September 5th, 2008, by Mary Winston Nicklin
What’s Hot in Dubai: InterContinental Dubai Festival City
This year has seen the debut of another Dubai hotel inspired by the shape of a sailing yacht (the first architectural legend being the world-famous Burj Al Arab). The InterContinental Dubai Festival City is situated on the south bank of Dubai Creek in the midst of the city’s business and shopping districts (not far from the Burj Dubai). As befits a Dubai hotel, this place has more amenities than you can shake a stick at, starting with the five restaurants and two bars. Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire, the three-Michelin-starred chef, is causing quite the stir in Dubai’s culinary scene. Here you can sample “multisensory hits” (Japanese and Lebanese fare, too) in an adventurous dining experience. The hotel is connected to the big shopping center with a whopping 550 shops, and also a luxury 100-berth marina. Golfers like the two 18-hole championship courses just around the corner. Fodor’s hails the new hotel as “striking silhouette rising from the south bank of Dubai Creek.” Discerning travelers heart the MP3 docks and large flat-screen TVs. Vacationers like the “expansive free-form pool and sundecks, top-notch spa, and proximity to Festival City’s shopping and dining.” And “the sweeping marble foyer is a triumph of less-is-more modernism.”
Although I agree with you that the 1 yr old IC DXB Festival City is one of the best hotels in town and of the chain, please consider the following when booking:
- It takes roughly 25 mins from Festival City to the Burj Al Arab if you are travelling at night, otherwise, hotel staff will advise 45 mins, even Fodors got that better whilst reprinting most of the info…
- Reflets is empty most nights, I would say that their service fits that and lacks soul even though the food is making a bit up for it…
- Festival City, although close to being three years in operation, still hasn’t opened all of the projected 550 stores (maybe 350 - 400 in operation) and you will have nightly construction going on, I strongly advise taking a room away from the mall!