ME Dubai is the only hotel in the world that can claim to have had both its exterior and interiors designed by the late architect Zaha Hadid. The 93 room boutique hotel is a rare gem inside the H-shaped Opus by Omniyat building centrally located in Dubai’s bustling business district. The first ME property by Melia Hotel in the Middle East, ME Dubai is the combination of beautiful futuristic architecture with a touch of Dubai’s modern and glitzy lifestyle.
Location
Ideally located for both business and leisure travellers in the heart of the Burj Khalifa District, seconds away from Dubai Creek and Dubai Water Canal extension, the hotel is a 5-minute ride away from the shopping mecca The Dubai mall, and 15-minutes from Dubai’s airport. Dubai’s greatest icons such as the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, can also be seen from the hotel.
The ME Dubai vibe
Entering the lobby, it feels like you are transported into a futuristic spaceship packed full of art. Looking around the spectacular atrium, it is an aesthetic paradise for discerning travellers with an eye for design. Gleaming white marble floors are highlighted by the golden edges of plush curved seating areas, upholstered in a deep rich burgundy.
ME Dubai is the first and last ever hotel designed by the late Dame Zaha Hadid, the Iraqi-British architect who was the first woman to ever receive the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize. The hotel is an architectural and historic landmark that redefines Dubai’s modern landscape. The building’s unique structure and innovative curves represent Hadid’s architectural genius and her organic shapes all flowing in appearance, combining with her signature geometric structure, all creating a positive energy and a serene, calming mood.
Looking at the building externally, it appears to be a giant cube with a curvaceous cavity pushing through its centre. However, it is in fact two towers connected at the top and bottom which creates a void like visual effect. The atrium, which sits directly under the building’s signature void, forms a glass ceiling which shines natural sunlight through the three floors of galleries with projecting white balconies ringing the perimeter of the space. There are regular exhibitions including British artist Nat Bowen who recently displayed an all-new McLaren Artura supercar featuring her art.
Our Room – Aura Room (225)
We stayed in the Aura Room (No.225). The room is spacious, clean, and bright with floor to ceiling glass windows opening the room to natural lighting and views of downtown Dubai. Following the same ultra-modern led design of the hotel, furnishings are inspired by Zaha Hadid’s collection too. My favourite highlight of our room was the large king-size bed with a futuristic and curvaceous design. Headboards display dune-shaped arcs of gold and the mattress sits on a sculptural bedframe projecting from the wall, conveying the epitome of modern luxury and design. Technology focused; the room can be controlled by the ever-so smart ME Dubai by Melia app from temperature, lighting, curtains, and even the huge TV.
The curvy and liquid flow designs continue to the bathroom with the bending lit mirrors and wavy patterns of the white and grey marble tiles covering the bathroom, offering a large freestanding bathtub and separate rainfall shower.
Even the most relatively humble rooms like ours span a generous 47 sqm, while suites can go up to 200 sqm like the 3-bedroom Personality Suite where you can soak in the Instagram-worthy views of Burj Khalifa and the Downton Dubai skyline.
Facilities
Take a break from the hustle of Dubai by taking a dip in the large outdoor swimming pool lined with inviting sun loungers and canopy beds, surrounded by clusters of refreshing greenery. You forget you are even in the central business district of the ever-thriving metropolis, only to be reminded by the mesmerizing views of the towering skylines.
For the fitness gurus, you stay active in the 24-hour gym which spans an impressive 650 sqm, incorporating technologically advanced fitness equipment, including the city’s first Technogym Biocircuit. Those looking to relax can indulge in Wellness by ME, offering the ultimate escape for relaxation and a variety of luxurious spa treatments for those in need to detox and unwind.
Dinner at ME Dubai
The hotel hosts five different eateries from relaxed atmospheres to high-end. There is something for everyone. The Atrium by Zaha Hadid is a café offering a decadent array of signature cakes and locally roasted coffee from the world’s best regions, designed by Executive Chef James Knight Pacheco. The hotel is also home to Roka, the first international branch of the London chain, offering a contemporary expression of Japanese Robatayaki cuisine.
For dinner we headed to Deseo to enjoy a lively Latin experience, surrounded by the skyscrapers of downtown and some live music which added to the ambience. We recommend trying the Maiz maiz (a savoury sweet corn dish) followed by an array of exotic Peruvian ceviches made with local and seasonal fish. Instagram-worthy sweet treats come in the shape of a Pina colada dessert that is theatrically displayed.
For after dinner drinks head to Botanica, a sophisticated gin and tonic bar with an Italian accent located in the hotel’s sleek lobby, offering variety of specialty gin and tonics elevated with botanicals, spices and unique twists.
What makes ME Dubai special?
ME Dubai by Melia offers a special glimpse into the business and pleasure elements of this ever-changing city resulting in an immersive and engaging stay. As the day finishes you are rewarded with an aluminous sunset sliding behind the glistening skyscrapers, turning the business district into a party of live music and great food.
To discover more, visit: melia.com
All imagery courtesy of Melia Hotels.
Things to do near ME Dubai
Dubai mall
One thing you cannot avoiding hearing in Dubai are the words biggest, largest and best. The Dubai Mall holds all these titles, as the most frequented retail and entertainment destination. Aside from big name boutiques and retail shops, it is home to the largest Apple and Nike stores in the world, plus there is the Dubai Ice Rink, which is an Olympic sized ice rink. In addition, there is also the world’s largest indoor aquarium and underwater zoo. While outside, you’ll find The Dubai Fountain, known around the world for its record-breaking synchronised routines, and, of course, beautiful Burj Khalifa views.
Dubai Aquarium
The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is an underwater wonderland. Located at The Dubai Mall, the aquarium houses 10 million litres of water and offers an eventful and fascinating insight into ocean life. As one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world, it allows visitors of all ages to see the plethora of animals ranging from penguins and piranhas to crabs, sea horses and jellyfish.
Burj Khalifa experience
The Burj Khalifa is one of Dubai’s most recognisable icons and being the world’s tallest building, standing at 827 meters high, it is a dazzling site. Its needle-thin glass covered structure shimmers in the desert sun and is a must visit while in Dubai. Visitors can make their way up to the 124th and 125th floor in the world’s fastest elevators, and enjoy the panoramic view of the entire city or stand 452 meters high on to the open-air observation deck.
View this post on Instagram