Introduction
In the city of the world’s tallest building, where new skyscrapers seem to rise out of the desert one after the after, the Shangri-La (built in 2003) is a long-standing fixture in Dubai’s five-star scene. With 43 floors and a total height of 200m, the Shangri-La is in prime position to take in the spirit of Dubai.
Its biggest claim to fame is its dress circle views of the Burj Khalifa, framed by the futuristic tapestry of cars cruising down Dubai’s main 10-lane artery and the madness of the famous Downtown Dubai spaghetti junction.
Room above the clouds
To enjoy these views, book a room on the east side of the building (or, for something more tranquil, choose the west side for vast open views of the low-rise villas of the Jumeirah neighborhood and the Arabian Gulf in the background). Some of the rooms (apt named the “picture perfect rooms” - pictured below) benefit from bay windows, which protrude out of the main building and afford panoramic views down the highway in both directions.
The pool of dreams
For a different, more grounded yet nonetheless spectacular, perspective on the Burj Khalifa, head to the hotel’s fourth floor lagoon-shaped pool. It is at its most atmospheric at the beginning and end of the day (the hours are 6am to 10pm), so come down early for a tranquil “Arabian sunrise” vibe or late in the evening after the crowds have gone for a clubby, shisha bar vibe (indeed, the pool adjoins a shisha lounge which comes to life in the evening).
Exclusive Horizon Club
In any large hotel, it’s always a boon to enjoy the personalized service and exclusivity of the club lounge. Here, the lounge is on level 41 and benefits from panoramic views in both directions. Sipping a coffee while gazing out to the Arabian Gulf is a particular morning pleasure.
Dining
From a purely personal perspective, my favourite thing about the Shangri-La Dubai is its food. Here, a special priority is placed on authenticity, with the kitchens of the respective restaurants helmed by native Chinese and Vietnamese chefs. The dishes they turn out are right up there with some of the best Chinese and Vietnamese food I’ve had the pleasure of tasting around the world, let alone in Dubai.
Shang Palace
“Shang Palace” is the name given to the Chinese restaurant in Shangri-La hotels the world over. This one is helmed by Peter Lau, a highly experienced and technically excellent Malaysian Chinese chef who specializes in Cantonese cuisine with a Southeast Asian touch. The exquisitely umami crab soup was a particular highlight. With the restaurant decorated in a classical Chinese style, Shang Palace ticks all the boxes for a “real” Chinese restaurant.
Hoi An
Equally impressive is Hoi An, the Vietnamese restaurant. As the wonderfully lovely and kind manager, April, proudly tells guests, every single chef in the kitchen is Vietnamese. And it shows. Every dish, from the herbaceous Mỳ Xào Chay (flat rice noodles with vegetables and tofu), to the steaming Phở Bò (beef pho) is light yet bursting with natural flavours.
Interior design and facilities
The hotel was renovated in 2017 and is decorated in a fresh and modern style. Fun fact: the staircase connecting the lobby and mezzanine floors is anchored by this ‘wave’ chandelier, which was designed by Czech designed Lasvit and weighs the equivalent of more than 700 bags of sugar!
Rounding out the facilities here is Chi, The Spa. Inside, the design is simple and natural, almost rustic. Outside, beyond the windows, is the incessant traffic of that 10-lane highway. And so, as you sip your herbal tea in the post-treatment relaxation room overlooking the speeding SUVs, you can appreciate one of the quintessential features of modern Dubai: that, no matter what lies outside, anything can be built!
Conclusive remarks
Right next to Downtown Dubai and the DIFC business district, Shangri-La Dubai is well situated for the perfect city luxury stay in Dubai. Just don’t forget to take the right exit on that spaghetti junction!