There is arguable no other place where you will find as many outstanding luxury hotels than Dubai. Whether you are travelling for vacation, business or anything in between there are plenty of different hotels to chose from that will cater to your individual needs and expectations.
If like me, you prefer smaller and individually styled hotels truly rooted in the tradition and culture of their location, than Palace Downtown Dubai is the place for you in this city.
The Location
There are very few hotels in Dubai in a more advantageous location than Palace Downtown. Burj Kalifa, the world’s tallest building, Dubai Opera, Dubai Mall and Souk al Bahar are all only steps away.
Dubai Marina, the historic old town along Dubai Creek, attractions like Miracle Garden and Rhas Al khor Wildlife Sanctuary as well as Dubai International airport are also reachable within a 30 minutes drive.
The Hotel
In a city that is all shiny and high-rise, The Palace Downtown Dubai presents a big exception, built across only three floors in a traditional Arabian style.
In fact, the moment you turn towards the impressive palatial gate into the hotels coble-stoned driveway lined by huge palm trees, what comes immediately to mind are those legendary Arabian forts right out of thousand and one nights.
The truly palatial flair continues once you enter the lobby. Tall ceilings and large marble-clad archways provide a feeling of splendour, which is enhanced by a number of stunning design features including a large fountain covered in rose petals, wrought iron lanterns in typical Arabian style, large vases and ornate dark wood panels. Magnificent large flower bouquets and typical Arabian scents are completing the feeling of a true Arabian adventure.
All this is further enhanced by large velvet chairs looking overly comfortable, calling you to sit down and linger, beautiful silk-brocade cushions, wall drapes and curtains in deep red.
During the day, there is a trolly serving complimentary tea and fresh dates.
Though the lobby is generally busy, the check in procedure is usually quick and hassle-free.
The rooms
All of the 242 rooms and suites offer a contemporary design with decidedly Arabian influence. Kept in natural tones of cream, beige and dark wood elements they come along as very classy and understated.
All rooms have balconies or terraces (on ground level) either overlooking the Dubai Fountains or the interior of Burj lake.
The marble-clad bathrooms are spacious with double sinks, lots of complimentary toiletries and super fluffy towels and bathrobes.
Rooms also have super-fast free wi-fi connection and there’s a tablet available in each room that can be used to make calls or offer assistance with travel/guest arrangements anywhere in the hotel.
The outdoors
Sitting directly at the shore of the artificial Burj lake in front of Burj Kalifa, the hotel boasts front row views of Burj Kalifa and Dubai Fountain which you can see from various points on the property.
The large pool area is particularly beautiful, overlooking the lake and Burj Kalifa.
You can chose between comfy sun beds or the cabanas which offer more shade and have air-conditioning installed as well that will be turned on should you require it.
A pool menu is served all day and there is also a pool-side lunch area if you prefer to sit down properly for a light lunch.
A shisha bar is open from late afternoon and in the evening transfers to the pool area where the cabanas become the setting for Buhayra Lounge. Alongside a large selection of different shisha flavours the lounge serves a mix of mezze (small plates of typical Arabian food) and beverages. It is hugely popular with local and tourists alike so booking in advance is highly recommended.
Dining options
Being right in the middle of the downtown area, your dining options in the immediate surroundings are plenty. In case you do not want to venture out, there are also three excellent restaurants directly on the premises of the hotel.
Ewaan, the hotels own Arabian all-day dining restaurant offers large breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets. Although it officially categorises as ‘Arabian’ the buffet features a wide range of both typical Middle Eastern and international food. You can sit either inside (where air-conditioning is usually heavy) or on the spacious terrace overlooking the pool area.
The restaurant is busiest during breakfast and dinner. The only time it is brimming with guests for lunch is on Fridays, when it hosts one of the most famous Friday brunches in the city.
Thiptara, which means ‘magic at the water’ is located at the hotel’s lakefront just behind the pool area. It offers exquisite Thai cuisine which you can enjoy with one of the most prominent views of Dubai Fountain.
Asado, an upscale Argentinean steak restaurant is the ultimate heaven for any steak-lover. The finest meats are on offer, including the best Argentinean cuts and Wagy all prepared exactely to your liking. It is also a prime spot to admire the half-hourly fountain show.
Al Bayt located within the hotel lobby offers non-alcoholic drinks and a snack menu throughout the day. There is also a daily afternoon tea, featuring traditional Arabian and Western-style savoury and sweet nibbles. The theme of the tea is changing on a monthly basis; regardless make sure to try the red Arabia signature tea. Read all about the afternoon tea buffet at Palace Downtown here.
… and then for that breakfast
The large breakfast buffet at Ewaan will not leave any of your desires unattended. You can chose between a truly local Arabian breakfast (which is decidedly on the sweet side) or rather indulge in a western-style breakfast feast. Or obviously combine the two!
The buffet features a large baking station where you can order almost anything made to your preference. In addition, there is a juice and smoothies bar preparing drinks made to order.
The Palace Downtown Dubai
Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard
Downtown Dubai
Dubai, UAE
Carrots and Tigers 
Luxurious indeed
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