The generously sized Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre is a gem hidden in plain sight directly opposite Dubai International Airport.
It is one of the first resorts new arrivals to the city may see, but also one that more UAE residents should consider for their staycation wish list.
Recently refurbished and deceptively spacious, the hotel is also something of a dining revelation, offering a mighty 18 outlets.
The National checks into a suite to see how this stalwart is holding up.
The welcome
A short spur off Airport Road via a discreet turning and we are in front of a large lobby where staff are ready to receive both cars and luggage.
Check-in is efficient and we are quickly off to our second-floor suite, helped by a member of the team.
One bonus, if you don’t mind stairs, is Le Meridien is a low-level property, which means less time waiting for lifts during busy periods.
The neighbourhood
Remarkably, despite its proximity to the world's busiest international airport, aircraft are rarely heard.
There are four swimming pools. The one off the main lobby is popular with guests and birds, which joyfully frequent the abundant plants and trees.
It isn't the largest swimming area and is circled by some rooms with a wooden bridge linking sections, including a central swim-up bar.
For more energetic guests, there is a lap pool and a huge fully equipped gym.
The scene
Overall, it’s a pleasant and largely peaceful compound featuring 589 rooms and suites, with plenty of greenery and – at 15 hectares – large enough to need a map to explore.
Below our Granada Suite is a lounge where guests in applicable rooms can access soft drinks and snacks, including a 6pm to 8pm happy hour when house beverages are offered.
Le Meridien Village Terrace is made for cooler evenings, courtesy of its piazza-style patio, where international cuisine is served. It is adjacent to several other restaurants. It hosts themed al fresco food nights soundtracked by live music and offers a similar buzz to bustling Mediterranean squares.
The room
A short walk from the lobby and other amenities, our suite is spacious with an unconventional layout.
Through the entrance, the homely lounge has parquet flooring partially covered by a rug where a sofa and coffee table face a widescreen TV and a selection of lifestyle books.
There is a hot drinks station and a well-stocked fridge.
Walls are dotted with plenty of charging sockets and one surface has a set of irregular-shaped mirrors. There is lots of storage and units are graced with a safe, gowns, hairdryer and slippers.
The bedroom continues the modern-with-comfort vibe, with stylish textured-panel walls, a reading seat with a footrest, a mottle-effect mirror and dark-wood shelves and side units, plus another substantial TV facing a king-size bed.
To one side a large bathroom with gold fittings and more white and black marble hosts a walk-in shower, separate toilet and bidet, large twin sinks and a double bathtub, all with leave-behind Malin+Goetz wash products alongside shaving and dental kits.
Mercifully simple lighting panels serve throughout.
The lounge is served by a small toilet and washroom in classic white and black marble.
Outside, there is the largest outdoor terrace I’ve seen at a hotel. Here, two good-size day beds and a sofa invite sunny relaxation while a four-seater table is ideal for al fresco dining.
The food
Foodies have plenty to ponder, including Mahec for classy Indian cuisine or the lively Warehouse.
The list also includes Yalumba, an all-day dining restaurant that is home to one of Dubai’s most enduring brunch fixtures – Brunchology currently tempts guests with its adults-only Bolli Brunch, from Dh275 ($75) (plus brunch and stay deals). This classy blend of bubbles and stunning food – including an array of cold treats, delicious pies, curries, grilled meats and seafood, foie gras and artistic desserts – has live music and a magician. Yalumba is also where the sumptuous breakfasts are held, as well as indulgent dinner buffets.
At Bebemos, we swoon to authentic Spanish tapas, including Galician octopus (Dh65), sauteed garlic prawns (Dh50) and a moreish mixed paella (Dh115). Like its neighbours, including Long Yin (Chinese) and Seafood Market, the restaurant delivers themed interior details, specifically exposed brick and vibrant colours.
That said, the terrace beckons during cooler months and proves a popular spot with adjacent outlet seating areas collectively adding atmosphere to deliver a spirited dining strip.
Thai (Sukhothai), Irish (The Dubliners), Japanese (Kiku) and Mexican (Jules) are among other regional cuisines covered.
The service
Resorts can triumph or fall by the quality of staff and this five-star property excels throughout.
From check-in to reluctant departure, we find smiles and attentiveness, not least in Yalumba and other outlets under food and beverage complex director Nick Heaviside’s steady influence.
Highs and lows
Genuinely enthusiastic staff shine, while the sheer choice of dining outlets is a major draw if you like to eat well during a staycation or holiday.
More preference than a niggle was our mattress – it is a tad too firm for these ageing bones.
The insider tip
Be sure to grab the resort map to make the most of the facilities and immerse yourself in an amazing variety of gastronomic opportunities.
The verdict
Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre is ideal for a food-focused staycation. It is also perfect as a base for travellers on a stopover or tourists on longer visits looking to explore Dubai, with easy access to the Dubai Metro and airport.
The bottom line
Room-only rates start at Dh450, excluding taxes and fees; check-in 2pm, checkout noon; marriott.com
This review was conducted at the invitation of the hotel and reflects hotel standards during this time. Services may change in the future.
Sheer grandeur
The Owo building is 14 storeys high, seven of which are below ground, with the 30,000 square feet of amenities located subterranean, including a 16-seat private cinema, seven lounges, a gym, games room, treatment suites and bicycle storage.
A clear distinction between the residences and the Raffles hotel with the amenities operated separately.
Richard Jewell
Director: Clint Eastwood
Stars: Paul Walter Hauser, Sam Rockwell, Brandon Stanley
Two-and-a-half out of five stars
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MATCH INFO
Rugby World Cup (all times UAE)
Third-place play-off: New Zealand v Wales, Friday, 1pm
Final: England v South Africa, Saturday, 1pm
more from Janine di Giovanni
Four reasons global stock markets are falling right now
There are many factors worrying investors right now and triggering a rush out of stock markets. Here are four of the biggest:
1. Rising US interest rates
The US Federal Reserve has increased interest rates three times this year in a bid to prevent its buoyant economy from overheating. They now stand at between 2 and 2.25 per cent and markets are pencilling in three more rises next year.
Kim Catechis, manager of the Legg Mason Martin Currie Global Emerging Markets Fund, says US inflation is rising and the Fed will continue to raise rates in 2019. “With inflationary pressures growing, an increasing number of corporates are guiding profitability expectations downwards for 2018 and 2019, citing the negative impact of rising costs.”
At the same time as rates are rising, central bankers in the US and Europe have been ending quantitative easing, bringing the era of cheap money to an end.
2. Stronger dollar
High US rates have driven up the value of the dollar and bond yields, and this is putting pressure on emerging market countries that took advantage of low interest rates to run up trillions in dollar-denominated debt. They have also suffered capital outflows as international investors have switched to the US, driving markets lower. Omar Negyal, portfolio manager of the JP Morgan Global Emerging Markets Income Trust, says this looks like a buying opportunity. “Despite short-term volatility we remain positive about long-term prospects and profitability for emerging markets.”
3. Global trade war
Ritu Vohora, investment director at fund manager M&G, says markets fear that US President Donald Trump’s spat with China will escalate into a full-blown global trade war, with both sides suffering. “The US economy is robust enough to absorb higher input costs now, but this may not be the case as tariffs escalate. However, with a host of factors hitting investor sentiment, this is becoming a stock picker’s market.”
4. Eurozone uncertainty
Europe faces two challenges right now in the shape of Brexit and the new populist government in eurozone member Italy.
Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG, which has offices in Dubai, says the stand-off between between Rome and Brussels threatens to become much more serious. "As with Brexit, neither side appears willing to step back from the edge, threatening more trouble down the line.”
The European economy may also be slowing, Mr Beauchamp warns. “A four-year low in eurozone manufacturing confidence highlights the fact that producers see a bumpy road ahead, with US-EU trade talks remaining a major question-mark for exporters.”
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
Indoor Cricket World Cup Dubai 2017
Venue Insportz, Dubai; Admission Free
Day 1 fixtures (Saturday)
Men 1.45pm, Malaysia v Australia (Court 1); Singapore v India (Court 2); UAE v New Zealand (Court 3); South Africa v Sri Lanka (Court 4)
Women Noon, New Zealand v South Africa (Court 3); England v UAE (Court 4); 5.15pm, Australia v UAE (Court 3); England v New Zealand (Court 4)
What is the Supreme Petroleum Council?
The Abu Dhabi Supreme Petroleum Council was established in 1988 and is the highest governing body in Abu Dhabi’s oil and gas industry. The council formulates, oversees and executes the emirate’s petroleum-related policies. It also approves the allocation of capital spending across state-owned Adnoc’s upstream, downstream and midstream operations and functions as the company’s board of directors. The SPC’s mandate is also required for auctioning oil and gas concessions in Abu Dhabi and for awarding blocks to international oil companies. The council is chaired by Sheikh Khalifa, the President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi while Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, is the vice chairman.
The biog
Favourite books: 'Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Life' by Jane D. Mathews and ‘The Moment of Lift’ by Melinda Gates
Favourite travel destination: Greece, a blend of ancient history and captivating nature. It always has given me a sense of joy, endless possibilities, positive energy and wonderful people that make you feel at home.
Favourite pastime: travelling and experiencing different cultures across the globe.
Favourite quote: “In the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders” - Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook.
Favourite Movie: Mona Lisa Smile
Favourite Author: Kahlil Gibran
Favourite Artist: Meryl Streep
Test
Director: S Sashikanth
Cast: Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, R Madhavan
Star rating: 2/5
