Needless to say, there are a plethora of hotel options available in Dubai. Even when you go with the Hilton brand, you will have endless options here. From Waldorf to Hilton Garden Inn, there are easily 20 to 30 hotels to choose from. I’ll be trying out a couple of hotels during my stay over here. The first hotel where I will be staying is the V Hotel, part of the Curio Collection. After that, I shifted over to the Conrad. I have always heard so many good things about this place. I can’t wait to finally check it out for myself. They have always said this to be the most worthwhile luxury option for Hilton. I will be staying twice here and have multiple bookings. I will stay here before and after heading to Abu Dhabi. The rate is also pretty attractive on a luxury agent rate. I got a fairly great deal, which makes it really worthwhile with the US$100 credit. Let’s check out this property. It is going to be a fairly long sharing since I visited multiple F&B outlets.
Booking Process & Pre Arrival
I will first stay here for 3 nights before coming back for another 2-night stay after my time in Abu Dhabi. I had to mix and match various rates for the best deals, and we also got 2 rooms to fit all of us. We got two base-level rooms. I got some information from the hotel ahead of my stay. Elite treatment and recognition are excellent; one of my rooms was upgraded to a deluxe suite, and the other to an executive room. Lounge access is also extended for both rooms. The executive team also reached out via email to get my preferences ahead of the stay. They also assisted us with reservations. I will be staying here for three nights, with one of them at a Hilton for a luxury rate. I paid around 600 – 700 AED. The rate is pegged to the flexible rate, and I will enjoy extra benefits on top of my Diamond status. You receive a $ 100 USD credit, an upgrade, breakfast, double Hilton points, early check-in, and late check-out. That is of really good value. This Deluxe Suite would have cost around 1500 AED a night during my stay. I appreciated it during this peak period. Conrad Dubai features 555 guest rooms and suites across 11 categories. You can find the breakdown below.
| Rooms | Executive Lounge Access | Bathtub |
|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Skyline View | No | Yes |
| Deluxe Sea View | No | Yes |
| Corner Panoramic | No | Yes |
| Two Bedroom Family Room | No | Yes |
| Executive | Yes | Yes |
| Deluxe Suite | Yes | Yes |
| One Bedroom Residential Suite | Yes | Yes |
| Executive Suite | Yes | Yes |
| Family 2 Bedroom Suite | Yes | Yes |
| Two Bedroom Residential Suite | Yes | Yes |
| Royal Suite | Yes | Yes |
Checking In
I got to the hotel at around 12.30pm. It was a short ride from the V Hotel. We got an Uber that could fit all of us. It wasn’t too expensive. The Conrad Dubai is located in the World Trade Centre area. The metro station is right outside the hotel and takes you to the airport directly on the red line. Upon arrival, the bellboy immediately came here to help us with our bags and to unload them.
Straight ahead, we can find the gorgeous decorated lobby and the check-in desk behind. We were warmly welcomed straight away by a friendly lady who helped me with my reservations. It took quite some time since I had multiple reservations. A welcome letter was also provided, with a personalised welcome letter for the lounge and one for Hilton for the Luxury rate. I was also informed of the dining discount of 20% for diamond members. The suite upgrade was reconfirmed, and I was also informed that the credits will be converted to 345 AED in local currency. You can stack it with the Diamond dining discount. The housekeeping staff are doing the final touches, and we waited for a while in the lounge.
Deluxe Suite
We got a deluxe suite, which, when combined with an executive room, makes it a two-bedroom suite, and it is really comfortable for the four of us. We got allocated a set on the 44th floor. We got suite 4401 and room 4400 to be exact. I did have to say that the entrance layout is quite weird, as the entrance to the suite and the executive are located in separate corridors. They are not next to one another. It can be quite confusing at first. The deluxe suite is generous in space and very spacious. It measures a lovely 100 Sqm. Right upon entering, you have a very spacious entrance way with a good amount of space. It acts like a common corridor and area that links both the rooms and the living space. There is also a side table here for small items. I love the residential vibe. At the end of the corridor, you can find the connecting door to the executive room.
The suite comes with a half bath, which is located near the connecting door area. This is handy, and having an additional powder room will be very useful if you are hosting guests. It does feel a little weird that they don’t have a space for the ironing board, but it just has to be placed in the common corridor.
Back to the living room, it is in a rectangular layout and configuration. That allows for great use of space. It comes with a full circular dining table with seating for 4. This will be great for dining and gathering. It also works as a working desk since they do not have a working area over here.
On the other side of the living spaces, you have the minibar chest. It comes with some packaged tea and a commercial Nespresso coffee machine. There are plenty of capsules and instant tea with an assortment of glassware. The fully stocked mini bar and fridge also come with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to offer. This is different from the normal rooms, which come with a personal-use Nespresso coffee machine.
The latter part of the suite comes with a gorgeous sofa set that can sit 4 to 5 people comfortably. It surrounds a coffee table. Over here, you can also find a large smart screen television with both local and international cable channels. It is of a good size for the suite. The living space comes with a good view of the surrounding area, given how high up we are. It is pretty jaw-dropping. You can even get a view of the coast. The blinds and sheets over here are electronically controlled. Top notch on this aspect.
Moving down the corridor, we head on to the bedroom area. It’s separate by an actual door, and you can also lock it. Right inside, you have a bathroom. It is on the smaller side. There is a single sink and some counter space. The toilet here just comes with a standing shower. Somehow, there isn’t a tub. All sorts of amenities are provided, and they are generous with them. As usual, amenities are from Byredo, the standard brand in Conrads. The shower comes with both a handheld shower head and a rain shower. The water pressure and temperature control are excellent.
By the entrance of the bedroom, we can also find a spacious luggage storage area which could fit a large check-in size luggage. You can also find the wardrobe, which is nicely stocked with a safe, plenty of hangers and another portable luggage rack. As mentioned earlier, it is weird that they do not have any space for the ironing board. It is left out there in the corridor. The bedroom area is kind of in a semi-circular concept. On the side, you have a vanity area where the hairdryer can be found. The ladies will also appreciate this place for them to do some make-up and to touch up over here with a sitting area.
Inside, there is also a sitting area for two, which surrounds a coffee table. The amount of sitting area in this suite is endless.
The highlight of the area is definitely the plush king-size bed. It comes with high-quality bedding, and the same goes for the mattress. I love that it is on the firmer side, and it offers excellent support. We got some additional hard pillows and slept so well. Flanking both sides of the beds are also spacious nightstands with controls for the lighting and power outlets. On one side, you also have an alarm clock with a Bluetooth speaker. One of the nicest parts of the bedroom area is definitely the view. It was simply jaw-dropping. You have such a great panoramic view of the entire place. Given how high up we are, it is virtually unblocked. You have the blue skies and the ocean in the background. The curtains and sheers are electronically controlled. You have a tablet on the nightstands, which allows you to control all the settings in the suite, such as the curtains and temperature.
Not forgetting the entertainment options. You can also find a TV mounted on the wall. It is of a good size for the room. Similarly, it comes with a good number of both local and International TV channels. Housekeeping over here is top-notch and on the ball. They have set up something special for the occasion. Turndown service is automatically offered every evening, with the room refreshed and tidied.
Later on during the day, the staff also brought over a birthday cake, given that we are celebrating my mum’s birthday. There is also a selection of sweet treats and snacks. I will share the Executive Room in a separate post.
Swimming Pool & Bliss 6
The pool is open on level 6 and open from 7am to 8pm daily. This includes Bliss 6. Do note that cabanas are chargeable and diamond members gets 20% off too. It is disappointing that they are charging for such facilities. I mean, shouldn’t this facility be reserved for hotel guests in the first place? Why are they charging extra when it should be part of the room rate? The swimming area is huge and nice. It comes with plenty of sunbeds over here too. The place is designed like a little oasis. I love it. The staff go around to clear the area and keep things in tip-top condition. The perfect place to soak up some of the Arabian sun. I can’t imagine this place getting busy. The weather now is a little too chilly, especially without the sun.
We also ordered some food and drinks from Bliss 6 since we had credits to spend. It was delicious. The menu is decently priced, too. We got the sandwiches and the salmon. The food was excellent, and it was comfortable with the 20% discount and hotel credits.
Fitness Centre
The gym is open 24 hours. It is similarly located on level 6. All of the facilities are here. The gym is of a good size. It is well-maintained and very clean. It comes with various pieces of equipment. Towels and drinking water are provided too.
Executive Lounge
This is one of my favourite parts of the property. The executive lounge on the 24th floor is gorgeous. Special mention also to the executive team. I was well assisted by their staff during my stay with reservations and bookings. They are so polished and professional. You will be well taken care of by them. The lounge is open daily from 6.30am to 11pm. I was always remembered and addressed by name. On my first visit, they also took the extra mile to show me around. The lounge is huge with plenty of seating. There are both lounges and dining tables. It comes with a good view of the surrounding area. This place will be lovely if you want a change of scenery to work from. It can certainly get crowded during the peak hours since this property sees a huge number of elite members. I really love the cream look of the place. It is so cosy.
Throughout the day, you have access to some coffee, tea, juices and soft drinks. There are also bottled waters and snacks. The staff makes a mean cup of iced tea. We had so many of them throughout our stay.
Afternoon tea is pretty delicious and quite a spread. The drink options are the same. It is a nice spot to relax after your first sightseeing place. Great to cool off from the Dubai heat too. You have some sandwiches, sweet treats, and scones. All of them were pretty delicious and high-quality. I do wish that they had some cut fruits. here too. The sandwiches were good, and I appreciate that the options change from day to day.
I have high expectations for the evening cocktails. They separated it into a family hour and a happy hour. The whole event runs from 5pm to 8pm, but alcoholic drinks will only be offered after 6 pm. This is unique. It can be super worthwhile if you are lounging at the hotel all day long. For drinks, you can find the menu over here. They also have a separate cocktail list. It does feel slightly underwhelming. All of the alcoholic drinks are served by the staff.
For food-wise, they have some cold cuts, cheeses, salads and then for hot foods, they had some fried snacks, a carb and some protein. Besides this, there are also chips, veggies, sweet treats and fruits. It can be dinner if you don’t mind the simplicity of it. I will let the pictures do the rest of the speaking.
It is worth heading back for drinks and some food, given how expensive Dubai is! The extended hours are handy. I tried their Italian red wine, which is really delicious. This is definitely the most crowded period of the lounge. I tried some of their cocktails during my stay, too. You do have to ask for it specifically.
Breakfast at Executive Lounge
Breakfast is served at the lounge from 6.30am to 11am daily. It is very quiet here and much more exclusive. It does come with a panoramic view of the surroundings and the ocean. You have a small buffet at the counter with fresh juices, fruits, salads, cold cuts, yogurts, cereals and pastries. There are also some hot dishes ranging from Western items to Arabic dishes. It is simpler over here.
Ballaro Restaurant & Terrace
We pop by here to grab some lunch right before heading out for our desert tour! The menu looks quite good, and we got two pastas to share. Prices are on the high side but fair for the Dubai standard. The pricing here seems to be the most expensive among the rest of the outlets. As a diamond member, the 20% helps too. Check out the menu. They first brought over some olive oil and vinegar as well as some focaccia. The breads were awesome. We were then served the pasta. The Ozru one is better. The angel hair is way too mushy. I am not a fan of it despite the good flavours. On another occasion, I also tried the Grilled Branzino. This was good.
Anesa Restaurant
We dined at the other Greek restaurant a couple of times during my stay. The vibes are really good with alfresco dining by the side of the pool and terrace area. It is especially nice during this part of the year. The weather is very comfortable for dining outside. It might even get a little chilly. Prices are high but well covered by the credit and discount.
We tried plenty of items on the menu across both of our visits. We got the prawns, mackerel, sea bass, octopus, chicken and various sides. Everything was so good and nice. The seabass was pretty good! I love the simple cooking that emphasises the freshness of the ingredients. It is my favourite restaurant of all over here.
The fish was the best. I was expecting a little more, but after the discount, it was really good, especially for Greek food. If you only have the time to dine at one place, this is the one.
Kimpo Restaurant
On one of the nights during my stay. We got dinner at Kimpo. It is a hotel chic Korean bar/restaurant located on the ground floor. We had some credits to spend, and figured that it would be nice to check it out as well. You can find the menu here. The place stays surprisingly empty. It took some time for the food to come. We got an assortment of items to share among ourselves. The pricing is decent!
Let me share some pictures of the food. I love the Kimchi fried rice. It was marvellous. I will give the fried chicken a skip; that is the only disappointing dish of the night. The shrimp stew and the Japchae were also delicious! I enjoyed it!
Breakfast at Ballaro Restaurant & Terrace
Ballaro is the main breakfast venue, and it is served from 6 am to 11 am. You’ve got to love the long hours here, which is perfect for both leisure and business travellers. That fits into their culture here, where they have a later start to their day. Complimentary breakfast is offered for elite members. I went down to have breakfast at around 9am. We were warmly welcomed in before they asked our preference for either outdoor or indoor seats.
The weather is perfect, and we choose to sit outdoors. The sun is out, and the temperature is so comfortable that even in just a t-shirt and shorts. The restaurant can really get busy. I do wish that they had some reserved seating like Conrad Abu Dhabi for diamond members. I appreciate that they were made from an actual barrister coffee machine. They can do ice drinks like coffee, chocolate and tea.
Breakfast is served buffet style and they had quite a spread out over here from local UAE items to typical western selections. The freshly made chicken pide was really good. Do note that the pork items are placed in a separate corner, and you will have to use specific utensils and tongs for them. The juice station and fresh fruits are especially memorable. I will let the pictures do the rest of the speaking.
Conclusion
What a long post this ended up being with all of the sharing on their F&B outlets. Needless to say, I had an enjoyable time over here. This is definitely one of the better ones out here. The value is top-notch, especially with the Hilton for the Luxury rate. I am surprised by the value, especially during the peak travelling season. With a combination of rates, we managed to have the best of both worlds. We got to have a couple of meals at the property. Special mention to the Greek restaurant! I really enjoyed Anesa. This also came in rather handy, given how expensive the city is! The property is slightly dated but really posh. I really enjoyed the suite, and it was so spacious for us to lounge in. It definitely came in handy since we are a group. I would love to be back anytime. The executive lounge is top-notch! I have nothing but great things to share about the staff. They have a really generous evening cocktail hour. I hope to be back someday to check out different properties in Dubai. It will be nice to sum up the WA with this!
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