From US$230 without breakfast; optional breakfast $34
– Unbeatable location within easy reach of the airport and moments from major tourist attractions
– Service at breakfast was frustratingly slow
Just moments away from three of Dubai’s top tourist attractions – Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain and Dubai Mall – Manzil Downtown is in the heart of the city’s very popular Downtown area. The Arabesque design blends perfectly with the surrounding Old Town residential district which, despite its name, is home to sought-after modern apartments. This small traditionally-styled district, with its winding alleyways and lantern-like street lighting, provides a welcome contrast to the ultra-modern mall and skyscrapers nearby.
The hotel’s prime location is complemented by a great guest experience. A plethora of doormen greet you with smiles after the short journey from the airport. The hotel lobby is welcoming, small enough to feel intimate yet undoubtedly oozing the glamour you’d expect from a top class Dubai hotel.
After a warm welcome from the front desk and a welcome early check-in, we were very happy to see our deluxe room. The 32-square metre sleek and contemporary room is the entry level accommodation but has ample space for two people to spread out and relax – and one child under 12 is welcome to share the room with parents. There is a desk area, armchair, comfortable king-sized bed and amenities such as a minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, and flat screen internet protocol TV. The bathroom is large with twin vanities, separate shower and bath tub, and toilet cubicle. All guest rooms at Manzil Downtown have a balcony and ours overlooked Old Town, with a sideways view of Burj Khalifa.
The pool area is fringed with palm trees and helpfully sits on the second floor so that you have a great view of the surrounding district but also catch any breeze. There’s a gym with cardio equipment and a range of weights machines and dumbbells; it’s open 24 hours a day which is perfect for jet-lagged guests.
We ate several times in the Boulevard Kitchen restaurant which serves a delicious array of Middle Eastern dishes as well as healthy salads and sinful desserts. The outdoor Courtyard restaurant was another favourite, its peaceful ambience and soft lighting at night make it an ideal place not only to eat but to enjoy shisha and tea for the evening.
Close to the airport and steps from top tourist attractions as well as an abundance of restaurants, Manzil Downtown is in the perfect location for a stopover break in Dubai.
