IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) adds a new neighbourhood to its boutique and lifestyle brand Hotel Indigo, the brand’s first ever hotel in the Middle East. The flagship property in the region will open its doors along the banks of the Dubai Creek, minutes away from Burj Khalifa.

Scheduled to open this summer, Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown is a stone’s throw from a number of iconic landmarks and attractions, including one of the world’s largest retail hubs, The Dubai Mall.

Hotel Indigo properties offer a gateway to discover some of the world’s most inspiring locations. Each hotel brings the outside in; drawing from the local area to inspire every aspect of each hotel, from intriguing design to locally inspired menus.

Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown is no exception, taking inspiration from the story of its neighbourhood areas to help guests feel part of the destination.

For centuries, the Creek has been the city’s epicentre of trade. Visitors to the area can still see the hustle and bustle of this fascinating tradition, where the Dhows and Abras (wooden boats) are docked on the banks of the Creek. Boats still ferry throngs of people across the waterway, just like they did during the pearl boom of centuries ago.

As the Creek winds its way through Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, vintage gives way to vogue, connecting the trading posts of old with modern architectural exuberance. In the distance sits D3, a nexus of art, design and innovation.

The Creek’s journey is a story of the transformation of Dubai from a trading post to the city of the future that it is today, and this has influenced the hotel’s overall architectural and interior design approach.

“We are excited to be opening the first Hotel Indigo in the Middle East,” said Laura Eggleton, general manager, Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown. “As our first opening in the region, Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown combines the city’s heritage with the new, fresh buzz of the ever-evolving landscape through local collaborations. We’re looking forward to sharing our neighbourhood story with you.”

Each of the 269 rooms are inspired by the story of Dubai Creek– whether that’s through the surrealist wallpaper exclusively created by local artists, bespoke shisha lamps or the wardrobes with carved wooden doors, hand-crafted in Mashrabiya style with a modern twist. 

The spa inspired mother-of-pearl bathrooms pay homage to the country’s proud heritage of pearl diving, while eye-catching vibrant Moroso designer furniture adds a contemporary touch to the interior. Floor to ceiling windows overlook envy-inducing views; be it over the Dubai Canal or the Dubai Skyline.

As part of the Hotel Indigo brand ethos, the hotel has supported local creatives through their close associations with the Alserkal Cultural Foundation, Tashkeel and XVA gallery. The hotel boasts over 200 pieces of art and local design as well as intricately designed carpet that adorns the hotel floors, created through a partnership with the Fatima Bint Mohammed Bin Zayed Initiative (FBMI).

For a social dining experience, Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown is home to the Neighborhood Café, serving a sharing style menu full of delicious Levant flavours, as well as, brewing Dubai’s finest locally roasted specialty coffee with partner Café Rider Custom Roastery.

Guests can grab a virtuous pick me up smoothie from the Juice Bar/Concept Store, Bakala Jooos or swing by the Pop Art/Satwa-inspired signature cocktail bar for uniquely crafted cocktails. Those looking to unwind poolside can chill with beats and shisha at the Pool Deck. 

Guests wanting to de-stress or relax can visit the wellness deck at Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown, where they can work up a sweat in the gym, find headspace in the yoga studio or lap-it-out in the fabulous 25-metre infinity pool.