By Andrea Black
Artful relaxation: W Dubai Al Habtoor City.
LOCATION
Opened in July, the W is part of Al Habtoor City in Dubai, incorporating three hotels and residential towers. The W looks out to the soon-to-be-completed Dubai Water Canal. It's a 20-minute drive from Dubai International Airport and a 10-minute drive to the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall.
THE SPACE
A circular bed dominates the suite.
The hip sister to fellow Starwood neighbours St Regis – which opened last November, and the yet-to-open Westin – this 33-storey hotel fits the W Hotel ethos of mixing fashion, design and music perfectly. The check-in lounge on the 30th floor features a DJ booth and is where Dubai's hip set sip cocktails on the miss-matched couches in the multi-level adjoining bar.
Poolside, known as the Wet Deck, is set up for partying. There's another DJ booth there and champagne popsicles are served but, at the moment at least, there's little shade from the Dubai sun. The good news is you can walk through a gate to the shaded pools of the St Regis, which anyone staying at W has access to.
There's a 24-hour gym on site or guests can opt for a private in-room session with the hotel's yoga instructor.
Reception areas run the full spectrum of colours.
THE ROOM
White leather, stick lighting, mirrors and curves give the rooms a futuristic feel, while pops of brightly coloured artworks break the minimalist colour scheme. The bathroom is open-concept, that is there is no door, the bath being a key feature of the room's design. The W signature bed with a pillow-top mattress is extremely inviting after a long flight.
Their presidential suite, known as the Extreme Wow Suite, offers two levels of decadence, including a giant round bed, a DJ station, dance floor and even a catwalk ramp. Musician Flo Rida had just partied there the week before I arrived.
The bathroom is open-plan highlighting the luxurious bath.
At the W, they pride themselves on the "Whenever, Whatever" service. Anything you like (within reason) will be brought to your room. Before arriving, I was asked via email from the "Welcome Experience Team" what my "poison of choice" was. The drink was waiting in my room upon arrival and, knowing I was from Australia they added a touch of Down Under to the room (photos of koalas and roos) as a welcoming surprise.
THE FOOD
The hotel's destination restaurant, Namu, offers a mix of Japanese and Korean cuisine. Guests can choose a seat overlooking the canal or one at a station where chefs perfect their works of art. Service is excellent, even the head chef visited every table to offer his recommendations.
Dining at the W is a rare experience.
The market style eatery, Level Seven, where all meals are served, offers Mediterranean flavours and hosts a "Feed Me" brunch every Friday.
STEPPING OUT
While the hotel is a short taxi ride to most of the malls and attractions of Dubai, the beauty of this complex is visitors can fly and flop. Everything is there, including access to the facilities and restaurants of the St Regis (and soon The Westin), which makes the W a good option for a stopover stay.
Farther afield, the hotel can help organise a "Heritage Desert Safari with Stargazing" to whisk visitors out of the built-up area.
THE VERDICT
The vibe is hip, the design is, at times, a bit showy (catwalks, an abundance of mirrors and neon) which works well in these days of selfies. This is a good option if you want to party with Dubai's hip set or just enjoy good food and stylish surroundings.
ESSENTIALS
The special opening rate with prices starting from AED899 ($329) per room, per night includes early check-in from noon and late check-out until 5pm, complimentary W Lounge welcome beverage upon arrival, breakfast, and complimentary WiFi access. See wdubaialhabtoorcity.com
HIGHLIGHT
The food and service is excellent, and access to facilities at St Regis is welcomed.
LOWLIGHT
Arriving after a long flight is slightly confusing, once you get past all the lights and stripes on the ground floor you realise the check-in desk is actually 30 flights up.
Andrea Black was a guest of the W Dubai Al Habtoor City.
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