“Location, location, location” are the three most important words in the world of property, and thus the bigger the real estate the bigger the challenge.
So imagine being a hotel in Dubai, with all the competition there is to bag the perfect spot to set up your hospitality shop.
It’s a city that offers a thousand views but one vista that currently impresses is that of Bluewaters Island and of course the exciting opening of the Ain Dubai, the world’s biggest observation wheel. This stunning structure is now open for business, gracefully turning throughout day and night, with special light shows often dancing between its gondolas and its huge spokes and struts.
It’s a hypnotic sight, one to sit, sip and savour, with you unwinding with every rotation you gaze upon it.
And that is where we come back to the location, because, in terms of taking a step back and being able to take in the Ain Dubai’s majesty, the promenade of Jumeirah Beach’s The Walk offers the perfect vantage point, and nestled almost exactly opposite the wheel sits the Doubletree Hilton Hotel Dubai.
It’s a hotel that proves that time in the market is more important than timing the market, predating the Ferris wheel’s opening by some seven years. In fact, the hotel opened its doors to guests in 2014, a year before construction even began on the 250m high structure.
Not that it wasn’t well-situation before, but now guests can stroll out of the hotel, directly on to the vibrancy of The Walk and head right, up the coastline towards the energetic Dubai Marina, or left and cross over the inlet of the Arabian Gulf directly on to the waiting Bluewaters Island.
Opt for a family suite with balcony and sea view and not only will you get acres of accommodation space (well 149 sq m to be precise) you get the wide-open expanse, gazing over Jumeirah Beach, out to the Ain Dubai and The Palm beyond.
As the sun sets and the lights of the wheel, the island and Dubai come alive so does the view. Watching the illuminated dhows, cruisers and boats make their way up the inlet and along the coastline from your lofty vantage point is absorbing, you could almost imagine them in timelapse as you slow down and soak in the scene.
But, the Doubletree has a trick up its sleeve in the day too, with its beautiful infinity pool that also stares out at the horizon. As the sunlight dances over its water, you suddenly recognise you are staring transfixed at a shimmering mirror image of the Ain Dubai reflection in the water.
The same trick extends to your leisurely breakfast, especially at this time of year, with manicured gardens surrounding the pool complex looking out at the sandy beach and the glass-calm morning ocean. It’s a haven within the vibrancy of The Walk, the perfect spot to sip your coffee and listen to the lapping waters of the infinity pool and the sea beyond.
The location leans into its desirable spot too when noon rolls around and it’s time for lunch, with the upscale eaterie The Maine seafood brasserie calling the Doubletree home. Famed for its oysters, and deservedly so, this is relaxed fine dining by the beach, with its staff as easy going as the menu, and yet like the restaurant they reflect hidden attention to detail that makes everything seem so easy. It’s a fantastic spot to whittle away a few hours, especially if you have got a babysitter looking after any young charges.
All in all the Doubletree offers you a great perspective on a compelling part of Dubai. It’s a pleasant stroll along The Walk at night, which teems with nationalities from around the world, a combination of residents and tourists. It’s a location that reflects the appeal of the UAE, the vibrancy which its excellent response to the pandemic has earned it (Also worth noting that Doubletree of course embraces Hilton’s Clean Stay programme for your peace of mind).
Plus, you get to sit back and soak up that fantastic view of the Bluewaters Island and, of course, the world’s largest observation wheel.
Location, location, location indeed.
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