Contemporary, with a nod to Emirati culture
St. Regis Downtown is every bit exquisite, with an excellent location along the Dubai Water Canal, on the bustling business district’s famed Marasi Drive. The chandelier that hangs above the main reception and foyer is shaped like a gold necklace, a reference to the Gold Souq’s history.
By Roma Arora
As soon as you enter the property, you are charmed by the calm and tranquil atmosphere; the interiors are just right, nothing too fancy, but right.
Elegant décor and modern interiors are complemented with bespoke components such as two spectacular glass chandeliers and elegant gold chains in the foyer inspired by the jewellery seen in Dubai’s Gold Souk. The stylish lobby is superbly lighted by a huge fireplace, and a spectacular artwork inspired by Dubai’s cityscape silhouette reflected onto the Dubai Water Canal. The halls and meeting spaces are ornamented with a painstakingly picked collection of contemporary art as a homage to the brand’s avant-garde character.
The traditional aesthetic of the hotel exudes vibrance and comfort through its chosen palette of beautiful fabrics, drawing influence from the brand’s rich past. The St. Regis Downtown Dubai features 233 guestrooms and 65 suites with timeless design, all offering guests an unrivalled luxury of space, larger than the average size of a bedsitter in Dubai, including a spacious room layout, luxurious Remède bathroom amenities, a rain shower and stand-alone bathtub, walk-in closets, and views overlooking the Dubai Water Canal or Burj Khalifa. Among its hallmark suites is the Royal Suite, which is 305 square metres and includes a huge living room, a pleasant dining space, a fully equipped kitchen, and a bar. The unique St. Regis experience is available in all bedrooms and suites.
The enormous guestrooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, wide open baths, walk-in closets, and lovely coral-inspired wall sculptures. A less is more approach has been applied to the design details and guest touchpoints, giving a subtle and authentic feeling, and making this St. Regis ‘not just a place to stay, but a place to be’.
Raja Zeidan, general manager at the St. Regis Downtown Dubai, shares: “The interiors of The St. Regis Downtown Dubai reflect the city’s cultural and historical past. The lobby chandelier is inspired by the jewellery found in Dubai’s Gold Souq, and the iconic St. Regis Bar is home to an Arabian Night ceiling mural which is inspired by the development of the astrolabe. The hotel also features subtle accents of leather and bronze detailing throughout, paying homage to the legacy of polo and the passion for horses in Emirati culture.”
The finest aspect of the property is that it gives you the feeling of being at home. It provides a variety of gastronomic selections in a sophisticated atmosphere. The Library is an elegant gathering spot where guests may enjoy a locally inspired twist on the famed hallmark St. Regis Afternoon Tea. BASTA! is a vibrant Italian restaurant that masterfully combines the taste and atmosphere of a Roman Trattoria, Florentine Steakhouse, and Neapolitan Pizzeria, delivering traditional Italian cuisine with a modern twist. At Bleu Blanc Oysters & Grill, traditional French flavours are mixed with a relaxed continental style inspired by the convivial environment of the South of France to produce a perfect blend of comfortable Mediterranean fine dining.
The St. Regis Bar has a mirrored mural with starry lights arching across the ceiling that depicts the sparkling stars at night as seen from the Arabian Desert.
If you wish to relax and unwind, The St. Regis Spa offers personalised treatments, therapies, and an Arabian Hammam. Guests can work out in the exclusive Fitness Centre, which has a variety of cardio and strength equipment or take a leisurely dip in the magnificent outdoor infinity pool with views of the Dubai Water Canal.