You won’t soon forget the wonderment pulling up to the Armani Hotel Dubai. Having just driven into the city on Sheikh Zayed Road, you’ve already seen plenty of glitzy new sky scrappers. Yet rolling into the Burj Khalifa complex, around fountains and up the hill through security, you’re met with the most impressive structure of them all – the Burj Khalifa – the tallest building in the world.
With Bentleys out front and the Burj staring down at you, you might expect the atmosphere to be on the stiff side. However, a welcoming orchestra of doormen, bellmen and managers greet you warmly and whisk you into the hotel that Giorgio built.
Design and style obviously come to mind when you think of Giorgio Armani. While these elements are defining, Mr. Armani chose to masterfully focus on pure understated elegance for his first foray into the hotel world. High ceilings, dim-lighting and muted hews of beige and gray create a calming ambiance and a welcomed refuge from the over-the-top nature of the world outside.
After a chilled towel, fresh juice and a speedy check-in, you’ll be comforted to know that the Armani Hotel occupies the lower flowers of the world’s tallest building. Save the anxiety and anticipation for later, when you sip cocktails at At.mosphere on the 122nd floor. In the mean time though, floor 7 will do just fine.
The guest-room interiors at the hotel flow with the curvaceous lines of the iconic building in which they’re housed. A spacious living room extends to the back windows and wraps around, opening into an equally large bedroom. Space is not in short supply when you build a city in the middle of a desert. Explore the modern amenities, then collapse into the plush white bed and control everything– from the black-out shades to room service – with the ipad on your nightstand.
As luxurious as the guest-rooms are at the Armani Hotel Dubai, you won’t want to hideout there forever. There’s too much else to do and see. Six restaurants lie throughout the property, with fine dining at Ristorante or a casual lunch on the patio at Deli. From Mediterranean to Japanese, the culinary prowess found at each eatery is nothing short of impressive. In between meals, spend some time shopping at the illustrious Dubai Mall, accessed directly from the lower levels of the hotel. After your fill of Burberry and Chanel (is that possible?), retreat back to your hotel and head to the 3rd floor for some pool and spa time. The Armani pool wraps around one of many corners of the building’s façade. A refreshing dip into the water, while staring up at the Burj, will create a memory as unforgettable as when you first arrived.
Style, design and service are world-class at the Armai Hotel Dubai, and the views throughout the property are unmatched. While the landmark Burj Khalifa may have been the initial appeal of your stay, the luxury experience of the hotel will ultimately leave the most lasting impression.
Compass + Twine was a guest of the hotel and thanks the Armani Hotel Dubai for a lovely stay. All opinions are our own.
