Walking into the brand-new Address Boulevard in Downtown Dubai, I am struck by how cosy and luxurious it feels. We’re standing inside a 72-storey hotel tower, only a few metres away from the Burj Khalifa, and one of the busiest neighbourhoods in the city, yet it feels like an escape.
The lobby, with its elegant and intimate decor, has a lot to do with it. High ceilings complemented by art deco-inspired interiors give it a timeless feel. There’s a distinct old-world European feel to the interiors. And the smartly dressed and attentive staff put you right at ease, making your arrival process a quick and painless formality.
We are booked into the Boulevard Suite, which means we are escorted directly to the Club Lounge on the 10th floor for our personalised reception. White is the dominant colour at the Address Boulevard, and the Club Lounge is no different. And because we are one of the first-ever guests, everything seems extra new. The lounge is open 24 hours and meals are served five times a day, available at no extra cost to guests who have access to the lounge.
We are told to relax as long as we want while our suite is being prepared, and our check-in completed. So we settle down for a nice meal as we admire how close we are to the Burj Khalifa.
The room
The first thing I notice about our Boulevard Suite is the Burj Khalifa. We have an uninterrupted view from both the living area and the bedroom. And at 95 sqm, the suite is massive. I am impressed by the attention to the detail, from the little boxes to hold and store the TV remote to the way power points are discreetly hidden. iGenie, the in-room automation, available in all Address hotels, is also here, giving you the controls to the entire room — from the TV to the lights — on a tablet. It’s really fun to play with.
The bedroom comes with a walk-in closet, which I wish I could take home, and an embarrassingly huge bathroom that almost seems bigger than the bedroom itself. There’s even a touch screen TV next to the bath tub!
The spa
After spending a lot of time admiring Downtown Dubai from our balcony, we decide to head to the spa, simply called The Spa at Address. It takes up an entire floor and besides the treatment rooms, comes with a traditional hammam, steam and sauna rooms, showers (scented and customisable) and vitality pools with jet features — one each for men and women. The spa also comes with its own infinity pool, again with a great view of the Burj.
The restaurant
There’s only one restaurant at the Address Boulevard — there’s a reason for this — and it’s called The Restaurant at Address. Despite its simplistic name, the restaurant is anything but. It’s unlike anything I’ve seen before. Imagined like a luxury apartment, the restaurant has different areas, all designed distinctly, and impeccably: There’s the Kitchen, Lounge, Living Room, Study room, Dressing Room, Collection Room, Library, Games Room and Music Room, each of them with its own identity — like different restaurants in one.
What to do
Besides the spa and restaurant, what really works for the Address Boulevard is the location. It even has its own air-conditioned walkway to take you to The Dubai Mall and the Dubai Metro. The hotel also provides free luxury shuttles to all the landmarks in the area, including the Dubai Opera. So if you’re looking for a city retreat that’s close to everything, the Address Boulevard will suit you well.
Ratings:
Rooms: 4.5/5
Service: 4.5/5
Value: 4.5/5
Cleanliness: 4.5/5
Location: 4.5/5
The details
Room rates vary, but begin at Dh1,800 per night. Special rates for UAE residents.
