Arrival/Check-In: Following a 15-hour journey from New York City to Dubai by way of Amman, Jordan, I arrived at The Palace Hotel Downtown Dubai at about 2 a.m. The trip to the hotel from the airport takes about 30 minutes, although traffic at that hour is nominal compared to rush hour.
The Palace Downtown Dubai remains a gem among several noteworthy Emaar properties in Dubai, including The Address and Vida hotels. It’s nestled within the downtown mall area, standing guard at the foot of the Burj Khalifa. The wow factor kicked in as we drove up the 100-yard driveway, the hotel’s entrance strategically hidden from view of the main road with its array of retail shops and eclectic restaurants.
Several valets greeted me with smiles. The staff embraced their roles with genuine warmth and care.
The lobby was darkened somewhat as I was escorted to the main desk, where I promptly checked in. I was then escorted to my room, followed a few minutes later by my luggage. The gentleman walked me through every aspect of the hotel and guestroom, detailing all services and amenities.
Guest Quarters: I was somewhat disappointed to learn my room was on the first floor, technically two floors down from the main lobby. But my impression immediately changed as I entered. The room, adorned in dark tones, offered everything I expected: an exceptionally comfortable king-sized bed, a spacious desk, a large closet and a two-vanity bathroom with a separate tub and rainforest shower (body wash and loofah included). The room also featured a flat-screen TV with excellent international programming, an elaborate coffee machine and an iPad with 24-hour room service assistance (my favorite) that was incredibly easy to use. But the best was yet to come. I also had access to a private ground-level patio surrounded by beautiful plants overlooking the manmade waterway running through downtown Dubai — an incredible vantage point for viewing the elaborate nightly fountain shows choreographed to music by the likes of Michael Jackson and other classics.
Services/Amenities: Although I did not experience the pool or spa, both looked impressive, and according to another guest, there was “no reason to leave the property.” Each morning, I enjoyed the international breakfast buffet at Ewaan, which opens to a spacious rectangular pool deck and happened to be on the same floor as my room. The breakfast buffet was terrific, including made-to-order omelets and my favorite, an array of fruits and freshly squeezed juices.
Additional restaurants include Thiptara, a one-of-a-kind experience featuring Thai cuisine, and Asado, specializing in Argentinean food. The slow-cooked baby goat coupled with an outstanding wine selection blew me away as we sat outside in the shadow of the Burj Khalifa, listened to live music, enjoyed conversation and recognized this hotel as a unique, ageless jewel.
The Experience: This incident sums up my experience: I did not have smaller bills of local currency, and my morning taxi driver could not make change. Although I politely resisted, my valet, Abdullah, insisted on taking the correct fare out of his own pocket. If you’re going to travel to Dubai, an Emaar property is the way to go; The Palace Downtown Dubai blends functional sophistication with a modest amount of luxury and just the right personal touches that remind you of being welcomed into someone’s palatial home.
GT CHECKLIST
[checklist]
[item check=yes]Doorman/valet[/item]
[item check=yes]Less than 10 minutes for check-in[/item]
[item check=yes]Separate tub and shower[/item]
[item check=yes]Large vanity[/item]
[item check=yes]High-quality towels[/item]
[item check=yes]Powerful, unattached hair dryer[/item]
[item check=yes]High-quality bed linens[/item]
[item check=yes]Large, flat-screen television[/item]
[item check=yes]Large desk with convenient outlets[/item]
[item check=yes]Large, complimentary laptop safe[/item]
[item check=yes]Complimentary in-room WiFi[/item]
[item check=yes]Complimentary bottled water[/item]
[item check=yes]Stocked minibar[/item]
[item check=yes]Ample lighting[/item]
[item check=yes]In-room coffeemaker[/item]
[item check=yes]Iron and ironing board[/item]
[item check=yes]On-site restaurant[/item]
[item check=yes]24-hour room service[/item]
[item check=yes]24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center[/item]
[item check=yes]Turn-down service[/item]
[/checklist]
The Palace Downtown Dubai
The Old Town Island
Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
tel 971 4 428 7888
theaddress.com
Read This Next

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedMarch 2025
Mar 15, 2025Norwegian Debuts Late Disembarkation Option
Norwegian Cruise Line just launched a new late check-out service on select ships and European sailings, allowing passengers to remain on board the ship until 12:30–1 p.m. to enjoy a few more hours of relaxation, lunch and other amenities before going home. The new service still requires passengers to check out of their staterooms by 8:30 a.m., but guests can now store their luggage at the cruise terminal for the remaining hours.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach
Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.
Daily
Mar 14, 2025Glamorous Flamingo Las Vegas Gets Pool Makeover
Chances are you already know the name, but what you may not have heard about the iconic Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas is the celebrated pool is undergoing a $20 million transformation of its GO Pool.
Airlines
Mar 14, 2025Don’t Miss Out on All Nippon Airways’ Sweepstakes to Explore Japan
All Nippon Airways, Japan’s largest 5-star airline, launched a contest to give travelers a chance to win a trip to go beyond Tokyo and experience Japan’s under-the-radar destinations. One winner will receive two round-trip economy-class tickets from a U.S. ANA gateway city to a unique destination within ANA’s extensive domestic network, such as Komatsu (KMQ), Odate (ONJ), Okinawa (OKA), Oita (OIT), Sapporo (CTS) and Tottori (TTJ).
Sponsored Content
Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City
They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.
Daily
Mar 14, 2025Hotel Zeppelin Launches Dead-icated Stay in Honor of Grateful Dead’s 60th Anniversary
Hotel Zeppelin in San Francisco is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Grateful Dead with an exclusive Dead-icated Stay offer. Hotel Zeppelin is all about celebrating its city’s countercultural tradition, and this offer helps them honor the band’s legacy and its roots in the Bay Area.
Thiou Restaurant Review
eFlyer Reviews
Mar 12, 2025eFlyer News
Mar 12, 2025Air India Partners with Lufthansa Group, Virgin Australia
India’s leading global airline recently announced its expansion of codeshare partnerships with both Lufthansa Group and Virgin Australia. Through these new partnerships, travelers can enjoy access to more than 100 routes combined across the Indian subcontinent, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the Americas.
Sponsored Content
A Summer Sojourn Along Europe’s Rivers with AmaWaterways
This summer, elevate your vacation experience with award-winning AmaWaterways. Offering a seamless blend of unparalleled luxury, authentic cultural experiences and unrivaled service, AmaWaterways cruises are the perfect way to uncover the heart of Europe during the sunniest season with itineraries that glide along the continent’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro.
eFlyer News
Mar 12, 2025SH Hotels & Resorts Rebrands to Starwood Hotels
SH Hotels & Resorts, parent company of 1 Hotels, Baccarat Hotels and Treehouse Hotels, celebrates its 10th anniversary by officially rebranding as Starwood Hotels, reviving the iconic brand created by Barry Sternlicht nearly 30 years ago.
ShareThis