With over 800 hotels in Dubai, it can be very difficult to decide where to stay. I look for 3 main factors. 1) It needs a pool 2) It needs a great view 3) It needs to be close to things to see and do. One of the hotels I had the pleasure of staying in on a recent trip to Dubai was Avani+ Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suites which not only ticked all the boxes but had so much more in store.
You’ve probably guessed just from the name of the hotel that it is located in Jumeirah overlooking the majestic palm, marina and towering skyscrapers along the coastline. Its ideal location means it is less than 30 minutes to both international airports, right on the entrance to the palm and conveniently located right next to the local tram station which we utilised many times during our stay. From this stop you can easily visit the palm, the mall of the Emirates and many of the attractions in Dubai in less than 30 minutes.
Split into a hotel and apartment complex, there are 247 studios and apartments with kitchen and laundry facilities. My companion and I were in a Superior Two Bedroom Sea View Apartment a spacious and well equipped suite that was perfect for our 3 night stay. We loved the view from the living room of the Dubai wheel and yachts pulling into the marina and it was especially impressive at night.
The decoration is modern and relaxed with lovely dark blue corner sofas perfect for lounging, enjoying the view and relaxing after a long day of exploring. We were very grateful for the fully equipped kitchen, not because of its cooking facilities (but of course the option is there) but for the addition of a washer and dryer. After spending 4 nights in Dubai already, and one of the days on a desert safari, it was wonderful to be able to wash and dry our clothes ready to be worn again. I wish all hotels had this as I returned home with half the amount of washing I usually have!
The swimming pool at the Avani+ is not to be missed, with temperatures well above 30 degrees in summer it is a welcome addition to the hotel. The sun loungers are lovely and comfy and towels are provided by the lifeguards on duty throughout the day. With views of the Burj al Arab and Burj Khalifa in the distance it’s a great place to take in the scale of the city but do be aware that there is construction work happening opposite the hotel and the noise did impact our time there. But I’m sure once it is completed it will be back to an area of tranquil bliss.
The hotel also has an impressive gym called Avani+ Fit which is open 24 hours a day and has every machine you could wish to use as well as a dedicated team of personal trainers and fitness instructors to keep you limber throughout your stay. But my stay wasn’t about fitness, it was about indulgence, which brings me on to the food.
We were delighted to dine at the hotel’s newest restaurant La Sirene an authentic Lebanese gourmet concept that transports you to mediterranean shores. You can choose to sit out on the terrace with views of the palm, in the shisha lounge or in the air conditioned main restaurant in one of the spectacular booths. The whole space is beautifully decorated with traditional Lebanese fabrics and artwork throughout, the dramatic lighting, mirrored ceiling and soft leather seating give it an authentic and yet thoroughly chic feel.
We were welcomed by Jinson who helped us decide where to sit and arranged a perfectly chilled bottle of wine for us. We then met the manager, and Lebanese native, Nour who was just incredible at her job. As we hadn’t experienced a lot of Lebanese cuisine she talked us through every single dish on the menu she thought we would enjoy from her own preferences and gave the chef’s suggestions.
We began with Double cooked octopus leg with flame seared red peppers and a fennel citrus salad and the classic hummus with a selection of freshly baked flatbreads. The octopus was so beautifully cooked and tasty and the salad was a zesty, refreshing accompaniment. We also tried the Hindbeh Bil Zeit which is dandelion greens with fried onion, garlic and olive oil Kibbeh Maklieh which were a blend of minced lamb with crushed wheat, onion and spine nuts and some friend cheese rolls which were incredibly crispy and indulgent!
For our main we decided to go for the classic Chicken Shawarma as where better to enjoy the most popular Lebanese dish than an authentic restaurant? The chicken was unbelievably juicy and soft and packed full of flame grilled flavour. The pickles and garlic sauce went perfectly with the meat but be warned the garlic sauce tastes like it is 99% garlic and is most definitely not for a first date! We were given a choice of desserts by the lovely and chatty Islam from Alexandria, who spoke of his love for the city of Dubai and enjoyment of his job. He suggested a selection of baklava and some ice creams which went down a treat. It was a really lovely evening.
For a comfortable night’s sleep with incredible views to wake up to, an infinity pool view with an impressive cityscape as the backdrop and wonderful food to boot, Avani+ Palm View Hotel & Suites is a great place to call home for a stay in Dubai.
Avani+ Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suites
P.O. Box 502624
Dubai Media City
TECOM
Dubai
