The welcome
I arrive by car at the plush, water-feature-embellished entrance of this Autograph Collection hotel, the third in the city. Valets are quick to enquire after my luggage. A computer fault foils an early check-in, but I am able to leave my suitcase, and when I return, formalities are completed by a personable receptionist. Unfortunately, a mix-up means that I assume the porter who shows me to my room has my door card, but it hasn't been issued to either of us.
The neighbourhood
City Walk is one of the most pleasant low-rise developments in Dubai, and in the early winter, it is a delight to stroll its streets. There are shops and cafes aplenty within a few steps of the hotel. It is only a short drive to Downtown Dubai and Sheikh Zayed Road, but far enough from those hectic environs to feel almost entirely disconnected.
The room
My third-floor premium room has a view of the Burj Khalifa, albeit slightly obscured by construction work in Downtown Dubai. Other boons include a pineapple ornament filled with discount vouchers for the hotel's outlets, plus a comprehensive range of television channels. A large overhanging floor lamp near the wardrobe is at a perfect height for smacking your head, something that I inevitably manage. The room is equipped with an especially comfortable king bed, an Illy coffee machine, a work desk subtly integrated into the room design, a large Lowry-meets-cartoon artwork above the bed depicting City Walk, and a tiny table with two-seater couch and upholstered chair. Bathroom highlights include a full tub and large separate rain shower.
The service
Attentive, charming and mostly intuitive – even the room-key drama doesn’t seem like a hassle, such is the swift and amiable resolution, while restaurant staff effortlessly slip into chatty conversations.
The scene
With 77 rooms, 11 suites and 68 apartments, La Ville is effectively split into two wings for guests and residents. The reception has a busy, slightly businesslike feel, with a steady stream of people using the lobby cafe for meetings. Wi-Fi is free and connects from rooms to restaurants and everywhere in-between. The low-rise design – there are only five floors – lends a distinctly European vibe.
The food
There are three restaurants, plus the lobby cafe and rooftop pool bar LookUp. The most attractive is ground-floor gastro-grill Graze, which has a semi-open-air design that allows you to gaze onto the street during your meal. I dine alone after a friend cancels at short notice, but what could ordinarily be an awkward experience is rescued by some of the most attentive but well-judged service in Dubai. The highlight is some enjoyably tart ceviche (Dh65); Graze has the chops – and steaks – to be a worthy stand-alone dining destination. Breakfast is part-buffet, part-à la carte at Chival, which is next door to Graze. It also has a lovely terrace, on the interior courtyard of the hotel – a perfect place to consume fresh juices served in cute mini milk bottles and an asparagus-embellished poached-egg dish that takes its name from the restaurant. Sadly, largely thanks to its dinner-only opening times, I don’t get to experience the fare at the hotel’s bar/kitchen Grapeskin, which looks like it would make a nice lunch spot.
Loved
The low-rise atmosphere and Graze’s food and staff.
Hated
Check-in could have been smoother, but it turned out OK in the end.
The verdict
An escape from Dubai’s skyscrapers, but without travelling far from the city’s core.
The bottom line
Double rooms at La Ville Hotel & Suites cost from Dh1,400, including taxes.
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Bulgari Resort Dubai to open on December 7
New luxury hotels across Asia
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Company%20Profile
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Apple%20Mac%20through%20the%20years
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Inside%20Out%202
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Company%20Profile
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Most sought after workplace benefits in the UAE
- Flexible work arrangements
- Pension support
- Mental well-being assistance
- Insurance coverage for optical, dental, alternative medicine, cancer screening
- Financial well-being incentives
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
Karwaan
Producer: Ronnie Screwvala
Director: Akarsh Khurana
Starring: Irrfan Khan, Dulquer Salmaan, Mithila Palkar
Rating: 4/5
The Good Liar
Starring: Helen Mirren, Ian McKellen
Directed by: Bill Condon
Three out of five stars
Shipping%20and%20banking%20
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Company%C2%A0profile
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
DUBAI WORLD CUP RACE CARD
6.30pm Meydan Classic Trial US$100,000 (Turf) 1,400m
7.05pm Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,400m
7.40pm UAE 2000 Guineas Group Three $250,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
8.15pm Dubai Sprint Listed Handicap $175,000 (T) 1,200m
8.50pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 Group Two $450,000 (D) 1,900m
9.25pm Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,800m
10pm Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,400m
The National selections
6.30pm Well Of Wisdom
7.05pm Summrghand
7.40pm Laser Show
8.15pm Angel Alexander
8.50pm Benbatl
9.25pm Art Du Val
10pm: Beyond Reason
Pad Man
Dir: R Balki
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor, Radhika Apte
Three-and-a-half stars
Cherry
Directed by: Joe and Anthony Russo
Starring: Tom Holland, Ciara Bravo
1/5
The biog
Title: General Practitioner with a speciality in cardiology
Previous jobs: Worked in well-known hospitals Jaslok and Breach Candy in Mumbai, India
Education: Medical degree from the Government Medical College in Nagpur
How it all began: opened his first clinic in Ajman in 1993
Family: a 90-year-old mother, wife and two daughters
Remembers a time when medicines from India were purchased per kilo
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Tips to keep your car cool
- Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
- Park in shaded or covered areas
- Add tint to windows
- Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
- Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
- Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat
THE BIO
Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979
Education: UAE University, Al Ain
Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6
Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma
Favourite book: Science and geology
Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC
Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.