On my recent trip to Dubai, I spent two nights at the fairly new Waldorf Astoria Dubai IFC, located in the financial district, a short three-minute drive from Dubai Mall. I’m normally a big fan of the Waldorf Astoria brand and this hotel was no exception!
Hotel Location
The Waldorf Astoria is located just north of Downtown Dubai in the financial district, a short distance from many of Dubai’s top restaurants and attractions.
Check In
Hotel Entrance
Hotel Entrance
Hotel Entrance
I arrived at the hotel around 11:30am where my temperature was checked, and I was guided down a long hallway to an elevator bank, bringing me up the hotel lobby located on the 18th floor.
While I didn’t love having to walk down this long hallway and take two elevators every time I go in and out of the hotel, I did love the décor and smells along the way.
Once on the 18th floor, I was invited to check in immediately by Henry, one of the friendliest hotel staff I’ve encountered in all my travels!
He apologized that the room was still being cleaned and invited me to have a coffee in the adjacent Peacock Alley – Waldorf Astoria’s signature café/lounge.
After about 15 minutes, the room was ready, and I made my way up to the 39th floor.
The Room
As a Hilton Diamond member, I was given a complementary upgrade to room 3911, a King Premier Suite located on the 39th floor.
The door opens to a short hallway which leads to the living room/office, guest bathroom, and master bedroom.
Premier Suite Entrance
Premier Suite
Premier Suite
Guest Bathroom
The living room provided comfortable seating for 6 including two couches and an additional two armchairs surrounding a marble coffee table.
Beside the window was a large desk where I spent plenty of time working. The desk was perfect size for me and included two conveniently placed power outlets and other ports built into the side.
Beside the desk was a chest of drawers containing some minibar items and glassware, as well as a Nespresso machine and electric kettle.
Several locations throughout the suite have universal controls over the lights, window blinds and curtains, and do not disturb button.
The adjacent bedroom was a bit compact, but well decorated with lovely notes of cream, beige, marble, and wood. The room had one king bed with night tables at either end and a beige bench at the foot of the bed.
Beside the window was a single armchair and a tiny table, just large enough to hold a tissue box. I would have loved a larger lounge chair beside the window and found this single chair to be a bit useless.
In the corridor leading to the master bathroom were the closets as well as space to keep a suitcase.
The bathroom featured double sinks, a large marble bathtub, and separate toilet and shower.
The Waldorf Astoria provides Ferragamo Tuscan Soul toiletries which are among my favorite offered by chain hotels.
While the suite was not massive, it utilizes the space well and is beautifully designed. I just wish they could have replaced the bedroom armchair with a chaise lounge or similar more comfortable lounge chair. Otherwise I was very happy with the room.
Breakfast
The Waldorf Astoria serves breakfast every morning in the Bull and Bear restaurant located on the 18th floor, just beside reception. I loved the restaurant design and the great views of Downtown Dubai each morning!
Due to Covid-19, there was no buffet; all the food was brought directly to the table.
The menu read as follows:
The breakfast included in my rate allowed me to choose one of the two “in the bowl” options, a choice of six different egg dishes, a selection of breads, pastries, fruit, drinks, and two sides which include avocado, bacon, sausage, feta cheese and more.
The first morning I had the English breakfast, bircher muesli, avocado, feta cheese, a plate of pastries, fruit, and an orange juice and cappuccino to drink. The pastries were just okay, however the rest of the food was very tasty and fresh.
The next morning I had the homemade granola with blueberries, masala omelet, fruit plate, and an iced coffee. The granola and blueberries were delicious as was the fruit, though I didn’t find the omelet to have much flavor (even though I was warned that it would be very spicy).
I was disappointed to find out that pancakes and waffles were an extra charge, otherwise I was quite happy with the breakfast both mornings. The food was tasty, fresh, and well presented.
Hotel Amenities
The Waldorf Astoria offers guests all the amenities expected from a five star property including a beautiful pool deck, spa, gym, and several on site restaurants. There is no executive lounge at this property.
I spent a good amount of time at the pool during my stay and found it peaceful between my lounge chair, the jacuzzi and the pool.
Bottom Line
The Waldorf Astoria is among favorite city hotels in the world. Service was excellent, the hotel design is unique and luxurious, and the breakfast and other amenities are very good. I do prefer having access to an executive lounge which is a big reason I’ve kept my Diamond status over the years, but I was fine without it this stay.
While there are certainly many other Dubai hotels I would love to try, I will no doubt be back at the Waldorf Astoria.