Dorchester Collection’s service excellence shines through at The Lana, Dubai (REVIEW)

Dubai has undoubtedly established itself as one of the world’s top luxury destinations, often rightfully compared with Las Vegas or New York boasting exceptional luxury hotels, spectacular luxury shopping malls, an expansive entertainment offering as well as sports (golf, tennis etc).

But Dubai is so much more!

Nowadays, Dubai is a major global business and financial hub, having been attracting exceptional professionals from all sectors – multinational companies thriving along new starters. Most importantly, despite huge challenges which have seriously impacted other metropolis, Dubai has proven, over time, to remain not only relevant but also reliable and consistent. Moreover, Dubai is also considered one of the safest metropoles of the world!

With very few exceptions, luxury hotel groups and chains are all present in Dubai, some with spectacular properties but only few having succeeded in achieving and maintaining the high service standards which can only be sustained by continuously investing in human resources. Mention must also be said that Dubai has not been spared by the fact that the global hospitality industry, especially its luxury tier, has lost its appeal (prestige) as a lifetime career provider, the pandemic prompting skilled talent to opt for other sectors which offer better pay and much more flexible work conditions.

Dubai’s luxury hospitality sector has not been spared by the international context including the Covid-19 pandemic and the two wars but to a lesser extent. During the pandemic, Dubai stayed ‘opened’ and businesses operational far longer than any other international cities and, during the two wars, the U.A.E. has remained less involved while ensuring its neutrality. Dubai has also gained by maintaining its direct flights to Russia and has been welcoming wealthy both Russian and Ukrainian nationals without interruption.

Dorchester Collection was formed in 2006 as the owner and operator company of landmark luxury properties in key destinations –  The Dorchester and 45 Park Lane in London,  Coworth Park in Ascot, Hôtel Plaza Athénée and Le Meurice in Paris, Hotel Eden in Rome, Principe di Savoia in Milan, The Beverly Hills Hotel, Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles. It is only recently that the Dorchester Collection has taken on the sole role of operator of the luxurious Mayfair Park Residences in London, without owning the project – the residences, including its ultra luxury Spa are now solidly positioned as one of the finest in London.

On February 1st, Dorchester Collection has taken a strategic decision to open The Lana in Dubai, operating a luxury property under a long term third party management agreement. The brand new luxury hotel which is owned by Omniyat Group, is an architectural icon by Foster & Partners with exquisitely appointed rooms and suites designed by Gilles&Boissier, a breathtaking rooftop infinity pool, a state-of-the-art expansive Dior Spa (first Dior Spa in the Middle East) and fine dining by Michelin starred Chefs Jean Imbert, Martin Berasategui and Angelo Musa.

The Lana, Dubai has been sensibly conceived to feature characteristics from most of the Dorchester Collection properties, whether it is an interior design cue or a dish in the menus of one of venues of the hotel. Even if newly opened, The Lana Dubai has garnered a very distinctive identity with an impeccable branding strategy in such a way to generate desirability for guests who may already be familiar with one or more Dorchester Collection properties but also those with a lesser awareness of the chain. In an interviews with CPP, CEO Eugenio Pirri said: ”We wanted to open a beautiful hotel for our loyal patrons from around the world, here in Dubai”

Most probably through extensive research, Dorchester Collection has become aware of a very important Dubai specificity, which is how deeply anchored the luxury hotels are with Dubai residents who would not be staying at the property but would utilise its facilities, especially F&B but also wellness. The setting of all venues is elegant but at the same time, laid back and relaxed, without imposing formality or being intimidating in any way – authentic Mediterranean, French and Spanish cuisines. The food is truly exceptional – both in quality and ingredients but also in presentation. You will love the overall humble approach in the launch of The Lana – a reflection of true luxury, or better to say, luxury to be discovered rather than ostentatious luxury.

The aesthetic of the hotel is contemporary timeless elegance, with a predominant colour palette of beige, brown and white, with some bold accents of colour especially ‘poudre pink’ – pastel pink. The primary focus has been on recreating ultimate sophistication through simplicity, utilising the finest quality of furnishings and finishes along with ”surprise” classic touches such as the Roman style, almost statuesque flowers mounted ceramic recipient at the entrance of the hotel but also the classic live piano in the Gallery lobby of the hotel. No details have been overlooked – lighting perfectly adjusts to any time of the day.

The rather understated interiors (at least for Dubai ‘standards’) give way for seeing but also be seen, while guests can also opt for more secluded areas or spaces throughout the entire hotel. In the ‘heart’ of the hotel, the Lobby Gallery, you may observe customers holding a business meeting, tourists discussing an itinerary with a guide, dressed-up ladies enjoying a most refined and authentic Afternoon Tea (most probably the best in Dubai) but also some customers who would opt to work by themselves while sipping a coffee.

Food & Beverage has been conceived to offer an attractive offering with all day dining at Riviera by Michelin starred Chef Jean Imbert with a genuine French Riviera feel, lunch and dinner at Spanish Jara by Martin Berasategui, lounge at Gallery and pastry shop with outdoor terrace at BonBon by Angelo Musa. Other venues include HighSociety on the rooftop, with sophisticated space both indoors and outdoors, Txakolina – a cigar bar. The rooftop pool not only offers breathtaking views but also expansive sunbathing and relaxation.

With The Lana Dubai, Dorchester Collection is demonstrating its capabilities as a operator, without necessarily being an investor and owning the respective property. The investor seems to have understood that luxury takes time and it very much about listening to the operator, with minimal involvement in day-to-day operations. The owner of the project has recently made a strategic investment by securing the private marina in the bay right in front of the hotel in such a way that from April, a luxury speed boat will take guests to the private beach of ONE at Palm Jumeirah

Superlative details include Rolls-Royce Phantom transfers and proximity use (cars are owned by the hotel) organic bathroom amenities in sustainable ceramic recipients. Exquisite Italian bed linen, thick cotton towels are some of the other details. Gleaming Volakas marble dresses both the grand master bathroom and the additional guest bathroom. Fully automated individual AC controls are of the highest standards adapting to any desired temperature in minutes. Curtains and shades are automated too. Besides the classic controls, there is a centralised pad for all controls.

The team is motivated, energised and enthusiastic, many of them seemingly proud to be part of The Lana, Dubai team. Every single staff is striving to provide the most individualised and personalised service. Attention to details is paramount. Do expect to be treated with utmost respect and care. You will be recognised and appreciated. Staff are also prepared to adapt the service they provide to all the types of guest profiles. Most importantly, the executives of the hotel and those of Dorchester Collection do LISTEN to your feedback and you will notice improvements!

Oliver Petcu in Dubai

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