Arrival/Check-In: It was like coming home. Although I had never stayed at The Address Downtown Dubai, I felt I should know the property, as the hotel has won accolades in Global Traveler’s annual reader survey. I was traveling with a colleague, and we had a busy schedule of meetings and golf, so Rollaboards and golf bags were the order of the day. The staff did not miss a trick and took our bags directly to our rooms. At check-in, I fancied The Address-branded pens and was offered a few as a gift — nice touch!

Guest Quarters: A long hallway with closet space led to a spacious living and work area. The large rectangular room faced a row of windows and a sliding door to a patio, which ran the length of the room. From my room, I could see the main entrance to Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the water show. The Address has a modern and clean look with soothing earth tones. Two chairs and a coffee table flanked a large sofa in front of the window. Opposite was a dining table where one could easily entertain four for dinner. Opposite the bedroom was the most functional desk, with a flip cover revealing tabletop electrical outlets for plugging in all sorts of gizmos. Just next to the desk, where I spent a lot of time emailing and creating proposals, a built-in unit housed a flat-screen TV and a very functional single-cup coffeemaker and minibar.

Through a pair of pocket doors, the bedroom had a king-sized bed, several chairs and end tables and, of course, a flat-screen TV. The bathroom was impressive with a large soaking tub, double bowl sinks and a large shower on one side and commode on the other. I really enjoyed the design’s earth-tone mosaic glass tiles. Everything was functional. Bath amenities included Aromatherapy shampoo, conditioner, lotions and soaps, as well as shaving supplies, cotton swabs and other necessities travelers often need.

Services/Amenities: The Address Downtown has a great deal to offer when it comes to restaurants. You can choose not only from all the restaurants in the Dubai Mall but also a host of fine venues in the hotel. Zeta, an Asian-inspired restaurant, surrounds the pool and offers fantastic views of the fountain show; we had dinner and drinks here, and the place was abuzz. Fazaris offers Italian, Japanese and other cuisines and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. CUT is the Wolfgang Puck steak restaurant from Beverly Hills. I actually saw Wolfgang while he was departing the hotel, and we spoke for a few minutes about the hotel and his restaurant; he was impressed with The Address’ awards from our reader survey. The Cigar Lounge is a great option with beautiful views of Burj Khalifa. The Spa at The Address is located on the same level (lucky 13) as The Cigar Lounge; I simply did not have the time on this trip but plan to make a stop soon.

The Experience: I see why our readers like The Address Downtown; it is my new home in Dubai.

GT CHECKLIST

• Doorman/valet
• Less than 10 minutes for check-in
• Separate tub and shower
• Large vanity
• High-quality towels
• Powerful, unattached hair dryer
• High-quality bed linens
• Large, flat-screen television
• Large desk with convenient outlets
• Large, complimentary laptop safe
• Complimentary in-room WiFi
• Complimentary bottled water
• Stocked minibar
• Ample lighting
• In-room coffeemaker
• Iron and ironing board
• On-site restaurant and bar
• 24-hour room service
• State-of-the-art fitness center

The Address Downtown Dubai

Mohammed Bin Rashid Blvd.
P.O. Box 123234, Dubai, U.A.E.
tel 971 4 436 8888
theaddress.com