Time to visit The Westin in Dubai

With summer room rates down to an inclusive price of $212 it is hardly surprising that the stylish and relatively new Westin Hotel in Dubai is presently 90 per cent full.

Situated in a prime location on the Jumeirah Beach at Mina Seyahi this hotel is at the upper end of the five-star standard. You either love or hate its translucent interior design by Tuscan lead designer Habitalia Design Group in association with Studitalia.

Italian style

But this place has style by the bucketful in its public spaces. You lean against a chair in the vast lobby and realize it is swathed in real crocodile skin. There are trump d’oeil at every corner, from murano chandaliers to mosaic floors. But this is comfortable cool and easy to enjoy.

The 294 rooms are large with very high ceilings and marble bathrooms that have a separate toilet, bidet and walk in rainfall shower. The decor is a tad minimalist and the work of a Chinese designer.

Arabianmoney.net enjoyed a hearty steak dinner at Hunters with the chef’s take on fois gras to start with and apple pie to finish. The presentation matched the decor with interesting china, cutlery and glasses, and even a choice of five types of salt.

Before or after dinner you can chill out in a choice of bars. The ultra-swish wine bar is well stocked on two levels with bottles in a floor-to-ceiling rack.

Breakfast is in the open-plan dining area with four food stations and many options from which to choose. Sadly it is too hot to sit outside but you can have a table by the window.

Keeping cool

Indeed, the heat is the downside of hotels in Dubai in the summer, and the sea itself is now a little too warm for swimming. The hotel’s lap pool and snaking river pool offer cooler alternatives. There is also an immaculate 24-hour gym and spa.

As we left a large party of ladies in designer gear headed towards the free shuttle to the Dubai shopping malls nearby, not a gentleman in sight. It is never too hot to shop indoors.

So if you want to experience one of the finest new hotels in Dubai now is a good time to seek out a bargain.