Dubai Media City, Plot No. 1, Behind American University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates | (888) 989-6591
Comparatively affordable contemporary hotel in Media City
Fun, funky vibe sets it apart from the typical Dubai digs
Stylishly simple rooms with docking stations and smart TVs
Marble bathrooms boast deep tubs
Hyper-cool outdoor pool with cabanas, a bar and a DJ booth
Four in-house eateries provide dining opportunities inside and out
Work-related amenities include a business center and meeting rooms
Fitness area features workout equipment plus steam and sauna rooms
Free parking and free Wi-Fi in public areas
Not in walking distance of tourist attractions
Buzzy atmosphere isn’t for everyone
Potential for party-hearty noise from pool area
Rates only include in-room Wi-Fi if booked directly
Breakfast costs extra
Opened in 2009, this four-pearl high-rise hotel has a split personality. On one hand it’s an upscale corporate option with well-equipped meeting rooms, a staffed business center and a convenient location in Dubai’s Media City district; on the other it’s a hip, buzz-worthy place that brings a bit of Ibiza to the Middle East (imagine poolside revelers and thumping beats provided by guest DJs). Media One's 260 rooms strike a compromise between these poles, toning down the flash and instead using a neutral palette and natural materials to create a soothing environment. Stylish eateries and a solid list of on-site services round out the offerings. But if you’re looking for an area hotel with a more subdued ambiance -- or simply a more familiar name -- consider the Radisson Blu Dubai Media City.
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Scene
A hip hotel for guests who like to work hard and play hard
Occupying 23 floors of a glass-skinned high-rise, the comparatively affordable Media One Hotel is both a smart choice for trendy business travelers and a popular hangout for young media mavens who have offices in this area. Whereas accommodations in Dubai often aim for a serenely elegant ambiance, this one does the opposite -- whether that means adding eccentric elements like funky monkey lights and sculptural armchairs to the spacious lobby or importing guest DJs to crank up the music in the Euro-inspired pool area. Western hipsters may feel the hotel tries a little too hard (room categories, for instance, have names like Cool or Hip Biz). But, overall, the vibrant vibe is a welcome change of pace for guests who want to mix work with some fun-in-the-sun time.
Location
Surrounded by offices, but just a quick drive away from malls and golf courses
The hotel sits off busy Sheikh Zayed Road, and its location -- four minutes on foot from Media City Park -- makes it a savvy choice for anyone doing business in nearby offices. Public transit is easily accessed by those who want to maximize their off-time: three tram stations are within a 10-minute walk, and the Nakheel Metro Station is only another minute away. But since the area is prone to traffic and not particularly pedestrian-friendly, most folks will simply grab a cab. Leisure opportunities (especially retail therapy or a round of golf) are a short drive away; sightseers, however, will find themselves more than 25 minutes by taxi from major attractions. Note that rental bikes and rental cars are both available on-site. - Four-minute walk to Dubai Media City Park
Rooms
Clean-lined contemporary rooms providing a calming contrast and smart TVs
Thanks to a neutral color scheme and built-in furnishings with a Scandinavian look, rooms here provide a soothing counterpoint to the hotel as a whole. All include floor-to ceiling windows overlooking the city or Palm Jumeirah archipelago, plus air-conditioning, tea/coffee-making equipment, minibars, docking stations and 43-inch smart TVs with international channels -- but no free Wi-Fi. Across the board you’ll also find sleek marble bathrooms that are outfitted with welcome extras like robes, magnifying mirrors and toilet cubicles. Better yet they have deep tubs that seem tailor-made for soaking (most have attached power showers, though suites have separate shower stalls in addition to extra square footage and, in some cases, dedicated living areas). The downside is that the glass wall between the bathroom and bedroom may not provide enough privacy for some.
Features
Business-meets-pleasure perks -- including one of Dubai’s chicest pools
This hotel caters to corporate types by offering a staffed business center and seven meeting rooms with all the requisite tech toys, plus a multipurpose event space with panoramic views. There’s an appealing selection of on-site eateries, too: namely the casual caféM (a lobby-level spot for light bites), QWERTY (a glam gastropub that opened in early 2017), The MED (a stylish Mediterranean restaurant), and Garden on Eight (a funky alfresco option complete with faux grass and garden gnomes). Adjacent to the last of these is the hotel’s signature attraction – an Ibiza-esque pool area known as The DEK on 8. During the week, sunbathers chill in its comfy armchairs and decadent cabana beds, but the place overheats on weekends when a high-energy crowd comes to play. Other amenities include a round-the-clock reception desk with multilingual staff; a salon; a bright fitness area with steam and sauna rooms; concierge, dry cleaning/laundry and currency exchange services; 24-hour room service; and free parking and free Wi-Fi in public areas.
