Arrival/Check-In: The Oberoi Dubai, which opened in June 2013, is the renowned Indian hotelier’s first property in the United Arab Emirates. The hotel aims to create an impressive welcome from the moment you arrive. To prepare for its opening, Oberoi relocated many of its best staff from India to Dubai. I arrived after 1 a.m. following a long connecting flight from New York and was met in the lobby by a friendly team who were expecting me, along with my personal floor butler who escorted me to my room. She cheerfully explained she was available 24/7 for any request — a personalized service offered to all guests. A plate of freshly made chocolates in the room made for a perfect late-night treat.
Guest Quarters: The hotel’s 252 spacious guestrooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows that reveal sweeping views of Dubai’s ever-evolving skyline. Many rooms overlook the Burj Khalifa, the city’s iconic tower and the tallest skyscraper in the world. The vistas reflect Dubai’s rapid growth and its role on the global stage.
I stayed in a bright, generously sized deluxe room overlooking the hotel’s oasis-like infinity pool. The décor was modern and elegant, accented with bold color touches, hand-tufted rugs and commissioned artworks. The king-sized bed was a welcome ally against jet lag after a nine-hour time difference, and the room remained quiet at all hours. A separate seating area provided a comfortable spot for room service, and the large bathroom—with double vanities, a freestanding tub and a roomy shower—felt like a private spa.
Services/Amenities: The hotel offers three dining venues. Nine7One, located on the lower level, is open 24 hours and presents a wide selection of global dishes—from Lebanese and Japanese to French—served in a relaxed setting. The daily breakfast buffet featured a rich variety of Western, Middle Eastern and Indian specialties, along with excellent croissants and baguettes. Umai, the contemporary Pan-Asian restaurant, serves Chinese, Thai, Indonesian and Japanese dishes; during dinner a tea master demonstrated a dramatic tea-pouring technique that entertained and delighted our table. Ananta, the Indian specialty restaurant, includes a show kitchen with traditional tandoors and highlights North Indian classics alongside a rotating selection of coastal Indian specialties.
The Lobby Bar provided a calm, candlelit retreat after an active afternoon exploring the surrounding desert. Specialty cocktails are crafted to order with fresh fruit, and the venue offers an extensive cigar selection.
On the third floor, The Oberoi Spa—featuring seven therapy rooms—is the first 24-hour spa in Dubai. The spa’s tranquil atmosphere, complemented by complimentary juices and soft incense, felt appropriately restorative. The signature Oberoi Massage I experienced was one of the most memorable treatments I’ve had.
The Experience: Exceptional service at the Oberoi is defined by thoughtful, personal gestures. Once when I was coughing in the lobby, a passing staff member stopped to ask if I was unwell. I mentioned a lingering cold, and later that morning I returned from the spa to find several team members giving my room an extra cleaning to remove any dust that might irritate me. A short time later, a staff member knocked with a steaming pot of tea, explaining it was a family remedy she often received when ill. During turn-down service the next evening, the housekeeper left cough drops and a handwritten note wishing me well. Every employee I encountered demonstrated genuine care and a desire to make my stay comfortable. This attentive service reinforces why Oberoi Hotels & Resorts remains highly regarded.
GT CHECKLIST
- Doorman/valet
- Less than 10 minutes for check-in
- Separate tub and shower
- Double vanities
- High-quality towels
- Powerful, unattached hair dryer
- High-quality bed linens
- Large, flat-screen television
- Large desk with convenient outlets
- Complimentary laptop safe
- Complimentary in-room WiFi
- Complimentary bottled water
- Stocked minibar
- Ample lighting
- In-room coffeemaker
- Iron and ironing board
- On-site restaurant and bar
- 24-hour room service
- 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center
- Turn-down service
The Oberoi, Dubai
The Oberoi Centre
Business Bay (Burj Area)
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
tel 971 4 4441444
oberoihotels.com