Arrival/Check-In: After a long journey from New York to Dubai via Saudi Arabia, we were relieved to arrive at the Kempinski Hotel, conveniently connected to the Mall of the Emirates and its Ski Dubai attraction. Some chalet rooms even offer direct views of this indoor snow experience. The grand lobby features a soaring multistory ceiling and tasteful artwork. Staff at the front desk greeted us warmly and were well-informed; during our stay they even helped with sending letters and cards to the United States. Our luggage was taken care of and we were escorted to our rooms. I stayed in room 640, comfortably positioned a short distance from the elevators, and my colleague was nearby down the hall.
Guest Quarters: I stayed in a superior suite with a small entry hallway leading into a spacious living room. A large flat-screen TV sat on the opposite wall and sliding doors opened to the bedroom. The seating area included a sofa, a coffee table, and two comfortable chairs; a thoughtful chocolate amenity marked my birthday. Beside the window a desk provided a generous workspace with conveniently placed electrical outlets. The room also included a Nespresso machine, a well-stocked minibar, complimentary WiFi, an iPad, an electronic safe, and plenty of bottled water.
The bedroom featured a comfortable king-sized bed and another large flat-screen TV, which I used to catch the evening news. Bedside nightstands and a master lighting control made the room easy to manage at night. A well-organized closet with glass-front drawers added useful storage. From the bedroom a door opened into a large 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 for convenience. Kempinski-branded amenities such as emery boards, shower caps, and toothbrushes were high quality. I particularly liked the Kempinski Bergamot with Organic Aloe Vera shampoo.
Services/Amenities: In the evenings we often enjoyed cocktails at Noir, a lively lounge that becomes a weekend hotspot. The Kempinski team applies creative approaches to draw guests to the lounge and has recently relaunched its popular brunch. For cigar enthusiasts there are designated smoking areas and a respectable selection of Cuban brands. Dining choices at the hotel include Salero Tapas & Bodega, a Spanish restaurant led by Marco Torres, who prepared a memorable seafood paella for us while we sipped sangria at the bar. Olea offers a mix of contemporary and Levantine cuisine, highlighting dishes from Syria, Palestine, Jordan, southern Turkey, Lebanon, and Cyprus. Olea’s generous breakfast buffet quickly became part of our daily routine during the stay.
Top Takeaways:
◆ The chalet accommodations deserve a separate review—these multilevel townhomes provide a distinctive, upscale experience.
◆ Noir’s team impressed with their friendly service and generous pours reminiscent of New York bars.
◆ The staff overall were attentive and helpful, and the hotel’s location makes it a practical base for exploring Dubai.
KEMPINSKI HOTEL MALL OF THE EMIRATES
Sheikh Zayed Road
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
tel 971 4 341 0000
kempinski.com