Imagine staying in a hotel with the world’s tallest tower and the largest shopping mall at your doorstep. Al Manzil Hotel in The Old Town at Downtown Burj Dubai gives us a peek into the shape of things to come.
Text by Isabella Princi
Photography by Duncan Chard
Al Manzil Hotel is unique not only because of its location, but its architecture as well. The Arabian design of the hotel juxtaposed against an overwhelming skyscraper truly depicts Dubai’s penchant for fusion architecture.
The 197-room low-rise hotel in The Old Town at Downtown Burj Dubai aims at providing a cultural experience in a modern environment. “It’s a four-star deluxe hotel with five-star standards and will set a benchmark for the burgeoning hospitality industry in Dubai,” says Richard Weilers, Managing Director pf Southern Sun Middle East, the South African based hotel group which is operating the property.
While the surroundings are undoubtedly awe-inspiring, the hotel evokes its own significance as part of the bigger picture. The furnishings contradict each other in an agreeable way.
The designers Wilson & Associates have provided varied textures throughout the hotel, while emphasizing the details. The massive back-lit floor to ceiling screen for example, the reception area, displays a dramatic effect with its complex carved latticework. The same design can then be seen in other parts of the hotel such as the vanity counter in guest bathrooms, as well as the Moroccan-inspired lamps in the suites.
Another highlight of the reception area is the wall behind the guest services desk. A wavy effect on the timber and wooden cladding provides a striking feature wall and suggests a tropical ambience. In fact, the colour scheme throughout is earthy and neutral interspersed with bright splashes in the form of accessories and furnishings.
The lounge area adjacent to the reception desk stands out with its pallid colours on the walls and dark wooden floor, but dazzling orange chairs complement the Scandinavian style Swing-inspired black vases on the tables. It is often used as a meeting area, particularly convenient for business travelers because of the Wi-Fi Internet connectivity. Guests can also order light bites and beverages from the Mokaroma café next door.
A glass balustrade leads up to the mezzanine level which serves as a dedicated corporate area with conference area with conference room and business center facilities. All the guest room have complimentary wireless connectivity.
But for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience, head to the all-day dining restaurant- the Conservatory which has indoor, as well as outdoor seating. Floor to ceiling glass windows allow plenty of natural light in the restaurant and at the same time provide an expansive view of the open-air courtyard featuring alfresco dining and shisha area with sculptured and short palm trees. Besides the sumptuous buffet spread, a la carte options are also available here.
Sports fans in the emirate have something to be excited about too as the sports-themed restaurant and bar, Nezesaussi, which is short for New Zealand, South Africa and Australia, is set to become the ideal meeting place for all sports buffs. The antipodean-themed outlet features an open kitchen where you can sample the gourmet specialties of the three countries.
The restaurant will appeal to the sophisticated set and all those who are passionate about sports such as cricket, football and rugby. Signed memorabilia by well known sports personalities including jerseys, caps and posters on the walls lend to the atmosphere.
Nezesaussi will also show live league matches during the various gaming seasons on huge plasma screens.
Being away from home doesn’t mean you have to miss out on your active lifestyle. Even if there’s a board meeting for business luncheons, there’s an opportunity to visit the well-equipped gymnasium for a good workout session or a few laps in the hotel’s swimming pool.
The guest rooms, some of which will boast a splendid view of the Burj Dubai tower when it is ready in 2008, also feature a blend of the Arabesque and European design elements. The minimalist modern furniture and the Moroccan-inspired lamps in the living area and the cleverly designed open-plan bathroom give it a very stylish feel.
The promise of a spectacular view all around, convenient location and modern amenities in a traditional context make Al Manzil a winning debutante in the city’s hospitality sector.
Tel +9714 428 5888
