After much deliberation (too much choice in Dubai), I decided to book a room here for a romantic long weekend with my fiance- what a good decision! We booked through Leading Hotels of the World, just US$295 a night.
We arrived in Dubai at 6.30am, and were quickly whisked away in our prebooked hotel transfer car, a 7 series BMW, with mineral water and an informative driver who pointed out the sights. The whole city is a building site, then we turned into the sanctuary of the Residence, where you are surrounded by lush greenery and birdsong. Seated in reception by 7.30 am, with a cool towel and a glass of sparkling grape juice, we were told our room was ready (check-in isn't until 2pm officially) and we were upgraded to a suite!
It was fabulous, very spacious, sitting and dining area with french doors out onto our terrace and a view towards the pool, and a huge bedroom and bathroom. 2 flat screen TV's, fresh flowers and fruit, and Moulton Brown toiletries. Wow! Every time we left the room, housekeeping replaced our towels and toiletries, and we got fresh sheets daily too.
The complimentary breakfast was delicious, fresh fruits and juices, bread and pastries, cereals, meats and cheeses and a variety of cooked items, including pork. We also received complimentary afternoon tea, sandwiches, cakes and sweets, all beautifully presented. With all that food, we weren't really hungry in the evening, but we did make it Tagine one night, which was lovely. Otherwise, we tended to head over to the Rooftop bar, for cocktails and mezze. Drinks weren't expensive at all, same as here in the UK, and between 5 and 7 they have happy hour which is half price.
The pool area and beach are beautiful, and having a suite meant we were allowed to use the 'reserved' loungers under the pavillions by the pool and beach, a little more private and shaded, as it was 44 degrees while we were there. We were provided with copious amounts of cool water, fresh fruit and cold towels, but the beach was definately the better choice, as the breeze kept you a little cooler, and I found it easier to walk into the warmish sea than the 'refreshing' pool. The whole area is quite private as the Residence hotel and pool are for Residence guests only, there is no access for Palace or Arabian Court guests.
Turndown at night saw roses and treats left by the bed, sweets and small cakes, as well as a proverb which could double as a bookmark.
The staff are absolutely lovely, friendly and nothing to too much trouble. On our final day, we asked for 5.30 wake-up call, and it's the first time my wake-up call has ever been accompanied by a tray of tea and basket of pastries.
We can't fault the Residence, it was wonderful and we can't recommend it highly enough.
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