Waldorf Astoria Financial Center, Dubai
Arrival
As part of my trip to Dubai, which is renowned for high-end hotels, I had plans to visit a few. One I wanted to go to was the Waldorf Astoria Financial Center because when you're experiencing a hotel chain you should see their premiere properties at some point.I took a taxi from the Conrad, Dubai to the Waldorf Astoria. This was a very interesting experience and things were completely lost in translation. Even when I put the address and spot directly on his phone, the driver continued right past the entrance (UGH!). I just said "Stop here" and I got out and walked. This was ridiculous and my first and last experience with a taxi in Dubai.
As I arrived at the entrance, I was recognized by the staff and the upscale experience began. My bags were taken, I was escorted to the 18th floor where the lobby is located. (A lobby away from the world is a delight I really enjoy at a hotel). Then I was handed off to the agents at the front desk.
I was upgraded to a premiere room with skyline view, which is the best Rob could get this time around (and not bad, a couple levels upgrade from the booked room). Personally delivered to the room, and then I began my process of building the post!
The Room
3D interactive room tour, use your mouse or fingers to move around and see other rooms.
The Floorplan for direct room click access.
At 2am, you may not have another choice
I can pass on a $7 Coke myself
Decent sized room in comparison
Rob's got to eat when working (United States hours can be savage). This Halal burger was so rich in flavor I almost couldn't take it
Aesop throughout? This is truly high end
Various room amenities that might have come home with me...
Dining and Drinking
Two dining spaces, and 3 bars (astounding) are at your service. Also you can order room service like I do in the middle of the night when working remote on US time.
Bull and Bear, THE restaurant here
Pretty place, breakfast is an all hands on deck event
Oh, and a bar, yes. This is important
Whatever off the buffet shall we have?
A very expansive and full breadth of food choices
I had eggs Florentine, French toast, chocolate bread, and that was just run #1
The Peacock Alley bar, inspired by the main one at the Waldorf in New York
Light afternoon snack at Peacock Alley. The wild mushroom arancini is delicious but they have so much more including high end steaks
St. Trop bar, giving that San Trope feeling from the Med
Event Space
As a top-of-the-line hotel, there is event space for meetings, weddings (all important here) and conventions. It has controlled access from the front entrance, keeping out distractions.
Hotel Amenities
This hotel is full service and then some, so of course there are many other things here for you. Gym and the pool (a highlight of the property for sure) are key, but don't pass up the cigar room!
I guess cardio is the only thing people care about anymore?
Strength, while here, seems underrepresented like most hotels (disappointing since this is what Rob is working on lately)
Overflow pool, 18 floors up. Feels good when it's 108 outside
Magically lit at night
The smoking room, where in the evening you can enjoy a fine Cuban or other cigar
And everyone's personal bottles of Louis XIII. $12,000 each
The spa. I was a bit under the weather, and had planned to go there this time
Daytime view from the pool deck
Nightime view of the same, the Burj Kalifa all lit up
A fixture in Waldorf Astorias around the world, the Tiffany clock
The ground floor entrance, you would not believe how hard it was to get this picture given the security rules here
Summary
It's a Waldorf Astoria and anything less than perfection here is not permitted. The staff is impeccable and always ready to assist you with anything you need or desire. Many times I recommend upgrading to a suite. I'm not sure it's really necessary at this property, but I would say look for a package that includes breakfast as it's really a delight and bonus to your stay to not worry about that at all.Comments
Nazla - 2023-10-16
Dear Mr. Clouse,
Loved the 360 view of the rooms ! should learn how to do this too haha maybe I will take after you and do the same. Your detailed experience with us was very nice to see, we hope you enjoyed every minute of it. Hopefully next time, you book the Presidential Suite and get to have a detailed view of that as well and then pass by the SPA for a good massage as well! Oh and next time you could contact us and we will make sure to book a hotel taxi to have you picked to avoid any unpleasant experience at getting to your destination :)
Regards,
Nazla
