SLS Dubai Hotel Residences

BACKGROUND SLS is part of US-based lifestyle hospitality company, sbe. In December 2020, Accor acquired all of sbe’s hotel brands and in April this year, opened SLS Dubai, the first SLS in the Middle East. One of the city’s tallest buildings, SLS Dubai embodies all of the brand’s signatures, from culinary artistry and theatrical interiors to subversive design touches, including its iconic giant duck, which sits next to one of the rooftop pools.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? This is a design-led hotel where you are greeted by swinging chairs, rose displays and a stunning stained-glass window at the entrance before you are rocketed in an elevator to the 71st floor where a striking lobby awaits, adorned with copper check-in desks, gold sofas and an artistic feature wall. Unobstructed views of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, are impressive and best viewed from the S Bar and at the rooftop pool. A multi-purpose property, SLS is ideal for business stays and meetings, but also for social occasions – pool gatherings by day and drinks or dining by night, so expect loud upbeat music and a party vibe.

WHERE IS IT? The property is located on Marasi Drive, on the edge of Business Bay and Downtown Dubai, conveniently adjacent to Al Khail Road and just 15 minutes by road from Dubai International Airport.

This hotel is ideal for those who want to mix business and pleasure

Downstairs it featured a spacious lounge, kitchen and dining area, a washroom and utility space with washing machine, and a balcony with two sofas and sunset views. A long wooden staircase led to the upstairs bedroom with vanity, wardrobes with safe and an en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower. Minimalistic, elegant and with ample amenities, including a Bluetooth speaker and co ee machine, it was a home from home.

FOOD AND DRINK SLS is known for its gastronomy and the Dubai property upholds this solid reputation. Fi’lia serves authentic Italian cuisine, spoiling you for choice with an expansive menu. I opted for Burrata with pesto and heirloom tomatoes for antipasti, followed by seabass with feta crust, warm cous cous salad and asparagus. Both were superb. Fi’lia also serves breakfast and on weekdays, a three-course set menu business lunch for AED99 per person. Another culinary triumph is the region’s first dining concept by award-winning

ROOMS I stayed in an Inspired Living OneBedroom King Loft with Balcony – a duplex room that was more like an apartment. BEST FOR Business, dining and entertaining

DON’T MISS A drink at S Bar with outstanding views

PRICE AED1,358 ($370) for an Inspired Living One-Bedroom King Loft with Balcony

CONTACT +971 4 607 0757; sbe.com butcher Dario Cecchini. Expect melt-inyour mouth carpaccio and supreme steaks. My filet mignon was cooked to perfection, complemented with tru le fries. Add to the mix 74th floor views and top-notch grape for an exceptional dining experience.

BUSINESS Six meeting rooms cater to groups of between 10 and 200 people. If you want to meet informally or catch up on emails, there are open-plan spaces with seating, the lobby bar and the ground floor café, EllaMia. Opening soon, the 12 Chairs Caviar Bar (with 12 chairs for 12 people) is the place to wow clients.

LEISURE There are two small rooftop pools with sunbeds and seating. One has Burj Khalifa views and a party vibe. I thoroughly enjoyed a full-body massage in the Ciel Spa and had a cheeky little doze in the soothing relaxation lounge afterwards. There’s a good gym with a view too.

VERDICT Upbeat, dynamic and fun, this hotel is ideal for those who want to mix business and pleasure, but best to avoid if you don’t like loud music. The dining is world-class and o ers plenty of opportunities to entertain clients. Gemma Greenwood