Located in the old district of a dazzling city is a gem of a hotel that offers comfort, convenience, and sweeping views of both old and new structures. With Union Metro Station around the corner and the Dubai Creek only a stone's throw, Swissotel Al Ghurair is considered one of Deira's best hotel accommodations for travelers.
From a Dubai resident's point of view, I see Swissotel Al Ghurair as an ideal spot for special dinners and events for several years. And just recently, I realized how suitable it is for staycations as well!
Checking-in at Swissotel Al Ghurair
Walking down Deira's busy and narrow streets, Ed and I would be utterly surprised if it was our first time arriving at Swissotel Al Ghurair. The lobby is elegant - high ceiling, gold accents, impeccable art pieces. It was a nice feeling to be back for the nth time, and this time, to finally stay for a night!
From the reception, we can see that safety protocols are observed. Glass barriers are in place at the front desk and everyone is wearing a face mask. The check-in process was swift. In no time, the staff handed over the room key while happily saying we received a room upgrade! She also gave us a safety kit that includes all the essentials in this time of the pandemic.
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Swissotel Al Ghurair elegant lobby |
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So warm and sophisticated! |
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Left: Safety kit Right: First look at our home for the weekend |
Deluxe Suite at Swissotel Al Ghurair
We stayed in a deluxe suite on the 10th floor. It is super spacious and functionally divided into two areas. The main door opens up to a welcoming living room and a stylish dining area. Next to it is a compact powder room. Down the hall is a gorgeous bedroom with a comfortable king-size bed and connected to it is the fanciest hotel bathroom I've ever laid my eyes on!
The floor-to-ceiling windows fill up the suite with natural light during the day, giving it a bright and homey vibe! Not to mention, the views from these windows are breathtaking. We could spot Burj Khalifa, the spectacular highrise buildings in SZR, and the Dubai Creek from the living area.
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Swissotel Al Ghurair Deluxe Suite |
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Splendid view from the living area! |
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We indulged in a healthy berry smoothie in the comforts of our suite. |
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Comfortable king size bed |
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How cozy is this bedroom? |
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Watching the world go by from the bedroom. That's Fish Roundabout down below! |
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This is the Deluxe Suite's super fancy bathroom! |
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I had to get bubble bath essentials the moment I saw the tub! :) Thankfully, the hotel is connected to a shopping mall. |
Amenities at Swissotel Al GhurairWith its prime location in the heart of Dubai, there are plenty of things to do around Swissotel Al Ghurair. The metro station across the road also conveniently links the district to other parts of the city. But for us who were there for rest and relaxation, it is the hotel amenities that we appreciated the most.
The very inviting roof deck on the 5th floor made us leave the comforts of our suite. It has outdoor pools; one for adults and one for the kids, and plenty of sunbeds! Also on the same floor is a spa for relaxing massages and treatments, as well as a fully-equipped gymnasium.
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Swissotel Al Ghurair pool deck |
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Calm morning at the poolside |
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The very inviting adult swimming pool |
Dining at Liwan Restaurant
SBG Weekend Griller
I could say that Ed and I are regulars at Liwan - Swissotel Al Ghurair's all-day dining restaurant. It has been our go-to venue for Christmas dinners and Iftars in the last seven years or so! Thus, Liwan was one of the reasons why we were looking forward to our stay. On top of that, the restaurant recently launched the SBG Weekend Griller,
Every Thursday and Friday, Liwan offers SBG - Seared, Braised, Grilled - items in an extensive buffet. From juicy T-bone steak to fall-off-the-bone back ribs, the spread is a haven for meat lovers! On top of that, there's a live cooking station for grilled fish, chicken, and kofta. Side dishes are aplenty and desserts have their own dedicated corner!
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Grilled from the live cooking station paired with SBG drink (Sunkist, bubbly, ginger) |
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Good variety of dishes in the buffet |
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Liwan follows safety guidelines in the buffet. Guests are being assisted and social distancing is observed. |
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Dessert station in Liwan's SBG Weekend Griller |
Breakfast at LiwanOur overnight stay at Swissotel Al Ghurair is paired with a delightful breakfast at Liwan. It was nice to see the restaurant in the daytime. The buffet is not limited to breakfast classics like eggs and sausages, we were also served with some unusual finds like quiche and saj.
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Breakfast Buffet in Liwan |
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Well-rounded breakfast in Swissotel Al Ghurair |
Overall
Swissotel Al Ghurair is truly one of Old Dubai's best-kept secrets. Sophisticated yet warm. Luxurious yet comfortable. Those characteristics make it a superb accommodation not just for travelers, but for Dubai residents who want to unwind and stay near the historical corners of the city.
To know more about the hotel and to book your stay,
Hotel Location Map
We were invited to stay at Swissotel Al Ghurair.
Opinions in the blog post are my own.