One of the first tenants of the recently opened Marriott Executive Apartments (MEA) has given top marks to its facilities.
"Living in the Marriott Executive Apartments feels like your own place," says Louise Scotto, general manager of the Emirates Bank's retail banking division, who moved into the apartments on February 1, one of the earliest tenants to do so. "I was originally staying in a hotel when I relocated to Dubai, and comparing it to my two bedroom spacious apartment at the MEA was like night and day." When Scotto moved to the Marriott Executive Apartments, he expected an excellent level of service and facilities suitable for busy executives with all the amenities representing comfort. And after living in this "home away from home" for three months now, the New Yorker has pronounced himself completely satisfied with the newest Marriott International property, which is among only seven of its kind in the world. Scotto comes from the Metropolitan area of New York. He originally worked in Dubai in 1984 for Citibank, moving with this company to various places, including Riyadh, Athens, Istanbul, Pakistan, and Rome. After spending a couple years in the United States, he moved back to Dubai in January 2002. He said he was impressed by the way the apartments are built and decorated, and he also appreciates MEA's own garage. "There was no need for investment, not even for a TV or stereo system," he said. The apartments are fully furnished, have satellite television offering international and domestic programs, VCR and hi-fi system with a CD Player. The apartments offer an extensive range of facilities including a rooftop swimming pool, gym, game room, Skywalk Cafe, and room service. "Everything is in-house, you do not have to leave the place," he said. When he is not at work or out on business, he prefers to spend time in his apartment overlooking the Dubai Creek. "It's my home. I spend come of my weekends there. I do not feel the need to go anywhere else," he said. He praised the MEA staff as friendly and helpful. "I am always greeted with a smiling face, they all remember my name, these guys are tike my family," said Scotto. The atmosphere of home is very important for Scotto, as he plans to stay in Dubai "for good", being very keen on this destination. He is convinced Dubai will continuously attract more attention of the international public. "I almost selfishly do not want people to know about Dubai, it should be kept secret, how wonderful it is," he said.