Hotel The Address Downtown

Just a five minute walk from the biggest mall in the world, the Dubai Mall, the Address truly has an exclusive spot right in the Burj Khalifa Tower complex. The hotel is slap bang in the heart of the action. It is also a short drive away from the Juleirah beach area on Emaar Boulevard, Downtown Dubai.

Inaugurated in 2008, The Address Downtown is one of five hotels of the same chain in Dubai. Built by the giant developer, Emaar, The Address is a five star hotel and was the fifth tallest building in Dubai at the time of opening; it is now the 11th tallest. The hotel houses the acclaimed Neos bar, which is a great hangout especially due of its magnificent views over the city, especially at sunset. The atmosphere is fairly friendly and not too formal, but better to be dressed smartly if you don't want to feel out of place.

The service here isn't always up to scratch however, which is disappointing for such a stunning hotel, which can come across as cold. The approach is an impersonal one which is great for guests wanting to be left alone. During our stay here, one of our rooms was not ready even well after check-in time (6:00pm) which was a real let-down. Coffee cups were missing, there were no toiletries, dirty glasses...The duty manager was very apologetic and housekeeping staff was sent to set up the room straight after our phone call to finish setting up the room.

We also had to wait a long time before someone was available to check us in at the few (five) reception desks in the entrance hall. Not a good start to the stay.

To use the lifts you need a key card - watch out though as these are easily deactivated. To avoid walking the miles of corridors and finally getting to your room only to find out that your card doesn't work, keep it far from your phone, or, at the risk of being answered with a tired tut from the staff, ask to have it reactivated at reception before embarking on the monumental journey.

The hotel is without a doubt one of the most beautifully designed, inside and out, of Dubai. Within the Burj Khalifa Tower complex, it is a landmark in its own right. Boasting splendid views of modern Dubai and a swimming pool to die for, The Address is definitely one of our favourites despite its atrocious service. The drive is sheltered from the roadside and has a beautiful steel sculpture in the centre. More way for contemporary design is given inside the hotel with a mixture of installations, paintings, interesting features where unlikely materials fuse...no cost has been spared in making this Address Hotel a design reference. Too big to call a boutique hotel, The Address is somewhere where guests are left to themselves, staff being very discreet (sometimes so discreet that it is hard to find someone to help you). The hotel is a tower that is easily recognisable from most tall building sin the area due to its curvaceous futuristic style.

There are 200 luxury rooms which vary in style and size. The best rooms are on the seventh floor (the club lounge floor) with open bathrooms that give out onto the room. All rooms have a balcony and the best view is that of the largest choreographed fountains in the world which are animated every 20 minutes from 6:30pm (depending on the season) until 11:00pm. Even if fountains are not your thing, do make sure you get a fountain view room; you will not be disappointed! From 6:30pm-11:00pm (season-depending), watch the world's largest choreographed fountains in action from your balcony! A show not to miss. It lasts about 15 minutes in 20 minute intervals. Otherwise all rooms have complimentary tea and coffee making facilities, which is great as not all hotels have got the hang of this greatly-appreciated extra little feature. The bathrooms are all very funky and well designed. The phone is so complicated however, that I abandoned the task in the end, spending most of my time dashing from room to room.

We tried the hotel's signature Hukuma Chinese restaurant which is at the height of design. The atmosphere is also pleasant and intimate despite most tables being in the one room. However the food was not the best we have tried in the city. The hotel has eight food and beverage outlets in total. The main restaurant which is downstairs behind the reception area and usually serves a delicious and varied buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Club Lounge meals are however disappointing due to the lack of variation. The staff here, two members, seem rushed off their feet with three occupied tables.