Shiny and staggering skyscraper hotels, that's what Sheikh Zayed Road is known for. I would always look out the window to adore the modern-day architecture during weekend commutes. But each time, my attention is drawn to a hotel that differs from the rest.
Tucked in Dubai's most bustling road, the 5-storey high Villa Rotana stands elegantly distinct from the rest of the pack. It has a classic European architecture that gets even more mesmerizing when lighted up at night. It is so eye-catching that I wondered what is beneath the grand facade for years!
Villa Rotana: The Hotel and The Location
Ed and I had an opportunity to spend the weekend at Villa Rotana. Curiosity cured, finally! The hotel is a short walk from Business Bay metro station, and is located nearly opposite Burj Khalifa. With its prime location, I immediately thought it would satisfy tourists and business people alike.
For us who are residents of Dubai for 8 long years, Villa Rotana offers a change of environment. It is near yet far from the madness of our daily routine, quite ideal for a quick relaxing break within the city.
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| Villa Rotana beautifully standing along Sheikh Zayed Road |
We arrived at Villa Rotana way too early than the desired check-in time. I actually called ahead to ask if we can be accommodated before 2 PM and the staff at front desk granted my request. The hotel lobby is simple, sleek and soaked in natural light. Not what I expected, but the airy ambiance is breath of fresh air!
The staff whom I spoke to over the phone earlier that day greeted us with a warm smile and immediately proceeded with the check-in process. While handing over the key, he informed us that we got a room upgrade. Music to my ears! He added that instead of the Classic Studio, we will be spending the weekend in Villa Rotana's Burj Suite overlooking Burj Khalifa!
It was the perfect answer to the questions that the husband asked me while we were on our way to the hotel. Are we going to have a good view from our room? Yes. Do you think we see can Burj Khalifa from our room window? Big fat YES!
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| Villa Rotana's sleek lobby |
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| Prime location! |
The Burj Suite at Villa Rotana
The Burj Suite lived up to its name. It is a spacious accommodation with a tastefully furnished living room and a well-equipped kitchenette. The tall glass windows offer magnificent views of Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai's skyscrapers. The very busy Sheikh Zayed Road is a stone throw away. Good thing, the suite is soundproofed. We never heard a single noise during our 24-hour stay. It became our peaceful sanctuary in the midst of the hustle and bustle.
The Burj Suite is just one of the 118 fully equipped accommodations at Villa Rotana. The property uniquely offers excellent hotel service infused with self-catering facilities. It is suitable for long staying guest and for weekenders who prefer to whip up their own meals.
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| Burj Suite's living room |
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| sneak peek of the view at the kitchen's window |
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| the fully equipped kitchen |
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| lovely welcome drinks and dessert |
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| This view! It is not called Burj Suite for nothing! |
The Burj Suite has a cozy bedroom with a king-size bed covered in fresh white linens. It is wonderfully accentuated with classical European furniture with a hint of Arabian touches. The bedroom window also opens up to a gorgeous view of Burj Khalifa!
Attached in the bedroom is a sizeable bathroom with a tub, fluffy white towels, a washbasin set in marble, and a complete set of Rotana toiletries. There is a separate toilet facility in the living area, which I think would be pretty convenient for families or for those who have guests coming over.
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| my Rotana staycation essentials: slippers, magazine, comfy bed |
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| Burj Suite's bedroom |
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| elegant and spacious bathroom |
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| toiletries, not in the photo is my fave Rotana vegetable soap :) |
The Recreation Facilities at Bodylines
Located at the 5th floor of the hotel is Bodylines - Rotana's Fitness and Wellness Center. It has a gymnasium which boasts state-of-the-art equipment, a shower and locker room with steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi. The sun deck is lined with sun loungers and has a swimming pool with a good view of Al Wasl district.
The time that we spent at Bodylines was more than what we initially planned. Our plan to head to The Dubai Mall was eventually crossed out. Our schedule for dinner at Moka Cafe (Villa Rotana's all day dining) was completely forgotten. We weren't just lazy or forgetful, the hotel simply has superb relaxation facilities that made us want to stay longer.
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| Bodylines at Villa Rotana |
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| sun deck at Villa Rotana's 5th floor |
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| the fully equipped gymnasium |
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| sauna X jacuzzi |
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| the outdoor pool at night |
Moka Cafe
With Villa Rotana's convenient location, guests can easily grab a meal in popular fast food chains nearby, but I highly suggest not to! Situated in the heart of the hotel is Moka Cafe, a 24-hour dining spot which offers a sumptuous buffet spread for breakfast and international a la carte menu for lunch, dinner and snacks.
The breakfast options are of wide variety. Aside from Western breakfast food, there are also Indian and Arabic fares. The spread is already complete, but the chef additionally offers made-to-order egg dishes with a side salad.
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| breakfast buffet at Moka Cafe |
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| my breakfast choices at Villa Rotana |
Lunch at Moka Cafe was hearty and heavy! The menu is packed with choices, starting from soups to salads, pizza to mains, desserts to drinks! I had a mushroom soup served with parmesan and pesto on the side. Ed, on the other hand, started with a bowl of hand carved smoked salmon salad. Both tasted extremely special, not something that we already had somewhere else!
For the main course, I had an herb crusted mac and cheese casserole. It is cheesy, creamy and comforting! The serving size is way too generous that I think I could even share it with two of my friends! Ed made the right decision with the pan-roasted beef tenderloin. Credits actually goes to the wait staff who recommended it and of course to the Chef! It is well-seasoned, tasty even without the sauce!
We shared a Toblerone chocolate cheesecake for dessert. Although too sweet for the husband's liking, I found it rich and sinfully good!
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| Lunch at Moka Cafe |
In-room Dining
As mentioned earlier, we spent so much time at Bodylines that we missed to have dinner at Moka Cafe at our usual dinner time. It was past 10 PM when we went back to our room, hence we decided to call for in-room dining service. The menu is completely the same with Moka Cafe, so we ordered the Oriental mezze and mix grill as originally planned.
Our order was delivered to our room warm and beautifully presented. It was as if we were having a weekend date night... with a view of Burj Khalifa... in privacy and comfort of our hotel room! How romantic is that? :)
The mezze, especially the moutabel, are exquisitely good. The mix grill platter is packed with juicy and flavorful meat. Hands down, it was the lamb chops that stole the show!
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| Arabic Feast in the comfort of our hotel room |
These great things came with excellent service. Just like most Rotana properties we have been to, Villa Rotana offers top-notch hospitality. The staff are warm and friendly, and keen on the needs of the guests. They surely have a way to make every second that we spent in the hotel a treasured time.
Location:
Villa Rotana
Sheikh Zayed Road
Dubai, UAE
Website: www.rotana.com
Contact # +971 4 321 6111
We were invited to stay at Villa Rotana. Opinions in this blog post are my own.
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