Standing in the heart of Dubai’s thriving Al Jaddaf district, Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf offers an exquisite blend of contemporary luxury and Middle Eastern style. Conveniently situated near to the city’s key business hubs and financial district—it’s only a 10-minute drive to the Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai Airport, DIFC and Dubai Mall—this charming property attracts those travellers who come for business but stay for the experience.
When imagining a business hotel, images of conference rooms, coffee machines and busy corridors with people dressed in suits hastily moving to their next meeting spring to mind. However, upon checking in, the reality could not be more different at this property.
As I enter the Executive Suite, accessible for Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Titanium and Ambassador elite members, an atmosphere of comfort, refined elegance and a sense of calm immediately wraps itself around me. With muted cream colours blending with the dark wood furniture, the suite’s design strikes a balance between modern sophistication and classic luxury. A spacious living area offers a cozy yet glamorous place to retreat to after a long day of work. Bestowed with elegant furnishings and a large desk, plotted beneath a window that offers views of Dubai’s epic skyline, I ponder whether I should make this my temporary office for my stay—the joys of remote working.
The bedroom is a sanctuary of peace, where I escape from the laptop and my many emails. Here, I find an inviting king-size bed featuring fine linens and a soft mattress that guarantee a restful slumber. There’s a large walk-in wardrobe where I hang my tartan-squared suit—I am a Scotsman after all—as well as a built-in dressing table and mirror, where one can touch up their look before taking on the world. The marble-clad bathroom is definitely an eye-catcher, with a freestanding soaking tub and a separate rain shower, enhancing the sense of indulgence that defines the suite. There’s also a host of luxe amenities from skincare brand thisworks.
Suited and booted, I savour morning coffee in the club lounge. Set on the sixth floor, this relaxed space is reserved for only those staying in executive-level accommodations and offers a selection of beverages and gourmet small bites, 24 hours-per-day.
As I sip on my brew and enjoy a few nibbles, I take in the incredible views that are yielded from my lofty position—a moment of calm before I open my laptop.
Spa treatments await at the newly opened Dreamworks Spa which is attached to the property’s 24-hour gym. Wellness takes many forms and while the gym is well-equipped with a wide variety of machines, it is the Bali-inspired massages that have brought me to the seventh floor. Focusing on relaxation, business traveller-centric treatments soothe jetlag and tired muscles after a long day of flying. A pre-treatment consultation is performed by my therapist before my stress evaporates with a sleep-inducing massage, aided by the aromas of floral oils. Guests can also immerse themselves in the healing benefits of the days and steam room should they require a little bit of extra pampering.
With seven restaurants and bars to choose from, including Japanese, Mediterranean and international cuisines, it is Terra Mar’s Mediterranean inspired restaurant on the rooftop terrace that I cannot resist. The restaurant, with its chic and contemporary design, exudes an inviting ambience, with a grass covered terrace adorned with fairy lights that sparkle in the evening. If you dine poolside, you are rewarded with the ever-enchanting spectacle of the Burj Khalifa towering over its sizeable contemporaries in the distance. There’s something so special about watching the daily light shows performed on the world’s tallest building, and that, for me, makes for a memorable evening.
The meal begins with a selection of freshly made breads and fragrant za’atar oil dip that is exquisite and sets the tone for an evening of powerful Mediterranean flavours. For mains, make sure to order the grilled jumbo prawns with caponata and the Caprese salad that is accompanied by a selection of flavourful tomatoes—these dishes alone are worth returning to the hotel. My cravings satisfied, I return to my suite for a well-earned rest.
Elegance, top-tier facilities and a true home away from home for the discerning traveller, Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf presents an exceptional fusion of comfort and convenience, and with its superb location, it’s the ideal property for business travellers visiting Dubai.
