Bentley Suite, one of the world’s most stunning themed hotel suites (Habtoor Palace, Dubai LXR Hotels)

The flagship property of the hospitality division of UAE conglomerate Al Habtoor, the newly built Habtoor Palace in Dubai is operating as one of the few select LXR Hotels & Resorts, a luxury hotel brand of Hilton Worldwide. The aristocratic decadent palace features 234 opulent rooms guestrooms including 52 suites featuring its flagship Sir Winston Churchill Suite and the Middle East’s first Bentley Suite.

As one of the most experienced local hotel developer, operating hotels under a wide range of brands of Marriott International and Hilton, Al Habtoor Group set out to create a lavish palace with decadent furnishings, using the most luxurious materials and with an utmost attention to detail. The grand lobby with its majestic marble stairs and the ballroom are probably the most impressive elements of the entire project. One cannot help but feel like royalty when stepping through the doors of this modern-day palace.

Set within an elegant space decked in natural dark wood, glamorous light fixtures, and leather upholstered furniture – which make you feel like in New York, the World Cut Steakhouse is an authentic American steakhouse featuring premium imported meats, a variety of seafood, and superb selection of wines and handcrafted cocktails. The exceptional food and impeccable service have established it as one of the most sought after steak houses of Dubai.  The Polo Bar which also has a cigar room section is similarly impressive.

While the Patisserie has a genuine Parisian feel making it a favourite for locals too, the all day dining Brasserie which is also serving breakfast for the hotel guests needs to be improved – it feel impersonal and empty. The reason is probably the lack of a buffet because of the pandemic – but surely solutions can be found.

The Silk Spa is a forte of the hotel. Beyond the luxurious facilities which feel cozy and warm but also the separate ladies’ and gents’ areas (each with wet areas with steam and sauna facilities, two hammams), service is of impressive standards. Under the guidance of Chiara Paollilo, the Spa boasts some of the finest selection of products such as Natura Bissé and an exceptional team has been forged, including some of the most talented and highly skilled therapists.

Nevertheless, the highlight of my stay was the Bentley Suite, one of the five in the world and probably one of the most sophisticated and authentic, given that the Al Habtoor Group is one of the largest Bentley dealers in the Middle East. This suite combines the refined style associated with the experience of a Bentley with the elegance of the Habtoor Palace brand, and inspired by the bespoke craftsmanship of the pinnacle Bentley Mulsanne.

The custom-designed suite features a spacious entry foyer, a generous living room and a dining area that seats 10, with floor-to-ceiling windows, a walk-in wardrobe and a dedicated dressing area. The study masterfully interprets the Bentley’s signature concept of concealing-to-reveal, while gracefully embodying Bentley‘s Mulliner room with veneer walls, a silk carpet and a luxurious porpoise sofa. The master bedroom features stitched leather walls and bedside tables inspired by the Mulsanne Speed wing emblem in Burr walnut.

In the dressing room, Bentley’s signature diamond detailing is etched into the frame of the mirror. Every single inch feels plush and soft, not to mention the unique leather scent. Although it may seem overwhelming, with such a wealth of luxurious details, comfort has not been compromised, with a superbly comfortable oversized king bed and Curved screen UHDTv’s and a large wardrobe, resembling more like an ultra luxury fashion store, including two glass enclosed vitrines . There are central controls for several ‘moods’ which adjust lighting and curtains.

The bathrooms are beyond imagination, the stand-alone bathtub being carved in one single piece of rare natural marble, same as the vanity for him and her, adding Acqua di Parma signature amenities. Some of the other ‘basics’ include automatic lighting, softest cotton towels etc. You will be blown away by what may seem like a shower, not just the perfect water pressure but also its size

Under the helm of experienced hotelier Fredrik Reinisch, the hotel boasts a consistently high service standard, being able to also blend in the partnership with Hilton – probably the most visible being the implementation of Hilton’s international safety and hygiene protocols to protect both staff and guests from Covid-19.

Make sure you choose the Bentley package, which is not only applicable for airport transfers but also the use of a chauffeur driven Bentley car during your stay.

Oliver Petcu in Dubai

 

 

 

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