Hyde Hotel Dubai

BACKGROUND Hyde is a lifestyle brand created by sbe in the US and now part of the Accor portfolio under its joint venture with Ennismore. Hyde Dubai, which opened in early 2022, is envisaged as a dining destination for guests and the community – a place to visit for a casual breakfast or co ee, a business lunch, after-work drinks with colleagues or clients, and fine-dining at global Japanese concept Katsuya, which recently hosted royalty for lunch; Dubai’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? Hyde properties are described as a ‘hydeaway for the in the know’, and this is true of Hyde Dubai, which as a newcomer, is a hidden gem. Having said that, it was at 100 per cent occupancy when I stayed there, so those “in the know” are obviously spreading the word. It has a laidback lifestyle vibe, with the lobby area setting the tone with quirky design touches ranging from the ‘Anything can happen’ slogan adorning the flower wall at the entrance, to the abstract wall coverings and giant gorilla statues. Originally built as serviced apartments, to be operated by another high-end brand before Hyde jumped on the opportunity to make its name in Dubai, the rooms and suites exude classic modern luxury.

WHERE IS IT? In bustling Business Bay, with Marassi Drive on one side and the canal on the other. It’s easily accessible from Al Khail Road and Sheikh Zayed Road; Downtown Dubai and DIFC are close by; and Dubai International just 10-15 minutes by road.

BEST FOR Dining experiences

DON’T MISS Lunch or dinner at Katsuya with Burj Khalifa views

PRICE From AED 994 ($205) per night in March

CONTACT sbe.com/hotels/ hyde/dubai

The standout venue is Katsuya of worldwide fame

ROOMS I stayed in a standard ‘Hyde Away’ room and a ‘Hyde Me’ junior suite, both with an outdoor balcony, dark luxurious furniture, a work desk/dressing table, and large bathrooms with wonderful – and powerful – walk-in rain showers (the suite had a bath too) and very comfortable kingsized beds. Both o ered a co ee machine, complimentary water, a mini bar, robes, and high-quality bathroom amenities by (Malin+Goetz), which stood out for their moisturising impact. The standard room, ideal for a business trip, was very spacious, with a small co ee table and chairs, while the suite was generously sized, with a sofa, co ee table and an outdoor balcony with sunbed, table and chairs, and outstanding views of the Burj Khalifa and Business Bay with its canals and impressive skyline.

FOOD AND DRINK This is where Hyde excels. The standout venue is Katsuya of worldwide fame and the first in the UAE, serving high-quality contemporary Japanese, complemented by stunning views of Business Bay and Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building globally, which lit up at night is a true spectacle. Menu highlights for me were the tru le edamame gyoza, eggplant with miso glaze and the miso-glazed black cod with kobe-style rice. As a palate refresher, the matcha mochi (green tea Japanese ice cream), was wonderful. Breakfast at Cleo is a bu et, but you order your co ee and eggs, just how you like them. The venue, next to the lobby, with outdoor seating available, serves Levantine cuisine at lunch and dinner. For co ee, snacks, sandwiches, snacks and pastries, The Perq, also by the lobby, is a grab-and-go concept, or you can have table service outside by the canal.

BUSINESS Five meeting rooms and a 190 sqm ballroom, plus plenty of spaces to work in the lobby, dining venues and at the desk in each room.

LEISURE An outdoor pool, ideal for laps, with sunbeds and Burj views, plus a gym that’s well-equipped with cardio and strength training kit, and the Cinq Mondes Spa with five treatment rooms. You can also have a nice stroll along the canal.

VERDICT Hyde ticks many boxes for business travellers. It’s convenient, the rooms are spacious and luxurious, there are plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces to set-up with your laptop, the leisure and business facilities are ample, and there’s the bonus of a fine-dining experience at Katsuya, which is a must-try whether you are an in-house guest or a Dubai resident. The atmosphere is professional but laid back and the sta are friendly and helpful. You feel at home, and so it gets the thumbs up from me. Gemma Greenwood