THE Grayton Hotel is rightly raising a few eyebrows in Al Mankhool.
And not only because it is that rarest of additions to Bur Dubai…a boutique hotel.
For this new name on the city’s hospitality landscape isn’t using the B-word simply because of its size…
For this new name on the city’s hospitality landscape isn’t using the B-word simply because of its size…
FOR those familiar with the regular hotel options in Bur Dubai, the Grayton will come as a breath of fresh air...and not simply because it’s the new kid on the block.
The Grayton is channeling much of what Dubai does well, but doing it in a way - and price - that could have rivals looking over their shoulder.
Opened during Ramadan in May, the Grayton has just 96 guest bedrooms, in a long-established district of largely mature operations.
The Grayton is channeling much of what Dubai does well, but doing it in a way - and price - that could have rivals looking over their shoulder.
Opened during Ramadan in May, the Grayton has just 96 guest bedrooms, in a long-established district of largely mature operations.
ENTRY LEVEL: A bright and modern lobby greets guests on arrival at Bur Dubai's latest hotel name
It offers upmarket comforts and facilities, as well as citing good proximity to Dubai International Airport and to older and newer parts of the city, something worthwhile to both leisure and business visitors.
“Our location is very attractive as you can easily get to most areas within Dubai,” confirms Walter Knight, the Grayton’s General Manager.
“Another advantage is that we are walking distance to Burjuman metro station and have a bus service literally outside our hotel.”
Five room grades are available, including 12 executive suites and two accessible rooms, all bearing traditional influences with a modern twist and all surprisingly spacious, with high ceilings and plentiful floorspace.
“Our location is very attractive as you can easily get to most areas within Dubai,” confirms Walter Knight, the Grayton’s General Manager.
“Another advantage is that we are walking distance to Burjuman metro station and have a bus service literally outside our hotel.”
Five room grades are available, including 12 executive suites and two accessible rooms, all bearing traditional influences with a modern twist and all surprisingly spacious, with high ceilings and plentiful floorspace.
CANNY COMFORTS: This Signature Room is typical of the stylish and spacious accommodation awaiting Grayton guests
A fresh, contemporary look incorporates a glass desk suitable for your laptop, plenty of sockets and USB ports for device charging, plus a safe, wardrobe, iron, hairdryer, fridge and tea-making facilities.
A generous flatscreen TV faces a sumptuous bed where a sophisticated panel operates lighting, including the on-trend bathroom where you’ll find a spacious rain shower cubicle.
The Grayton boasts three contrasting refreshment opportunities, of which signature restaurant Bukhara is the shining star.
Majoring on flavourful North Indian cuisine, a modern interior setting accompanies traditional dishes re-fined and a menu featuring some familiar names given a fresh spin.
A generous flatscreen TV faces a sumptuous bed where a sophisticated panel operates lighting, including the on-trend bathroom where you’ll find a spacious rain shower cubicle.
The Grayton boasts three contrasting refreshment opportunities, of which signature restaurant Bukhara is the shining star.
Majoring on flavourful North Indian cuisine, a modern interior setting accompanies traditional dishes re-fined and a menu featuring some familiar names given a fresh spin.
INDIAN INNOVATION: Bukhara has a big name back home and has brought its fab foodie skills to Bur Dubai
Among them Dal Bukhara - a chef’s special featuring black lentils slow cooked over hot embers overnight - and an addictive chicken tikka masala you’ll want to mop up in its entirety with perfect breads cooked in the copper-clad tandoors.
The Paneer Makhani and creamy boneless Chicken Murgh Malai kebab are just as moreish.
Food here is stunning, so shouldn’t be rushed, and if you wish to transport some of the magic home, the kitchen runs Master Class cooking sessions where you can learn to make specialised dishes and marinades under the auspices of Ameya Deshmukh and his team
The Paneer Makhani and creamy boneless Chicken Murgh Malai kebab are just as moreish.
Food here is stunning, so shouldn’t be rushed, and if you wish to transport some of the magic home, the kitchen runs Master Class cooking sessions where you can learn to make specialised dishes and marinades under the auspices of Ameya Deshmukh and his team
DISH WISH LIST: This signature restaurant puts a stunning twist on some familiar dining delights
Among your other F&B options is all-day dining outlet Citrus O2, also the destination for breakfast. Cereal choices are a bit lacking, but they are rightly keen for you to try their eggs benedict.
Finally, on the ground lobby level is G&T Lounge. Mornings it works as a smart coffee venue, becoming a bar in the afternoon onwards with a decent two-for-one happy hour, embracing various drinks including an extensive gin inventory.
A varied food menu is also available and the venue is mercifully non-smoking at all times.
If you’re too enchanted with your room to leave, however, you could always engage with the Grayton’s promotional room service menu.
Finally, on the ground lobby level is G&T Lounge. Mornings it works as a smart coffee venue, becoming a bar in the afternoon onwards with a decent two-for-one happy hour, embracing various drinks including an extensive gin inventory.
A varied food menu is also available and the venue is mercifully non-smoking at all times.
If you’re too enchanted with your room to leave, however, you could always engage with the Grayton’s promotional room service menu.
DINE ANY TIME: Citrus O2 is the Grayton's all day dining outlet in a tidy, fresh setting
It features popular items at reduced prices designed to stall a trend endured by some hotels in which guests order in takeaways via the likes of Deliveroo - even though most discourage outside food. Walter says this has seriously hit room service orders, as well as restaurant use by in-house guests, at some properties.
“To combat this, we don’t allow guests to order take-ins from other vendors. If a client insists, we have the delivery come through to our room service department, who will deliver the package to your room, along with utensils, plates etc. For this, we charge a Dh20 service fee.”
Measure this against the Grayton’s in-room menu of dishes, such as burgers, curries and pizza at just Dh30, and the latter makes more economic sense.
And what you’ve saved you can spend in the Tamara SPA.
“To combat this, we don’t allow guests to order take-ins from other vendors. If a client insists, we have the delivery come through to our room service department, who will deliver the package to your room, along with utensils, plates etc. For this, we charge a Dh20 service fee.”
Measure this against the Grayton’s in-room menu of dishes, such as burgers, curries and pizza at just Dh30, and the latter makes more economic sense.
And what you’ve saved you can spend in the Tamara SPA.
FEELING SUPER TONIC: G&T Lounge transforms from coffee venue to a bar with an extensive gin menu
This new to Dubai brand offers aromatherapy, Balinese, hot stone and deep tissue massages, its signature ayurveda - all from AED199 - a fresh fruit facial, organic face mask and organic face pack, at AED99, for both male and female guests and features home blended treatments and applications.
Tamara SPA (check out their website www.tamaraspa.ae for more) is located on the health club floor alongside a 24-hour gym, while another flight leads to a rooftop pool.
Dark wood decking and loungers surround a dedicated kids pool and a larger one for adults in a pleasant setting flanked by a living wall.
All in all you’re getting quite a lot for your dirham here, especially when compared to other hotels occupying the boutique bracket.
“Our strength lies in the fact that we are a completely different product to any other in our location,” says the GM.
Tamara SPA (check out their website www.tamaraspa.ae for more) is located on the health club floor alongside a 24-hour gym, while another flight leads to a rooftop pool.
Dark wood decking and loungers surround a dedicated kids pool and a larger one for adults in a pleasant setting flanked by a living wall.
All in all you’re getting quite a lot for your dirham here, especially when compared to other hotels occupying the boutique bracket.
“Our strength lies in the fact that we are a completely different product to any other in our location,” says the GM.
POOLING AROUND: With a living wall, hard wood loungers and a pool for kids and adults this is good rooftop escape
“As a boutique hotel, our focus is not on attracting the masses and, as such, we don’t appeal to all. Our market is ‘niche’ and, therefore, we are in discussion with agents who specialise in our market.”
The Grayton is also maximising its location for guests by offering a drop/pick-up shuttle service to La Mare Beach as well as to Dubai Mall and Burjuman shopping centre.
The hotel, a four star, is also looking to introduce morning / afternoon tours to Meena Bazar and the textile and gold souks.
“I have noticed a trend of customers who want to stay in ‘old town’ Dubai; a certain segment looking for originality and in Dubai to explore the souks, artworks of an original Dubai.”
DETAILS:
FIND Grayton Hotel at 12A Street, Al Mankhool, Bur Dubai and via www.graytohotel.com
CLASSIC king room prices start from Dh225 for one night (based on October 23 check-in).
BOOK in via [email protected] or call +971 4 401 0000
ENTERTAINER users will find food and drinks deals in G&T Lounge and food vouchers for Citrus 02.
The Grayton is also maximising its location for guests by offering a drop/pick-up shuttle service to La Mare Beach as well as to Dubai Mall and Burjuman shopping centre.
The hotel, a four star, is also looking to introduce morning / afternoon tours to Meena Bazar and the textile and gold souks.
“I have noticed a trend of customers who want to stay in ‘old town’ Dubai; a certain segment looking for originality and in Dubai to explore the souks, artworks of an original Dubai.”
DETAILS:
FIND Grayton Hotel at 12A Street, Al Mankhool, Bur Dubai and via www.graytohotel.com
CLASSIC king room prices start from Dh225 for one night (based on October 23 check-in).
BOOK in via [email protected] or call +971 4 401 0000
ENTERTAINER users will find food and drinks deals in G&T Lounge and food vouchers for Citrus 02.
