Last-minute staycation
Pet-friendly Vida Emirates Hills is the epitome of a boutique hotel, trading giltedged luxury for warm, neighbourly service
A charming stay at Vida Emirates Hills
When family comes to town (or you just want a low-key staycation), Vida Emirates Hills is a charming – competitively-priced – base for exploring Dubai’s south side.
It’s just a stone’s throw from Media City, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Emirates Golf Course and Sheikh Zayed Road. And there’s never any traffic to get in and out of, which is a huge bonus in Dubai.
The look and feel
Vida hotels have a certain aesthetic that mixes modern styling with coastal chic decor. Similar to its sister hotels in Creek Harbour and Downtown Dubai, the Emirates Hills location feels bright and spacious, and there’s a pleasant aroma of cinnamon wafting through its lobby and halls. There’s also a strong community aspect to the hotel that’s unique, largely thanks to the many long-stay residents (both two- and four-legged), who have transformed the once muted hotel into a fun and lively locale.
The facilities
Most of the hotel’s celebrated facilities are outside on the enormous terrace. There’s the infinity pool overlooking the golf course, a large deck often used for community yoga classes, and there’s even a little dog park next to Junipers bar. For long stay guests, there’s a cool common area with a kitchen, communal dining area, and movie room. Guests are also welcome to borrow bicycles to cycle around the neighbourhood.
The rooms
The 160 rooms are split into deluxe, deluxe golf course view, premier suite, and executive suite. Each one is light, white and contemporary with smart TVs (hello, Netflix), small coffee counters, and delicious rain showers. There are also a handful of pet-friendly rooms (pets must be under 10kg) at an additional Dhs150 per stay and Dhs50 per day for dedicated cleaning services.
The food and drink
Short and long stay guests, and nearby residents, are all outside occupying the terrace, either smoking shisha and drinking cocktails at Junipers bar, or dining alfresco on the deck of the main restaurant Origins, enjoying the view over the floodlit golf course and new Topgolf Dubai facility. Try the steak frites night on Tuesdays at Origins. It’s just Dhs295 for two steaks and a bottle of wine.
The room rates
To celebrate Dubai Shopping Festival, Vida Emirates Hills has a special January offer, where guests receive a Dhs100 shopping voucher to spend at Marina
Mall or Dubai Mall and 20 per off the best available rates. Starting rates cost Dhs519. After the incredible success of its long stay deal, Vida has also extended the offer, starting from Dhs8,720 per month.
vidahotels.com/en/vida-emirates-hills