A Happy Marriage at The Lana Dubai, Dorchester Collection
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A Happy Marriage at The Lana Dubai, Dorchester Collection
The Lana Dubai’s breathtaking elegance and sublime Marina Sky Suites not only make it one of Dubai’s best luxury hotel stays but it also perfectly fits the brief for spouses looking to maximise brownie points, so our intrepid writer Matt Broderick can attest.
Written by Matt Broderick // Find other reviews here. You can follow Matt Broderick on Instagram or follow APEX Mystery Shoppers on Instagram. Photos provided by Matt Broderick and Z7 Communications for The Lana Dubai.
The Highs
The Lows
The Highs
The Lows
The Lana Dubai review
Anniversary weekend. Special vibes are needed. You chose–because of your job–the last 32 restaurants and four hotel stays. It’s probably not your turn to choose again. You want your long-suffering wife to be happy and enjoy the occasion, especially after a summer of co-sleeping with your child. (Moving house is a thankless task). You require luxury and elegance. The sort that encourages you to record a video of the room that will never see the light of day (apart from sharing said video with 20-odd WhatsApp chats ).
The Lana Dubai, part of the Dorchester Collection, is also the hotel group with whom I started my hospitality career at Park Lane. Today, The Lana is nestled in Business Bay, overlooking the Marasi Marina. Elegance and intimate touches abound. It’s almost like they stepped inside the eyes of my mind.
The Lana Dubai’s capacious reception with views onto the Downtown Dubai skyline. Suite check-in times are minimal.
The Lana Dubai, part of the Dorchester Collection, is also the hotel group with whom I started my hospitality career at Park Lane. Today, The Lana is nestled in Business Bay, overlooking the Marasi Marina. Elegance and intimate touches abound. It’s almost like they stepped inside the eyes of my mind.
The Lana Dubai’s capacious reception with views onto the Downtown Dubai skyline. Suite check-in times are minimal.
The Lana Dubai’s Marina Sky Suite sets the standard for unique getaways
Hate standing around at check-in for 17 minutes just to re-write the email address you already provided? At The Lana, you sit and enjoy a drink instead. Will you get to the 711 square foot Marina Sky Suite and wait 25 minutes for your bags? No chance, The Lana bellhop is there, smiling knowingly. (As an aside, the Suites are large enough to lose my wife twice during the weekend!).
My wife is delighted. I already won. Gorgeous flowers on entry; she is distracted only by the Marina Sky Suite’s towering Burj Khalifa skyline. Give me this any day over the Palm views.
“Luxury maroon slippers”, “the world’s rarest apples”, “Avantcha tea”, “look at this Champagne!”, and “wowzers” are all flying out of our mouths as we enter the terrace and take a photograph to show how “bloody massive “it is (108ft2, big enough to render your elated wife a teeny spec on the horizon).
The Lana’s Marina Sky Suite and king-sized bed with canal and Downtown Dubai skyline views. Suitable for taking someone’s breath away.
The view is what we are here for, and it’s beautiful. Who doesn’t love staring wistfully at the boats in the marina but somehow still admire Dubai’s skyline? The only thing that spoils the view is the construction noise. It is not the worst I have heard, but you will struggle to find a hotel in Dubai that is not near construction of some sort. It is the price we pay for living in a fast-paced city.
As someone who will refuse to return to a hotel based on the quality of biscuits, The Lana is ticking boxes faster than I can count. The going rate is around AED 2,000 per night (oddly, substantially more if booked directly through The Lana’s website). Full disclosure: we are paying AED 850 for the night as a media partner of the hotel. Our upgrade to the Marina Sky Suite was due to our anniversary, and the streets tell me that this upgrade has not been afforded to other influential writers.
“Dubai signature Downtown skyline views taken from the open terrace of Jara by Martín Berasategui”.
My wife is delighted. I already won. Gorgeous flowers on entry; she is distracted only by the Marina Sky Suite’s towering Burj Khalifa skyline. Give me this any day over the Palm views.
“Luxury maroon slippers”, “the world’s rarest apples”, “Avantcha tea”, “look at this Champagne!”, and “wowzers” are all flying out of our mouths as we enter the terrace and take a photograph to show how “bloody massive “it is (108ft2, big enough to render your elated wife a teeny spec on the horizon).
The Lana’s Marina Sky Suite and king-sized bed with canal and Downtown Dubai skyline views. Suitable for taking someone’s breath away.
The view is what we are here for, and it’s beautiful. Who doesn’t love staring wistfully at the boats in the marina but somehow still admire Dubai’s skyline? The only thing that spoils the view is the construction noise. It is not the worst I have heard, but you will struggle to find a hotel in Dubai that is not near construction of some sort. It is the price we pay for living in a fast-paced city.
As someone who will refuse to return to a hotel based on the quality of biscuits, The Lana is ticking boxes faster than I can count. The going rate is around AED 2,000 per night (oddly, substantially more if booked directly through The Lana’s website). Full disclosure: we are paying AED 850 for the night as a media partner of the hotel. Our upgrade to the Marina Sky Suite was due to our anniversary, and the streets tell me that this upgrade has not been afforded to other influential writers.
“Dubai signature Downtown skyline views taken from the open terrace of Jara by Martín Berasategui”.
There’s a gorgeous-looking spa and a gym that—ironically—I run past in case I have to do some of that exercise stuff I have seen on the socials. The people I saw entering and leaving looked ‘fit’, so I’m guessing the gym does its job.
The Lana Dubai’s Marina Sky Suite bathroom
Luxury regales with an automatic watch-winder for my Richard Mille in the dressing room. A toilet with heated seats and technological alternatives to the shattaf. My favourite thing is the bathtub with a view, but Liam–quite rightly–would not let me include my photograph of it. A slate grey head pillow for the bath (see image below); why does every hotel not have this? A gorgeous bathrobe – singular, being a rare error – is soft and welcoming, as it should be. The Wildsmith Skin toiletries exude exclusivity, and the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer is literally and figuratively perfect for my haircut, which is finally back in fashion courtesy of the impending Oasis reunion.
The Lana Dubai’s Marina Sky Suite’s bathroom includes ultra-soft robes and a spacious bathtubs with Wildsmith Skin toiletries.
Diving into bed to open the leatherbound remote control box and turn on the Bang & Olufsen television, I realise I might not leave. The bed has engulfed me (much like a phagocyte for my biology fans), and it owns me. But, I must leave to enjoy the much-vaunted food and beverage available.
The WiFi was fast enough for me to stream two shows simultaneously, and the minibar was laden with premium brands. Thankfully, the outside noise of construction is not heard from inside, and the room is very much an oasis of calm and quiet. This is the perfect room for anyone who wants to switch off from the outside world; a room that makes you want to stay inside for the duration of your stay. Thus, it’s perfect for an anniversary couple or a weary business traveller. I would not be bringing my child here because I would be too worried about the damage he might cause–and the AED 145 price point of the chicken tenders on the “Children’s Menu”.
Inside The Lana Dubai’s Dior Spa with uninterrupted view of Downtown Dubai’s skyline and the water.
As a diligent and committed member of the F+B scene, I have been to the Mediterranean Riviera by Jean Imbert and posted about the immaculately crusted tenderloin (AED 365) before, as well as the face-slappingly pleasing tart au citron (AED 110 for two). The service is slick, but some dishes certainly ‘wow’ more than others. Choose wisely!
I still dream of the croquettes, the Cantabrian anchovy duo, and the deliriously decadent butter at the Basque restaurant Jara by Martín Berasategui. It’s all set against a backdrop of well-balanced sound levels (kudos to Daniel Evans at Music Concierge) in the restaurant. The Basque music and interiors are home to some beautiful wood-fired cooking but, regrettably, results in the occasional blemish when busy. We quaffed plenty of AED 99 Ruinart (Brut) by the glass at High Society and cuddled under soft blankets under the stars of a cooler evening.
“The Lana’s restaurants include Jara by Martín Berasategui, a Basque grill restaurant with a striking bar and views across Downtown Dubai’s skyline.”
Jara and Riviera stand out, but there is so much more available at The Lana Dubai, which makes the journey here from other areas of Downtown worthwhile. Afternoon tea at the Bonbon Café promises world-class patisserie by Chef Angelo Musa, and the bar next to Jara is ebulliently cool, but sultry. It is featured in an upcoming “date night” review of mine.
“Inside the dramatic dining room of The Lana’s Jara by Martín Berasategui.”
There’s a gorgeous-looking spa and a gym that—ironically—I run past in case I have to do some of that exercise stuff I have seen on the socials. The people I saw entering and leaving looked ‘fit’, so I’m guessing the gym does its job.
Instead, I exercise my right to sip spicy margaritas– generous ones-–on the 30th-floor infinity pool and admire the ridiculous beauty of this great city that we live in. I can see the docks that will house the speedboat to take you to One At Palm Jumeirah for beach club luxury (another Dorchester Collection property). But, you know what? I don’t fancy that. I prefer the city views with my spicy margarita pool dip. My wife is happy again because the infinity pool edge draws me far enough away from her to give her some much-needed peace.
It’s the perfect anniversary, really. If you really want a beach, I think One At The Palm Jumeirah is the place for you.
The Lana’s near panoramic views overlooking Dubai from the infinity pool ease any guilt about skipping the gym–spicy margs help. The second photo is from inside High Society with partial pool and Downtown Dubai views.
Ordering your breakfast to the room is exciting. I despise buffet breakfasts, but I think the Mediterranean feeling of dining in Riviera would be somewhat romantic. The menu is (maybe too) huge and caters for all tastes, from continental European to Arabic to healthy. I got what I wanted: gorgeous coffee, fresh orange juice and fluffy pancakes. The only thing missing is a bread option that matches the quality of both Jara and Riviera’s bread. Breakfast is leisurely and arrives at the exact time requested. It means getting out of THAT bed and using the iPad-style device to open the curtains and set the lighting to a mood to suit (bright enough to see but not too bright so my wife realises how old I look in the morning).
(Top tip for young men: your wife will not be interested in the different light and curtain settings, no matter how enthusiastically you proclaim them. She will love flowers and taking selfies against the blue water backdrop.)
Even checking out is smooth and efficient. Too fast as it means we have to leave. But we go with a genuine volley of smiles and goodbyes. Anniversary weekend? The Lana for the win. See you next year.
It took ten years to work out how to rouse this smile. It turns out it takes flowers and staycays.
100% yes. So much so that we have agreed to return for our next special occasion, whether it be my wife’s birthday or the next anniversary.
The Lana appeals to luxury travel seekers, couples looking for a unique retreat, city travellers who want to explore Downtown Dubai, Dubai residents looking for a luxury staycation and guests who appreciate privacy.
The Lana Dubai’s Marina Sky Suite’s bathroom includes ultra-soft robes and a spacious bathtubs with Wildsmith Skin toiletries.
The Lana Dubai’s Marina Sky Suite amenities.
Diving into bed to open the leatherbound remote control box and turn on the Bang & Olufsen television, I realise I might not leave. The bed has engulfed me (much like a phagocyte for my biology fans), and it owns me. But, I must leave to enjoy the much-vaunted food and beverage available.
The WiFi was fast enough for me to stream two shows simultaneously, and the minibar was laden with premium brands. Thankfully, the outside noise of construction is not heard from inside, and the room is very much an oasis of calm and quiet. This is the perfect room for anyone who wants to switch off from the outside world; a room that makes you want to stay inside for the duration of your stay. Thus, it’s perfect for an anniversary couple or a weary business traveller. I would not be bringing my child here because I would be too worried about the damage he might cause–and the AED 145 price point of the chicken tenders on the “Children’s Menu”.
Inside The Lana Dubai’s Dior Spa with uninterrupted view of Downtown Dubai’s skyline and the water.
The Lana Dubai’s restaurants and bars
As a diligent and committed member of the F+B scene, I have been to the Mediterranean Riviera by Jean Imbert and posted about the immaculately crusted tenderloin (AED 365) before, as well as the face-slappingly pleasing tart au citron (AED 110 for two). The service is slick, but some dishes certainly ‘wow’ more than others. Choose wisely!
I still dream of the croquettes, the Cantabrian anchovy duo, and the deliriously decadent butter at the Basque restaurant Jara by Martín Berasategui. It’s all set against a backdrop of well-balanced sound levels (kudos to Daniel Evans at Music Concierge) in the restaurant. The Basque music and interiors are home to some beautiful wood-fired cooking but, regrettably, results in the occasional blemish when busy. We quaffed plenty of AED 99 Ruinart (Brut) by the glass at High Society and cuddled under soft blankets under the stars of a cooler evening.
“The Lana’s restaurants include Jara by Martín Berasategui, a Basque grill restaurant with a striking bar and views across Downtown Dubai’s skyline.”
Jara and Riviera stand out, but there is so much more available at The Lana Dubai, which makes the journey here from other areas of Downtown worthwhile. Afternoon tea at the Bonbon Café promises world-class patisserie by Chef Angelo Musa, and the bar next to Jara is ebulliently cool, but sultry. It is featured in an upcoming “date night” review of mine.
“Inside the dramatic dining room of The Lana’s Jara by Martín Berasategui.”
The Lana Dubai’s rooftop infinity pool, bar and MORE views
There’s a gorgeous-looking spa and a gym that—ironically—I run past in case I have to do some of that exercise stuff I have seen on the socials. The people I saw entering and leaving looked ‘fit’, so I’m guessing the gym does its job.
Instead, I exercise my right to sip spicy margaritas– generous ones-–on the 30th-floor infinity pool and admire the ridiculous beauty of this great city that we live in. I can see the docks that will house the speedboat to take you to One At Palm Jumeirah for beach club luxury (another Dorchester Collection property). But, you know what? I don’t fancy that. I prefer the city views with my spicy margarita pool dip. My wife is happy again because the infinity pool edge draws me far enough away from her to give her some much-needed peace.
It’s the perfect anniversary, really. If you really want a beach, I think One At The Palm Jumeirah is the place for you.
The Lana’s near panoramic views overlooking Dubai from the infinity pool ease any guilt about skipping the gym–spicy margs help. The second photo is from inside High Society with partial pool and Downtown Dubai views.
The Lana Dubai’s in-room breakfast
Ordering your breakfast to the room is exciting. I despise buffet breakfasts, but I think the Mediterranean feeling of dining in Riviera would be somewhat romantic. The menu is (maybe too) huge and caters for all tastes, from continental European to Arabic to healthy. I got what I wanted: gorgeous coffee, fresh orange juice and fluffy pancakes. The only thing missing is a bread option that matches the quality of both Jara and Riviera’s bread. Breakfast is leisurely and arrives at the exact time requested. It means getting out of THAT bed and using the iPad-style device to open the curtains and set the lighting to a mood to suit (bright enough to see but not too bright so my wife realises how old I look in the morning).
(Top tip for young men: your wife will not be interested in the different light and curtain settings, no matter how enthusiastically you proclaim them. She will love flowers and taking selfies against the blue water backdrop.)
Even checking out is smooth and efficient. Too fast as it means we have to leave. But we go with a genuine volley of smiles and goodbyes. Anniversary weekend? The Lana for the win. See you next year.
It took ten years to work out how to rouse this smile. It turns out it takes flowers and staycays.
The Lana Dubai, Would I Return?
100% yes. So much so that we have agreed to return for our next special occasion, whether it be my wife’s birthday or the next anniversary.
The Lana Dubai, Who Should You Come?
The Lana appeals to luxury travel seekers, couples looking for a unique retreat, city travellers who want to explore Downtown Dubai, Dubai residents looking for a luxury staycation and guests who appreciate privacy.
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