WHAT’S IT LIKE? Nestled in the shadow of the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, The Address’ slick flagship property came onto the scene in late 2008. At 63 stories, it’s the second-tallest building in the area, providing a basis for comparison against the 2,716-foot, 160-story monolith next door. Private check-in desks await guests in the airy reception area, and both public areas and guest rooms incorporate traditional design elements for a taste of local flair.
WHERE IS IT? In addition to the Burj Khalifa, the hotel is also next to The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping destination, complete with its own aquarium.
HOW MANY ROOMS? There are 196 rooms and suites.
ROOM FACILITIES There was a plate of freshly cut fruit and a small selection of stuffed dates waiting for me in my room—both of which quickly disappeared. But first I stepped onto my spacious terrace to look at the towering Burj and watch The Dubai Fountain show. Designed by the same team behind the Bellagio’s famed waterworks in Vegas, it was a difficult view to tire of, and I made myself comfortable on one of the patio chairs.
Back inside, my room had ample space and a U.S. voltage converter (just what I’d forgotten to pack!) placed atop my large working desk. During my stay, I enjoyed free Wi-Fi, an iPod docking station, an LG flat-screen television with a DVD/CD player, two IP phones, an in-room safe, a tea/coffee maker, Aveda bath products, and bottled water at turndown. The roomy bathroom had a double vanity and a mosaic-tiled rain shower behind fogged glass etched in a beautiful Arabic pattern.
I awoke early the day after I checked in, but had a hard time connecting to the Wi-Fi, even though it had worked just fine the night before. I called the front desk at 6:30 a.m., and as soon as IT staff came on at 8 a.m., they knocked at my door and fixed the issue within a few minutes. I really appreciated the prompt service, but I was a little puzzled that the hotel had an on-site IT team, yet put so little thought into the room design when it came to the outlets. Because of the inconvenient placements, I even got a bad shock when I tried to plug in my camera charger behind the heavy and immovable nightstand.
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES There is free Wi-Fi throughout the entire hotel (as with all of The Address’ properties), and the meeting facilities can cater to groups of eight to 700 guests. This includes two ballrooms, a boardroom and two meeting venues. Select terraces and outdoor spaces are available as well.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS The property features seven food and beverage outlets. Don’t miss drinks at Neos, the Art-Deco lounge on the 63rd floor, if only for the views, while Calabar has a lively outdoor terrace and an excellent selection of small plates and cocktails.
Specializing in authentic Chinese dishes, Hukama has an impressive private dining room that’s perfect for intimate meetings and events. Daily breakfast is served alfresco and indoors at Fazaris, which has a selection of buffet stations loaded with Western, Asian and Middle Eastern options.
LEISURE FACILITIES A world-class spa and 24-hour fitness center are located on the 13th floor, with an array of services and fitness classes. From most views, a chilled infinity swimming pool seems to spill into The Dubai Fountain, with the Burj Khalifa as its backdrop.
VERDICT The Address benefits from a prime location adjacent to one of the world’s leading tourist attractions. But even in the city of superlatives that is Dubai (it's home to the world’s biggest mall, tallest building, largest indoor ski dome, etc.), The Address Downtown Dubai holds its own, with luxurious rooms, trendy bars and eateries, plus perks like complimentary Wi-Fi.
PRICE Rates start at AED 1,001 for a deluxe room.
CONTACT The Address Downtown Dubai, Emaar Boulevard, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; tel. 971-4-436-8888;
www.theaddress.com.
