Saudi Gazette

The sheets are Versace, the curtains are Versace and this is beginning to sound like the Migos and Drake song. But it is. There is a Medusa head in the pool, where it should be and another one awaits you upon arrival at its doorstep, just as you expect it to.

The ‘Pietra di Fiume’ design of the iconic Medusa is reminiscent of the one at the former Versace Mansion at Miami Beach and has now made its way to the Dubai Creek. Paying homage to an opulent lifestyle and fashion brand can be extremely challenging, considering it can be a total hit or miss. So suffice it to say the hotel is designed to impress and created to be a work of art that is intensely passionate about Versace-fying everything. But what makes their task a daunting one is that everyone who walks into the hotel has excruciatingly high expectations from the property. The Versace china and stationery then become mandatory as luxury travelers look beyond the customary exchange and hope for something out of the ordinary- the way a Versace showstopper takes your breath away. So here it is. The essential glamour exists. There will be moments, where the Versace power will catch you unaware and bowl you over. But all of that is just what is on the surface. For those looking for an opulent lifestyle, they will find what they are seeking at this Neoclassical looking palace with hints of Arabian influence. But don’t ask for more than a regular five star address. While there is nothing memorable or special about the service, know that the brand power relies heavily on its exteriors and maybe that is enough for those who don’t mind sleeping in Versace. Choose the 130 square meter Grand Deluxe Creek View that can host up to two adults and two children with access to the Executive Lounge. The hotel is becoming increasingly popular for weddings and gala events given the glorious name and celebrity status, a huge setting with high ceilings, three outdoor pools decorated with mosaic tiles adorned by palm trees and pleasing landscaped gardens with views of the Dubai Creek and skyline. Slightly removed from the city center, one is able to get away and unwind at the exclusive property, which has 150 rooms and 65 suites with views of the Dubai Creek or Culture Village that can be enjoyed from a private balcony. Every room is undoubtedly equipped with the swanky Versace Home Collection that features colors of soft pastels or turquoise intertwined with gold with bathrooms that feature handcrafted mosaic and Carrara marble tiling. Palazzo Versace Dubai is home to eight dining restaurants designed to have an al fresco terrace that reflect the heritage of Palazzos. The hotel has one of the best spas in the city and is placed next to beautiful Versace stores that sell everything from home décor to fine jewelry. Check out the latest offers this season starting from AED 1250. For more information log on to http://www.palazzoversace.ae

Prior to its official opening, Palazzo Versace was one of the most anticipated hotels in the Middle East. This week we caught up with Sandra Tikal, General Manager at Palazzo Versace Dubai who started her journey with the brand 17 years ago. “I joined Palazzo Versace Gold Coast Australia as General Manager in 2000. I had the first discussions about opening a property in Dubai in 2005, and seven years later, in 2012, Enshaa took 100% ownership of the project,” Tikal told Saudi Gazette. She has been instrumental in designing and branding of the hotel since its inception. “The accomplishment was seeing its doors open, from the project on paper to its operation. We love our location on Dubai Creek. It is a heritage place of the Emirates, close to everything in this dynamic city. Palazzo Versace Dubai is a hidden gem, a place to get away without leaving the city,” she said. Tikal believes a great hotelier should be instilled with a passion to serve, pride of place, and love for ‘people culture’, as well as being able to walk the talk while striving to be visible.

Why Dubai

Dubai is the central hub of the region and is a place with an appetite for luxury and high-end brands. We pride ourselves to be a luxury lifestyle hotel. While we are predominantly a European palace we have subtle Arabic influences in our architecture and throughout the hotel. Recently we have been referred to as the centerpiece of Culture Village. We are honored to be part of the evolution of this location where old meets new. We are steeped in the heritage of Versace and located in an area to be steeped in the heritage of Dubai.

The Culture Village is set to become a significant location with emphasis on culture and art, with the opening of Jameel Arts Center and Sheikh Mohammad’s Library in the near future, all complementing Palazzo Versace Dubai. The property is just ten minutes away from Dubai International Airport, ten minutes away from Downtown and very close to Dubai International Financial District.

Brand Image

We keep our brand relevant by staying true to the brand. We use Versace china as a standard in the hotel. The linen, the robes, uniform designs – all these are branded elements without compromise. When you have a beautiful product, striving for the highest standards of excellence without compromise should be the core of the business, and this is the core of our property.

Tailor-Made For Luxury Family Experiences

We have two Imperial Suites of 1240 square meters each, with two bedrooms and private swimming pool, which offer an absolute privacy. We are also able to provide big families with the possibility of sealing off an entire corridor that has one Imperial Suite, eight king rooms, and one twin room. The guest’s preference and comfort are primordial to deliver personalized service and genuine luxury lifestyle experiences. Personalized butler service is also well received.

The location is also a big player when staying in Dubai. It’s essential when traveling to such a busy city that the location of your hotel is close enough to all the main attractions but far enough from the hustle and bustle of the city. Palazzo Versace Dubai is just ten minutes away from Downtown and another ten minutes away from Dubai International Airport. In addition to all this, at Palazzo Versace Dubai we have a variety of dining options – from traditional Italian fare to casual barbecues by the pool.

Competition In The Middle East

We focus on what we can do. The dynamics of tourism are evolutionary no matter where you are in the world. We aim to stay focused on what we can do as a property that’s only been open for one year. We see ourselves as fortunate to be surrounded by big projects like Sheikh Mohammad’s Library, Jameel Art Center, Culture Village Marina, Dubai Wharf and of course, the beautiful Dubai Creek. For us, this is a great story.

Community Development

Our commitment lies in engaging with the community in which we operate, be it through child education and welfare, creating a sustainable environment for the future, or preserving the natural heritage of the UAE. We have partnered with Dubai Cares and introduced an initiative whereby guests will be invited to contribute towards the initiative by making a nominal donation at the time of bill settlement. Funds raised will be directed towards supporting Dubai Cares’ education programs in developing countries.

Moreover, Palazzo Versace Dubai has committed to adopting a school in Nepal as part of Dubai Cares’ “Adopt a School” initiative. This commitment will cover the construction of the school premises, providing book supplies, hygienic latrines and providing teacher training that will benefit 150 children and offer them the opportunity to access quality education.

Customer Service Standards

With the wealth of information available on the Internet, the growth of blog culture and the development of hotel review platforms, guests have now more experience-driven information available to them when making the selection of hotel. We review daily the online feedback platforms and we encourage our guests to share the highlights of their experience after checkout. All these feedback tools are an opportunity for us to improve the service and the overall guest experience.

Sincere, open, personalized service is key to offering true luxury lifestyle experiences.

WINTER HOLIDAY OFFER - STARTING FROM AED 1250

Plan your winter escape early this year and live the iconic Versace lifestyle that mirrors your sense of style. Book your stay in advance and enjoy exclusive rates including breakfast and special privileges on dining, spa and beach access. The earlier you book, the more value you receive off your stay at Palazzo Versace Dubai.

FAMILY STAY AND PLAY OFFER - STARTING FROM AED 1320

Planning a family vacation in Dubai anytime soon? They have got it all covered with this exclusive package where the entire family can experience the ultimate getaway, complete with adventure, relaxation and lots of fun. The Family Stay and Play offer includes an overnight stay, breakfast and tickets to Dubai Parks & Resorts – the Middle East’s largest integrated leisure and theme park destinations, featuring more than 100 rides and attractions. You can choose from access to MotionGate Dubai, Bollywood Parks, Legoland Dubai and Legoland Water Park. It also offers a 20% discount on Food and Beverage and on massages at the spa.