Tucked in the city!

It’s quiet, calm, and aesthetically appealing— Grand Plaza Movenpick Media City is centrally located and charming

Walk inside Grand Plaza Movenpick Media City and a grand crystal chandelier called ‘The Swoop’ greets its guests in its full glory. The star feature of the property is located in the atrium, acting as a centrepiece, spiralling downward towards the entrance, from the ceiling. The artistic masterpiece is specially designed by Katerina Handlova, an in-house one designer for LASVIT, is inspired by the flight of the bird. It seems almost tangible, given its end is suspended at 2.3m above visitors at the lobby level. The exceptional piece boasts 3,500 hand-blown crystals. The hotel is apt for the business travellers as well as those who want to escape for a quick getaway within the city.

Alfio Bernardini, general manager, says: “The hotel is located beside Sheikh Zayed Road, resulting in convenient access to nearby business districts. The property serves both professional and lifestyle needs of guests looking for connectivity and convenience or to explore the vibrant urban city. The hotel offers a fully equipped convention centre, inclusive of a 600sqm ballroom, with a capacity of 650 guests, ideal for meetings, weddings and celebrations. Nine flexible meeting rooms are aptly named after the winds of the world, including Sirocco, Mistral, Bise, Khamseen and Shamal, inspired by the iconic chandelier The Swoop.”

The interiors are carefully done keeping in mind the needs and expectations of the modern guests. The property emanates a sense of elegance presented in a modern setting. Like the lobby is adorned with natural marble used for the flooring, accent details in brass metalwork, and jewel-toned fabrics set on lush carpets, all this gives a rich and warm feel to the property. A lot of earthy tones and the muted palettes are used across the property, not only it lends the international vibes and has a calming effect on the visitors.

Bernardini, comments: “The hotel strives to achieve a unique and authentic interior positioning that locates the international traveller within the geographical and cultural location of the Middle East, and within the fast-paced Media City district, whilst achieving a sophisticated, yet contemporary environment, that resonates and responds to the aspirations of the luxury business traveller whilst reinforcing Mövenpick’s individual brand standards applicable to a hotel within Dubai.” The design language used throughout the interiors aims to make this a distinguished and enduring classic for years to come. The rooms are very bit contemporary and chic. The bathrooms are spacious and tastefully decorated. Again the muted earthy tones follow the overall theme of the hotel. Sustainability is at the core of the brand, in-room green initiatives are activated, in particular, to regulate the water usage. The hotel has installed LED lights for energy efficiency. The pool area offers a spectacular view of the emirate, overlooking the iconic Burj Al Arab. Just a few steps away from the pool is restaurant–Bytes offering healthy and signature dishes by the hotel. For those, who want to relax in an informal setting, can head to Slice which features live cooking station, home-made bakery, Ramen station, and ice cream parlour.

For the perfect ‘me time’, the guest can head to The Spa by SensAsia, a sleek sanctuary of tranquillity away from the hustle bustle of daily life. There are various treatments, a bespoke menu of massages, scrubs, and wraps to choose from. The top floor of the building is devoted to TWENTY THREE rooftop bar, a haven amid the bustle of this business district with 360° views across the surrounding skyline. Bernardini stresses: “This is an amazing place to unwind. Enveloped in a luxurious palette of emperador marble, rosewood, polished brass, and back-lit onyx bars, including a motif of sculptural leaf silhouettes that extend the theme of natural forms as inspiration throughout the hotel, this bar is set to become an ‘in the know’ destination for watching the sunset in style.” Bernardini and his team have a lot of expectations from this property: “We already have guests checking in anticipation of Expo 2020 and we are listed as a preferred partner for this global event. The Expo will see 192 countries participate, much of which will be business and meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) focussed, which is ideal for the hotel and its facilities,” Bernardini signs off.