Marriott Hotel, Downtown Dubai

The Trophy asset for Billionaire groups and big players. This is the highest ranked band of Marriott hotels and is located in the most prestigious boulevard in Dubai.

Arrival at The Dubai Edition is an unexpectedly understated affair. It feels as if this is a place reserved for those-in-the-know, less hotel and more private club. And that’s the point. The Edition eschews the typical Dubai-style grand entrance in favour of something that’s a little more subtle and, dare we say, underwhelming.

But step into the lobby and it’s a completely different scene. Soaring 15-metre arched ceilings, a three-storey spiral staircase and a dazzling crystal chandelier inspired by the movements of a ballerina all compete for the eyes in a space that wows, yet somehow still manages to feel understated. During the day there’s a sense of light-filled cool calmness; at night, the ceiling is covered in a mesmerizing light display, with warm candlelight softening the overall effect. The hotel is located just off Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, steps from Dubai Mall, the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountains. But it’s just as easy to survey it all from your balcony, poolside at Thia Skylounge, or from rooftop Peruvian restaurant Inti.

Lovers of a minimalist Zen-like mood will feel right at home in one of the Edition’s 275 travertine-and-timber rooms and suites. Interior design is consistent across all categories, cool and clutter-free yet cozy, and what differentiates rooms from suites is largely space.

Aside from the quality and comfort of the fittings, it’s the views from the full-height windows that take center stage. As late afternoon light filters through sheer curtains into the rooms, it casts an almost ethereal glow. Big spacious bathrooms, separated from the bedroom by a glass wall and sheers, have huge soaking tubs.

Classic Editions touches include luxe Le Labo amenities and the brand’s signature fake fur throw on the bed, slightly baffling in a destination that gets as hot as Dubai – but if it’s your kind of thing, crank up the AC and get cozy.

The 24-hour gym is fitted out with Life Fitness equipment. The Spa, operated by Wellbeing’s, features a menu of treatments ranging from customized massages, facials and body treatments to wellness therapies focusing on weight loss and detox, sleep and more. Just off the lobby is a tiny boutique by homegrown Dubai design brand MONTROI filled with hand-crafted leather travel bags, accessories, perfumes and homewares.

The hotel works with a local company to recycle card, paper, plastic, cans, glass and oil, and in-room amenities are refillable.

We were part of: Acquisition of land, feasibility analysis and participated in the strategic development.