Background
A gem nestled in Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, voco The Palm blends modern design with a relaxed beach vibe. Under the umbrella of the IHG brand, the boutique-style hotel is ideal for business travellers visiting Dubai Media City, with direct beach access to unwind after a busy day.
Where is it?
Situated along the picturesque 1.6km Palm West Beach promenade, the hotel offers guests sweeping sea views that include the Dubai Eye ferris wheel, city skyline, and powdery beach. It has a prime location that provides easy access to the trendy Palm West Beach strip.
What’s it like?
Stepping into voco The Palm, guests are greeted with a sleek and upbeat interior adorned with bird motifs and an airy lobby with high ceilings. While checking in, you will be offered homemade granola and fruit-infused water. The seamless transition from the lobby to the main restaurant, Maison Mathis, leads directly to the beachside promenade, setting the tone for a delightful stay.
Rooms
There are 471 rooms, and half of them offer an urban jungle vibe facing the backside of the hotel, overlooking a street and surrounding hotels. On the other side, rooms offer beautiful sea views, ensuring a peaceful retreat. However, it’s worth noting that the proximity of some rooms to nearby popular restaurants and beach clubs can get loud at night, particularly during peak hours. While this may be a consideration for light sleepers, the hotel’s attentive staff are readily available to address any concerns and ensure a comfortable stay (including ear plugs and extra pillows!). From twin beds to king-size indulgence, the rooms offer comfort and style, with paintings decorating the walls signed by local artist Al Sayed.
Among the highlights of voco The Palm’s accommodation offerings are the corner room suites. These expansive suites are larger than some New York City apartments, with separate living areas, two bathrooms, and a main bedroom with ensuite facilities (including a bathtub ideal for a long soak with bath salts after a long day). The pièce de résistance of these suites is the floor-to-ceiling glass walls that offer uninterrupted views of the sea, creating an illusion of floating atop tranquil waters. Wifi connects automatically, there’s a kettle with a generous array of tea, a shower with excellent water pressure, eco-friendly amenities and more delicious homemade granola in jars to take home.
Food and drink
The new rooftop restaurant, Frenia – which soft-opened in December, serving Mediterranean fare and creative cocktails – offers poolside panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline, complemented by crowd favourites such as patatas bravas and flank steak, best savoured against the backdrop of a mesmerising sunset. Meanwhile, Maison Mathis continues to delight diners with its delectable array of fresh mussels and a diverse menu featuring everything from gourmet burgers to baked sea bass. Breakfast at Maison Mathis is a treat, with fluffy sourdough bread baked in-house daily and an extensive spread of juices, made-to-order omelettes, and Arabic specialties including ‘foul medammes.’
Business
There is a dedicated meeting room space on the first floor, providing ample seating and abundant natural light to encourage productivity.
Leisure
While Maison Mathis and Frenia present enticing options, guests seeking adventure can explore the nearby promenade, where popular hot spots like Koko Bay and Senor Pico await with their seats on the sand. Take advantage of the 24-hour fitness centre, go for a walk along the 1.6km promenade to clear your mind, or have a refreshing dip in the sea.
Verdict
For business travellers who are seeking a blend of luxury, convenience, and contemporary charm, voco The Palm emerges as a standout choice. With its prime location, impeccable amenities, and culinary delights, it promises a perfect stay that seamlessly combines work and leisure.
FACT BOX
- Best for Those who like understated seaside luxury
- Don’t miss Sundowners at Frenia by the rooftop pool
- Price Rooms start at Dhs 1,350 for a Sea View room
- Contact voco The Palm, Palm West Beach Promenade; Dubai, UAE; +971-4-2495555; ihg.com/voco/hotels
Words by Sara Hamdan
