers.
The suites (yes, there are accommodations larger than the oversized standard rooms) have several high-tech touches, such as multifunctional large-screen TVs with DVD players. The loftlike layout of the corner suites differs from the rest, whereas the top-floor suites are even grander with a more opulent decor, several bedrooms and much more living space. Two-thirds of the units are one-bedroom suites making them the most common accommodation here.
Room service never stops, and special requests are honored with a smile. Pets are strictly forbidden. Service is a premium product here, although some employees display a tinge of arrogance, perhaps a factor of the hotel's worldwide popularity. But most guests who are forking over the big bucks here will hardly notice as they are waited on hand and foot.
The aesthetics of the Burj Al Arab have triggered mixed reactions, with some guests not appreciating the bold colors and over-the-top decor, frequently comparing it to a Las Vegas monolith. Nevertheless, this is a hotel of the superlative, one that has to be experienced first-hand. It has a much more exclusive and luxurious feel than the Jumeirah Beach Hotel located next door, and it measures up to the fantasy elements of the One&Only Royal Mirage. This property is a member of Leading Hotels of the World.
Arriving guests are met at the airport by uniformed staff and driven to the hotel in a Rolls-Royce limousine. Some, however, prefer to be transported to this world landmark by helicopter and are met and greeted at the dedicated rooftop landing pad. There is no reception desk; guests are escorted directly to their suite for check-in. On the ground floor are the concierge desk and an eye-catching red designer sofa on an ornamental marble floor. An escalator takes guests up to the main lobby, past a cascading water feature and large aquariums.
A look upward reveals the dramatic atrium, the world's tallest. The white sails covering the outer side of the atrium are used as a screen for the nightly light show. Some 2,000 sq m of 22-carat gold leaf have been used in the decor of the lobby and the restaurants, together with Italian marble (one of nearly 30 different types used throughout the property), Brazilian granite and custom-made carpets. The lobby, dotted with huge golden columns, leads to several boutiques and restaurants.
Al Iwan restaurant next to the lobby serves exquisite Arabian cuisine, whereas the Al Muntaha, located 200 m above the sea, offers a more international menu. Two dedicated elevators whisk in-house guests and outside visitors (who have registered in advance with security) to the 27th floor for an unforgettable Mediterranean dining experience. Most unusual is the concept of the Al Mahara seafood restaurant, which creates the feeling of an underwater location, thanks to a simulated submarine ride and aquariums in the place of windows. Guests dine in the confines of shark and unique marine life surroundings with a freshwater seafood menu and exquisite service. Diners can witness marine life experts feeding the underwater residents and experience the full atmosphere of the menu. Professional sommeliers offer their vast knowledge of the hotel's ever-changing wine list in each restaurant. A ground-floor brasserie serves casual fare for those on the go, and a beachside outlet rustles up both fresh and hearty Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fusion cuisine. The newest restaurant is Junsui, a Japanese-influenced Asian restaurant that has a menu as appealing as its opulent decor.
In addition to the outdoor pool, there is the impressive indoor pool in the Assawan Spa on the 18th floor with beautiful Arabesque decor and dramatic views. The spa also comprises a gym, saunas, steam rooms, hydrotherapy baths, several treatment rooms, and a ladies-only section. Guests have free access to the private beach and the Wild Wadi water park.
Meeting facilities include rooms of several sizes on different floors; those on the 27th floor afford sensational views. The ballroom holds up to 220 people. A few luxury shops line the lobby to cater to big spenders who prefer not to leave the property; others save their wallets for the enormous Mall of the Emirates just a short drive from the hotel. Most guests arrive by limo or helicopter, and the evening hours cause quite a stir for guests awaiting taxis which are far and few between here.
Elevators taking guests to their floors are scented with peach aroma. Each floor has up to 12 suites serviced by the butler desk (doubling as a personal concierge and reception). In-suite check-in, unpacking, pressing of clothes and delivering food orders are some of the standard services provided by butlers 24 hours a day. The smallest units are two-floor, 170-sq-m suites. The living room with floor-to-ceiling windows occupies the entire lower floor boldly colored in blue and gold. There is a seating corner, a dining table, a bar, a pantry and a powder room. The working desk comes with a laptop providing free Internet access, and wireless high-speed Internet is available throughout the property. A curved staircase leads up to the bedroom and the dressing room as well as to the large bath with a decadent Roman feeling. A circular whirlpool, a glass-enclosed shower stall and twin vanities are standard amenities. Also on hand are full-sized Hermes toiletries (we're talking department-store size) and luxuriant robes and slippers.
The suites (yes, there are accommodations larger than the oversized standard rooms) have several high-tech touches, such as multifunctional large-screen TVs with DVD players. The loftlike layout of the corner suites differs from the rest, whereas the top-floor suites are even grander with a more opulent decor, several bedrooms and much more living space. Two-thirds of the units are one-bedroom suites making them the most common accommodation here.
Room service never stops, and special requests are honored with a smile. Pets are strictly forbidden. Service is a premium product here, although some employees display a tinge of arrogance, perhaps a factor of the hotel's worldwide popularity. But most guests who are forking over the big bucks here will hardly notice as they are waited on hand and foot.
The aesthetics of the Burj Al Arab have triggered mixed reactions, with some guests not appreciating the bold colors and over-the-top decor, frequently comparing it to a Las Vegas monolith. Nevertheless, this is a hotel of the superlative, one that has to be experienced first-hand. It has a much more exclusive and luxurious feel than the Jumeirah Beach Hotel located next door, and it measures up to the fantasy elements of the One&Only Royal Mirage. This property is a member of Leading Hotels of the World.
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