Relaxing beside the expansive outdoor pool with a fresh lemon and mint juice in hand, I watch the iconic twin peaks of Emirates Towers illuminate in the rapidly fading dusk. Beyond the jutting duo of spires, Burj Khalifa stands on a hazy horizon, casting a lengthy shadow over its glittering downtown domain. I feel like a regent surveying this concrete kingdom, which seems appropriate given I am on the terrace of the Royal Suite at The H Dubai.
One of the largest suites in the UAE, the suite sprawls across an impressive 1,130 square metres, occupying the top two storeys of the hotel, which is a stone’s throw from the commercial hubs of the World Trade Centre and Dubai International Financial Centre. The H's location means that it is popular with business travellers, but it’s clear the Royal Suite puts leisure — and privacy
— at the forefront.
The suite’s floor is not listed in the hotel’s elevator and, as explains my butler, is accessed via guest key card. Upon entering, it is immediately apparent just how the suite justifies its regal prefix. The palatial accommodation boasts a reception area fit for nobility, accented by an elegant crystal chandelier. A level of understated luxury is maintained throughout, with muted tones, dark woods, polished marble and sumptuous furnishings — all subtle nods to the hotel’s Middle Eastern setting.
Beyond the immense 12-seater dining area, private cinema and tremendous living room, there are a few standout features that make this suite really special. The first is the view, which is best enjoyed on the private balcony, of course. Back inside, directly off the pool, is a dedicated spa, dressed head to toe in marble and featuring a plush massage table, personal steam room and sauna. Therapy loving guests can enjoy anything from a Balinese massage to a traditional body scrub in complete privacy, all courtesy of the expert team at the on-site Mandara Spa.
Upstairs, three bedrooms await, accessible via a grand staircase or the private elevator. Large enough to be considered suites on their own merit, the rooms can accommodate up to six people between them, and each boasts a Bang & Olufsen surround-sound system, Nespresso machine and en-suite bathroom.
But when it comes to the suite’s true defining attribute, it is necessary to look beyond the glaringly obvious amenities. With a 24-hour butler, VIP concierge and access to a private kitchen, it is the exceptional service that makes all the difference. Just as the hotel claims that its ‘H’ represents a “gateway” to elegance, the Royal Suite represents a gateway to an escape fit for a king.
The important bit
What: The Royal Suite
Where: The H Dubai
Price: from AED 62,000 (USD $16,879) per night
Tel: +971 4 501 8888
Book: welcome@h-hotel.com