where to stay in Dubai

Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

“An elegant retreat in a desert sanctuary”
Dubai, in the least, could be described as ‘exciting.’ Towering skyscrapers, high-speed motorways and what seems to be interminable development, are interwoven with stunning mosques, traditional souk markets and a culture in constant pursuit of luxury. It can be exhilarating and overwhelming, energizing and exhausting, and we’re grateful beyond words that our residence for our time here is in the peaceful oasis of the Shangri-La Hotel.
Location
Located only 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport, and five minutes to the World Trade Centre, Dubai Convention Centre, Dubai Financial Centre and the mind-boggling centerpiece of downtown Dubai, the Burj Khalifa, we can be in the buzz of it all within moments, but also just as quickly retreat. Making it even more convenient is free shuttle transport to the Dubai Mall.
Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Spectacular Views from the Shangri-La Hotel Dubai
Rooms

The warmth of Arabian hospitality is evidenced in room design and amenities provided. All 302 guestrooms are swathed in warm earth hues, complemented by light grained woods, and adorned with vibrant local art pieces. From entry-level rooms of 45 sqm up to luxurious two bedroom suites, all categories feature tall wall windows with panoramic views of the sea or city. Complimentary Wi-Fi, cable TV, in-house movie channels, writing desk, electronic security box, hair dryer, mini-bar and hot beverage making facilities are also standard.

Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Comfortable Room
Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Deluxe City View Room
Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Bathroom

Horizon Club rooms come with the added benefit of use of a private lounge where daily breakfast, beverages throughout the day, and evening cocktails and canapés are served. Additionally, a hot beverage is delivered with any wake-up call request, a dedicated concierge assists with any special needs, late check-out is granted until 4pm, and an executive staff member personally greets guests and arranges an in-room check-in/ out.

Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Exclusive Deck for Horizon Club Members
Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
View from Our Room
Food and Beverage
Dunes Café is where we start our mornings. We’ve stayed in numerous Shangri-La properties around the world and the buffet breakfast has never failed to impress. In true Dubai style however, the hotel outdoes itself in the display. Rows of freshly cut produce, live cooking stations, an incredible mix of international hot and cold dishes, juices, smoothies, hot beverages… the line up continues. We marvel at how on earth they get all of this food in one place when we’re surrounded by desert!
Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Executive Chef Darrell Oneill Ensures There’s Something Exciting Always Happening in the Food and Beverage Outlets

 

I delight in my usual fresh fruit selection, but too relish the vegetarian dips such as hommus and herbed cheese, and a fabulous bakery section. Not only does the spread include wholegrain, unprocessed, fresh and organic items that I highly appreciate, but they too have an entire gluten free section and even have quinoa, soy, and almond milks in addition to the regular and low fat options. Hubby is spoilt with multiple helpings of pancakes and eggs made a la minute and gives me the don’t-say-a-word look when I eye his repeat plates of meat straight off the grill. For more photos of the delicious spread follow this link.
dunes cafe, dubai, best breakfast
Eggs Made to Order
shangri-la hotel dubai
Made to Order Noodle Soup
french pastry chef dubai
Wonderful Assortment of Pastries

Hoi Ann restaurant gives us a taste of Asia with its modern Vietnamese menu. There are some ‘don’t-miss’ recipes found here so follow this link to see prices, photos, and our personal favourites. For a more casual feel, Ikandy Ultralounge is ideal for a chilled evening. In the hotter summer months, the Lobby Lounge and Balcony Bar offer cool respite and refreshment. Cantonese cuisine can be savoured at Shangri-La’s signature Chinese restaurant, Shang Palace, and again we go into greater exploration of the menu and make recommendations of what to order here. 

Lobby Lounge
Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Don’t Miss Trying the Pho at Hoi An
Facilities

As mentioned earlier, Dubai can be both thrilling and taxing, and after a fatiguing full day, The Spa seems to answer all of our desires. It would be fair to say that we’re spoiled with spa treatments in our Asian home base. But, at risk of sounding overindulged, it is refreshing to visit a spa that draws on European methods for some variance. Natural ingredients from the UK are combined with French technique to create a balanced spa menu including massage, facial, body treatments and packages customized to realize “personal health and wellness goals.”

Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Massage Room in The Spa
Apart from relaxation, we both highly value fitness in living a well-rounded lifestyle. Quality in-house exercise facilities are something we look for in a hotel: essential for balancing out all of our wonderful food adventures. Shangri-La Dubai does not disappoint, and we’re both pleased with numerous opportunities to stay active.
The fitness centre is equipped with cardio and strength machines, free weights and other useful exercise aids such as yoga mats, balls and bands. Cold water and towels are provided, and although it’s a business hotel and we expect the gym to get busy early morning and evenings, there’s plenty of equipment so we never have to wait.
Even though we don’t find the time to use them, the tennis and squash courts get hubby’s tick of approval. A few more days in the city and I’m sure he would have found online a tennis partner to give them a workout. Steam rooms and saunas are amenities within the changing rooms, and they do get a trial run during our stay.
Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Outdoor Pool and Jacuzzi

Stunning vistas of downtown Dubai are viewed from the outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Resembling a desert oasis, the lagoon shaped pool is lined with palm trees and rimmed with deck chairs. The hours just after dawn and surrounding dusk gift magical lighting and milder temperatures to fully enjoy the setting.

Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Some Stunning Views from the Pool
Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
A Welcome Freshener After a Day Out in Dubai
Service
I’m not sure if it’s one extremely effective training program, an excellent recruitment process or a combination of both, but without fail, no matter in which country we stay in a Shangri-La property, the service is always faultless. Everyone smiles. Everyone greets. Everyone seems to truly want guests to have a positive experience. We feel cared for here. And it’s that, the people, perhaps even more than the facilities and finishings, that make the Shangri-La hotels sanctuaries that we feel drawn to return to again and again.
Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Reasons to visit: extremely convenient location; peaceful oasis amongst the city buzz; ideal for both business and leisure travelers; superb signature Shangri-La service.
Shangri-La Hotel Dubai
Sheikh Zayed Road
PO Box 75880
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
+971 4 343 8888

10 Comments

  1. Simply gorgeous, everything about this place screams luxury. And the food looks delicious! Wonderful review. Enjoy your new week ahead!

  2. Lovely bowl of noodles there!

  3. Eggs made to order? Yes, please! What a gorgeous, inviting and soothing ambiance!

  4. Very classy, i wonder how much does it cost to stay a night here?

  5. Ken
    Try this for answers:
    http://www.shangri-la.com/dubai/shangrila/rooms-suites/

    My God, Monica, wouldn't the uninformed get a bloody shock with those
    magnificent Mini-bars if they thought the contents were FREE!!

    The photos as shown leak LUXURY with a capital L for starters. Truely
    magnificent website if you take a look. You have done the hotel proud with your
    report. Maybe they will give you a camel or two to take back to KL???
    Now wouldn't that be a buzz.
    Oh God it is cold here – noted your comment on the Melbourne FREEZE –
    that is amazing. My Yak Nepalese beanie that I was given is doing overtime!!!
    Dubai and/or KL weather would be most welcome here.

    That breakfast egg dish would be worth killing for! Well maybe just grabbing, eh?
    Cheers
    El Eskimo Col of Brisbane – oh to be in Spain practicing with my mate – ole!

  6. this looks like it totally lives up to shangri-la's spectacular standards 😀

  7. Mmm I love soup noodles.
    And pho too 🙂

  8. I was looking for articles on Spa in Dubai and I came across yours inspiring read. Great post!

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