In the market for a staycation this Eid? Al Habtoor City’s newest hotel, the new Westin Dubai has just opened its doors. The 41-storey property is the brand’s second in the emirate and and the largest Westin hotel across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
The property joins two new hotels at the development: the St Regis Dubai, which opened last November, and the recently opened W Dubai – Al Habtoor City.
“Together with Al Habtoor Group, we are excited to deliver Westin’s well-being promise to guests at Starwood’s largest hospitality project in the Middle East,” said Michael Wale, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. “This opening reaffirms Westin is on track to double its presence in the Middle East in the next three years.” Here are the key things you need to know.
It’s interiors are locally inspired
We may live in a sandy desert, but we’re just a few kilometres away from stunning mountains that have been the site of endless selfies. In a break from the city’s visual narrative, the hotel’s lobby and interiors have been inspired by the emirate’s Hajjar Mountains and feature stylised motifs of the Art Deco movement.
There’s 1,004 rooms
As the largest hotel on two continents, the Westin Dubai, Al Habtoor City features a staggering 1,004 guestrooms, including 142 suites. All rooms and suites feature the brand’s trademarked Heavenly Bed and dedicated Sleep Well Menu, rainforests shower, Heavenly bathtub and signature bath amenities. The idea, according to a media handout, is “to reinforce the concept of rejuvenation and ensure an unwinding experience.” Something other hotels don't offer, clearly.
Its top suite is as big as a villa
With only two bedrooms, the Heavenly Suite on the 40th floor features floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of both the Dubai Water Canal and Sheikh Zayed Road. This 425sqm room – as big as some villas in the Emirates – features all the mod cons you’d want. You can throw a spot party for up to 14 guests and serve up dinner for 10 in the dual kitchen and dining area. A separate majlis area and entertainment room with a media wall and pool table are among its highlights.
Six places to eat
So for the city’s foodies, the most important news. Five of the venue’s six restaurants are open, including Cook Hall, described as a casual industrial-style American gastro pub; Il Capo Restaurant, with New York-style Italian fare, the lobby lounge Daily Treats (apparently you can order “healthy indulgences” here), Seasonal Tastes, a multi-cuisine restaurant with six live cooking stations, and Blinq, serving cocktails and snacks in a “flirty and glamorous space”. Presumably you won’t need to be flirty and glamorous yourself – the space will do that for you.
The sixth venue, Firefly, won’t try too hard. The “effortlessly chic urban rooftop lounge” is a poolside lounge whose menu seems to be about barely-grilled food (described as “flame-kissed”) and refreshing cocktails, with a live DJ.
No spa yet
An essential requirement for a staycation is a spa, so be warned that the hotel’s Heavenly Spa isn’t open yet. An opening date has not been specified.
But when it does does welcome tired Dubaians, we’ll be able to pick from 20 treatment rooms, including separate male and female areas. Additional facilities include a hamman, steam room, sauna, hot tubs, whirlpools and specialty showers. A fitness studio will also soon be available 24-hours a day, featuring art equipment from Technogym. Best of all, they’ll have a dedicated yoga studio. They will also have three rooftop pools, with one for the children at the Westin Family Kids Club – so hopefully that’ll keep the kids busy – and quiet.
Fitness options
You can also go for a run. The hotel has a dedicated Run Concierge to help inhouse guests stay on top of their fitness regime. In what we think is an attempt to show local residents we need to get off our behinds (even in 45-degree heat!), the hotel will give guests who ask running maps of five or eight kilometres, "enabling travellers to keep up with their fitness routines anytime, anywhere". Business Bay commuters, expect a rash of runners as you're driving to work every morning.
What we're happier about, though, is their Gear Lending programme, which provides New Balance shoes and clothes for guests to use during their stay. Excellent news for those who like to travel light.
Focus on kids
Speaking of kids, the hotel seems to have realised that when the little people are happy, their parents will be too. The hotel’s Westin Family Kids Club promises to enrich little travellers (mentally, we imagine!) with activities such as storytelling, games and physical activities.
A special Eat Well Menu for the little tearabouts ensures they get some nutritious food down, and parents happy about the healthy selections.
One-bedroom family suites cater to families, with master bedrooms and ensuite baths, as well as playrooms with bean bags and entertaining features.
For the worker bees
As is the case when any new hotel opens, the new Westin will probably host most major events over the next few months. Its 15 meeting rooms offer clutter-free, fully equipped spaces with Superfoods meeting breaks in natural daylight. There are two additional outdoor spaces on the seventh floor, while the 1,450 square-metre Al Joud ballroom with its own bridal majlis can accommodate 1,200 guests.
Special launch rates
PR material says special introductory rates are available to guests in celebration of the hotel’s opening. While offer prices weren’t immediately available to GN Focus, offers on the hotel’s website, Westindubaialhabtoorcity.com, start from Dh550++ inclusive of daily breakfast and two healthy amenities.
The terms and conditions indicate that blackout dates apply, however, so enquire specifically about Eid Al Adha when booking.
