WE TRIED THE COOLEST AND HOTTEST NEW HOTEL IN DUBAI

A colorful caravan of camel toys walking along the wall in the hotel entrance, super design clocks that tell you the time in English and Arabic words instead of numbers (ten past seven), the reception is minimalistic and still colorful and welcoming. Dates and coffee await visitors and are nicely displayed on a bike transformed into furniture; you get surprised whatever you look at.

After checking in, we got a caddy – just like at the airport – and were invited to ‘work’ and carry our luggage to our room. Yes it is part of the concept and we liked it! While some would complain, we felt it was a first sign this hotel would reserve great surprises.

Our room, located at the 10th floor, had a contemporary and minimalistic vibe. A sticker on the wall, mural articulated bedside lamps, a Bedouin sofa that can get transformed into an extra bed, an unbeatable view on Burj Khalifa, we liked it at first sight. With free wi-fi connection, different USB mural plugs for the phone, a flatscreen TV with plenty of cinema channels, we wouldn’t have expected that much for this price.

Apart from the well-equipped sports room to visit if you feel like exercising, don’t forget your swimsuit as the outdoor pool overlooks the iconic Burj Khalifa. There is also a 24/7 supermarket in the hotel in between the “Socialize Area” (lobby) and the funny thing is that you have to cross the supermarket before accessing the restaurant. Quite unique!

What we probably loved most was the urban and cosy vibe that the lobby had. Called “Socialize Area”, it looks like the kind of living-room you fancy watching in decor magazines. Comfy with refined fabric sofas, teapots colored in gold with plants inside, you will find many references to the Emirati culture and heritage in the decor accessories with a super modern twist. Along the window facade, two corners look more intimate and will remind you of Bedouin tents with a modern twist.

One wall is a real icon and is filled from floor to ceiling with familiar objects evoking the Emirati heritage: framed photographies, illustrations, street signs, framed falcon helmets, a bicycle with a colorful crate hanging at 3 meters high that residents used daily decades ago, the overall mix is such an artwork.

No pressing in the hotel but instead there is a launder area that also caught our attention Located at the same level as the pool, it is a spot you cannot miss with a huge wall sticker informing you about this laundry location. The room is filled with different laundry machines, a TV flatscreen so that you don’t get bored, chairs like in a real laundry shop… and it seems that customers just love the concept as it is quite busy!

Open from 6:30am until 11:30pm, The Daily has an urban feel. Part of the decor, large cans are stacked and separate the counter from the dining-room. Dishes are fairly priced and you’ll find there both appetizing salads, as well as burgers or pizzas. Thee is also a wide array of fresh juices, smoothies and iced or warm cafés with a twist.

You can also grab some food at a self-service beside the supermarket that also sells some snacks if you are on the go.

For breakfast, we liked the concept as you can opt for a 55AED breakfast with 3 options: the Arabian, Indian or European dish as a main. There also are many kind of pastries to choose from included in this package, with coffee or tea to grab by yourself. We liked that juices, muesli, yogurts were displayed inside cute Kilner individual jars.

You are hooked? Well, book in advance as the hotel is already quite busy.

If you come with kids, there are a lot of connecting rooms in the hotel and The Daily has a great corner for kids with both games, toys and little tables and chairs where kids can have their meal on their own while parents enjoy a relaxing time.

Rove Hotel will soon open at Port Saeed and a total of ten should be opened by 2020 in Oud Metha, Satwa, Dubai Marina and more in Dubai.