I will not soon forget my first visit to Dubai, although I have stayed in hundreds of hotels in the past and written many reviews. But Dubai is without a doubt an unforgettable experience!
For my trip to Dubai, I chose to fly with Emirates, in less than 7 hours you can get to Dubai via a direct flight from Brussels Airport and from the airport in Dubai you can drive to Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk in just 15 minutes.
This trip was my first visit to Dubai and my stay at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk immediately lands in my top 10 best hotels ever. A great experience from the very beginning. I had booked a private driver through the hotel, so an American SUV picked me up from the airport and quickly drove me to the hotel where I was able to check in smoothly at reception.
Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk opened on 29 October 2020 and offers a perfect balance between modern French art de vivre and ancient Egypt reflecting the well-known design elements of Wafi, a signature shopping and leisure destination including Khan Murjan Souk, Vox Cinema & Magic Planet. The hotel has 595 units including 498 luxury rooms and suites and 97 furnished and serviced residences. The Obelisk has 51 floors, my suite was on the 48th floor. It was already 02:00 local time when I checked in, so time for a power nap … The view of the illuminated city from the 48th floor was already breathtaking, so I couldn’t imagine what it would be like in the morning … After a short but good night’s sleep in an excellent bed, I opened my curtain via the home automation system … Believe me when I say that the panorama presented to me was magnificent, simply stunning!
The suite was equipped with a dining room, with even more stunning views of Dubai Downtown, a bathroom with a large rain shower and a bathtub also overlooking the city.
Sofitel uses very luxury products for its customers, such as Hermès bath products. The suite had 3 rooms with a living area, a bedroom and a bathroom.
Exquisite cuisine
If you are a foodie, your palate is in for a treat! The Obelisk offers distinctive dining concepts in its stylish restaurants. Brasserie Boulud offers a true French brasserie experience. The perfect space for parties and social gatherings, La Veranda offers a covered alfresco experience with a skylight ceiling that changes the mood lighting depending on the hours of the day, giving guests the effect of being on an outdoor terrace in the open azure sky. With contemporary cuisine, taste buds will take flight at Taiko Dubai as guests feast on the flavours and textures of the Far East. The Nine, a British neighbourhood gastropub with ancient Egyptian influences, is eclectic in both ambience and design, offering a lively atmosphere where guests will have the chance to watch sports games and socialise while enjoying all the British favourites. Located in the heart of the hotel lobby, the modern, elegant and sophisticated Bijou welcomes guests into a paradise of sweet indulgence. Sofitel’s signature afternoon tea, Le Goȗter, is a unique combination of flavours created with passion and served in a sophisticated jewel box unlocked with a special key.
Fortunately, I was able to try almost everything at this hotel, including the restaurants, with Taiko being my absolute favourite. As such, breakfast was more than fantastic: a wide choice with a la carte options as well. Through my booking, I had access to the Club Millésime on the 51st floor where you can enjoy a private breakfast with, again, stunning views over the city. The same club is transformed into an apero chic club where wines, gin and tonic etc and tasty snacks are served every evening between 6pm and 8pm, worth the upgrade!
Proximity
Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk is not only just 10 minutes from Dubai International Airport, but it is also close to the business and financial district, Downtown Dubai, the legendary Burj Khalifa, La Mer beach, the Creek and major cultural and tourist attractions.
Leisure
Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk offers the ultimate in leisure and relaxation. With an outdoor pool shaped like the key of the Nile with the symbol of Wafi engraved in the centre of the pool in Arabic calligraphy, the pool is surrounded by a sail-shaped bar and a series of private cabanas, two of which have their own jacuzzi. With private cabanas, aromatic shishas and a tempting menu inspired by Mediterranean and Levantine cuisine, this oasis of relaxation serves as a pool by day that transforms into an exotic lounge after sunset.
Sofitel FITNESS offers the perfect environment to work out thanks to a full range of state-of-the-art Technogym equipment and a studio, ideal for group classes.
L’Obelisque ballroom
With a dedicated private entrance, two grand staircases lead to a spacious pre-functional area filled with natural daylight, where guests enter the magnificent L’Obelisque ballroom, which can be divided into three rooms and can accommodate up to 600 guests. The ceiling of the ballroom is decorated with chandeliers made of Swarovski crystals in the shape of star constellations, allowing guests to celebrate their special occasion ‘under the stars’.
Meetings
Guests have access to more than 2,300 m² of meeting space, including 10 meeting venues and a state-of-the-art ballroom ideal for the most sought-after social gatherings. The names of the meeting venues symbolise the grand journey of the Luxor Obelisk from the temple of Luxor in Egypt to its arrival at Place de la Concorde in Paris.
Sustainability
In line with the UAE Vision 2021 on improving air quality, conserving water resources, increasing the contribution of clean energy and implementing a green growth plan, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk is committed to a sustainable environment and infrastructure, and has reaffirmed that it will implement measures at launch with sustainability initiatives such as a zero plastic policy, an increase in digital touchpoints, a decrease in carbon footprint and reducing food and beverage waste.
A word that recurs regularly during my stay is ‘possible’, from poolside breakfast to dinner. The staff is very attentive and helpful, and above all, very friendly! And finally, all requests/wishes were always met without a hitch. Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, I will be back, no doubt about it! – Wood Approved!
