The National - News

Fountain views, Burj Khalifa backdrop and faff-free luxury

- David Dunn

Address Fountain Views is one of those hotels that offers exactly what it says on the tin.

That said, with its hard-tobeat surroundin­gs, including Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai and those Dubai Fountain views, its name doesn’t entirely do it justice.

This is a luxury hotel that makes the most of a location in which the city’s urban landscape is the star – though it also offers plenty of stylish comforts, great dining and excellent hospitalit­y. The National checked in to a Deluxe Room to discover more.

The welcome

There’s a slightly different formula when arriving at this Address. Sure, staff seamlessly take our vehicle and luggage, with tags dispensed for each. But we are ushered into a spacious lounge where we are guided to lifts that take us up to the actual check-in lobby on the 13th floor.

The process is swift and more lifts follow for the ride to the 26th floor.

No sooner have we been wowed by the sheer size of the suite than the luggage follows.

The neighbourh­ood

One of a handful of Address properties that circle Dubai Downtown, Address Fountain Views is opposite The Dubai Mall’s Chinatown and connects to it with a bridge that serves the hotel and shops, dining outlets and facilities at ground level.

The property features numerous cabinets displaying high-end couture brands – including Dsquared2 and Ferragamo – in case you need retail inspiratio­n. In truth, there’s little reason to leave the hotel, especially as The Spa delivers a great selection of treatments.

The room

It’s one of those “larger than my apartment” moments. The main door opens on to a huge lounge with a work desk, dining table designed for entertaini­ng and another lush seating area strategica­lly placed before double doors and one of two balconies delivering fountain views.

The enormous space is divided by partition shelving with quirky art, while a stocked fridge and hot drinks area are located to one side. There’s a spacious washroom and a widescreen TV.

There’s another balcony but a bathroom provides the lure, including a beautiful tub and generous double-sink area.

The service

Veterans of Address hotels know that staff balance efficiency with friendline­ss and Fountain Views doesn’t go off script. From check-in to checkout, housekeepi­ng staff to the valets, this is a welldrille­d team.

The scene

This five-star hotel is fittingly placed in one of Earth’s most familiar skylines. In cooler weather, it is well located for city centre walks. Otherwise, there is resistance equipment and a yoga studio at the airy fitness centre for the burning of any unwanted calories.

The food

There are three main dining options, including playful Japanese-Peruvian at Nazcaa’s and the modern, sophistica­ted French-Mediterran­ean swagger of August.

Situated between is The Restaurant. A QR code accesses a varied yet mercifully concise internatio­nal menu.

On Saturdays, The Restaurant hosts the twilight brunch, buffet-style, with imaginativ­e salads, hot dishes, grilled meats, and a decadent lobster, prawn and oyster selection.

Pastry chefs excel, not least with black sea salt caramel eclair and vanilla mille-feuille.

With a sax-accompanie­d singer soundtrack­ing the evening, this is a culinary experience to cherish. Packages start at Dh285.

Breakfast at the same venue is busy yet organised, with swift table service, inside and on the terrace, supporting self-serve options.

Highs and lows

Highs are the Dubai cityscape with celebrated fountain shows, while the only low is the carbon footprint-heavy Voss Water served nearly everywhere.

The insider tip

Never take that view for granted.

The bottom line

Stays start at D1,799 for two in a deluxe king room, excluding taxes and fees. Check-in from 3pm; checkout at noon. Address Fountain Views, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai. www.addresshot­els.com

This review was conducted at the invitation of the hotel and reflects hotel standards during this time, services may change

From check-in to checkout, housekeepi­ng staff to the valets, this is a well-drilled team

 ?? Address Hotels + Resorts ?? The pool provides exceptiona­l views of Burj Khalifa
Address Hotels + Resorts The pool provides exceptiona­l views of Burj Khalifa
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 ?? ?? Above, a deluxe room; below, The Restaurant’s terrace
Above, a deluxe room; below, The Restaurant’s terrace

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