Review: A Stay at The Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre

The financial district of Dubai is a hub for business travelers and serves as a central destination for exploring the city without the bustle of the large resorts on Palm Jumeirah. The ultimate in luxury exists on the top floors of this soaring tower, home to the Waldorf-Astoria DIFC, where travelers are greeted with the signature service for which the brand is known.

Photo: Courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Dubai

Upon arrival, the lovely staff person quickly handled my registration and walked me to my room. Along the way, I took the chance to ask where she was from (Egypt) and asked her where I could try a particular Egyptian dish I was craving. She shared her favorite, and it did not disappoint. She remembered to ask me the next day how I liked it.

The hotel

The ground-floor arrival lobby is home to the concierge as well as several shops and restaurants. Then, it’s a swift elevator ride to the 18th floor, where the main lobby and front desk are located. Impressive name recognition throughout your stay is a hallmark here.

A separate bank of elevators takes guests to the rooms, but on this floor, most of the hotel’s amenities are available. Let’s start with the spa.

Photo: Courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Dubai

Down the same hallway as the guest room elevator bank, guests will find an urban spa retreat that offers a wide range of massage and beauty treatments. The panoramic gym is also popular with modern fitness, cardio and weight lifting equipment. Bottles of water and chilled towels are a nice touch.

The outdoor swimming pool has great views of Burj Dubai and plenty of shade throughout the day. This also means that sunbathers will have to move around the sitting area as the light shifts position. During the evening hours, a happy hour proves popular, as does a separate whirlpool.

Photo: Courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Dubai

Special recognition goes to this hotel’s focus on Hilton Honors elite status, which includes discounts for drinks and spa services.

Food and beverage

Expect dining to match the same elevated service of the rest of the hotel. For example, the breakfast staff takes great pride in remembering individual coffee preferences and addressing guests by name. And the views from the elevated Bull & Bear restaurant are noteworthy.

Photo: Courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Dubai

Breakfast has an elegant buffet with all kinds of Arabic specialties, including barista-prepared coffee and an a la carte menu that includes everything from shakshuka to made-to-order omelets.

The art deco décor of the restaurant is elegant, and Chef Patron Marc Hardiman’s menus are worth a visit. The hotel also has a lobby bar that stays busy from morning to evening. It is part of Peacock Alley, a lounge available at every Waldorf Astoria around the world. The signature timepiece clock is in the center and is a recognizable feature for regulars of the brand. At the back of the lounge is a cigar bar.

By the pool, light bites and a range of cocktails are ideal for something a bit lighter while relaxing al fresco.

Rooms

Delightfully bright and spacious, the rooms here are beautiful, with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the cityscape. Like many parts of Dubai, construction work is inevitable, but the views are attractive nonetheless. The elevated positions of guest floors, ranging from 27 to the upper 40s, ensure great views all around, no matter what side of the building you are on.

Photo: Courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Dubai

A pillow menu accompanies the plush linens and duvets while turndown service provides more bottled water (in glass bottles) and tidies up the room. I was impressed to find that housekeeping had organized my belongings with great care and folded the clothing that was sitting on the sofa.

Bathrooms feature all-marble surfaces with gigantic soaking tubs, large shower stalls with drenching rainfall showers, and separate water closets. Pump bottles dispense Aussie Aesop toiletries, a global favorite, and the robes and Frette towels are deluxe in their touch and feel.

Best For

Business travelers do not need a beach or gigantic swimming pool to entertain them. While there is also a Waldorf Astoria on Palm Jumeirah for those interested in a beach and a bit more relaxation time, this is the better option for those who have work on their minds.

Verdict

This is a luxury hotel designed for business travelers, and the staff takes their responsibility for hospitality seriously. The service is here is second to none in Dubai.

hilton.com