Conrad, Dubai
Arrival
This was my first trip to Dubai, and I wanted to be in only 5 star hotels, and while searching around, it seemed really prudent to start with 3 days at the Conrad Dubai in the World Trade Center area.This is truly a world trade center; many businesses and high end hotels abound. And the Conrad is a true gem among them by far.
I had arranged a car (about $80 USD) from the airport to the hotel. It is also easily reachable by the RTA train where the World Trade Center station has an exit right in front of the hotel.
The Room
After checking in at the Executive Lounge (this one is a treat, you really should book a room that includes this exclusive level of service), I was upgraded to what is called a residential suite. You could just call it a home; it's astounding! I mean, seriously this room is mind-blowing in size and amenities. A full kitchen, refrigerator, living room/dining room, connecting guestroom with a guest bath right by that entrance, and the bedroom and master bath. Just give the tour a try below to see yourself.
3D interactive room tour, use your mouse or fingers to move around and see other rooms.
Yes, well, it seems that I have now become known. Quite delicious treats
A suite gets you sweets here. Outstanding!
This room takes up basically the entire end of the hotel. I'll not complain at all
Talk about completely unexpected level of detail
High end properties provide what you may have forgotten
Towel Art! Incredibly uncommon in my stays over the years. That a property gives the extra time to let housekeeping do this is really a sign of their excellence
This Bryedo is awesome stuff, smell and usage is just great (and I'm picky!)
My steak sandwich 'US time lunch' but late in the night here, delivered to my room and simply delicious
Ahh, the welcome letters (I LOVE these), about my privledges and the Executive lounge (and look at that amazing personal touch concerning my blog)
Executive Lounge
Now, in Asia (yes, Dubai is in Asia, I know, it kinda throws me for a loop thinking that way myself), the Executive Lounges are quite a sight to behold, and this one is hard to describe adequately. It's half of the hotel floor, which is quite large, with breakfast, tea, evening snacks, and drink service (yes, those kinds of drinks, and yes in an Islamic country).
The understated entrance to the Executive Lounge
When you have lounge access, you can check-in and check-out of your stay, right here. Quite a nice personal touch
The Concierge in the lounge can arrange all the things you might need, or want to do
Calm, nice, away from the world and the heat outside
Breakfast yogurts, and an old white guy in the mirror (major photography failure!)
Breakfast cold cuts and cereals and things
The hot stuff, the delicious and satisfying portion
Much needed coffee station for myself to keep going during the day
The dedicated dining area of the lounge (but you can eat/snack anywhere)
Nice selection of wines and drinks
You can also walk up and request them here
Dining
There is a multitude of dining options here. Ballaro, the main dining spot and where the insane breakfast buffet is (plus a lunch one!). Rhain, the outstanding steakhouse, and strangely not on the hotel's website (but this may be due to it being externally owned and managed) but I do have the menus for you, because it was delicious and maybe this will help you decide to dine there. Cave, the wine tasting room. Bliss 6, the pool deck bar and snackery outside hits the spot on a 108 degree day.Isla, the lobby cafe for pastries and coffee. Anasa, also on the pool deck level with lots of Greek options. Kimpo, the Korean fried chicken and beer (with full bar) on the ground floor, accessible off the lobby (but if you're not looking for it, you can miss it).
The main dining event here, very large restaurant with all the foods
Hot stuff
American hot food
Omlette station
Pastries, including donuts and beignets!
All the fruit for... I dunno what. Still don't know why it's chilled
Quite a selection of cold cuts
I'm not sure what any of this is. I'm a risk taker, but not too far with food
More fruit, in a kaleidoscope of color
That soup is called Shorba, made from lentils, and it's beyond delicious
The egg bake thingie in the pot though, was not so good to me
Cave has dark, comfortable setting with an astounding selection of wines
Rhain is also dimly lit (great for Rob's looks!) with various angles and cubby holes of seating
Non steak items in the menu
Mmmm, the best part of the menu, the beef!
Plus a ton of drinks
200gram New York striploin, not usually what I go for, but wow, this was tender and scrumptious
Event Space
Quite a large section of the hotel on the lower floors for events, which now I'm wondering if I should bother doing these much more. They are hard to get and I'm not sure the appeal to everyone reading this. Comments on it would be helpful if I should continue or not with this area of the hotels.
Amenities
Summary
World class amazing hotel. The service here, the executive lounge make this place a must-visit. The lounge is a must do in Rob's opinion, with all the benefits including your choice of breakfast locations and day long offerings.I am still in awe of the suite. If you're questioning whether to get one or not, I'd say go for it!
