Renaissance flagship opens in Business Bay

The sharply designed Renaissance Downtown Hotel Dubai

which combines business and lifestyle elements represents the brand’s flagship, according to Brian Povinelli, Global Brand Leader for Renaissance Hotels, Le Méridien, Westin and Autograph Collection.

Renaissance Hotels is up to 160 hotels with 30 more due to open in the next four years, primarily in the US and Asia Pacific. But he believes the new Dubai property will serve as a “big impetus” for future Middle East growth.

“We will always ensure we’re providing services and amenities to business travellers but the customer is changing,” he said. “Before they wanted a specific cookie-cutter experience, but now the younger generation don’t want to see business trips as boring and dull – they want it to be experiential. If you’re only travelling for business it doesn’t mean you can’t have a higher culinary experience or an attractive environment. It’s about giving travellers a more enriching experience.”

He said Renaissance seeks to bring the local neighbourhood to life, through distinctive designs, deploying ‘navigators’ and hosting evening rituals. The Business Bay hotel opened in style with an exclusive concert by Gwen Stefani.

Six Senses Spa Dubai, on level five, is due to open in February ( pictured).