Dubai is a place that doesn't deal in half measures; tall buildings, huge malls and big brand named hotels. If you are looking for a hotel that is big on service however, guest blogger Justin Morris of 48 Hour Adventure recommends the Al Manzil Hotel in Dubai's Old Town District.
There's no shortage of accommodation choices in a city that's over the years, become specifically developed for tourism like Dubai. Everything from the modest to the downright over the top and opulent is catered for by huge hotel chains and independent operators.
But in the hive of activity that is Dubai's Old Town district, there's a hotel that feels like it's run by your friends, yet makes you feel like the most important person in the entire Middle East. Enter the Al Manzil.
The Al Manzil Hotel gets it spot on when it comes to creating a space that represents Dubai. Their 197 rooms have modern and relaxed interiors, with the lavishly appointed decor mixing the elegance of old world Arabian fixtures with designer clean lines and a distinct attention to detail.
When it comes to location, you couldn't be better positioned. The Old Town district is an area that is redefining Dubai and solidifying its leadership as a world-class tourism destination. A short walk away is the Dubai Fountain, a landmark that puts on a sound, light and water show that has to be seen to be believed. Flanked by this is the Dubai Mall, another attraction that can take the "World's Largest" title. Overshadowing it all is the Burj Khalifa, the shining star of the Dubai skyline. At 828 metres tall, it's the world's tallest freestanding structure. And all of this, just a 20 minute taxi ride from the airport.
From the moment your taxi arrives, you're greeted with a warm welcome and a standard of personal service that is consistent throughout your entire stay. The staff, hailing from all corners of the globe, greet you with a warm hospitable demeanor that exemplifies their unwavering dedication to making your stay a memorable and pleasant one.
Each guest room is adorned with tones of brown and cream, with lampshades and artwork that gently remind you that you're in the jewel of the UAE.
The bathrooms are open plan, with huge floor to ceiling glass walls and plenty of plush towels and toiletries. The huge flat screen TV that normally sits in its default position facing the bed, also swivels around so you can watch it from the comfort of the bath.
The beds are enormous. Large enough so that one could host a heady pillow fight with room to spare, although you would be reluctant to tear your head away from these plush pillows to be able to do so! In addition to the daily housekeeping service you see in all hotels, Al Manzil also completes an afternoon service that lowers the blinds ready for the evening and places a chocolate covered date with an almond inside on your pillow, an Arabian specialty.
Al Manzil have created dining experiences throughout the hotel that offer up a great mix of traditional restaurant dining and relaxed social grazing, whilst still serving up a good burger and beer at the bar.
For a la carte dining, The Conservatory Restaurant has you covered. Set out in an expansive space with high ceilings, it’s perfect for dinner with your other half or taking advantage of the huge spread at breakfast each morning.
When dusk falls, the Courtyard is where everyone comes to relax and smoke shisha. Al fresco dining at it’s finest, the Courtyard is a perfect outside space that comes alive at night and makes the evening warmth a great companion of dinner and a few drinks.
Fancy an espresso to keep the midnight oil burning? Mokaroma Cafe has the answer, a 24-hour coffee shop serving light bites, pastries and drinks in the foyer area.
The Boulevard Cafe faces Emaar Boulevard, allowing you to watch the world go by in a space that feels like it’s been lifted straight out of a Parisian street scape.
For those hailing from the Antipodean nations, the Rugby themed Nezesaussi- (short for New Zealand, South Africa, Australia) Sports Bar and Grill will make you feel right at home. The walls adorned in football memorabilia and non-stop sports on the flat-screen TVs makes for a banter-rich hangout, the perfect place to duck in for a tall frosty lager and a bowl of Biltong.
The rooftop pool complete with sun-loungers is the perfect place to relax with a book and enjoy the warm weather of Dubai. When you're not lounging by the pool or enjoying a shisha in the courtyard, the well-equipped gym is at hand to burn off the shwarmas and to prepare you for another marathon shopping session.
