Rose Rayhaan by Rotana

The 72-story Rose Rayhaan by Rotana was once the tallest hotel in the world at its opening in 2009, it has since been knocked a few places down the list, though still towers above many of its neighbors. Arabic coffee and fresh dates, plus a strong smell of cardamon in the air, welcome guests into the hotel. The lobby is quite small compared to other Dubai hotels, with only a small lounge area in front of the reception desk, it can therefore get quite crowded particularly during busy check-in and out times. The rest of the hotel has a classic (sometimes generic) look and feel, with mostly dark colors of reds and browns found throughout. The gym, spa, and outdoor pool are located in an adjacent building, which also houses the parking garage. The long-established Rotana brand attracts a lot of travelers from the Middle East, and guests are a combination of business and leisure groups (including family travelers).

Rose Rayhaan by Rotana has an ideal location for business travelers in Dubai. It's situated on a pedestrian-friendly section of the main Sheikh Zayed Road and is surrounded by corporate buildings, restaurants, take-away joints, shops, and cafes. The Financial Centre Metro Station is four minutes away on foot. The Dubai International Financial Centre is a 13-minute walk or six-minute drive away and the Dubai World Trade Centre is a seven-minute drive from the hotel. The Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa are each within a 10-minute drive. It's also a 10-minute drive to Zabeel Park, a public park with a jogging path, gardens, and the recently constructed Dubai Frame. Jumeirah Open Beach, the most popular beach in Dubai, can be reached within a 15-minute drive, along with Mall of the Emirates (for shopping and indoor skiing). The Dubai International Airport is a 15-minute drive or a half-hour away on public transportation. The hotel offers a free shuttle service to the airport, nearby malls, and the beach.

The 462 guest rooms at Rose Rayhaan by Rotana start at the the ninth floor, and the Sky Rooms from floor 35 have the best views -- including views of the Burj Khalifa, Sheikhs Palace, and the sea. The interiors have a classic look (that's slightly generic) with mostly brown and beige hues, dark wood veneer furniture, and abstract artwork. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, desks, telephones, safes, irons and ironing boards, and free Wi-Fi. All rooms have a small kitchenette with refrigerators, microwaves, tea- and- coffee-making facilities, and hot tops upon request -- washing machines are provided in selected Premium Rooms and Suites. Club Rotana rooms offer free access to a private lounge featuring lots of freebies, including breakfast buffet, afternoon tea, evening hors d’oeuvres, and 24-hour snacks and beverages. Suites include both walk-in showers and tubs, while standard rooms have shower/tub combos. All bathrooms provide magnifying mirrors, scales, and toiletries. Upgraded Noir toiletries are available in the suites. Bathrobes and slippers are provided. Rooms are slowly being refurbished throughout 2018 and 2019.

Features at Rose Rayhaan by Rotana are standard, with the usual expected facilities for a business hotel. The all-day dining restaurant, Petals, serves a buffet breakfast each morning, including a selection of hot and cold international foods -- this is not included in all room rates. A la carte lunches and themed buffet dinners are also served at Petals. In the lobby, Cafe Rose serves beverages and light snacks like pastries and cakes. Guests in the Club Rotana Rooms have access to the Executive Lounge which includes a free buffet breakfast and 24-hour access to beverages and snacks. Guests should note that no alcohol is available in this hotel, a common occurrence in Dubai. 

Bodylines Fitness and Wellness Club, located in a separate building access via a foot bridge, includes a small spa, fitness center, and outdoor pool. The spa has two treatment rooms with a sauna, steam room, and hot tub. The fitness center is housed in a rather dark room with combination of modern and dated TechnoGym cardio and weight-training machines -- plus free water and towels. Outside, the swimming pool (with a shallow kids' section) is surrounded by sun loungers, parasols, and a small pool bar. The pool area is undergoing renovations, to be completed by mid-2018. For business travelers, seven meeting rooms, a large conference room, and business center are available. Wi-Fi throughout the hotel is free, along with on-site parking (including valet service). Free shuttle service to major attractions and shopping malls is also available.