HIDDEN GEM

Anyone who has been to Dubai knows the only thing that soars higher than the sky scrapers dotted about the city is the standard of the hotels there. After a

seven-hour flight from Glasgow, 25 minutes in a taxi had me at my haven for the next 10 days, the Media Rotana Hotel, nestled in the city’s Barsha Heights district.

ROOMS

The hotel is built in two towers housing 537 rooms, from spacious classics all the way to sprawling suites, all 87 square metres of them. My premium room on the 19th floor offered breathtaking views of downtown Dubai, with the imposing Burj Khalifa soaring high to the heavens. While much in Dubai can be over-the-top, the rooms here are decorated with class. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide plenty of light, the marble bathrooms a touch of class and the king size bed a dollop of comfort after a long day in the sun.

TIME FOR TEA?

You’ll not be stuck for food here. The hotel has five restaurants. Channels restaurant is the hotel’s main eatery and it bustles during peak times as guests descend for their buffet breakfasts. The gem, though, has to be Prego’s, an authentic Italian on the ground floor where you can watch your dinner be made in an open kitchen. The Italian wine bar within is also worth a visit. If you want to be lazy, I can recommend the Toblerone cheesecake from room service. One a night should do…

CHILL OUT

The terrace bar offers a great vibe poolside well into the wee hours. If you want a touch of home, British pub Nelson’s will make you feel you’ve died and gone to Cheers with its large square bar, wooden finish, pool table and sport on big screens. Looking for a more professional setting? Club Rotana guests can enjoy exclusive access to your own lounge, with private breakfast, afternoon tea and appetiser buffet.

For more information visit www.rotana.com