The Grand Millennium Dubai: not just a business hotel

The area around the Grand Millennium Dubai is still under construction, giving the impression that it would be difficult to reach the hotel. But this assumption proved wrong as clear signage led AME Info to the hotel easily, without any head scratching or missed turns.

The Grand rooms

Perhaps this is the only place where you will find a large metal fingerprint decorating the middle of its lobby. When we asked about the design, staff told us the print belonged to the owner of the Grand Millennium Dubai.

While waiting for registration, guests can just sit in the lobby lounge and enjoy a drink or they can head to the Crystal Bar located just few steps beyond the lobby, with its light brown, red and blue colours giving a warm and relaxing feeling.

The hotel has 136 rooms and 216 suites, consisting of Executive, Deluxe, Business, Superior and Royal levels. AME Info had a Superior room with a city view overlooking some construction sites. The bed was a king size mixing wood and leather. The bathroom size was fair, with a tub, shower, and a range of bathing products and a hairdryer.

Guests can choose a sea-view Deluxe room, which is otherwise similar to our Superior room, or a Club room with access to the club lounge, which includes free internet access and use of its two meeting rooms. Club guests also enjoy a buffet breakfast in the club lounge, along with snacks and selected drinks between 6pm and 8pm.

Also available are bigger suites for families, with two bedrooms, separate living room and a kitchen.

The Grand Millennium's two penthouses are located on the 23rd floor, and their guests can choose between a city or sea view suite. With its elegantly furnished four bedrooms, dining room, living room, study, and pantry, the penthouses are designed to host eight adults and one child. Each bedroom is provided with its ensuite bathroom, while a Jacuzzi is available in each penthouse.

Jasmine pampering

Jacuzzi lovers can enjoy time in a small one positioned in the swimming pool area on the 18th floor, facing the Juzz Bar.

Located on the same floor, the Jasmine Spa provides a wide variety of body and face treatments aimed at revitalising and relaxing your body.

AME Info plumped for the Ottoman Indulgence and Rasul, a one and a half hour process through which the body is gently scrubbed using sea salt, and left to relax in a steam room. After that, a natural mud is applied to leave your kin with a silky touch and feel. The treatment, including a skull massage as well, was a great way to end a stressful day, as it leaves you ready to sleep with the angels till the next day.

Other more soothing treatments, hydrotherapy bathing, and body wraps are also available. And trying the Thai massage remains a must if you're looking to stimulate your blood circulation and reduce muscle pain.

Dining options

Three dining options are available in the Grand Millennium Dubai, providing three different experiences. For open Buffet, Head towards The Atrium; it has a Phoenician design, with a 15 metre high ceiling and glass walls.

Dinner is best enjoyed in the 18th floor Toshi restaurant, where there was a selection of mixed Asian food and a great view overlooking the city and Gulf. Sushi lovers will enjoy sashimi, makimono, and nigiri with a range of exotic cocktails. Portions sizes are fair, especially as it is a multi-course meal.

Lunch at Dante gives you to an outside garden view, although it's relatively small. The Italian restaurant is best known for its baked hamour and sea bass. And guests can have an open buffet brunch between noon and 4pm on a Saturday.

In your free time, you can always visit the health club or the swimming pool. And for quiet evenings, go to the Crystal Bar after 7pm to listen to the piano and songs.

Common services available in all rooms include a widescreen LCD, DVD player and interactive TV system, wireless internet access at cost and voice conferencing.