Review: Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai
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As I mentioned in my previous article on the W Dubai The Palm, I chose to split my stay between several hotels in the chain:
- 3 nights at the W Dubai The Palm
- 2 nights at the Grosvenor House.
- 3 nights at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai
- 2 nights at the Sheraton Grand Dubai
Here is my review of the Grosvenor House Hotel, a hotel which is part of the Luxury Collection by Marriott Bonvoy, and which is completely different from my previous stay!
Booking at the Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai
The Grosvenor House hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Dubai, falls into category 6 of the Marriott chain. I could have either used 40,000 points per night (low season rate) or paid $175 per night.
I chose this second option: during COVID-19, the hotel rates are low, so it doesn’t make sense to burn points. Of course using my Marriott BonvoyMD American ExpressMD* Card to earn 5 points per dollar.
After booking, I contacted the hotel concierge once again by email. I only received an automated message this time welcoming me and warning me that my message will soon be reviewed. It actually never was!
Hotel services at the Grosvenor House are spread over two huge towers. The hotel has 642 rooms on 45 floors, about double the capacity of the W Dubai The Palm, and 108 suites.
Various services are offered:
- Annual fee
- $120
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$600Total$600Plus $100 of bonus paid after the first year, not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $600
- Welcome offerAfter $3,000 in 3 months
- Up to 70,000 points
Apply Now
on American Express's website
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
Location of the Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai
The Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai is located on the west side of the marina. It does not face the beach like some other hotels such as the Royal Meridien (which I will also review later).
To reach Dubai International Airport, it will take around 25 minutes and cost you around $30 CAD.The nearest metro station is Dubai Marina Mall station, a 20-minute walk away. Feasible but not necessarily the fastest, I advise against it if you have suitcases.
While you will save on taxis by taking the metro ($7 CAD for an unlimited day pass) to go to the Dubai Financial Center (DIFC) to visit the Burj Khalifa for example, plan to walk another 20 minutes at the exit of the metro (passing through tunnels with no view of the city).
Around the hotel
When I arrived at the Marina by taxi, I was overwhelmed, seeing all these towers. The hotel gives access to the large boardwalk of the Marina, located at the bottom of the towers. Several beautiful restaurants and bars are located there, as well as cafes and small shops.
And let’s not forget about the view of the Marina in the evening! During COVID-19, the boardwalk was (almost) mine! A peaceful stroll along the water to observe the majestic towers. I loved it. Runners (you would love it,Jean-Francois!), the Marina boardwalk is perfect for sports amateurs (even if running on the asphalt is not the best).
Opposite, you can also find the Dubai Mall, if you’d like to do some shopping. It must be said that Dubai has no shortage of large shopping malls. In fact, I saw a new one under construction when I returned from the Miracle Garden. All are beautifully decorated.
You might think that walking to the east side of the Marina is easy but it’s not! Perhaps in the future they will create an access for pedestrians? In the meantime you have to drive out of the western part to go to the east.
To reach JBR Beach, I took the shuttle bus from the hotel that takes us to the hotel Le Royal Méridien. Being a guest at the Grosvenor House gives us access to its facilities such as swimming pools and beaches.
Finally, many activities are available in the area. Multiple golf courses, horse racing, water activities, the Skydive Dubai (parachute jumping), the Xline (zip line that takes you across the Marina), an AquaFun park on the beach with “I love Dubai” written on it… and you can even dine in the sky!
At the end of 2021, a new tower will also be built at Dubai Marina, which is expected to reach a height of 360 meters, the highest hotel tower in the world. It will bear its name well: the tour Ciel, or “Sky Tower”! It will offer a panoramic terrace over the city. The views will certainly be breathtaking!
Reception area at the Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai
Arrival at Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection hotel, Dubai is done through Tower 1. A valet will take care of my luggage. Together we will go through the doors of Tower 1 in front of a temperature scanner before climbing an escalator to get to the reception desk.
An eagle stands at the entrance to the reception hall. The place is majestic. The upper floors overlook this central square to give a feeling of grandeur. A vast lounge and several reception desks await. A grand piano. And even a relaxation area under a luxurious Berber-type tent.
At the front desk, I would get an upgrade to Titanium Elite status allowing me to have a King Premier Junior Suite. Once again a valet will accompany me to show me the way to my Suite.
We will have to cross the taxi service lanes in order to reach Tower 2. Cross a hall where our temperature is scanned again and then go up using the elevators.
I would eventually see at the end of my two-night stay, that another reception desk is available, this one in Tower 2 on the second floor. I would come there to do my check-out in order to avoid going to Tower 1 with my suitcase.
On the same floor there is a large comfortable lounge with sofas, armchairs, a billiard table and a fireplace, which gives the room a warm atmosphere.
The Luxury Collection Hotel branch is known for its luxurious style, aiming to provide you with exceptional experiences. To keep the same spirit, the Grosvenor House offers a culinary concept as well as beautiful panoramas on the turquoise waters of the Marina.
My Suite at Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai
Lounge
My room keys and a hygiene kit (containing two masks, wipes and gloves) will be given to me by the valet.
The King Premier Junior Suite consists of a small hall with a large foot-length mirror and a very small bathroom, a pleasant living room with two sofas and a room next to it where the bedroom and its bathroom are located.
The living room is very comfortable in sober and soft colors. On the coffee table, a welcome gift was waiting for me: a much appreciated fruit platter that I sadly didn’t have time to eat before changing hotels.
An empty sideboard including a fridge completes the room, with a large flat-screen TV above and a magazine rack on the side of the cabinet.
Bedroom
The bedroom has a similar style to the lounge, simple and elegant. A very nice Apartment Suite, although I have seen larger. Far from wanting to complain, I am happy with my cozy Suite, in addition to having a view of the Marina.
The only downside is that there is no USB or wall outlet available at the bedside tables to plug in my phone.
I preferred to continue reading my book rather than the suggested bedside table reading 🙂
Facing the bed, a desk and its chair; above them, a flat screen fixed to the wall as well as a cream-colored armchair. Two sliding doors are on each side of the desk to close the bedroom and separate it from the living room.
The desk can be used as a make-up table, since it hides a storage space with integrated mirror in its centre.
The temperature control is modern and the lights can be controlled from the bed.
The walk-in closet is rather narrow compared to what I have already had in a Suite, but everything is clean, neatly arranged.
The coffee machine and everything you need to make tea can be found on a table. The cups are very beautiful, with hotel engravings.
The view from my room is quite nice and overlooks Tower 1. You can see the deck chairs, since the swimming pool is at this same level.
I also found some information on the desk about the hotel menus, as well as in the pamphlet left by the valet.
The bathroom
The bathroom has a luxurious look. It contains a bath and a shower. There’s also a cabinet with two basins. A multitude of bath products were offered.
- Annual fee
- $120
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$600Total$600Plus $100 of bonus paid after the first year, not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $600
- Welcome offerAfter $3,000 in 3 months
- Up to 70,000 points
Apply Now
on American Express's website
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
Services at the Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai
The Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel offers multiple restaurants and bars. I was spoiled for choice but unfortunately did not have enough time to try them all:
- Toro Toro (South America)
- Executive Lounge (level 5) – access for Marriott Bonvoy members
- Buddha-Bar lounge & Dragon Bar (Asian Fusion)
- Siddharta Lounge by the Buddha Bar (Mediterranean)
- Bar 44
- Bellavista (Italian)
- Indego by Vineet (Indian)
- Leaves (International)
- Lobby Lounge
- Rhodes W1 (British)
- Sloane’s (International)
- The Gallery
The majority were in Tower 1. Suffice to say that I had to walk around everywhere.
I then discovered that a bridge led directly to Tower 2! It would have been nice if the front desk had informed me of that fact, as I sometimes felt like I was in a labyrinth. I always found a new lounge on my way.
The Executive Lounge (level 5)
Unfortunately I didn’t have the opportunity to try the breakfast buffet served at Sloane’s restaurant, having outings planned in the morning at dawn. I fell back on the service offered by the Executive Lounge. Access is easy, as it’s a few floors below mine.
The Executive Lounge offers:
- breakfasts in the morning from 6AM to 11AM;
- afternoon tea service from 12PM to 16PM;
- pre-dinner with canapés and alcoholic beverages from 18PM to 20PM.
I was immediately greeted when I entered. The hostess suggested that I disinfect my hands.
Several different spaces allow you to settle down either in a chic cafeteria style dining room or in comfortable armchairs.
A small terrace is also available for dining. It overlooks the Siddharta Lounge.
The service was straightforward and the food, simple but delicious.
Buddha Bar
Walking on the Marina, I saw the impressive interior decoration and was immediately intrigued by the place. I immediately wanted to go have a drink!
The main room is magnificent. A large Buddha takes place and a DJ plays music. Because of the COVID, the atmosphere was not exactly exciting.
I sat at a high table where several Plexiglas partitions had been installed. I was also invited to put my mask in a small plastic bag. I have to say I expected to be more impressed with my cocktail.
Toro Toro
The Toro Toro restaurant faces the Buddha Bar and is just as famous as the latter.
Bellavista
The Bellavista restaurant can be accessed through Tower 1, and is located on the 4th floor, the same level as the swimming pool.
- Annual fee
- $120
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$600Total$600Plus $100 of bonus paid after the first year, not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $600
- Welcome offerAfter $3,000 in 3 months
- Up to 70,000 points
Apply Now
on American Express's website
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
Other restaurants visited
Other services
Finally, the hotel of course offers various services:
- the B’Attitude SPA which includes 12 treatment rooms, two hammam rooms, suites with jacuzzis, saunas, ice cream fountains, etc.
- the B’Attitude Gym fitness room
- an exclusive swimming pool at the SPA
- a service for weddings
- meeting rooms
Fitness room
I found the fitness room to be quite small compared to others I visited, and a bit dark.
The pool
The swimming pool gives an impressive view of the skyscrapers. It is pleasant but ordinary in my opinion.
My general impression of the Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel
My stay at the hotel Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, was too short to take full advantage of it! My days being very busy, I couldn’t take advantage of all the services I would have liked and I have to say that I sometimes got lost in the corridors of the two towers.
If you are looking for an elegant and refined hotel, with a beautiful gastronomic selection, look no further: this hotel is made for you.
How to book your stay at Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel
In order to benefit from the best rates, it is best to use the Marriott Bonvoy program. By also having a status, you will benefit from multiple advantages such as free breakfasts, welcome gift or discounts.
How do I get to Grosvenor House?
Simply by calling taxis or Uber via the application; there are cabs everywhere and the fees are reasonable. On-site parking is also available, and valet service is available for an additional fee. You can also park for free.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are not allowed at this hotel.
How does the Marriott Bonvoy program work?
There are two main methods to earn Marriott Bonvoy points through credit cards: Directly: with the two Marriott Bonvoy credit cards. Both cards each come with an exciting welcome offer. And, for each of your expenses, you can earn Marriott Bonvoy points. Besides, upon renewal, with each of these cards, you get an annual reward night certificate. To find out all about the Marriott Bonvoy Program, check our ultimate guide to Marriott Bonvoy. Indirectly, by transferring points from one of the six American Express Membership Rewards cards. These cards each offer a nice welcome bonus. You can transfer Membership Rewards Points to Marriott Bonvoy at the rate of 1:1.2. This means that by transferring 50,000 Membership Rewards Points, you will get 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points! Our favourite card here will be the American Express CobaltTM Card because of its quick accumulation of Membership Rewards points for everyday spending(groceries, convenience stores, restaurants).
Who has access to the Executive Lounge?
Generally, only members holding at least Marriott Bonvoy Platinum status or residing in Premier Rooms or Suites.
What are the arrival and departure times?
Usually, check-in begins at 2:00 PM and check-out is at 12:00 PM. Remember to request a late check-out, which can be until 4:00 PM depending on availability, if you hold Platinum or Titanium status with Marriott Bonvoy.
Go further with Marriott Bonvoy
To maximize your stays and points earning, check our complete Marriott Bonvoy program guide and our best Marriott Bonvoy credit cards ranking. For personal use, see the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card. For business expenses, the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card earns points on every business purchase. And if a points purchase promotion is running, take advantage via our Marriott Bonvoy points purchase guide.