The hotel’s first property in the Middle East is located in the DIFC vicinity.
Years of luxury hotel openings later, the city was craving something with a little… personality. Quirk. Stories. A sense of adventure, even. Enter: 25hours Hotel One Central, the first ever 25hours Hotel in the Middle East (and the first outside of Europe), bringing with it a tailored list of things for guests to do. Overlooking Museum of the Future and just a stone’s throw away from DIFC, it houses 434 rooms and suites, seamlessly blending nomadic yet contemporary design masterminded by world-renowned interior design firm, Woods Bagot. Here, guests will experience unapparelled gastronomy and eclectic experiences, with the ancient traditions of Bedouins carried into modern-day Dubai for a stay like no other.
The urban tale starts in the 25hours Hotel One Central lobby, where guests will be greeted by the ‘Fountain of Tales’, a colossal fountain with seating spaces and bookshelves featuring over 5,000 books. Adorning the top of the fountain is a rotating, lit-up globe showcasing artwork created by a number of local artists around the concept of modern nomadic lifestyle. As guests scan upwards, they will find the ceiling taken over by a stunning piece of art – ‘Under the Same Sky’ by Dominik Bulka – inspired by the constellations in the sky and interpreting them from a humorous, light-hearted point of view. Elsewhere, art enthusiasts will find a curated collection of artwork scattered across the property and inspired by a modern interpretation of Dubai’s rituals, traditions and people. As modern nomads, guests will be invited to not only discover the magic of the Bedouin and Hakawati heritage, but also take part in the narrative that shapes the city as it is today.
All rooms and suites at the property serve as a relaxing oasis for urban nomads after a long day of exploring the city. Each sanctuary draws on local influences, featuring quirky design elements such as hammocks, double rainfall showers, roll-top baths, Schindelhauer bicycles, analogue telephones, UE Boom Bluetooth speakers and more. Themed options include Bedouin Room (drawing on influences of when Bedouins once resided in Dubai), Glamping Room (inspired by urban nomads and perfect for couples or special occasions), Farmstay Suite (ideal for those looking for something super spacious), and Artist Village Suite (an extra-large suite made for those looking to splurge).
As for the crown jewel? The Hakawati Suite. Featuring a unique Sheikh’ triple-king’ sized bed and eye-catching views of Museum of The Future, the room also boasts a double bathtub, dancefloor, private bar, private terrace, photo booth and much more. And get this – the room interconnects with two additional bedrooms through a secret staircase. Those looking for fresh culinary concepts near DIFC need to look no further. Nomad Day Bar (in partnership with Dubai-based Nightjar Coffee Roasters), Tandoor Tina for playfully combined British and Northern Indian cuisine, and super-popular Berlin rooftop bar Monkey Bar completes the opening line-up, with Ernst biergarten and wirtshaus next on the agenda.
Come guest experiences, 25hours Hotel One Central does things a little unconventionally. A fully kitted co-working space, meeting rooms, event spaces, open pantry and coffee bar are available at The Gallery on the first floor. The hotel’s ‘Analogue Upgrade’ will give guests the opportunity to throwback and reminisce over simpler times, with everything from VHS to vinyl and typewriters to Polaroids delivered in a large trunk-case to bedrooms, encouraging guests to take a break from today’s digital world. What’s more, the Analogue Circus on the first floor houses over 500 vinyls and a Walkman station – the ideal break from a busy day of co-working. Guests can choose to listen to their favourite tunes the old-fashioned way or, better yet, try their hand at burning their own vinyl disk. Other creative spaces include a trade-in desk, where guests can exchange their personal items for a night’s stay, a pottery studio, games room and a podcast studio.
Those in dire need of ‘me time’ can head to The Extra Hour, where guests can indulge in a variety of treatments ranging from quick (25-minute) fixes to full-body treatments. The sixth floor is also home to the rooftop pool and Monkey Pool Bar, where guests can relax poolside, sip cocktails and take in the views of Museum of the Future. And with a ladies’ salon by renowned celebrity hairdresser Wassim Steve residing alongside Dubai’s first outdoor mixed-use sauna and an indoor and outdoor gym inspired by the vibes of Venice Beach, this is where you can both work up a sweat and unwind. Cycling enthusiasts can look forward to complimentary Schindelhauer Bikes available for a spin around the local neighbourhood and parklands. Those who fancy heading further afield can explore the area with a free test drive on four wheels, courtesy of a partnership with MINI.
Commenting on the launch, Christoph Hoffman, CEO of 25hours said, “We are thrilled to be finally opening doors to the 25hours Hotel One Central playground and welcoming the local community and travellers from all across the globe. All our experiences and offerings have been carefully curated to make this property truly multi-dimensional – a living room, a party paradise, a romantic getaway or simply the go-to destination for creative business meetings and co-working.”
GO: Visit www.25hours-hotels.com or call 04 210 2525 for reservations and more information.
