As part of a business trip to Dubai, I stayed for one night at the W Hotel, located on Sheikh Zayed Rd. The location, close to this central axis in Dubai, is its main strength and it is, in any case, what led to my reservation.

Booking

I made my reservation, as usual, on the SPG website. This time, I used Starpoints, the rate being very high and the value in points, therefore, acceptable, even if I shed 20 000 Starpoints for this stay.

I also used a Suite Night Award (SNA) to secure a great upgrade to a Fantastic Suite,one of the highest room levels available, and had confirmation of the upgrade a few days later.

Arrival

A few days before my arrival,the Experience Managersent me an email asking me what I would like. Although the intention is commendable, it is quite complex to know what to ask. In this case, a very late check-outwould have been useful and I asked for it. She assured me that it would be done. In addition, she noted the existence of our Instagram, Twitter and Facebook accounts.

On the day of my arrival, from the Four Points by Sheraton Bur Dubai by Uber, I am greeted at the bottom of the Tower housing the hotel by the staff. I choose to keep my luggage with me and to proceed to the check-in in the lobby which is on the 30th floor of the hotel.

Upon my arrival, theExperience Manager who had contacted me greeted me by name and in French! She made the connection with the receptionist, and invited me to wait at the bar with a glass of champagne while waiting for my room to be checked by the housekeeper.

While I drink my glass of Veuve Cliquot, the hotel manager comes to greet me and gives me his business card, inviting me to contact him for any particular request.

MyFantastic Suite was confirmed and assigned to me, on the 22nd floor of the property, with breakfast offered by the manager.

Room

The room I was assigned, 2222, is really beautiful.

Measuring 125m2, this Fantastic Suiteis composed of only one main room.

First of all, an entrance withits own toilet. A colorful decoration was added to welcome me.

It then leads to a lounge area with a large white sofa and a coffee table, also decorated and decorated with a beautiful fruit basket and a note from the hotel manager. Sweet attention once again.

This lounge area has a bar, very well equipped, with a drawer refrigerator and some junk food to munch on.

Between the lounge and the bedroom, a bathtub with a superb view of the Dubai Skyline, which I unfortunately did not use.

A desk, again with a breathtaking view and well equipped in terms of connections.

The highlight of the room, a round bed, sits in the middle of this superb suite.

The sink part of the bathroom is located in the suite, while a second toilet is available as well as a beautiful shower that has a view to the outside!

To finish, a virtual visit in video of this superb suite:

Finally, during the evening, the director made me carry a new fruit basket with bottles of sparkling water.

Hotel facilities

Like all luxury hotels in Dubai, the hotel has high quality facilities. The fitness room is located on the 7th floor of the hotel, near the breakfast room. A sport coach welcomes guests to advise them on the exercises to be performed. The view is, once again, magnificent.

The pool is also located on a terrace accessible from the 7th floor of the hotel. However, I regret the shallow depth of the pools which does not allow for proper swimming. But the space is so pleasant that this constraint is quickly forgotten.

Restaurants

Unfortunately, I could only test the breakfast service during my stay. The latter is served in the restaurant located on the 7th floor of the property.

The offer is plethoric: hot and cold, and assisted by kitchen staff.

Thestaff is not sufficiently present and it is difficult to obtain hot drinks and special dishes because of their lack of presence.

A mixed result, therefore, on the catering.

Departure

I had forgotten to confirm my late check-out on arrival: after a few text messages with the hotel manager, I was able to keep my room until 10pm without any extra charge. Appreciable after a day of work and with temperatures exceeding 40°C.

Conclusion

An excellent hotel, which is in the process of reconciling me with the W chain which has difficulty finding its clientele: how can a young clientele pay such high rates?

Note: As of summer 2018 the hotel is operated by Hilton under the V Dubai brand.