EXPO STAYS

WORDS GEMMA GREENWOOD

Accommodation options providing convenient access to Expo 2020 Dubai

There is no shortage of accommodation in Dubai and with the city o ering great transport links, from the Dubai Metro and Dubai Taxis to car services such as Uber and Careem, it is easy to get to the event from most properties. Many hotels and hotel groups are o cial Expo ticket resellers too, so you can check in and buy your ticket to this momentous world gathering. Others, such as Emaar Hospitality Group (EHG), Expo’s o cial Hotel, Hospitality and Catering partner, are o ering complimentary tickets and other VIP bene ts. Here we round-up some of the best hotel options for business travellers visiting Dubai for work and Expo.

Rove Expo 2020

Located at the heart of action in Al Wasl Plaza, Rove Expo 2020 is the event’s only on-site hotel. If you are visiting Dubai with the sole purpose of attending Expo to gain knowledge and conduct business, this is your ideal basecamp. When you book a stay at this modern property, the price you pay includes Expo tickets for the duration of your stay. Room options range from a 20sqm Cosy Rover Room to a 64sqm Al Wasl Suite. e Executive Suite sleeps four to eight people if you add a connecting room. rovehotels.com

What’s it got?

✓ Modern rooms with all the essentials ✓ 100 per cent sustainable in-room amenities ✓ All-day dining and grab-and-go café ✓ Co-working, meeting and networking spaces ✓ Ultra-fast 5G Wi-Fi ✓ Outdoor swimming pool overlooking

Al Wasl Dome ✓ 24-hour gym

2020 CLUB BY EMAAR

If you fancy a little VIP treatment during your Expo visit – or want to treat your clients to some – head to the 2020 Club by Emaar, a dedicated hospitality venue, located at Al Wasl Plaza. The exclusive club, located next to the mesmerising Al Wasl dome and the UAE Pavilion, o ers multiple venues for hire, including a rooftop space, as well as lounges where you can dine in comfort or relax with a drink and watch Expo’s themed celebrations or the lighting up of the dome at night. To access 2020 Club by Emaar, purchase exclusive Hospitality Dining Passes from Emaar Hospitality’s o icial website. Passes include a threehour dining experience at the Hospitality Lounge with unlimited food and selected soft beverages, plus stunning Al Wasl Plaza views. emaarhospitality.com

Alo Dubai South

is hip lifestyle hotel for global travellers “always on the go” is located in Dubai’s aviation and logistics hub, Dubai South, just 15 minutes from Expo, Techno Park, Dubai Parks & Resorts and International Humanitarian City. Funky tech-led rooms feature signature platform beds, a walk-in shower, smart TVs with Chromecast, a Bluetooth speaker and signature co ee, while dining and social spaces blend into one for some post-Expo networking. e hotel is part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio and all Marriott properties are o cial Expo ticket resellers. marriott.com

What’s it got?

✓ Latest in-room tech and sustainable toiletries ✓ Sociable dining spaces and a grab-and-go concept ✓ Outdoor pool and 24/7 gym ✓ Four meeting rooms ✓ Flight check-in and bag drop service with

Dubz by dnata ✓ Complimentary shuttle bus to Expo and

Ibn Battuta Mall

So tel Jumeirah Beach Residence

O ering a sophisticated stay with a French twist, this recently renovated hotel is just 15 minutes by road to Expo and a one-minute walk to the JBR 2 Tram station, which is interlinked to the DMCC Metro Station. From here, Expo is a 15-minute train ride away. Promising guests business facilities that include a new meeting room and ballroom, 444 rooms and suites (starting at 35sqm) with sea views, the VIP perks of Club Millesime (club lounge) and exclusive pavilion o ers at Expo, So tel Jumeirah Beach Residence marries luxury and convenience. all.accor.com

What’s it got?

✓ 444 renovated rooms with sea views ✓ MyBed ™ concept ✓ Business centre ✓ Club Millesime (club lounge) ✓ New meeting rooms and a ballroom ✓ Several dining options including modern

French cuisine ✓ So tel Fitness (24-hour gym, sauna and steam) and in nity pool

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Sofitel Jumeirah Beach Residence; Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach; Aloft Dubai South

Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach

Located in Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), a few steps from the beach and e Beach mall, but also close to all of Dubai’s business districts, this hotel is ideal for work and leisure. It’s also convenient to pop to Expo, with the site a 34-minute drive or a 20 minute ride on Dubai Metro. e hotel’s 35sqm Superior Rooms are ideal for business travellers, featuring a desk, balcony, sofa and enough space to accommodate two or three adults. movenpick.com

What’s it got?

✓ All rooms have balconies ✓ Executive Lounge ✓ Five dining venues including bistro/ sports lounge ✓ Extensive events facilities including ballroom and poolside venue ✓ Spa, tness facilities and swimming pool

Address Beach, Dubai

One of the newest additions to the Address Hotels + Resorts portfolio and the brand’s first beach property in Dubai, this hotel is located at the very end of the Jumeirah Beach Residence strip, overlooking Ain Dubai, the Palm Jumeirah and Bluewaters Island. It’s around 25 minutes by road from Expo and close to the Dubai Metro station. Expect understated luxury, extensive leisure and dining options and high-tech rooms – and don’t miss a dip in the world’s highest outdoor infinity pool, located on the 77th floor. Guests receive complimentary Expo tickets during the event. addresshotels.com

What’s it got?

✓ Rooms and suites with stunning views and the latest tech ✓ Beachfront serviced apartments ✓ Four dining options ✓ Extensive meetings and events space ✓ 75th floor gym with high-quality facilities ✓ Several pools including the world’s highest outdoor infinity pool

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: The world’s highest infinity pool at Address Beach; new-look rooms at Premier Inn Ibn Battuta Mall; an Avani Suite

Avani Ibn Battuta Dubai Hotel

Described as a “modern, stylish HQ with easy access to all the hotspots”, this four-star property is just 15 minutes from Expo, 25 minutes from both of Dubai’s international airports and connected to Dubai Metro. If you like to shop, it couldn’t be more convenient, as it’s adjacent to Ibn Battuta shopping mall, a retail haven with dining options too. From the free high-speed Wi-Fi to open-plan suites with desks and spacious living areas, this is a cosy Expo base offering all the facilities you need. avanihotels.com

What’s it got?

✓ 360 rooms and suites from 30-60sqm ✓ Free on-site parking ✓ Three dining venues, including a pool bar ✓ Meeting space for up to 22 delegates ✓ AVANIFIT gym and attractive outdoor pool area

Premier Inn Ibn Battuta Mall

Just 20 minutes away from Expo, interconnected to Ibn Battuta Mall, and next to a metro station, Premier Inn Dubai is a good place to base yourself. It’s also the largest Premier Inn hotel in the Middle East, with a new extension opening any day now adding a broader selection of rooms with a refreshed style and the brand’s signature “super comfy” beds. Highlights include the Happy Valley Spa, a Costa coffee shop, Mr Toad’s bar and breakfast at Nuevo Restaurant. Expo rates and early check-in/late check-out are available to members who book directly online.

mena.premierinn.com

What’s it got?

✓ 594 refreshed rooms with workspace ✓ Comfy Hypnos beds ✓ Fitness centre and pool ✓ Complimentary Wi-Fi and mineral water ✓ Two dining venues ✓ Two meeting rooms ✓ Free on-site covered parking

The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle

The first property to open under The First Group’s new lifestyle brand, The First Collection, this four-star hotel is located in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), considered one of the most convenient locations for Expo goers. The stunning 40-storey hotel is just 20 minutes by road from the event, as well as major districts such as Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina. With a large inventory for corporate groups, high-tech rooms, innovative dining options and a soon-toopen VIP lounge/co-working space, it’s a property designed with modern business travellers in mind. The hotel is also an official Expo ticket reseller. thefirstcollection.ae

What’s it got?

✓ 491 high-tech rooms and suites ✓ High-speed Wi-Fi ✓ VIP lounge/co-working space (coming soon) ✓ Signature restaurants including Latino-inspired venue ✓ Large swimming pool, gymnasium and sundeck ✓ Free shuttle bus service to Expo daily

Radisson Dubai DAMAC Hills

If you want to play a round of golf before or after your visit to Expo, the new Radisson Dubai DAMAC Hills is your go-to hotel. The property is close to several courses, including the Trump International Golf Club, complemented by on-site facilities such as a tennis court, swimming pools, a fitness centre and a spa. There are also four restaurant and bar concepts, meeting facilities and 481 modern rooms and suites with views of golf courses and the desert. Located in Dubailand, the hotel is 15 minutes from Expo and close to attractions such as Dubai Sports City, Dubai Motor City and Dubai Production City. radissonhotels.com

What’s it got?

✓ Modern rooms with balconies, desk and complimentary water ✓ Meetings/events facilities including outdoor marquee venue ✓ FireLake Grill House Restaurant & Bar (150 people) ✓ Gym, spa, pool, tennis court ✓ Complimentary daily shuttle bus to Expo ✓ Free parking

CLOCKWISE FROM

RIGHT: Vida Emirates Hills; Radisson Blu Residence, Dubai Marina; Radisson Dubai DAMAC Hills; The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle

Vida Emirates Hills

From a quick break to a long stay, this lifestyle property in Dubai’s Emirates Hills district provides suitable accommodation options, from rooms and suites to serviced residences and even pet-friendly rooms. At time of press, the hotel was also offering a 25 per cent discount on bookings made directly through its website. You can eat poolside, on a terrace or in a casual indoor space where you can work or meet comfortably. It’s eco-conscious too – guests purchase their own 100 per cent recycled plastic ‘keep cup’ for a oneoff AED 75 fee and then pay just AED 10 for a coffee refill at any Vida Hotels and Resorts property. vidahotels.com

What’s it got?

✓ Flexible accommodation options including pet-friendly rooms ✓ Co-working spaces with MacBooks available ✓ Three dining options ✓ Fully equipped meeting rooms ✓ A pool, gym and push bikes for hire

Radisson Blu Residence, Dubai Marina

A Dubai Marina location and flexible accommodation options, from hotel rooms and suites to self-catering apartments, are a selling point at this property. The wellequipped Al Marsa conference room can cater to gatherings of up to 40 attendees and the Marina Mall metro stop is 400 metres away. From here, Expo is a 20-minute ride. The hotel is also an authorised Expo ticket seller and is offering special packages for Expo visitors, available online.

radissonhotels.com

What’s it got?

✓ Rooms, studios and self-catering apartments ✓ Studios have kitchenettes ✓ Complimentary tea, coffee and Wi-Fi ✓ Arabic dining venue Zaroob ✓ Meetings venue (up to 40 people) ✓ Free parking

Amwaj Rotana, Jumeirah Beach

Located by the beach on Dubai’s glamorous and cosmopolitan leisure and retail promenade, The Walk, Amwaj Rotana is a popular luxury hotel in the Dubai Marina district. With major attractions right on its doorstep, from the famous Jumeirah Beach and bustling Beach Mall to Bluewaters Island, home to the world’s tallest Ferris Wheel, Ain Dubai, it is a convenient place to stay. Dubai’s airports and Expo 2020 Dubai are a 25-minute drive from the property, while the metro station is five-minute walk away and connects to Expo. rotana.com

What’s it got?

✓ Rooms and suites with private balconies and great views ✓ Seven dining venues including Benihana

Restaurant (American/Japanese) ✓ Club Rotana Lounge ✓ Fitness and Wellness Club ✓ Outdoor swimming pool ✓ Three conference rooms and a ballroom

LEFT: Amwaj Rotana, Jumeirah Beach; BELOW: InterContinental Dubai Marina

InterContinental Dubai Marina

Michelin-star dining, extensive leisure and wellness facilities, a huge choice of rooms, suites and residences, meeting venues, and special stay-and dine packages including tickets for Expo, which is a 20-minute drive away, are just some of the perks at this Dubai Marina hotel. The property is also easily accessible from both Dubai airports, close to transport links (Dubai Metro and the Dubai Tram) and a seven-minute stroll from the beach. Club InterContinental guests have access to a dedicated lounge, with gourmet breakfast options, table service, afternoon tea and a wide selection of evening drinks and canapés. ihg.com

What’s it got?

✓ High-tech rooms, studios, residences and four iconic penthouses ✓ Club InterContinental ✓ Marina Social by chef Jason Atherton ✓ Pool, fitness centre, spa and Jacuzzi ✓ Yoga & Meditation studio ✓ 10 meeting rooms ✓ Valet parking

LEFT: Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina ABOVE: Arjaan by Rotana Dubai Media City

Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina

Want the best seat in the house at the opening of Expo, without having to move from your hotel? Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina will broadcast the grand opening ceremony live from the big screen at Lo+Cale, with a special set menu for dinner inspired by the event. Prizes are up for grabs too and tables are named after pavilions. The hotel is also offering great rates, room and F&B packages, inclusive of an Expo ticket.

ihg.com

What’s it got?

✓ Club lounge with privileges and marina views ✓ Five restaurants and lounges ✓ Five meeting rooms (up to 44 delegates) ✓ Ballroom (up to 200) ✓ 24/7 gym and a pool

Arjaan by Rotana Dubai Media City

This modern four-star hotel, conveniently located in Dubai Media City, promises a home-away-from-home during your visit to Dubai and Expo 2020, with 242 rooms, suites and fully furnished apartments available for short and long stays. Part of a multi-functional complex that includes an upscale office tower, a courtyard and souk, the property also offers 18 Premium Suites with a temperature-controlled private plunge pool. Media City is well-connected to Dubai’s attractions and business districts, as well as Expo, by road and public transport. The Media City tram, which connects to multiple metro stations servicing Expo, is close to the property. rotana.com

What’s it got?

✓ A wide range of residential-style accommodation options ✓ Three flexible dining options ✓ Gym and outdoor pool ✓ Six meeting rooms ✓ A mini mart, dental clinic and men’s salon on site ✓ Basement parking

Citadines Metro Central Dubai

Just steps away from the Dubai Internet City Metro Station, Citadines Metro Central Dubai is convenient option for visitors to Expo. It’s also a homely set up, offering studios and one-bedroom serviced accommodation featuring separate living and dining areas and a kitchenette. Facilities include a gym, pool and business centre, as well as the Brambles Café located on the ground floor. Operator, The Ascott Limited, offers booking discounts and other benefits to members of its loyalty programme, Ascott Star Rewards. Download the ‘Discover ASR’ app to become a member and manage your bookings. the-ascott.com

What’s it got?

✓ 210 studios and apartments ✓ Guest lounge ✓ Pool and gym ✓ Ground floor café ✓ Secure parking

Sheraton Mall of the Emirates

Centrally located in the ‘middle’ of Dubai on Sheikh Zayed Road, this property is directly connected to Mall of the Emirates, known for iconic attraction, Ski Dubai, and close to hubs including the World Trade Centre, Downtown Dubai, Media City and Expo 2020, which is 25 minutes by car and 40 minutes by Dubai Metro. There are 10 meeting and event spaces and three dining options, including a Turkish restaurant and an outdoor bar with shisha terrace. Expo tickets are available, as well as special F&B and events packages. marriott.com

What’s it got?

✓ 481 rooms and suites ✓ 10 meeting and event spaces ✓ Business centre ✓ Club lounge ✓ Spa, two rooftop pools, fitness centre

Centro Barsha

Barsha Heights is a really convenient location for visitors who want the best of both worlds – proximity to Expo and the rest of the city. Rotana’s Centro Barsha property is geared up to meet the needs of business travellers, with 243 rooms and suites designed to maximise space and featuring smart technology and in-room entertainment, as well as modern furniture. The property is just 500 metres from the Mall of the Emirates, its metro station and close to Media City, Internet City, Jebel Ali and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). There is a complimentary shuttle service to the beach and the mall too. rotana.com

What’s it got?

✓ Rooms with work and living spaces ✓ Four flexible dining concepts, with options to eat in or take away ✓ Outdoor pool, 24-hour gym ✓ Three meeting rooms ✓ Communal coffee-break zone ✓ Complimentary Wi-Fi and parking

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Centro Barsha; Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai, Barsha Heights; Sheraton Mall of the Emirates; Citadines Metro Central Dubai

Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai, Barsha Heights

Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai and its sister property, Grand Millennium Business Bay, have introduced special Expo rates starting from AED 475 ($129) and AED 575 ($157) per night respectively, with shuttle buses to the event provided to groups. Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai is around 25 minutes from Expo and a short walk from Dubai Internet metro station. This hotel also offers many dining options, from Indian to pan-Asian, plus the party bar, Lock, Stock & Barrel, promising live sports coverage, live music and food until 3am daily. millenniumhotels.com

What’s it got?

✓ Spacious rooms ✓ Eight restaurants and bars ✓ Business Centre and secretarial services ✓ Conference centre ✓ Gym, pool and spa

FIVE Jumeirah Village

FIVE properties are designed to emulate the atmosphere and facilities of luxury lifestyle clubs so when you check into its property at Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), expect a party. This “dare-to-bedifferent” hotel promises a glamourous “chic penthouse lifestyle”, with 269 pools and Jacuzzis, lush green terraces, a vibrant culinary scene, the REFIVE spa and a gym. The private pool sky villas reveal Dubai skyline views and if you fancy heading to the beach, you can access the facilities at sister property, FIVE Palm Jumeirah. You can continue the party at Expo, where the entertainment line-up is non-stop. JVC is around 20 minutes by road from the event. fivehotelsandresorts.com

What’s it got?

✓ Pool sky villas ✓ Spa and gym ✓ US sports bar concept ✓ Global street food restaurant ✓ Italian venue and a café ✓ Pool parties with live DJs

Fairmont The Palm

Located near to the entrance of the iconic island, Fairmont The Palm provides easy access to Expo, which is a 30-minute drive away. The nearest metro station is nine minutes from the property too. When you are not visiting the event, you can enjoy all the benefits of this destination hotel, including extensive, leisure, dining and meetings facilities, plus a private beach and sports and fitness activities galore. There’s also Fairmont’s popular Willow Stream Spa and is signature Fairmont Gold concept, a hotel-within-a-hotel experience that includes access to a lounge serving complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, evening canapes, a late-night dessert buffet and more.

fairmont.com

What’s it got?

✓ Rooms and suites with city or sea views ✓ Fairmont Gold concept ✓ Nine dining outlets ✓ ReConnect wellness programme ✓ Meetings and events venues (up to 400 people) ✓ Willow Stream Spa

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: FIVE Jumeirah Village; Fairmont The Palm; Pullman JLT; Palazzo Versace Dubai

Pullman JLT

Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) is another district conveniently close to Expo (25 minutes by road) and Pullman JLT is also opposite the SOBHA metro station, so it’s easy to hop on a train to the event. e hotel, which features a range of rooms, suites and apartments with up to three bedrooms, is o ering corporate rates for stays and meetings during Expo, as well as dining promotions. Another plus point is the Executive Lounge, located on the 16th oor, o ering many privileges including private checkin and check-out, bu et breakfast, complimentary happy hour, refreshments and snacks, a meeting room and in-room services such as a Nespresso and laundry.

pullmanhotels.com What’s it got?

✓ Rooms, suites, apartments (up to three bedrooms) ✓ Executive Lounge with privileges ✓ e Pullman Co-Meeting concept ✓ 11 meeting rooms with Chill-Out Lounge ✓ Five restaurants ✓ Gym, space and pool

Palazzo Versace Dubai

Palazzo Versace Dubai has launched two Expo packages o ering guests one night for free, valid throughout the event (October 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022). Book a Dubai Deluxe Room or Suite for six nights and pay for only ve of them and receive complimentary breakfast and tickets to Expo, Dubai Frame, and At the Top for two people, all of which can be redeemed during your stay (from AED1,700++). If you’re looking for the ultimate escape, book one of the Grand Suites for six nights and pay for only ve of them and get the same perks as the rooms and suites package, plus complimentary return transfers to/from DXB Airport plus a hotel credit of up to AED3,000 towards F&B or spa during your stay, when you share a receipt of your ight ticket. palazzoversace.ae

What’s it got?

✓ Rooms, suites and residences by Versace ✓ Eight restaurants and bars with al fresco options ✓ ree outdoor pools, spa, gym ✓ Opulent meeting and events spaces (up to 600 people) ✓ VIP beach access at Nikki Beach Resort & Spa

Bnbme holiday homes

The holiday homes trend has taken o in Dubai and Bnbme (bnbmehomes.com) is cornering the market. The company is renting out several luxury apartments close to the Expo site, with options including: ■ A one-bedroom apartment with a balcony featuring golf views that’s 10 minutes from the event – from

AED400 (US$109) per night ■ A two-bedroom apartment in

Urbana 2 or 3 with large living area, fully equipped kitchen and access to pool, gym and kids’ play area – from

AED500 ($136) per night ■ A two-bedroom apartment in Dubai

South, next to Expo and part of

The Pulse Residence Plaza with shops, supermarkets, restaurants and leisure facilities – from AED400 (US$109) per night