Hotel Hotspot: Swissôtel Al Ghurair

Elegance, Swiss precision and a family-friendly attitude reign supreme at this five-star Deira property.

Centrally located in the heart of Deira, Swissôtel Al Ghurair rises above the Al Ghurair Shopping Center like a beacon of luxury in an area known for tradition and authenticity. The five-star property with its modern architecture and contemporary decor offers a sanctuary in the heart of old Dubai and the perfect place to relax and unwind following a day on the waters of Dubai Creek, navigating the busy souks, or after a spot of retail therapy.

Entering the hotel, we are surprised to discover the property is eight years old, as it appears to be brand new. The lobby offers a vast atrium that instils the space with a sense of refinement when compared to the busy city streets outside. The floor is inlaid with mosaics crafter in the design of floral blooms, while a focal light fitting cascades downwards like a waterfall of light. When it comes to first impressions, Swissôtel Al Ghurair truly makes its mark.

SUITE SENSATION:

Check-in is efficient, friendly and hassle-free, allowing us to be inside our comfortable accommodation within minutes of entering the five-star property. The hotel with its 428 rooms and suites is ideal for those in search of comfort and value for money and the rooms are the epitome of elegance and Swiss precision. Whether visiting for business or leisure, the spacious options will suit any requirement, providing guests with convenience in the form of writing desks, a flat-screen television, tea and coffee making facilities, and high-speed WiFi. Ensuring guests are connected at all times.

We check into an enormous Premium Suite which clocks in at an impressive 132 SQM. Offering city views and a touch of elegance, the suite features a comfortable king-sized bed, relaxing chaise lounge, a dining table for eight guests and a large sofa. The Premium Suite is easily one of the largest we’ve ever had the pleasure of sleeping in! The sheer amount of space spanning the living and sleeping areas is impressive, set against Dubai skyline views and a welcoming sense of home.

The bathroom is perhaps our favourite part of the suite with its deep egg-shaped tub, separate rainfall shower and double vanity. Once again, space if of the essence and the bathroom with its neutral colour palette provides plenty of mirrors, modern amenities and a sense of serenity as if we are within our own personal spa.

One of the most important factors to consider when booking a stay at Swissôtel Al Ghurair is just how family-friendly the hotel is. Aside from the rooftop swimming pool and access to the shops and dining destinations with the Al Ghurair Centre, a stay at this particular property prioritises children and puts them front and centre of the experience.

Bespoke Kids Rooms can be booked with either a king-sized bed or twin configuration and offer a setup and amenities catered towards your little princes and princesses. Each kids room comes equipped with child-friendly materials, including boards games, a DVD player, books, soft toys, special bathroom amenities and bed linen featuring jungle animals. It’s a novel approach and one that goes above and beyond to ensure fun is achieved for every member of the family, no matter how young. This room category can also be booked with a lounge chair suitable for feeding babies, a crib, an audio monitor and playpen. For health and safety, there are socket covers and cushioned furniture edge covers provided. It would appear as though there is nothing Swissôtel Al Ghurair haven’t thought of when it comes to families.

FAMILY FRIENDLY FOOD:

Five onsite dining options include lobby lounge Yasmine, Persian restaurant Shayan and opportunities for both poolside and in-room dining. Yet it’s Liwan, the hotel’s all-day-dining destination that impresses thanks to a combination of friendly service and a family-centric concept.

On Friday lunchtimes the restaurant is home to the Play House Brunch where little ones are welcomed with a personalised passport at the door before embarking on a fun-filled adventure that includes cookery classes, gardening, artistic wall decorating, little Picasso painting, dance classes, video games and so much more! Kids have their own boxed meals, and while they are off having fun and enjoying the various activities, adults can indulge in a selection of international dishes, regional favourites and desserts from the extensive buffet. Keeping things strictly family-friendly, the Friday Play House Brunch is priced at a very reasonable AED 160 per person (kids aged six to 12 eat for half price) and runs from 12:30pm to 4pm.

FUN FACILITIES:

Despite being a city hotel, Swissôtel Al Ghurair offers plenty of fun recreational options. On the fifth floor, you’ll discover the 18-meter temperature-controlled swimming pool complete with small children’s pool and an abundance of sun lounger space, situated amongst palm trees and lush vegetation. Keeping with the active theme, there is also a state-of-the-art gymnasium with cardiovascular equipment and free-weights, alongside a rooftop tennis court for those looking to take their exercise up a notch.

Swissôtel Al Ghurair also offers a luxury spa service with eight treatment rooms in a serene environment that offers one of the largest spas in Deira. Guests are met with a sense of peace and tranquillity from the moment they set foot into the ultra-modern spa. Whether visiting for a facial, couples massage or body scrub. A series of bespoke wellness treatments are offered by a team of expert therapists and complemented by jacuzzi, steam and sauna facilities.

Heading downstairs to the Al Ghurair Center guests can indulge in a spot of retail therapy at the likes of Carrefour, Centerpoint, Marks and Spencer, EMax and Borders. There is something for everyone, whether you are looking for kids toys, fashion, electronics or jewellery.

Al Ghurair Centre is also home to several family-friendly casual dining options such as Din Tai Fung, Denny’s, Nando’s and TGI Fridays. You’ll also find Reel Cinemas with its variety of screening options including Reel Juniors and the Platinum Movie Suites, where you can splurge and eat a meal in the cinema while seated on reclining chairs with blankets and pillows. Once you’ve tried Platinum, we can guarantee you’ll never want to revert back to the ”normal” cinema experience again!

Swissôtel Al Ghurair also offers a convenient shuttle bus to the popular beachfront family-friendly leisure enclave, La Mer. Less than twenty minutes drive from the hotel guests can lounge on the shores of the Arabian Gulf, dine in style at one of the many restaurants and cafes, or splash around at Laguna Waterpark, home to a collection of slides, a lazy river, the wave rider surfing simulator, and luxury cabanas.

Swissotel Al Ghurair should not be overlooked when it comes to a family-focused stay in Dubai. A modern five-star property located close to both Dubai International Airport and Dubai Union Metro Station, allowing for easy exploration of both new and old Dubai. The hotel with its surprising spa, spacious rooms, and family-friendly nature provides not only value for money but a stay that will be remembered and cherished by the entire family.

GO: Visit www.swissotel.com for bookings and more information.