Tourism & Hospitality | Tuesday 24 January, 2017 1:29 pm |

Dubai/ Yasmeen Hinnawi

Exclusive: Eye of Riyadh 

A person needs to wind down and find relaxation time after a long and hectic busy day at the office. This person needs to find calmness and serenity especially in a busy city like Dubai. There is no place better than Hyatt hotel in Dubai city. Where people can enjoy a luxurious escape, away from their busy lives. They can enjoy a quiet, peaceful and friendly atmosphere and spend quality time without feeling lonely.

Larger than life reception…

After all what I’ve heard from friends about the six hotels under the group and how each hotel offers different facilities, I’ve decided to book myself with the closest one to my nature, I booked in Hyatt place hotel in Alrigga area”.

I’ve got in touch with the hotel management and booked a room for two, applied for a three days' break from my work as a journalist and started my journey from Riyadh to Dubai. I was so looking forward to stay in a hotel that chooses “welcome to a different place” as a slogan.

I’ve noticed the difference from the minute I got into the taxi sent by the hotel to the airport. The driver was extremely polite and spoke fluent Arabic and English. He ensured that I’m comfortable and well attended to. The 17 minutes’ drive from the airport to the hotel were very soothing with the perfect choice of music, I usually pay great attention to details, and all the details were perfect.

When I arrived to the hotel, the hotel marketing manager welcomed me, Ms. Mrinaliny Mitra, she escorted me to my room in the sixth floor so that I can get enough rest after a long day of traveling. Her colleague introduced me to the room facilities.

I was so happy that I made the right choice by booking this wonderful room. It was a luxurious, comfortable room, with all the required facilities, integrated with smart technologies and touristic booklets on Dubai city. The room was beautifully decorated, with uplifting colors and a view on a garden and a mosque.

Just like my home ...

There is one corner which became the closest to my heart, it is the corner with an L shaped sofa, which can expand and easily accommodate three people.

After relaxing in my favorite corner, I felt hungry. I rushed out to try the hotel’s main restaurant (Gallery café). It has a homey atmosphere and an open space to accommodate large number of people.

During lunch, I had a good company of people, one was the general manager of the hotel, Mr. Vishal Mehra and the directors of sales, Sanjay Nambiar in addition to Mrinaliny Mitra. It was a true treat when I tried the delicious dishes which were a fusion of Arabic and Indian cuisine. The Indian dishes I tried this time were no less than the ones I tried in some well-known Indian restaurants. The dishes were spicy and tasty, just the way I like them.

I was then informed that there is a cooking competition taking place soon and I can take part in it. The competition will be ignited by the hotel master chef, Mr. Taron Kumar. I loved the idea of the competition as much as I loved food and Italian food in specific.

Unconventional Italian…

When the competition started, it was unexpected. We did not make any pizzas or pastas, instead, we helped Taron prepare simple, yet extremely delicious appetizers. We prepared a warm parmesan salad made with fresh vegetables. We also made fried breaded olive balls with eggs and spices. All those dishes were simple to make and delicious. I documented the experience with many photos.

The new Dubai…

The hotel tour guide wanted me to have a different experience with Dubai’s sightseeing tour. So, instead of visiting Burj Khalifa or Burj Alarab and all other places which I visited and know, they prepared a program to visit the Union House, which was established recently. Also, the agenda included a visit to Motiongate Dubai, one of Dubai’s parks and resorts.

I had my breakfast the next morning, which turned out to be free of charge in all of Hyatt hotels, unlike other hotels who charge extra for the breakfast. Something I truly admired.

I got into a luxurious car that will take me in the tour. First, I stopped at the Union House, this magnificent place sheds the light on the history of the Emirates and how it was first established, highlighting its heritage, culture, art, and creativity. The visit was very enriching. I then joined the adventures of train rides on Motiongate Dubai, where I had to escape from zombies and go behind the scenes of the new Smurfs movie.

I then stopped to enjoy a delicious Fettuccini dish with mouthwatering sauce and mushroom, followed by a yummy tiramisu dish in one of the Italian restaurants.    

Most delicious evening times….

After some thinking, I’ve decided to spend my second evening in Dubai in Arabesk café located in Park Hyatt, it offers wide range of tasteful Mediterranean dishes in addition to a special outdoors shisha lounge that overlooks Dubai creek.

I had the most delicious evening time at Arabesk café as I was thinking about the well planned setting of those hotels being located in a strategic locations across Dubai, with easy access to metro stations, main business locations as well as prime entertainment locations. The staff ensures providing everything needed by the guests at any time, whether it is a mobile charger, ear plugs or hair gel. The hotel staff are always ready to answer any requests.

For a healthy living...

On my third day of stay, I woke up early and headed to Hyatt place hotel gym which opens 24 hours. I’ve exercised a little and moved to the top of the line swimming pool in the first floor. I’ve also done some swimming which was very soothing. After finishing my morning exercise, I went to the business center to send some emails and print out some important papers.

While having my breakfast, which had some new dishes, Mrinaliny joined me for breakfast. She then had a surprise for me; it turned out that she booked me with Amara spa at Park Hyatt hotel. Which was a cherry on top of a cake before heading back the Kingdom, I was pampered with massage treatment, a beautiful relaxation session. The session was concluded with a warn ginger, lemon and honey drink and some almond stuffed dates. My time at the spa was a real treat!!

We shall return…

I went back to my room to find out the house keeping staff gathering to know my feedback and evaluation of the service. They gave me a lovely small teddy bear as a gift and took a group picture with signatures so that it remains with me as a memory.

I loved this trip, it was different on every level, it added a human touch to the whole experience. The whole hotel staff were excellent hosts and expressed amazing hospitality. The hotel seeks to elevate the visit to Dubai as a touristic destination for all people. They provide all the needs for visitors using a different mindset. In order to make people feel at home and want to invite their friends and families to share the unique experience.