WHEN you’ve got as many hotels opening in a city as Dubai has you need something special to stand out from the noise.
Fortunately the Grand Plaza Mövenpick Media City has a couple of unique selling points, including a chandelier born to impress.
Fortunately the Grand Plaza Mövenpick Media City has a couple of unique selling points, including a chandelier born to impress.
Ahead of its official opening this Friday (March 1), MustDoDubai has been given a preview tour of this elegant yet sassy hotel in an evolving part of town…
Okay, so Dubai isn’t short of chandeliers, we hear you say. That would be true.
But there are few as tall, bold and intricate as the epic lighting piece occupying the lobby of Dubai’s latest luxury hotel.
A 23m in length, it is reportedly the largest in the city, and reaching high into the atrium and deep into the Grand Lounge of the Grand Plaza, it is certainly a talking point.
This hand-blown creation – named The Swoop – comes from Katerina Handlova, the same Prague-born designer that gave Dubai Opera it’s showpiece chandelier was inspired by birds in flight.
An installation featuring more than 3,500 pieces, it doesn’t just light up the space around it, it beguiles – not least when light moves through the structure, appearing in different zones.
But there are few as tall, bold and intricate as the epic lighting piece occupying the lobby of Dubai’s latest luxury hotel.
A 23m in length, it is reportedly the largest in the city, and reaching high into the atrium and deep into the Grand Lounge of the Grand Plaza, it is certainly a talking point.
This hand-blown creation – named The Swoop – comes from Katerina Handlova, the same Prague-born designer that gave Dubai Opera it’s showpiece chandelier was inspired by birds in flight.
An installation featuring more than 3,500 pieces, it doesn’t just light up the space around it, it beguiles – not least when light moves through the structure, appearing in different zones.
DESIGN SKYLINE: The stylish rear side of the new Grand Plaza including pool deck
The other unique selling point for the Grand Plaza is its location.
Positioned beside Sheikh Zayed Road on the edge of the gradually appearing Innovation Hub, it is the only five star property in the Media City/Internet City zone, according to General Manager Alfio Bernardini.
“We are confident that our location, facilities and diverse dining options will serve to satisfy both the business and leisure focused travel markets,” says the Italian, who has previous hospitality experience in the district.
“Our positioning as the only five star property in Dubai Media City, coupled with having the only ballroom in the area, sets us apart from the competition.”
And with major global companies such as Microsoft, Oracle, LinkedIn, Uber and Google close-by, it is well placed to cater to the accommodation needs of any big-hitting execs that might fly in.
Positioned beside Sheikh Zayed Road on the edge of the gradually appearing Innovation Hub, it is the only five star property in the Media City/Internet City zone, according to General Manager Alfio Bernardini.
“We are confident that our location, facilities and diverse dining options will serve to satisfy both the business and leisure focused travel markets,” says the Italian, who has previous hospitality experience in the district.
“Our positioning as the only five star property in Dubai Media City, coupled with having the only ballroom in the area, sets us apart from the competition.”
And with major global companies such as Microsoft, Oracle, LinkedIn, Uber and Google close-by, it is well placed to cater to the accommodation needs of any big-hitting execs that might fly in.
FOOD WITH FLAIR: This quinoa and chicken salad gives a flavour of this hotel's F&B offerings
For then and the rest of the time, there’s plenty here to appeal to residents and tourists seeking out some new places to eat, drink or even staycation.
The attention to detail represented by the chandelier extends to other parts of the hotel.
Many of us travelling by as this slender block was constructed might be surprised at how spacious the interior is.
While the lobby appears to take up much of that space, lying around and beyond the atrium are plenty of facilities, including a bright and view-laden gym, a luxurious spa and five enticing new F&B opportunities.
These begin with the lobby café concept Slice ‘neighbourhood deli’, designed among other things to appeal to those office workers seeking somewhere new to re-fuel, but with a bit more animation courtesy of live cooking stations.
The attention to detail represented by the chandelier extends to other parts of the hotel.
Many of us travelling by as this slender block was constructed might be surprised at how spacious the interior is.
While the lobby appears to take up much of that space, lying around and beyond the atrium are plenty of facilities, including a bright and view-laden gym, a luxurious spa and five enticing new F&B opportunities.
These begin with the lobby café concept Slice ‘neighbourhood deli’, designed among other things to appeal to those office workers seeking somewhere new to re-fuel, but with a bit more animation courtesy of live cooking stations.
FLIGHT OF FANCY: The birds theme extends from the atrium lighting to this arty display in the spa reception
Across the floor those ever-evolving Folly boys Nick & Scott have collaborated on a stylish new restaurant, Verve Bar & Brasserie.
Described as featuring modern European cuisine, this ‘theatre experience’ venue from Gates Hospitality – think Folly and Reform Social - is headed by Chef Jorge Grande, who honed many of his skills under the watchful eye of ‘celebrity’ chef Anad Gaggan.
The hotel’s all-day dining, international restaurant Bytes is a modern, bright space which – on our sampling of a sample lunchtime selection of imaginative salads, meat dishes and desserts – also embraces some canny kitchen skills.
Just beyond its doors, Bytes also encompasses a plush standalone bar and lounge, while a left takes you to the outdoor pool area.
Described as featuring modern European cuisine, this ‘theatre experience’ venue from Gates Hospitality – think Folly and Reform Social - is headed by Chef Jorge Grande, who honed many of his skills under the watchful eye of ‘celebrity’ chef Anad Gaggan.
The hotel’s all-day dining, international restaurant Bytes is a modern, bright space which – on our sampling of a sample lunchtime selection of imaginative salads, meat dishes and desserts – also embraces some canny kitchen skills.
Just beyond its doors, Bytes also encompasses a plush standalone bar and lounge, while a left takes you to the outdoor pool area.
ON THE POOL: This outdoor relaxation spot gives prime views of the Dubai coastline
A generous terrace includes plentiful seating, plush sunloungers beside a slim pool that runs along much of the length of the building for lane exercise or a cool off during hotter times.
Either sitting or swimming, you’re granted view out towards the coast and the Palm Jumeirah beyond.
For more pampering opportunities, seek out The SPA by SensAsia. Led by the UAE’s renowned and award-winning spa chain SensAsia Urban Spa chain, it features five multi-purpose treatment rooms.
If your Instagram account is craving more epic views then head up to TWENTY THREE, the rooftop bar.
This soon to be popular with the sundowner crowd venue has a central seated bar area for a more concentrated convivial experience. This is, in turn, flanked either side by two outdoor terraces.
Either sitting or swimming, you’re granted view out towards the coast and the Palm Jumeirah beyond.
For more pampering opportunities, seek out The SPA by SensAsia. Led by the UAE’s renowned and award-winning spa chain SensAsia Urban Spa chain, it features five multi-purpose treatment rooms.
If your Instagram account is craving more epic views then head up to TWENTY THREE, the rooftop bar.
This soon to be popular with the sundowner crowd venue has a central seated bar area for a more concentrated convivial experience. This is, in turn, flanked either side by two outdoor terraces.
TOP FLOOR FINESSE: Rooftop bar TWENTY THREE delivers prime views and a place to unwind
The front gives you views down Sheikh Zayed Road and out towards Jumeirah Village Circle, JLT and other districts.
But if you wish to check on wave conditions on the Arabian Gulf – or the progress of development on the Palm – the back terrace gives a panoramic look along the Dubai coastline, for miles on a clear day.
And if an overnight stay rather than a cab home appeals, you’ve 235 impressive, refreshingly designed rooms and suites to go at.
One thing that is evident through all is the quality of finish. Italian marble lends bathrooms a huge touch of class while the bedding and furniture are of plush home quality.
But if you wish to check on wave conditions on the Arabian Gulf – or the progress of development on the Palm – the back terrace gives a panoramic look along the Dubai coastline, for miles on a clear day.
And if an overnight stay rather than a cab home appeals, you’ve 235 impressive, refreshingly designed rooms and suites to go at.
One thing that is evident through all is the quality of finish. Italian marble lends bathrooms a huge touch of class while the bedding and furniture are of plush home quality.
CLASS ACT: A superior twin city view room that will soon be greeting guests
All this is rounded off by some well-sourced, standout art – a recurrent attribute through this elegant and on trend new hotel.
But don’t just take our word for it…
DETAILS:
GRAND Plaza Movenpick Media City opens March 1
THE hotel also features a Grand Ballroom for events, nine meeting rooms and an executive lounge.
TO learn more about room rates and F&B openings times, head to www.movenpick.com/grand-plaza
But don’t just take our word for it…
DETAILS:
GRAND Plaza Movenpick Media City opens March 1
THE hotel also features a Grand Ballroom for events, nine meeting rooms and an executive lounge.
TO learn more about room rates and F&B openings times, head to www.movenpick.com/grand-plaza
