Dusit Thani Dubai

Opened in 2001, Dusit Thani Dubai has been around long enough to establish a good name as one of the only Thai hotels in Dubai. Guests are welcomed with the traditional Thai greeting of "Sawadika," a cold towel, and refreshing lemongrass beverage in the lobby. The lobby is housed in a large open area, with a domed glass ceiling that lets in lots of natural light. Decor follows a traditional Thai theme with a few scattered lounge areas, calming water features, and royal color scheme of reds, maroons, and browns. A live performer playing traditional Thai-instrumental music moves between the lobby and Benjarong restaurant, creating a fun atmosphere. Each dining area features an individual theme, from traditional Thai-decor at Benjarong to casual international dining at The Californian. The Nippon Bottle Co. and Jones the Grocer, each managed by a third party, both offer beautiful interiors. Due to its central location to both business and tourist sites, the hotel attracts both business and leisure guests.

Dusit Thani Dubai is situated in the heart of Dubai's financial district, on the central Sheikh Zayed Road. The immediate area is mostly made up of other hotels, with a handful of restaurants and cafes within walking distance. The Financial Centre Metro Station is a two-minute drive or 10-minute walk from the hotel. It's a six-minute drive to the Dubai International Financial Centre, a major financial hub in the Middle East. The Dubai World Trade Centre is a seven-minute drive and the International Convention Centre is nine minutes by car. It's a 10-minute drive to Dubai's main downtown area, which holds the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa. Dubai's most popular beach, Jumeirah Open Beach, is a 15-minute drive and the trendy shops at The Walk are 20 minutes by car. Dubai International Airport is a 15-minute drive or half-hour on public transportation. There is a free shuttle to the World Trade Centre, Dubai Mall, Mall of Emirates, Kite Beach, and Zabeel Mosque.

The 321 guest rooms at Dusit Thani Dubai follow a contemporary Thai-inspired theme. Interiors have neutral walls with contemporary wood-veneer furniture, patterned armchairs, modern cushioned desk chairs, colored scattered cushions, patterned tan carpets, and subtle Thai-design wall art. For extended-stay guests, there are one- and two-bedroom apartments with fully-equipped kitchens and separate lounge areas. Guests in the Executive Suites have access to the Dusit Club Lounge. All rooms have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, tea- and- coffee-making facilities (including coffeemakers), work desks, telephones, safes, irons and ironing boards, and free Wi-Fi. Club Level rooms get access to an executive lounge with food and drink presentations. Bathrooms are fairly large and include walk-in showers, soaking bathtubs, hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, and Aromatherapy Associates toiletries. Bathrobes and slippers are provided. All rooms feature city views, many of the Burj Khalifa.

The five restaurants/bars at Dusit Thani Dubai are key features of the hotel. Benjarong Restaurant is the hotel's signature Thai restaurant, open for a la carte lunches and dinners. Buffet breakfasts (not included in all rates), lunches, and dinners are available at The Californian, an international restaurant with themed nights (like Tandoori, Mexican, BBQ, Asian, and seafood). Jones the Grocer, an Australian-based grocer/cafe, on the ground floor serves cafe-style dining as well as gourmet groceries like cheeses, cold meats, dried goods, tea leaves, and coffee beans (open 24-hours). The View is the hotel's terrace shisha bar, offering an al fresco setting for meals from Jones the Grocer's menu. Nippon Bottle Co. is a Japanese-themed whiskey and beer bar, with a hidden entrance off the hotel's lobby. The hotel is currently revamping what was previously an Italian restaurant to open an Asian street-style restaurant -- to be ready by the end of 2018.

Namm Spa offers a variety of Thai-inspired treatments, though is managed by a third party. The rooftop swimming pool is surrounded by sun loungers and parasols. The space is partly covered by a roof and a small pool bar is available. There is a small fitness center with dated Life Fitness cardio and weight-training machines, plus a sauna and free towels. A ballroom, with capacity for 350 to 700 guests, is available along with five meeting rooms (four of which have natural lighting). Free Wi-Fi throughout and on-site parking (including valet) is available. Additional features include 24-hour room service, laundry services, gift shop, concierge, salon, free shuttle service, and an outdoor kids' playground.