W DUBAI – THE PALM
W Hotels Worldwide, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Inc. announced the debut of W Dubai – Al Habtoor City, the brand’s first hotel in the Emirate.
Owned by the Al Habtoor Group, the design-led lifestyle brand is set to shake up the destination with its rooftop W Lounge, pulsating WET® pool deck and innovative fashion and music happenings. The opening marks the W brand’s second outpost in the Middle East, following the debut of W Doha in 2009.
A desert mirage
Set within the ambitious Al Habtoor City project, the Emirate’s first fully-integrated urban resort, W Dubai – Al Habtoor City rises 33 stories above the vibrant Sheikh Zayed Road, overlooking the newly built Dubai Water Canal with views of dramatic sunsets over the Arabian Gulf. Upon arrival, guests are whisked up 30 floors to the W Lounge (the W brand’s reinterpretation of the staid hotel lobby) where a jaw-dropping, panoramic view of the shimmering city awaits.
Destination restaurant Namu, located above the W Lounge, bathes diners in golden light from the setting sun, offering an original fusion of Japanese and Korean flavors served in a futuristic setting with asymmetrical furnishings. Level Seven, a causal and sociable hotspot, serves fresh Mediterranean cuisine from a theatrical open kitchen and features a chef’s table, and crudo bar. The menu is inspired by the chef’s daily market finds and seasonal produce, including small, shareable plates. Adorned with wood, steel and vintage art, the natural Mediterranean-inspired décor sets the tone for a relaxing and delectable meal.
Igniting the pulsing heart of Dubai’s social scene is the hotel’s WET Deck. Boldly landscaped, the WET pool deck transforms from a glamorous place to lounge by day, with outdoor pools, private cabanas, light bites and refreshing drinks, to an evening hotspot to see and be seen. DJs play hypnotic sets while guests sip on W signature cocktails and soak in the sultry, vibrant atmosphere.
The global nexus brought to life
The hotel 356 guestrooms, including the Extreme Wow Suite and Sensational Suite, were designed by Silverfox Studios and Starwood’s design team. Inspired by the city’s connectivity and gateway location, the design is provocative, bold and futuristic. Showcasing the vibrancy and energy of Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road, the interiors’ linear patterns reflect the city’s social rhythm and constant flux. Custom furnishings double as abstract art and a bright, vivid color palette is set against the sleek lines of each minimalist guestroom, highlighted with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame views of the city and sea.
The Extreme Wow Suite (the W brand’s take on the traditional Presidential Suite) spans 690 square meters and occupies the 27th and 28th floors with panoramic views of Dubai’s striking skyline. The suite includes a spacious lounge area, bar, DJ booth, dance floor, catwalk ramp, pool table and kitchenette. The Sensational Suite covers 449 square meters and is anchored by a bar with an adjoining majlis-style lounge, also complete with a DJ booth, dance stage, bar and kitchenette.
W Dubai – Al Habtoor City boasts ultra-modern event space including a stunning oval-shaped 725 square meter Great Room, where the walls and ceiling converge in a spiral effect, in addition to five dynamic multi-use studios. Rooms are equipped with W’s signature Sensory Set Up™, providing mood music and custom scents.
Other features include the W brand’s signature FIT® state-of-the-art fitness facility where guests can re-energize 24/7 and a FIT Bar that serves healthy snacks and refreshing drinks. The hotel also offers guests private in-room yoga sessions with the hotel’s dedicated instructor, and will soon introduce SPG Keyless, the hospitality industry’s first truly keyless entry system, which enables guests to use their smartphone or smartwatch as a room key with a simple swipe of their device. All of this is supported by the W brand’s signature Whatever/Whenever service philosophy.
“We are excited to bring the W brand to Palm Jumeirah with the highly anticipated opening of W Dubai – The Palm,” said Alex Kyriakidis, president and managing director, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. “As our first W Escape in the region, W Dubai – The Palm, combines the city’s unique allure with the brand’s bold design. With game-changing style, amplified entertainment and innovative culinary offerings, this W Escape will inject a fresh vibe into the local hospitality scene.”
“Much like W has redefined modern luxury, Dubai is a city that is firmly in charge of writing its own narrative, fearlessly embracing the future through design, technology and global culture,” said Anthony Ingham, global brand leader, W Hotels Worldwide. “The energy and marvel of this incredible city make it the perfect destination for a W Escape.”
“We are proud to strengthen our relationship with Al Habtoor Group as we open W Dubai – Al Habtoor City, which is part of Starwood’s largest hospitality project in the Middle East,” said Michael Wale, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. “Dubai’s dynamic spirit is a perfect match for W Hotels, and this groundbreaking debut reinforces our commitment to grow in this important market.”
