ARRIVING at the new Ritz-Carlton Dubai Intenational Financial Centre you immediately get the impression that this is something different.
Just 14-storeys high, the elegant and stately building is dwarfed by its high-rise neighbours and seems to be making a statement of a return to old-school style.
An impression borne out once you enter the urban chic lobby where, instead of chandeliers there are a collection of designer lights created to resemble branches in the moonlight.
As with virtually every Ritz-Carlton I have ever stayed at, the check-in process was both painless and quick with the staff knowing my name as soon as I walked through the door – how do they do that, is there some sort of special training?
A swift transfer to my room revealed a space filled with natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows and glass open-concept bathroom again lending a feeling of urban-style comfort - though it did take me a while to work out the TV embedded in the mirror!
The furnishings are light and airy, high quality and, above all, extremely comfortable. It was a pleasure, at the end of a long working day, to stretch out of the gloriously soft Ritz-Carlton signature bed and just relax.
But, of course, there’s no rest for the wicked, and the desk and laptop were soon calling my name. I was very grateful for the easy positioning of everything, which makes working from your hotel room so easy, and the high speed internet is a welcome bonus.
There are lots of dining options to choose from from Thai, at Blue Rain, to French at Can Can, the all-day dining brasserie, but my choice was Center Cut steakhouse which features a menu made famous, with good reason, by Ritz-Carlton chefs the world over. I couldn’t have asked for better and the service was excellent too, friendly and informative without being obtrusive.
In fact, great service was much in evidence throughout my stay with every member of staff displaying a great enthusiasm for the property, which only opened in January this year.
Though my visit was brief, I did take the time to check out the expansive Samaya Ballroom – Arabic for My Sky – with its additional outdoor element of a rooftop terrace which would be perfect for weddings and other special events. I must admit, I was very impressed.