Arrival/Check-In: After a long journey from New York to Dubai via Saudi Arabia, we were glad to arrive at the Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, which connects directly to the Mall of the Emirates and its Ski Dubai attraction. Some chalets even overlook the indoor ski slopes. The grand lobby features a high, multistory ceiling and attractive artwork. Staff were attentive and, thanks to our social media profiles, recognized us on sight. The front desk team was friendly and helpful; they assisted with correspondence I needed to send to the United States. Our luggage was taken up to our rooms, and I settled into room 640, conveniently located a short distance from the elevators while my colleague stayed nearby down the hall.
Guest Quarters: I stayed in a comfortable superior suite with a short entry hall leading into a spacious living room. One wall housed a flat-screen TV and sliding doors that opened to the bedroom. The seating area included a sofa, coffee table and two comfortable chairs. A thoughtful birthday chocolate was waiting on the table. By the window a desk provided ample workspace and, importantly, several electrical outlets conveniently placed for charging devices. The room included a Nespresso machine, a well-stocked minibar, complimentary WiFi, an iPad, a safe and plentiful bottled water.
The bedroom featured a king-sized bed and another large flat-screen TV where I caught the evening news. Nightstands flanked the bed and the room’s master lighting system made it easy to adjust illumination for the evening. A well-organized closet with glass-front drawers added useful storage in the dressing area. From the bedroom a door opened to a generous bathroom with a roomy shower and a separate marble-lined bathtub. Double sinks increased functionality, and a powder room with its own sink could be accessed from both sides. Kempinski-branded amenities such as emery boards, shower caps and toothbrushes were high quality enough that I kept extras. The Kempinski Bergamot with Organic Aloe Vera shampoo was also impressive.
Services/Amenities: We often enjoyed late-evening cocktails at Noir, a lively spot on weekend nights. The Kempinski team deploys creative initiatives to draw guests to the lounge, including reviving a popular brunch. For cigar enthusiasts there are designated smoking areas and a respectable selection of Cuban brands. Salero Tapas & Bodega, a Spanish restaurant led by Marco Torres, specializes in seafood paella; we had the pleasure of watching him prepare our paella while savoring sangria at the bar. Olea offers both contemporary and Arabic dishes inspired by the Levant—Syria, Palestine, Jordan, southern Turkey, Lebanon and Cyprus—and its daily breakfast buffet quickly became part of our routine during the stay.
Top Takeaways:
◆ The chalet experience deserves its own review; the multilevel townhomes are exceptional for guests seeking a different kind of stay.
◆ The team at Noir poured generous drinks with the kind of welcome you might expect in New York.
◆ Service overall was excellent, and the hotel’s location is very convenient for exploring Dubai.
KEMPINSKI HOTEL MALL OF THE EMIRATES
Sheikh Zayed Road
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
tel 971 4 341 0000
kempinski.com