The Grosvenour House

The Grosvenour House (Link) is relatively new to Dubai landmark of Le Meridien Hotels (Link), but is fast gaining the reputation of the most luxurious spot where celebrities and top rich are easy to spot.

The hotel is located in the fast developing Marina area of Dubai, which is around 30 km from Dubai International Airport. The hotel is well located for business travellers with the Internet and Media cities being nearby and the Jebel Ali Freezone a short drive away. Leisure guests can take opportunity of access to the beach and water sports facilities at Le Royal Meridien, which is only about 1km away by shuttle bus on request.
I personally prefer different atmospheres - with more class and character, or simply unique. The interiors of the Grosvenour House are very modern and mixed up for my test and I cant identify any particular style or trend.
Some outlets as the Indian restaurant Indigo and the Turkish one are suitable for private occasions as Valentine or wedding anniversaries. Slouns is a buffet and therefore most suitable for business dinning. Very popular is The Budda Bar (Link) and there is a talk around town that is good to be seen there as it's a place where movers and shakers unwind.

Bar 44 is a very stylish cocktail bar located on the top floor with unsurpassed views over Dubai Marina and the Jumeirah coast line. The lounge area has a circular bar with comfortable seating and is decorated in a Manhattan contemporary deco style with a very extensive range of champagnes. A live pianist adds to the ambiance. Here are the pictures (Link)

Continue here to view The Ladies Room (Link).

What do you think??

Abu Dhabi - Emirates Palace Hotel

If at some point some one gets tired from Dubai despite the lucrative shopping opportunities, can a drive to Abu Dhabi is an option.

Last week after asuccessful morning there, I and a friend decided to treat our self’s for lunch. So we went to The Emirates Palace Hotel and in particular to the bufet restaurant at the lobby level. Most of the outlets are bellow the main level. We asked at the reception where we can have a buffet, but not lunch a La Cart and the concierge kindly directed us.

The atmosphere is faity tale like - suitable for celebrations. (Here no one should think that visitors are wearing tuxedos and ball gowns. On the contrary, majority were pretty casual except Businessmen.)
At the restaurant we have been treated very well and I can say that the service is appropriate for the 7 star reputation of the hotel.

The buffet was quite rich on choices – from traditional Arabic mazes to smocked salmons, shrimps and different kinds of pates. There are flexible options only for salad buffet or dessert buffet or all together. The full buffet was 195 AED and the salad 70 AED. What I found little bit high was the service charge of 20%. I guess it is according the 7 stars standard, but it is surprising because in Dubai the service charges are either inclusive or 10%, maximum 16%. However, we decided to choose the salad buffet with a large bottle of water. It all comes together to 169 AED, which is not an amount above reasonable expectations.
It’s a good option to change the atmosphere of Dubai and see the Emirates Palace Hotel.