Grosvenor House open for guests

The first hotel in the Dubai Marina the 45-storey Grosvenor House West Marina Beach by Le Meridien has opened its doors to guests and apartment residents.

The hotel, which has taken just over two years for completion, is a mix of furnished apartments and hotel rooms.

"This is a total lifestyle property, and all the facilities have been created to answer what the modern guest or resident truly wants," said Pam Wilby, general manager of the hotel.

"Like the new neighbourhood of Dubai Marina, which is tipped to house more than 10,000 people within a couple of years, we believe Grosvenor House will form a vibrant part of the city's community," he added.

The building was designed to reflect the essence of Arabia, fused with the latest in technology, design and luxury.

Mezzanine, the hotel's flagship restaurant, joins 12 other restaurants and bars, all of which are open to hotel guests and non-residents.

Gary Robinson, former personal chef to Britain's Prince Charles, is chef-patron of Mezzanine, while celebrity chef Vineet Bhatia heads the Indian restaurant Indego.

"Fresh restaurant and bar concepts are crucial to ensure great 'word of mouth' in the local market, and all of our outlets have been designed to fill an identified niche in the market," Wilby said.

The hotel has 217 sea-facing rooms with 205 apartments offering marina views.

Three of the signature touches to each room will be plasma televisions in each, personalised butler service and 24-hour room service from all outlets, in addition to the use of beach and pool facilities at the hotel's sister property, Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa.

The top 11 floors will be dedicated to the Grosvenor Club, premium executive accommodation where guests will also have access to the 44th floor dedicated lounge that provides an observation deck over Dubai.