Armani reached for the sky 13 years ago. Is it still on cloud 9?
Thirteen years ago, the eyes of the world were on Dubai as fashion designer Giorgio Armani officially opened his first Armani Hotel.
Offering guests the chance to “stay with Armani”, the whitehaired godfather of Italian fashion was on hand to cut the ribbon on April 27, 2010, as part of a glittering ceremony.
It sits inside Burj Khalifa, in the bottom half of the 828-metre skyscraper, and is spread over 10 levels. To celebrate the anniversary,
The National checked in to find out what it is like to stay.
The welcome
It’s a novelty to be able to drive right up to Burj Khalifa and announce that we’re checking in, and the valet staff are welcoming and friendly. Walking through the glass doors of the world’s tallest building into the hotel lobby, we’re greeted by curved sofas, lofty ceilings and a captivating spa-like scent that wafts through the five-star abode.
Check-in is smooth and we’re escorted to our room on the fifth floor.
The neighbourhood
Smack bang in the middle of Downtown Dubai, Armani Hotel Dubai has one of the world’s most covetable destinations for a city hotel. There are myriad shopping, eating and entertainment options within easy walking distance including Dubai Opera, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo and The Dubai Mall.
The room
We’re staying in an Armani Deluxe Room, which spans 45 square metres – not the biggest by Dubai standards, but beautifully designed. Armani’s style is everywhere from the silk and leather wall coverings and polished wood panelling, to limestone flooring and lacquered furniture.
The highlight of our room is the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Dubai Fountain. Cleverly placed speakers allow guests to “pipe in” the music from the fountains below each time the jets spring to life, but otherwise the rooms are perfectly soundproofed.
Bathrooms are small but well equipped. Unsurprisingly, 13 years of hosting guests have left their mark on the room – with some of the furniture sporting scuff marks or having lost a little of its sheen, but it’s nothing that will spoil a stay.
The service
While the hotel’s vibe is decidedly understated chic, the service is simply understated.
Staff are polite and efficient, but we can’t think of a memorable member of staff who went out of their way to make a lasting impression. The unfussy mantra fits the hotel’s minimalist vibes, but guests who are used to the impeccable service in some of Dubai’s other five-star hotels might find it a tad lacking.
Highlights are the housekeeping team who offer an entirely discrete turndown service and our spa therapist. Service hiccups include our waiter at Armani/Ristorante disappearing mid-service and a long wait in the lobby when our room keys stop working.
The scene
Armani Hotel Dubai attracts an eclectic mix of guests including large groups of tourists, stylish holidaymakers, Emirati patrons, business visitors and selfie-taking, look-at-me types. Communal spaces are easily big enough that everyone can enjoy a stay the way they want to.
The pool is a haven for relaxation, with amazing views of the city, and the spa is where guests can enjoy saunas, steam baths, an ice waterfall and dry heat treatment rooms.
The food
We dine in Armani/Mediterraneo; one of six restaurants in the hotel. Serving traditional Mediterranean food, the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and lays out a beautiful spread of dishes each time.
Highlights include creamy dory fish, heart lamb stew and fruity Moroccan couscous, plus an incredible dessert spread including a delicate forest berries tart and an indulgent chocolate praline bake.
The hotel also has speciality Indian and Japanese restaurants and is home to Armani/ Kaf, the first kosher-certified dining destination in the UAE, and Armani/Ristorante, one of only 11 Michelin-starred restaurants in Dubai, which serves modern Italian cuisine.
Highs and lows
Watching the Dubai Fountain extravaganza from the comfort of the hotel and a relaxing room service beverage in hand is a unique experience that’s definitely one for the bucket list.
There’s no remarkable low, but the slightly underwhelming service isn’t quite what we expected from such a landmark hotel.
The verdict
For bragging rights alone, it is worth checking in at this Dubai landmark – the only hotel in the city offering private viewing of the Dubai Fountain shows.
Beautifully designed rooms by Armani and a serene atmosphere prevail, although, after 13 years of operations, some areas of the hotel will soon be ready for a refresh.
The bottom line
Rates at Armani Hotel Dubai start at Dh1,350, plus taxes. Check-in is from 3pm and checkout is at noon; www. armanihotels.com
This review was conducted at the invitation of the hotel and reflects hotel standards during this time, services may change in the future