There are plenty of sizeable suites in Dubai, but few are bigger than a ballroom – and few are decorated with antiques, mementos and original artwork painted by none other than wartime statesman, writer, orator and former British Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill.
The lavish Sir Winston Churchill suite at The St. Regis Dubai was unveiled on Wednesday with an opening ceremony attended by Randolph Churchill, the great-grandson of Sir Winston, and Khalaf Al Habtoor, chairman of Al Habtoor Group, who shared stories, sayings and anecdotes from Churchill's life. At 913 square metres, the colossal three-bedroom suite is the largest of the hotel's 52 suites – even bigger than the 800-square metre Astor Ballroom downstairs – with vast living room and lounge areas, a formal 12-seater dining room, a study and a spacious majlis.
Of the three bedrooms, the master bedroom is the most generous – with an immense bathroom fitted with a free-standing tub and his and hers dressing rooms – though the suite's piece de resistance is the enormous marble staircase, which leads to an upper level where a rooftop plunge pool enjoys a panorama over the hotel's gardens. Naturally, such grandeur comes at a cost, with rates starting at Dhs 75,000 (US$20,420) for one-night stay.
Part luxury hotel suite, part museum, the suite will thrill history buffs and Churchill fans, with a collection of 15 paintings and antique pieces from the archives scattered around the living room, lounge area and study – including oil paintings like “Randolph Churchill (1911–1968), under the Pergola” from the 1920s, a bust by Croatian sculptor Oscar Nemon, sculpted on-site at 10 Downing Street — and vintage photographs of the legendary statesman. As well as being a remarkable leader, Churchill flourished into a respected artist who produced more than 500 canvases over 48 years, despite only adopting the pastime at the age of 40.
During the ceremony, Mr Al Habtoor spoke in length about his great admiration of Churchill. "He was a military man, a person who never gave up," he said. "He made a decision and he never accepted a compromise. This is leadership." After his speech, pointing out that Churchill was "rarely seen without a cigar in his hand", he donated a priceless piece from his private collection of Sir Winston Churchill memorabilia: a La Corona Cubano cigar, dated April 1949 and housed in a La Espana box with a label bearing Churchill's name.
In response, Sir Randolph thanked Mr Al Habtoor profusely by saying: "What you have produced here is truly exceptional and it is hugely worthy of my great grandfather's memory," he said. "When Churchill said: 'I am very easily satisfied – only with the best', you have created that here in absolute spades and I really pay tribute to you for doing this."
