The latest addition to Emaar’s Address hotels portfolio, Address Boulevard is setting lofty new heights for the well-established hospitality brand.
Like its sister properties Address Dubai Mall and Address Downtown, Address Boulevard boasts an extremely convenient location for those who like to shop, being linked to the world’s largest mall via covered footbridge, and stunning Burj Khalifa views from the three pools (yes, three), Club Lounge and selected rooms and suites. (Read about the neighbouring Armani Hotel located in the Burj Khalifa here.)
While those may be the commonalities between the properties, where the Boulevard edition really shines is in its differences. Address have shaken up their model with their newest edition, ushering in a lot of conceptual changes in comparison to its more traditional existing properties. Gone is the multi-restaurant format so common in Dubai, replaced with a sprawling multi-use, all-day establishment known only as ‘The Restaurant’ (this one does have a ‘the’). Its many stylized areas cater to different moods, groups and times of the day, but share a central menu and kitchen.
Going against the grain with their F&B concept is just so un-Dubai-like, but what’s even more unusual is that they’ve taken their unique twist on the hotel dining experience even further with their Club Lounge concept. A lounge so good, you might find yourself not even needing to step foot into The Restaurant at all (though I highly recommend you do).
For suite guests, the Club Lounge at Address Boulevard revolutionizes the the concept of the inner city stay.
Most frequent travelers would have experienced a Club Lounge somewhere before, and if you have, you likely share my opinion that for frequent travelers they are a very important perk accompanying premium room types. Usual lounge features such as cocktail hours, complimentary breakfast and a place to grab a water or a coffee anytime you want one are all features that make a trip for work or for pleasure that much more enjoyable, not to mention providing great added value. The Address Boulevard, however, has thrown the rule book out when creating their one-of-a-kind Club Lounge.
The elegant space offers multiple environments in which to relax, socialize or work, in addition to balconies with those famous Burj Khalifa views. You might find yourself spending a good portion of your stay relaxing at the lounge, as the Club Lounge serves up an amazing five different meals a day – breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. These aren’t your average meals either, these are near restaurant quality (and by restaurant, I mean The Restaurant) cuisine that would please even the fussiest palate (me). Special dietary needs (also me) aren’t a problem for the in-Lounge chef and I also witnessed the staff and kitchen going the extra mile to accommodate special requests from families with children.
Being able to access food of this quality and variety all day long included in the price of your suite is utterly mind blowing, but the benefits don’t stop there. Rather than simply have the typical ‘happy hour’ that you’ll find at most hotel lounges, The Address Boulevard’s Club Lounge offers a ‘happy day’. This means that complimentary alcoholic beverages are available from 12pm until 9pm – that’s definitely my definition of a ‘happy day’! Four wines are on offer (two red and two white) via an Enomatic delivery system, keeping them fresh and at optimum temperature. Beers and spirits are also available if that’s more your thing. With food and beverage offerings like this, you might be forgiven for spending more time in the Club Lounge than in that lovely suite of yours.
Speaking of suites, lovers of those Burj Khalifa views should opt for a Boulevard Suite, clocking in at 95sqm. One thing to bear in mind, however, is that Address Boulevard includes the balcony area in their room sizing so you’re actually looking at about 70-75sqm of indoor floor space. Given that the room includes a guest powder room, bar area, desk/dining area, lounge, bedroom, dressing area and large bathroom, it’s a compact configuration for a suite – but that’s not unusual given its premium inner-city location.
The suite is elegantly appointed (as one would expect given the gorgeous hotel fit-out) with spectacular marble feature tiling, velvet furnishings, plenty of charging facilities (though I would like to see USB ports added to the bedsides), dual TVs and tablet controlled room automation. I was familiar with the tablet controls as they are shared by the St. Regis Maldives, but they’re user friendly enough that new users should be able to figure out how to mirror your electronic device without too much frustration.
The bathroom is a standout feature of the suite with its to-die-for herringbone marble tiling and full size bath with mirror television for entertainment while you soak. Those who like to put their feet up (me) are well looked after too, with a cosy chaise in the lounge and a lounger on the balcony for alfresco relaxation.
Don’t forget to make time to enjoy the pools at Address Boulevard, of which there are three – surprising for an inner city property. The main pool is where you want to head if you enjoy a swim up pool bar (but seriously, who doesn’t), but those with youngsters in tow are also refreshingly well catered for also. A well designed family pool area offers hours of entertainment for children of all ages with its waterfall, waterslide, giant board games and fountains. There’s also a third private pool accessible to spa guests only.
Speaking of the spa, that’s another feature of Address Boulevard that you simply must ensure you visit during your stay. Click here to read more about The Spa at Address Boulevard.
Speaking of the spa, that’s another feature of Address Boulevard that you simply must ensure you visit during your stay. Click here to read more about The Spa at Address Boulevard.
Additional services available to suite guests include complimentary airport transfers in Dubai as well as meet and greet on arrival at the airport, showing that Address Boulevard has its eye keenly on the international guest. Pair that with 24 hour check in/out at the Club Lounge and two pieces of pressing per stay and you have a very attractive option for the business traveller.
If you happen to be one of those business travelers, here’s yet another reason why Address Boulevard is a great choice – their meeting room. You can use their expansive (and rather impressive) boardroom fitted with state of the art audio visual equipment for up to two hours during your stay, providing a cost-effective and convenient solution for getting business done in Dubai.
Fans of the Address brand or looking for an inner city luxury property in Dubai will find it hard to go past Address Boulevard.
Style: Art gallery meets Parisian apartment
Would we return? It’s hard to say no to those club lounge facilities.
Best for: Business travelers, couples, families
Room Type Reviewed: Boulevard Suite
Room Size: 95sqm (around 20-25sqm of balcony included in this measurement), King Bed
Room Amenities: Full-size bath with television, guest powder room, two large TVs, balcony with Burj Khalifa views, WIFI, desk/dining area, tablet controlled room automation, bottled water, Nespresso, minibar, robes, slippers, fridge, safe.
Hotel Facilities: Pool, swim-up pool bar, family pool with waterslide.
Complimentary services: Two pieces of pressing per room per stay, airport meet and greet service, airport transfers.
No. of dining outlets: Just one (The Restaurant) plus The Club Lounge.
Best dish: Wagyu strip loin with smashed peas and padron peppers.
Price Guide: From AED 2249 (members price), Club rooms starting at AED 1799 (members price)