The Meydan Hotel is situated at one of the top horse racing locations in the world, the Meydan Racecourse, with its main event being the Gold Cup event that hosts only the top selected horses from around the world to culminate in the race of the year. The prize money for this event is a staggering $10m for the winning horse.
When you think of the staggering prize money on offer for the fastest horse of that one race, this will give you an idea of what to expect when staying at the hotel, in terms of the quality and service levels that are provided “as standard”. The hotel was built in 2007 and opened its doors to guests in 2010 with the location being just 10 minutes from the centre of Dubai.
The canopy at the trackside ground floor simulates an Arabian Islamic tapestry and the arching pillars of the hotel lobby were designed to represent palm fronds of the regal palm tree – a distinctive feature of local Bedouin culture. Another standard design feature of the region is represented by the regular use of horseshoe patterns in the interiors.
The vast entrance lobby will have you gazing up to the ceiling, which is over 31.5 meters high, and a massive length that just seems to go on and on the further you walk, a true oasis. Located on the reception level are plenty of tables and chairs where you can meet up with guests or simply marvel at the unique building. Translated from Arabic, Meydan means ‘a meeting place’, ideal when you realise how many different events are held at the Meydan.
This is not just a hotel for the race season, which runs from January through to March. There are many events held throughout the year including conferences, exhibitions, celebrations and weddings that take place in the stunning ballroom, that is mirrored on one of the walls to give the illusion of an infinity view. The glistening chandeliers with the tables laid out, looks like a room many many times its size. This makes for a fabulous and impressive illusion. There are many other meeting rooms as well as a business centre, and wireless internet connectivity is available throughout the hotel.
Also found at lobby level are the Shiba Bar and Restaurant. Shiba is an authentic Japanese dining restaurant specializing in the art and taste of Sushi. The Shiba bar is an extravagant Japanese style bar, inspired by cocktails and mocktails, as well as providing authentic Sake.
You will also find the Millennium Lounge that faces onto the racecourse, as well as the Farriers International all day restaurant which provides a large selection of international cuisine.
On the 5th floor is the highly recommended and impressive Prime steak house that we feature on our restaurant section. On the roof the hotel on floor 11 are the two rooftop infinity swimming pools, and the Equus poolside Bar and a bar serving soft and alcoholic drinks until late into the night.
On the menu at the poolside bar is a choice of hot and cold foods ranging from salads, sandwiches and hot Arabic platters through to Calamari, Burgers and Thai style chicken.
An Italian restaurant called Bas Pasta is open on the 8th floor with stunning views over the racecourse. With a wide array of pasta and sauces that will appeal to everyone’s palate, with a combination to suit all taste buds.
The guest room accommodation is truly iconic, with all of the rooms facing the racetrack. The hotel offers a wide choice of differing rooms. The 285 rooms include the entry room, the Grand Deluxe Balcony, Panoramic room and the Presidential, and Meydan suites.
The rooms all have comfy luxurious beds, luxury bathroom facilities which include large baths and wet room showers that have multi directional shower jets. The bathroom has an automated privacy screen that gives you privacy from the living area as well as a built in tv screen you can view whilst bathing, double sided wardrobes and a luggage room where you can store your suitcases and shoes. One of the main features is a Japanese automatic state of the art toilet, we have to say that this automated toilet has not been found anywhere else yet in Dubai.
The hotel accommodation are on floors three to ten, with floor three dedicated solely for Ladies. All the floors are accessed by a large number of lists which are unique to the Meydan, with the lifts having mood lighting shone through Swarovski crystal handrails that are located at waist height, a nice finishing touch.
The view at night of the hotel, both inside and out, are truly stunning, with a decadent fluorescent blue surrounding the outside of the front of the hotel.
This hotel is destined to become more and more popular as time goes on, and should achieve true cult status for race enthusiasts all year round.
The standard of the hotel accommodation is enough to convince us that in time this will be a very popular hotel from outside of central Dubai, with enough scope to develop further accommodation due to the vast mass of land available on the site, The site already has covered car parking for 10,000 cars with more parking planned, such is the success of race days.
This hotel is almost a destination in its self and well worth the few minutes taxi or limo ride into the hustle and bustle of the main tourist haunts of the city. If you are looking for Contemporary Chic mixed with an Oasis of Calm, then this hotel is a must. Its one of those hotels that you feel totally relaxed and at home at, you look forward to returning after a hectic day in the heart of the city; not just as a place to stay and sleep but as a whole new world of relaxation, pampering and dining perfection.
