W Hotels Worldwide, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Inc. has announced the debut of W Dubai – Al Habtoor City, the brand’s first hotel in the Emirate.
Owned by the Al Habtoor Group, the design-led lifestyle brand is set to shake up the destination with its rooftop W Lounge, pulsating WET pool deck and innovative fashion and music happenings. The opening marks the W brand’s second outpost in the Middle East, following the debut of W Doha in 2009.
“From the emerging fashion scene to its contemporary arts district, Dubai has firmly made its mark on the global stage, with W Dubai set to quickly become the epicenter of it all,” saysd Anthony Ingham, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide. “An electrifying destination full of hidden, underground treasures, W Dubai will provide worldly jetsetters with insider access too what’s new and next in the Emirate.
“We are proud to strengthen our relationship with Al Habtoor Group as we open W Dubai – Al Habtoor City, which is part of Starwood’s largest hospitality project in the Middle East,” said Michael Wale, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. “Dubai’s dynamic spirit is a perfect match for W Hotels, and this groundbreaking debut reinforces our commitment to grow in this important market.”
Set within the ambitious Al Habtoor City project, the Emirate’s first fully-integrated urban resort, W Dubai – Al Habtoor City rises 33 stories above the vibrant Sheikh Zayed Road, overlooking the newly built Dubai Water Canal with views of dramatic sunsets over the Arabian Gulf. Upon arrival, guests are whisked up 30 floors to the W Lounge (the W brand’s reinterpretation of the staid hotel lobby) where a jaw-dropping, panoramic view of the shimmering city awaits.
Destination restaurant Namu, located above the W Lounge, bathes diners in golden light from the setting sun, offering an original fusion of Japanese and Korean flavors served in a futuristic setting with asymmetrical furnishings.
Level Seven, a causal and sociable hotspot, serves fresh Mediterranean cuisine from a theatrical open kitchen and features a chef’s table, and crudo bar. The menu is inspired by the chef’s daily market finds and seasonal produce, including small, shareable plates. Adorned with wood, steel and vintage art, the natural Mediterranean-inspired décor sets the tone for a relaxing and delectable meal.
Igniting the pulsing heart of Dubai’s social scene is the hotel’s WET Deck. Boldly landscaped, the WET pool deck transforms from a glamorous place to lounge by day, with outdoor pools, private cabanas, light bites and refreshing drinks, to an evening hotspot to see and be seen. DJs play hypnotic sets while guests sip on W signature cocktails and soak in the sultry, vibrant atmosphere.
W Dubai – Al Habtoor City and its 356 guestrooms and suites, including the Extreme Wow Suite and Sensational Suite, were designed by Singapore-based firm Silverfox Studios and Starwood’s award-winning design team. Inspired by the city’s connectivity and gateway location, the design is provocative, bold and futuristic.
Showcasing the vibrancy and energy of Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road, the interiors’ linear patterns reflect the city’s social rhythm and constant flux. Custom furnishings double as abstract art and a bright, vivid color palette is set against the sleek lines of each minimalist guestroom, highlighted with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame views of the city and sea.
