Mariam Nihal
Saudi Gazette
Legend has it that 60 years after Conrad Hilton established the first Hilton Hotel in Texas, his son launched Conrad Hotels that premiered its first property in 1985. The one we see today stands tall on Sheikh Zayed Road, overlooking the splendor of Emirate’s bridal city. So what makes this any different from the other prodigious names across Dubai Everything within. With an exciting line-up including Purobeach, Cave, Ballarò, Suga, Izel and Marco Pierre White Grill, Conrad is home to some of the most buzz-worthy restaurants in recent years. It might take you a while to figure it out though. Once you can comprehend which elevator takes you to the 555 hotel rooms, separately to the meeting or ballrooms and the restaurant of your choice, you begin to realize the magnitude of this massive structure. Its sleek facade might not tell you much, but once you know where the treasure lies at the end of the hunt, you will make sure to enlist this as a regular.
The privacy and toned down pandemonium, helps keep you away from all the hullabaloo of the city and makes it convenient for families, with a metro station right outside. For Saudis who are probably responsible for a big chunk of Dubai’s financial growth, this regulates the incoming traffic, sorting out the more sophisticated luxury travelers who enjoy exclusive leisure facilities, fine dining experiences and great entertainment under one roof in the heart of the city. Luckily Dubai mall, World Trade Center and Burj Khalifa are five minutes away. And when you are in the mood to reward yourself, head to the spa for their signature state-of-the-art treatments. With topnotch hospitality that convinces you to extend your stay, the hostesses cater to your whims and unreasonable requests. With a yoga deck outside and gym attached, the spa is organically designed with eight treatment rooms, (even two for couples), a Hammam Suite, hydro and relaxation pools with a thermal lounge and experience shower, ice encounter or sauna — whichever helps you unwind.
You can unwind by Purobeach Urban Oasis later with barbecue or drinks by the pool. Or head for a scrumptious meal at the Cave. In a slightly formal, yet social setting in a dim lit private dining room with an open kitchen, Marco Pierre White Grill definitely dishes out a finesse and culinary prominence. Try the classic English meal from their grill menu. If you are in the mood to dress up and enjoy a jazzy evening head to Izel for some prime steaks and fine dining options at the terrace.
Aiming to focus on the individual, Conrad offers guests facilities and connection in gateway cities by molding each property into a cultural reflection of its city and in this case, Dubai. With a touch of Arab art and design across its interiors, even in the elevator hallways, Conrad plays second home to Arab travelers and those visiting these distinct surroundings. The hotel plays with the motto “The Luxury of Being Yourself” to allow guests the leverage to play around with their luxury forces. With Conrad Concierge application you can customize your stay including details like choosing from the pillow menu or pre-ordering meals. You can even choose your bathing options — with their master Signature Service. For the more curious minds, it works like this. The four luxurious packages help to relax, energize, rejuvenate or sensualize. The special pre-bath energized drinking water and special bathing water, exfoliating and relaxing bath products and a face mask.
With aromatherapy oil diffuser and other self-indulging moments, you can have this tailor-made for your trip. Guests staying in suites have access to the executive lounge, which lends you complimentary services; access to the business room and you can enjoy refreshments throughout the day.
The Royal Suite hosts huge families or the high-profile customer in 318 sq. meters and both are located on the 46th floor, compared to the 364 spacious deluxe rooms that range from 46 to 50 sq. meters but are quite spacious. With two impressive ballrooms and several private rooms, Conrad Dubai has 4,400 sq. meters of event holding space with the only indoor vehicle elevator in the UAE for those grand wedding entrances (or cars presumably.) The Conrad has 23 award-winning hotels and resorts located across USA, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. And the legend lives on.