Camillo F

Review of Sofitel Dubai Downtown

Comfortable and contemporary hotel, catering in pa...

Comfortable and contemporary hotel, catering in part to be reviewed.

Comfortable and contemporary hotel in the new modern area of Dubai called Downtown. One step away from the Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa, easily accessible via an air-conditioned tunnel equipped with moving walkways.
Right in front is the "Dubai Mall" metro station, but there are always taxis waiting too.
Fifteen minutes from the DXB airport, but watch out for traffic at rush hour (more or less from 16 to 20).

Many services offered, including 2 swimming pools and free shuttle to La Mer and Kite Beach (a special thanks to the driver Wilson, always on time and available).
There is also a gym and a spa which we didn't use.

The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with large windows, coffee maker, hairdryer and power sockets with universal adapter; spacious and clean bathroom (we thank Logu for taking care of the room during our stay).
Coffee and tea capsules as well as bottles of water are complimentary and restocked daily.
Check out at 12.00, check-in from 15.00.

Concierge / reception service available, but not very effective in describing the hotel services (thank goodness we had read the reviews on the internet before leaving!) And advice on the location (for example there is a small but well-stocked Zoom supermarket behind to the hotel - which also has a selection of Starbucks products inside - which we saw from the taxi).
Perhaps because they are focused on business clients or organized groups and are not used to do-it-yourself travelers, I don't know.

We come to the negative side: the restaurant, really to rethink.
We didn't try the breakfast because it was too expensive.
La Patisserie on the ground floor is saved, very atmospheric and elegant, with often live music (harp and piano) but prices generally too high.
There are too many restaurants / bars, but none of note, dispersive and poorly organized (and in fact empty).
There are 2 restaurants on the 31st floor (a terrifying view of Downtown and Burj Khalifa!): One Georgian (Modi, with live traditional music) and one Peruvian (Inca): we arrive in the elevator, a stench of smoke that we could hardly breathe let alone eat, so let's flee!
On the pool terrace there are 2 clubs open in the evening, a kind of disco (Datu) and a rooftop (Above): a fantastic location, but little appreciated; helpful and polite staff, but not very prepared, costs too high for the level of service offered.
In short, if I were the owner I would close all these places (apart from the Patisserie) and invest only in a couple (no more) but of quality, one on the 31st floor and one on the rooftop terrace with a more international menu and cocktails but always refined.

However, the hotel is recommended, the essential services are at the top and the comfort is at the highest levels!