Review: Radisson SAS, Dubai Media City

The hotel itself is split into two towers, linked by a covered bridge on the second floor. Slightly confusingly, the towers are named 'East' and 'West', though they are actually situated North North East and South South West according to Google Earth.

One of the Radisson DMC's major strengths is the free WiFi it offers throughout the hotel. It's this that makes it an 'office away from the office' for so many business people, with some spending hours each day on their laptops in the bar. In fact, that's actually where I wrote this (and how I checked aerials of the hotel of Google Earth).

Modern luxury

Decor-wise the Radisson Dubai Media City has an elegant, modern theme with earthy colours, steel, black leather and glass. Our suite was well equipped for the business or leisure traveller, either short term or longer since there was plenty of cupboard space.

The bed was a large king-size, with a fairly firm mattress and extremely large pillows. Both the bedroom and the living room had large flat screen internet enabled TVs, and free WiFi is also available in-room. The suite is also equipped for in-room dining, and has a second, separate lavatory off the living room.

The bathroom was outstanding. It had a separate bath and a multi-jet shower that was large enough for an entire rugby team (not supplied). The dark-stone tiled floor was particularly nice compared to the slippery ceramic of so many showers.

The basin appeared disconcertingly modern, being a kind of very shallow round indentation set into a large ceramic block. But it was actually a miracle of design. It drained far better than most hotel sinks, and didn't splash or spill at all even with the taps accidentally turned full blast.

Food glorious food

Food is a particular high point at the Radisson. Certo, the Italian restaurant, has been awarded a Critics Choice by Time Out magazine, which has reviewed it favourably five times over the past two years, and notes that it 'serves far too good Italian fare to be wasted on the occasional business diner'. No surprises then that a lot of Dubai residents frequent Certo in the evenings, making a booking advisable, even essential, on busy nights.

There's also a good Indian restaurant, serving hearty-sized, tasty dishes. Just next door is the previously mentioned Media Lounge where I tucked into a very good Capri salad as I sat at my laptop. The menu features a range of sandwiches, burgers, baked potatoes and other snacks - all rather on the hearty gourmet end ('Spicy Papadew stuffed with goat's cheese mousse in a pesto sauce' 'Roast beef, caramelised onion, Emmenthal cheese and Dijon mustard').

Leisure and pleasure

In terms of health and leisure the Radisson has two outdoor pools, one in each tower, a gym in East tower and a spa in West tower. The spa is quite innovative, with five treatment rooms themed as different nations, such as Thailand, China and Japan.

Being located in the middle of Media City the Radisson does not enjoy a particularly scenic setting. But the views from its rooftop bars are spectacular, especially at sunset. It is only a 10 minute taxi ride to the beach, and around 15 minutes to the huge Mall of the Emirates. There are also several shops including a pharmacy and bank nearby in Dubai Media City.

AME Info stayed at the Radisson SAS Dubai Media City for two nights courtesy of Radisson.