“Okay Matt, your check-out time has been extended. Just let us know if you need anything else!” says Alessandra, at the front desk underneath a flashing, kaleidoscopic sign stating: ‘We Are All Nomads Here’ or ‘We Are All Mad Here’ depending on which blink you catch. I’ve decided to embrace the madness for a little longer as this nomad feels like they’ve discovered a home-away-from-home at the eclectic 25hours Hotel One Central.
Extra hours allow for extra exploration of a hotel that could easily pass as a giant arts and literary exhibit. Spanning six floors, every nook and cranny is filled with surprises from world-renowned interior design firm, Wood Bagot. Think Charlie and The Chocolate Factory if Willy Wonka opened a hotel and his passion was art instead of confectionary.
In the lobby, a colossal fountain packed with 5,000 books greets guests alongside gargantuan hanging swing baskets that sit underneath a stunning space mural called Under the Same Sky by Dominik Bulka. Even the elevators are fascinating with Sandra Havemeister’s dioramas, such as Desert Night depicting a hot-air balloon floating above camels criss-crossing the desert.
I take advantage of my new delayed departure by placing myself at the rooftop pool. But forget about standard sun loungers; this pool enjoys oversized bean bags from where to soak up the sun. But be warned, there is a trade-off between relaxation and style as there is no simple way to exit these mounds of comfort with any grace. After a quick dip, I increase the heat with a session in Dubai’s first mixed-use sauna before retreating to the confines of my suite.
The hotel’s Artistic Village Suite is where I’ve been laying my head; 72 square metres of colour, retro gadgets and vintage designs complementing a bunch of amenities that I didn’t know I needed until I had them. I’m welcomed by a stationary Schindelhauer bicycle that allows me to zoom around the local area should I desire, and an over-the-shoulder Canvasco bag that works as a laptop bag or beach tote bag, needs depending.
Divided into three sections, the living area sees five armless sofa chairs join forces to create one L-shaped sofa – a perfect spot for a midday nap; as well as a rocking chair where I contemplate the meaning behind the various artworks dotted around the suite. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase ‘the world’s most beautiful building’, aka The Museum of The Future, but be sure to ask for this view, as not all of the 434 rooms and suites are created equal in this regard.
In the bedroom, a workstation nestles under a collection of comedic portraits, paintbrushes, and plants next to a King Bed that welcomes with a camel toy and the most comfortable pillows I’ve ever rested my head on. The bathroom features double rainfall showers, a freestanding bathtub and double vanity sinks, meaning no fights over freshening up when it’s time to get dressed for dinner.
When my stomach starts to rumble, I say Prost! at the Bavarian-inspired Ernst Biergarten, with its pine-coloured benches, hearty German dishes, and booming German pop anthems. Or if you want to glam up, head topside to Monkey Bar – a jungle-inspired hangout for the city’s cool cats. I sip the highly-recommended Banana Old Fashioned from the comfort of a half-mooned sofa, which gives me both privacy and the perfect people-watching vantage point. But if you’re looking for something more casual, pull up a chair at Nomad Day Bar, and linger over an award-winning nitro coffee from caffeine-experts, Nightjar Coffee, as you pour over the pages of one of the many books that can be picked up from around the hotel.
Once I’ve woken from arguably the best night’s sleep I’ve ever had, I enjoy breakfast served with a side order of botanicals in the ground floor restaurant’s tropical garden – all wicker lights, pastel pink hues and early morning sun. I cave in to an order of Eggs Royale and don’t regret it.
Courtesy of my late check-out, the rest of the morning is spent at the Analogue Upgrade area, which I spied on my arrival. A throwback to much simpler times, VHS tapes, over 500 vinyl records and Walkmans take centre stage here with not a smart phone in sight… Throwback bliss. After showcasing my skills on the arcade machine – Pacman champ here – I meander around the neighbourhood. Thanks to its central location, the Museum of The Future is just a five-minute walk away, but you can opt to rent one of the hotel’s Minis if you want to venture further afield to, say, Burj Khalifa or Dubai Mall.
Alas, 6pm is approaching and it is really time to now check-out. “We hope to see you again, Matt!” says Florian. Oh, I guarantee you will!
WHAT: Artist Village Suite
WHERE: 25hours Hotel One Central
TEL: +971 4 210 2525
www.25hours-hotels.com