HOTEL CHANGES ON BOTH SIDES OF SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD

DUBAI IS POISED to open a new super high-rise hotel, Gevora Hotel Dubai, which at 356 metres high is believed to be the world’s tallest stand-alone property – a metre taller than the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai.

e 528-room hotel, towering over the heart of Sheikh Zayed Road, targets the GCC market with bold gold décor and, since it was originally designed as residences, rooms have a studio feel with kitchen facilities, making them suitable for long-stay guests. e open-air apex contains two pools and wrap-around terracing suitable for events and shisha, and a linear pool (above) is also available via a 12th oor skybridge at the rear. F&B includes a speciality Mediterranean, all-day dining (mezzanine), co ee shop and poolside venue (note venues don’t serve alcohol).

General Manager Jairaj Gorsia said its proximity to DIFC and Downtown will appeal to corporates and GCC guests. “We are coming in with a four-star price and averaging AED500/550 a night, which is about 10 to 15 per cent lower than closest competitors. It’s a pre-opening rate and as we near Expo 2020 rates will climb.”

Gevora, from Al Attar Group, is also planning a 750-room, vestar hotel which is due to open near Dubai Media City in 2019.

Across the road, the Millennium Plaza Hotel Dubai has unveiled its new lobby, which is anked by a 24-hour Costa Co ee outlet and Copper Chimney (Indian restaurant), which will open in the coming months. Four marble check-in desks are to the side, and beyond is a Concierge desk, opposite the back entrance, and small lounge. Attractive photo-art pieces on a UAE cultural theme are dotted around, celebrating the Year of Zayed. gevorahotels.com, millenniumhotels.com