Whilst I had offers to collaborate with world renowned hotels located in Downtown Dubai and the Palm, I decided to collaborate with hotels all listed as 5* within a mile radius of each other to ensure that my final recommendation would be nothing but fair. Therefore, upon great analysis from a list of variables longer than Borat’s moustache, I decided to finally review the Habtoor Grand Resort, Amwaj Rotana (both of which are already on the blog) and the Address Dubai Marina.

It’s funny because throughout the three collaborations, I took a mental note of the unique WOW factors of each hotel.

It was a whirlwind of a 10 days but let’s reflect on my first hour at the Address Dubai. Pulling up with my chauffeur sent by the hotel, I loved the aura of the hotel…the area combines dining, entertainment, shopping and nightlife making it one of Dubai’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, so naturally I was excited to stay there. Walking in, the hotel decor and my first encounter with the lovely men in concierge Hazrat and Khadak offered me a snapshot into the hospitality of the hotel. You must know from my Instagram @hennasharif that I am marble crazy and the lobby was giving me all kind of feels. The floor length voil, pastel coloured ornamentation and fresh flowers coupled with the warm hand towels as well as tasty mint flavoured juice shots upon arrival created a distinctive welcome.

Check in was complex – in THE BEST way possible since I was offered a choice of rooms by Atul for the perfect stay. We decided on the 36th floor, which was home to a stream of perfectly designed studio suites. Spoiler alert…the 36th floor is NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED! However, if you can suck it up…you’ll have Dubai at your feet. It makes skyscrapers look miniature, Shades seem at best the size of my former paddling pool and undoubtedly the perfect backdrop for a picturesque sunset shot. Personally welcomed to the room, we delved into a spacious living space and open kitchen, complimented by a toilet (for those 6am emergency leaks after a long night out that can’t possibly be held for another 3.2 seconds until you get to the en-suite). This was followed by a beautiful bedroom with healthy wardrobe space and 180 degree views of Dubai, connected to the fire en-suite which occupies the daddy of all baths…again with a killer view of the Marina. Walking in, we were welcomed to a beautiful bowl of fruit and a collection of macaroons with funky injections filled with fresh juice.

As soon as our bags were unpacked, macaroons down, we hit Shades. The Address is such a vibe because of Shades…it attracts both locals and foreigners for its versatility. The Infinity Pool, all day food menu, beach beds make it the perfect spot to get golden during the day. Simultaneously, the sheesha, live DJ and good vibes transform it into one of Dubai’s most popular chill nightlife spots. Shout out to Wahed for slaying my rap battles, and the great service from Abiola and Mohit. Shades offered al-fresco dining, with flavours inspired by the Mediterranean. Following having dinner organised at Shades a few times, I have a whole set of dishes I want to recommend to you. I would highly praise the Address Spa Salad, Chicken Burger, Arabian Mix Grill, T-Bone Steak. You can also enjoy Kambaa and Nezesaussi Grill in the hotel for major sports events because we all know, you don’t miss a game when you have real fans.

Breakfast at the Mazina made me look forward to the next morning. I have seen inter-continental breakfast buffets fail so hard in the past at the very best hotels, so when I witnessed the Address championing Arabic, Asian and European dishes being cooked right in front of me creating an electric environment, I was impressed. I personally saw the whole team, especially Ian and Mahoud ensuring that the breakfast service met the needs of the variety of people the Address attracts, even those that turned up at 10.30am LOL.
My birthday eve was spent at a pool party at the Rixos, but prior to leaving I was surprised by the whole team with a beautiful birthday cake and a flock of colourful helium balloons. It was a most beautiful moment and one filled with complete joy and laughter. Tell a manager to organise something special for a loved one or even yourself (because you deserve it darling) if you have a birthday or a special occasion during your stay and I’m sure something spectacular will be arranged for you.

No review is complete without a run-down of the Spa – this has been a make or break for me in the past. The Spa at The Address treated me to an amazing 1 hour Aromatherapy Massage for my birthday. Now, I’ve previously complained about small things like uncomfortable headrests, cold rooms and bad service in my blogs. However, I must be picky af if i’m recommending a £200+ spa experience to my followers, who with that price tag expect a certain level of professionalism and excellence. However, from the in-depth consultation beforehand, to the hot foot and hand towel soak before and after the massage to having my needs met in the relaxation room, it was so well thought through…taking me back to my initial point that it is about all about the little things. You can enjoy a complete menu of signature treatments for face and body in a selection of 12 treatment rooms. Be sure to check out there sauna and steam baths for a complete detox.

I’m glad that I finally addressed how special the Address was! I would recommend the luxury hotel for more reasons than one, as you have discovered in this blog. I am excited to hear your thoughts on your travels to Dubai and your stay at the Address.

I would rate the The Address 4.5/5 based on the following grading:

5 – Amazing, 4 – Good, 3 – Average, 2 – Not good, 1 – Never coming back!

Location – 4.2

Service – 4.8

Facilities – 4.6

Room – 4.7

HS xo

25/05/2018