Enjoy the perks of a prime location and record-breaking pool
Address Beach Resort JBR, Dubai
The 77-storey Address Beach Resort in Dubai towers over the surrounding buildings from its prime Jumeirah Beach Residence location. It opened in December last year, is housed in twin towers and is the first beachfront property from Emaar’s Address Hotels & Resorts.
The welcome
The week I stayed, the checkin system wasn’t operating correctly and the process took an additional 20 minutes. Fortunately, the lobby has an abundance of natural light, life-sized imitation trees and a host handing out gahwa and dates. The result is immediately soothing.
The neighbourhood
Standing tall at the end of JBR, the location is Address Beach Resort’s biggest selling point. It’s walking distance from The Beach just across the bridge from Bluewaters Island. The prime location gives guests access to a wealth of bars and restaurants, water sports and even a jogging track.
Safety measures
The hotel has partnered with Boecker Pesticides to implement a sanitisation process. At the entrance is a tunnel that guests step through and are lightly misted with a sanitising spray. The door to each room is sealed shut, and guests have to break the seal to enter, adding to the sense of reassurance. Hotel staff wear face masks at all times, tables are suitably distanced and there are plenty of hand sanitiser stations to be found in high-touch areas.
The room
From the balcony of the deluxe sea view room on the 11th floor, the view offers water as far as the eye can see, with Ain Dubai directly ahead, Atlantis, The Palm, further on and Burj Al Arab in the distance. A king-sized bed is set under abstract artwork, while a sliding wooden door separates the bathroom with its separate shower and bathtub. An iPad by the bed can be used to control the lights, air conditioning and television, and to contact room service and housekeeping, ensuring you don’t have to step out of bed if you don’t want to.
The scene
The facilities include a private stretch of beach and two temperature-controlled pools (one for adults only). One of the hotel’s claims to fame – an infinity pool competing for the Guinness World Record title of world’s tallest – is due to open next month. The Spa at Address is also not open yet, but will offer therapies with spectacular views from its 75th-floor location.
The food
The hotel is home to The Restaurant, Address Beach Resort’s signature all-day dining facility; The Beach Grill and Li’ Brasil. Zeta Seventy Seven is yet to open. At Li’ Brasil I try the feijoada (Dh68), a black bean beef stew with rice; tender cumin-spiced lamb chops (Dh78); and grilled chicken, lamb, beef and seafood skewers, which are delicious, but pricey for six at Dh168.
Insider tip
Take a stroll along the Bluewaters Island pedestrian bridge for plenty of photo opportunities.
The verdict
The hotel’s mid-pandemic launch may have come at a difficult time, but its premium location and brand reputation stand it in good stead.
The bottom line
Rooms start from Dh910 and can be booked at www. addresshotels.com
This review was conducted at the invitation of the hotel during the coronavirus pandemic. It reflects hotel standards during this time, services may change in the future