Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai

BACKGROUND Opened in December, this lifestyle focused, Marriott-managed hotel has a sharp design.

WHERE IS IT? In Business Bay, a CBD where Dubai Creek has been dredged and extended.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? The interiors from WA International are exceptional. It’s not just eye-catching for the sake of it, but cleverly references the UAE, from the glass-tube sand dunes effect in the lobby to the artworks in the rooms. The whole place puts you at ease.

ROOMS There are 298 rooms with 65 suites. I stayed in a 19th floor Deluxe Suite, which offered Burj Khalifa views from the bedroom and the walk-in shower.

FOOD AND DRINK The entire food and drink offering was faultless. The Grounded café serves sandwiches, pastries and coffee, dinner on the terrace of Bhar restaurant was delicious and breakfast in the modern-rustic Bleu Blanc, overseen by chef David Myers, was enjoyable. There is also an Italian, Basta!, and Morimoto Dubai, a modern Japanese restaurant, has just opened. All the venues were light and airy with Dubai Water Canal views. A club lounge is on the 23rd floor.

MEETINGS There are six meeting rooms on the fourth floor. Up to 300 guests can be accommodated at receptions.

LEISURE There is a pool next to Bhar and a Six Senses spa on the fifth floor.

VERDICT An excellent addition to the competitive Business Bay scene. Dominic Ellis