Shangri-La: The Best Luxury Hotel in Dubai

Looking for the best luxury hotel in Dubai? Your search ends at Shangri-La, which offers the best location, great facilities, fantastic restaurants, top-notch service, and a lot more.

Cloud-piercing skyscrapers, emerald green coastline, and the magnificent Arabian Desert combine to make this sparkling city the preferred destination for more than 16 million visitors every year. There’s arguably no place as lavish as Dubai. People go to Dubai to embark upon shopping sprees journey, or to party like there’s no tomorrow, or to pay homage to some of the most astonishing wonders of modern architecture in the world. The city is home to the world’s tallest skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa, rising high at 830m. If you go to Dubai, then it is an absolute must for you to stay at its extraordinary luxury hotels that pamper you with elegant rooms, refined international food, and extra-special amenities. Below is my experience of staying at Shangri-La, the best luxury hotel in Dubai.

In a city that strives to be extravagant, Shangri-La is an elegant retreat in a desert sanctuary. There are some hotels which simply have it all. Shangri-La is one of them. The views, the location, the food and above all – a sense of belongingness. There are 302 luxury rooms and suites, as well as an exclusive Horizon Club with special benefits. The hotel welcomed me with warm décor comprising of sleek lines and native artworks. I was spoilt for choice when it came to dining. An inspiring culinary journey I took through Asia, Europe, India and South America. And, I really loved lounging around the curved swimming pool. Here are my reasons why I recommend this place to anyone who loves luxury living.

WHY choose Shangri-La Dubai?

Prime Location

There are very few hotels in Dubai that can boast of a location and views like the Shangri-La Dubai. Located along Sheikh Zayed Road, the hotel is right in the center of Dubai’s bustling area with shopping, entertainment and wild skyscrapers just a few blocks away. It is a 15-minute taxi ride to the airport and beach. 10 minutes to the World Trade Centre, Dubai International Financial Centre, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Mall, and Burj Khalifa. The commute is never a problem at Shangri-La with 24-hour taxi service right at the doorstep and the nearest metro station is just 550m away. Also, there’s a regular free shuttle service to major shopping hubs.

Musical Fountain at Dubai Mall

Spectacular Views

One of the outstanding features of Shangri-La Dubai is the spectacular views it offers from its balcony, outdoor lounge, and rooms. Taking the lift to the top floor, I cross an exclusive indoor swimming pool and gym to reach a balcony which offers arguably the best views in Dubai. The glamorous cityscape stretches out in front of my eyes – studded necklace-like skyline, tall mirrored skyscrapers, a colourful network of Dubai’s highway system and of course the needle-like sky-piercing Burj Khalifa.

Burj Khalifa day view from my room at Shangri-La, Dubai

Burj Khalifa night view from my room at Shangri-La, Dubai

Refined Style and Character

If you are staying in a city renowned for its desert splendour, your hotel is expected to deliver the same. And, Shangri-La cuts no corner. Huge vases line the front of the building as I approach the hotel and concierge dressed in vivid red welcome me with a radiant smile. I step inside this sleek, 42-storey tower to find an atrium-style lobby with Lasvit chandeliers. At the check-in counter, I can’t help but get captivated by the striking artwork featuring hundreds of books in various languages. My check-in is quick and hassle-free. Before settling in my room, I take in a moment to appreciate the understated elegance of the hotel. Classy style exudes from every corner – pristine marble floors, matching walls, and furnishings are tastefully done in accents of gold, shimmer, and tropical floral colours.

Shangri-La lobby, Dubai

Unmatched Spa & Wellness Treatments

Having experienced the signature Philippine Hilot Massage at Shangri-La Mactan Cebu, I am really looking forward to another session of authentic natural healing. And, I must say Chi Spa, Shangri-La Dubai surpassed my expectations. I walk through the candlelit walkway, lined with tranquil rose petal pools, to meet my therapist. She pairs the holistic spa rituals with the finest European skin care products and customise the treatment as per my body requirement. The Arabian-inspired treatments use ingredients like dates, coffee, and rhassoul mud.

Chi Spa, Shangri-La, Dubai

Before getting the spa treatment, I relax at the whirlpool facilities and an outdoor pool. There is also the neighbouring health club where you could work out at the gym, play squash or take fitness classes.

Fitness Centre, Shangri-La, Dubai

Impressive Dining Options

I hardly dine at hotels I stay in but Shangri-La Dubai was an exception. The hotel is home to more restaurants than you could imagine and there’s something to satisfy almost every craving. The best part about the hotel is its staff – brought from the nations of each featured cuisine, ensuring a most authentic dining experience with a dash of Shangri-La’s renowned service.

Shang Palace

Shang Palace, Shangri-La, Dubai

The signature restaurant of Shangri-La Hotels worldwide, Shang Palace, is one of the best places I ever had a mouth-watering Cantonese and provincial Chinese delicacies. I really love its vegetable dumplings, Sweet Corn Soup, Pan-fried Tofu with Black Truffle, Fresh Mango Pudding, and the unlimited fragrant green tea. Unfortunately, being a vegetarian I can’t try their highly-acclaimed Beijing Duck and yum cha.

Shang Palace, Shangri-La Dubai

Shang Palace, a unique fusion of a mystical Far Eastern ambiance and the finest cuisine is one place you mustn’t miss out on. During my conversation with the restaurant manager, Yuan Mao Alex, I get to know a unique fact about Shangri-La’s signature restaurant – even if there are multiple Shangri-La hotels in a city, there will always be only one Shang Palace in the city. 

Hoi An

Hoi An Restaurant at Shangri-La, Dubai

An authentic Vietnamese restaurant run by a completely Vietnamese team will take you back to the country of flavours – Vietnam. While chef Pham Ngoc Quan works his magic in the kitchen, his charming sister Luyen manages the front of house. The food is the best Vietnamese food you can get in the city where you never run out of options and interestingly the restaurant was also the first Vietnamese restaurant in Dubai. Its ambiance will remind you of the charming city of Hoi An in Vietnam.

Hoi An Restaurant, Shangri-La, Dubai

Junoon

Although this restaurant was closed for renovation during my visit, it is a must for Indian Cuisine lovers. The Michelin star restaurant serves a modern Indian menu which has won countless awards and hails from its big brother of the same name in New York.

Dune’s Cafe

I’m not much of a breakfast person as I mostly wake up late – but I wouldn’t miss breakfast at Dune’s café for anything. A gorgeous large dining room with an equally impressive buffet and ala-carte menu. – Dunes Café offers a wide selection of pastries, fresh smoothies, and eggs cooked to order, plus Indian, Chinese, Arabic and Western hot and cold dishes. I really enjoyed mouth-watering dishes, prepared at live cooking stations by world-class chefs (Don’t forget to read my Hummus story). From breakfast through to dinner, there’s something to suit every mood and taste.

One caveat – it is a much in demand hotel with almost full bookings through the year, therefore, it does get very busy in the morning, so the earlier the better.

WHAT do you get?

Rooms

There are 42 stories with 519 rooms of which 302 are guest rooms, 29 suites, 126 serviced-apartments, and 62 residences. The Deluxe Burj Khalifa view room that I am checked in offers stylish comfort with the luxury of space. As I enter the room, the motorised curtains open to reveal the eye-popping view of the city. A hand-written note from the Hotel GM, baklava, a basket of Fresh fruit, a well-stocked mini-bar and flowers welcome me.

The room features an inviting earth-tone design that is based on warm sycamore veneers. In addition, my room is decorated with original local artwork and feature impressive views of the Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai cityscape as well as unobstructed views of the cloud-kissing Burj Khalifa. A perfectly placed work desk, with complimentary Wi-Fi combined with a spectacular view literally, makes ‘work fun’. My bathroom is spacious with zesty Mint premium toiletries and a lovely walk-in rain-forest shower. Not to mention the added bonus of club room access on the 42nd floor.

Facilities

Let me warn you beforehand – staying at Shangri-La is spoiling yourselves with luxury living. You would enjoy it so much, you wouldn’t ever want to leave. Here are few more things that stood out for me.

Its lobby lounge serves an assortment of all-day patisseries, as well as a full afternoon tea and an array of cocktails, juices, and fine wines. Evenings are pulsating with live music playing almost every single night.

The 4th-floor poolside lounge is a great place to unwind with white sun loungers, hot pink towels, and amazing Burj Khalifa views. The best time to visit this poolside bar is after dark when it transforms from a relaxing place into a high-octane bar powered by shisha and DJ tunes.

On the same level is CHI Spa, and a health club with gym, saunas, steam rooms, plunge pools, tennis and squash courts. Club room guests have access to a fantastic private health club on level 42 with an indoor pool and suntrap terrace.

Other amenities

• Bar
• Fitness centre
• Sauna
• Spa
• Steam room/hammam
• Tennis court
• Laundry
• Parking
• Pool
• Restaurants
• Room service
• Wi-Fi
• Shuttle service

Staff

The best part of Shangri-La is its signature service. The staff remembers you by name and are genuinely warm, helpful and professional. I have stayed at so many luxury hotels around the world but the way Shangri-La gives the personal touch is a different league. Whether it was Amanda (Communication Manager) or Yuan Mao Alex (Manager at Shang Palace) or Assad (Chef at Shangri-La) or even the housekeeping staff; everyone made me feel at home. Talking to them was like talking to a friend.

Chef Assad of Dunes Cafe, Shangri-La Dubai.

HOW to book?

You can book directly on the hotel website https://www.shangri-la.com/dubai/shangrila/ or you can also book through third-party websites like tripadvisor.com or booking.com

Dubai is one of the most visited cities in the world and “Where are you staying?” is like asking where you live back home. People always judge you where you are staying. So, having the best luxury hotel in Dubai as your home, even for a few nights, guarantees a positive first impression.

Burj Khalifa, Dubai

Have you ever stayed at Shangri-La or any other best luxury hotel in Dubai? If yes, I would love to hear from you.

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Disclaimer

I was hosted by Shangri-La Dubai in December 2017. However, as always, the views are solely mine and based on my personal experience.