An institution in the hospitality sector, Waldorf Astoria DIFC returns, in essence to the very place it started its journey all those years ago in Wall Street – to the hub of business in Dubai’s DIFC district, also famous for staging some of the most exclusive cultural and art exhibitions in the city.
Guests are greeted with their family names by the personal concierge on arrival. A team of ushers gets to work immediately to accompany you on the journey through the lobby lounge to the hotel reception on the 18th floor, making one quickly realise that when it comes to pampering, this is the high bar or what they call True Waldorf Service. Inspired after the Mad Men generation of the early-1960s New York, the retro-modern rooms present balanced elegance, celebrating the icons of yesteryears alongside the marvels of technology. The views of Burj Khalifa and Dubai’s downtown specially from the premier suites are spectacular and add another dimension to the sprawling comfort. The property’s four-spa and treatment rooms reflect the same benchmarks of excellence that make Waldorf an institution, featuring a private dressing room and steam shower in each. An array of wellness and spa experiences that can be tailored to preferences makes it a unique destination within the destination. The property presents well-appointed and creative meeting rooms, featuring a library and an open kitchen to facilitate out-of-the-box thinking and enrich group activities. Various formats and layouts ensure that for each occasion, there is a well-thought out meeting venue. With Bull & Bear, Waldorf Astoria brings to Dubai’s (and DIFC’s) vibrant food and beverage scene – an unmatched global icon in dining. Famous for its team that is able to customise per palate, the restaurant comes to life with very contrasting breakfast, lunch and dinner experiences. Pairing it with sophisticated décor and seating and topping it with a beverage offering that’s designed around individual tastes, making it a go-to destination for complementing moods of the day – after all Waldorf Astoria is the birthplace of eggs benedict, the Waldorf salad, the red velvet cake and other iconic dishes. The speciality Alligator Pear sets the tone at the start of the menu, showcasing their craftsmanship – turning avocado into an irresistible starter. The slow cooked braised wagyu beef anointed with black truffle is a gastronomical masterpiece. For vegetarians, the sautéed greens made to request felt like the chef could read minds – he hit the bulls-eye in flavour, texture and presentation every time. For dessert, the iconic Big Apple preparation reignites the brand’s glorious past. Presented on a bed of ice, the titillating experience of savouring an apple goes four ways, muscovado apple, caramalised rosemary apple, green apple foam and green apple sorbet. The Peacock Alley, another Waldorf Astoria icon, sets up relaxed socialising with an eclectic menu of timeless beverages and bites. The bar serves famous concoctions named after the very personalities that inspired them: Churchill, Hepburn, Monroe, Sinatra, all former patrons of Waldorf Astoria.