Business Traveller (Asia-Pacific)
CHOOSE YOUR CLUB
These high-rise executive lounges in the Middle East are ideal for discreetly starting your day, getting down to business or whiling away an hour or two after work
A look at the best executive lounges of high-flying hotels in the Middle East
JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS DUBAI
Your ears may pop in the lifts up to the 37th floor Executive Lounge, and so may your eyes as you take in all the working, eating and unwinding options in this spacious facility that occupies the whole floor. We shot up for afternoon tea and enjoyed small square salmon sandwiches, fresh scones with a selection of jams and cream, and a choice of biscuits, and took in the compact drinks section around the corner where you can select coffees from the machine, novel fresh juices from the chiller (eg lemon and ginger) or small bottles of Actimel from a sizeable stand-alone ice feature. As you continue round, a series of attractively designed lounges, offering Gulf views, are perfect for working (although if you want a more conventional space, the last room has four monitors and a large Xerox printer) and the electronic news “ticker tape” is a tranquil nod to today’s frenetic 24-hour news era. As with the room floors, the large landing area accentuates the sense of arrival and exclusivity. www.marriott.com
GRAND HYATT DUBAI
The 24-hour Grand Club Lounge on the 14th floor is a neat design, offering panoramic views of the city’s 21st century skyline and Dubai Creek on one side (to the left as you enter) as well as a separate dining area on the right. Grand Club residents staying on the top five floors (11-16) enjoy daily complimentary continental breakfast, evening cocktails and canapés, afternoon refreshments, coffee and tea throughout the day, as well as one hour’s use of the Grand Club meeting room (subject to availability). The Grand Club also offers an additional city-side lounge with entertainment options for families and free highspeed internet access. http://dubai.grand.hyatt.com
INTERCONTINENTAL DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY
This 26th floor facility also serves up striking city views and an array of refreshments throughout the day, including high tea each afternoon and complimentary champagne from 6pm to 8pm. The adjoining Club Intercontinental boardroom is the ideal space in which to network or unwind, and internet connection is complimentary throughout the Club floor. Book one of the eight luxury signature suites and enjoy other perks such as butler service and a free minibar. www.ihg.com
LE MERIDIEN MINA SEYAHI BEACH RESORT & MARINA
The 10th floor Club Lounge, open round the clock, offers striking panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah, with hotel pools in the foreground, and contains two work terminals, a bar with stools, dining tables, a square fixture for breakfasts/food presentations, and a large outdoor terrace. The Club Lounge floors, on 9 and 10, have wood panelling. The hotel has completed a major renovation which brings it into line with the brand’s other new-look properties globally. The lobby area features a warmer, more compact feel, with new tiles and fixtures installed, while new venues on either side at the end, Latitude and Latest Recipe, are attractive contemporary additions. www.lemeridien-minaseyahi.com
JUMEIRAH AT ETIHAD TOWERS
It’s hard to think of many executive lounges quite like this one, when it comes to height (45th floor), design (square) and services (separate areas for food and work). There are hints of the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai’s look, as you’re taken on a journey with separate glassed meeting, food/ dining and lounge areas and a range of gastronomic treats at the back (free breakfast, light lunch, afternoon tea, hors d’oeuvres, desserts and drinks), but it’s more contained than in the world’s tallest hotel. Club Suite, Etihad Suite and Sky Suite guests receive free limousine transfers to and from Abu Dhabi International Airport. Under 12s can enter between 7am and midday. www.jumeirah.com
HILTON DOHA
Among the relative newcomers in Doha’s ever-changing skyline, the Hilton Doha’s executive lounge offers striking views from the 22nd floor and provides guests with free food and beverage options throughout the day (breakfast buffet 7am-10am, afternoon tea 3pm-6pm and evening drinks/snacks 6-8.30pm weekdays, 8pm on weekends), secretarial services, computers with high-speed internet and access to the executive boardroom. www.hilton.com