The Lana Dubai evaluation: Dorchester Collection’s inaugural hotel in the Middle East – The Points Guy

Skyscrapers that defy gravity, adorned with abundant gold accents. Imaginative lodgings such as underwater suites. Renowned Michelin-starred restaurants helmed by globally acclaimed chefs. Lively beach clubs attracting a glamorous international crowd.

Dubai boasts a unique and unmistakable approach to luxury. While wealthy enthusiasts of extravagance will find plenty to admire in this Middle Eastern city, a new hotel has emerged that offers a distinctive, more subtle take on the high-end hospitality experience.

The Lana is the newest addition to the elite Dorchester Collection, which is cherished for its iconic properties like Le Meurice in Paris, Hotel Eden in Rome, the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles (County), and the collection’s namesake, the Dorchester in London.

Situated within a striking building envisioned by the esteemed architectural firm Foster + Partners, The Lana is nestled in the relatively tranquil Business Bay area. The hotel embraces a philosophy of understated elegance, forgoing extravagant themed suites and expansive water parks. Instead, it boasts celebrity-chef restaurants and a lavish Dior Spa on the 29th floor. Guests can also enjoy a discreet cigar lounge and one of the city’s most sophisticated afternoon tea experiences.

For those who appreciate understated luxury in Dubai, here’s an exclusive glimpse into The Lana and its range of amenities.

Getting there

The Lana is located in Business Bay, a predominantly commercial area filled with skyscraper offices, residential buildings, and hotels. It is also near Downtown Dubai, home to the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, offering remarkable views of the Burj Khalifa’s towering spire from several spots around The Lana.

The hotel is approximately a 20-minute, $20 taxi or Uber ride from Dubai International Airport (DXB), making it highly convenient for short stays without the need to explore the city’s beach resorts or the hotels around the Palm Jumeirah.

Booking details

The Lana offers 225 rooms and suites, with options ranging from the spacious 603-square-foot Horizon rooms to the luxurious two-bedroom Lana Royal Suite, which features a large wraparound terrace.

Prices at this establishment begin at $460 per night for a Horizon room during the summer season and approximately $650 per night during the busier, cooler months such as November and December. The 711-square-foot Marina Junior Suite, which I occupied, starts at $1,250 per night in the summer and about $1,360 in the winter.

You can frequently discover deals or packages at comparable prices by booking directly through the hotel’s website, which may include upgrades and 400 Emirati dirham ($110) in on-site credits.

If you have The American Express Platinum Card® or The American Express Business Platinum Card®You have the option to reserve through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts to enjoy benefits such as upgrades based on availability, a credit of up to $100 for on-property use during your stay for items like drinks or meals, complimentary daily breakfast for two, and guaranteed late checkout.

Standout features

• Spacious rooms equipped with some of the most comfortable hotel beds available.
• This is one of the few Dior Spas globally, offering breathtaking skyline views and unique treatments.
• Restaurants run by Michelin-acclaimed chefs Jean Imbert and Martin Berasategui.
• The 30th-floor pool and High Society bar are the ultimate spots to visit at sunset.
• Friendly staff are available to meet any guest’s needs.

Drawbacks

• This hotel isn’t suitable if you’re seeking a beach resort experience in Dubai.
• Certain rooms offer only views of the nearby desert and highways.
• The location may necessitate long drives to reach some of Dubai’s most renowned attractions.

The vibe

Even in a city filled with distinctive skyscrapers, the two interconnected towers accommodating The Lana and its related residences still manage to be exceptional. Designed by Foster + Partners, the structure mirrors the desert sky and the waters of Marasi Bay Marina’s basin below with wave-like curves reminiscent of a megayacht’s stern.

Even though it’s common to spot an international fashion icon or football star stepping out in the compact, roundabout drive (potentially from one of the hotel’s own maroon Rolls-Royce Phantoms), every guest is welcomed as a VIP by the doormen in burgundy attire and guided into the spacious, high-ceilinged lobby.

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You have the option to check-in at the traditional front desk, which is located behind an impressive arch, across from a large decorative urn filled with flowers (similar to the ones found in the lobby of The Dorchester in London). However, before reaching the desk, you’ll probably be seated on a velvet sofa where you’ll be served a cappuccino in a custom bone china saucer while your information is recorded and your room is prepared.

Remember to return for the luxurious afternoon tea and take a moment to appreciate Sophie Coryndon’s striking piece, “Golden Honey.” This gilded, honeycomb-like installation flows down a pink tiled wall, embodying both opulence and subtlety—qualities that define the elegance at The Lana.

The room

In a city as bustling around the clock as Dubai and encircled by desert, finding a tranquil retreat to unwind at the end of the day can feel akin to discovering a gleaming oasis, albeit one adorned with glossy wood and marble.

Immediately beyond the foyer of my Marina Junior Suite, there was a large, dark wood-paneled closet and dressing area with ample space for suitcases and bags filled with new acquisitions from Dubai’s numerous luxury fashion stores, plus elegant amenities such as a Dyson hair dryer.

A pair of double doors opened into the main room, where floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors offered a view of the Burj Khalifa and the skyline beyond. Dominating the neutral-colored space was a king-size bed adorned with white Frette linens and featuring a Vispring mattress that made me feel like royalty as I sank into it for the night. It’s no surprise, given that Vispring is a favored supplier to Buckingham Palace.

Beyond the bed, there was a stylish arrangement featuring an art deco-inspired sofa and chair positioned around a coffee table. On it, I discovered an assortment of rare seasonal fruits such as Williams pears and gold-flecked dates, which I sampled while watching the news on the Bang & Olufsen television. I also took leisurely walks onto the balcony to savor the views from the comfort of a lounge chair, or settled at the table as the temperatures cooled in the evening.

I situated myself at the small desk opposite the bed to jot down some notes on the hotel stationery. I also reviewed the hotel’s dining options and other services using the provided tablet, and ordered room service.

The mirrored minibar, adorned with floral door papering, housed a Nespresso machine and a kettle for preparing sachets of custom tea blends, alongside treats such as vegan gummy bears and black truffle almonds.

The centerpiece of the spacious bathroom was a free-standing deep soaking tub located by the windows, offering sweeping city views that came to life as the buildings illuminated at night.

At the same time, a spacious marble countertop featuring dual sinks and illuminated vanities offered ample room for grooming. The hotel’s bespoke, cruelty-free products from Wildsmith Skin presented a fresh yet subtle blend of magnolia, jasmine, and cedarwood scents — ideal for rinsing away the day’s residue in the sizable walk-in shower equipped with both overhead and hand-held showerheads.

With its ample but snug layout, adorned with luxurious details such as parquet flooring and velvet upholstery, the Marina Junior Suite exuded a perfect blend of grandeur and elegance.

Food and drink

Dubai has emerged as one of the premier culinary destinations globally, attracting a host of internationally acclaimed chefs who have established their presence (and served up steaks) in the city. Therefore, it is no shock that The Lana has made significant investments in its dining establishments.

Leading the lineup is Riviera by Jean Imbert located on the fourth floor. Imbert gained prominence after securing a win on “Top Chef” in 2012 and subsequently collaborated on several dining ventures with Pharrell Williams. He later assumed control of the restaurant at the prestigious Hotel Plaza Athenee in Paris, succeeding the renowned chef Alain Ducasse. Under his leadership, the restaurant has earned a Michelin star.

Offering meals at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Riviera exudes a notably laid-back atmosphere, reminiscent of a sunlit St. Tropez garden gathering, with its leafy potted palms, shutter-style room dividers, and small nautical ornaments.

The breakfast menu offered several set choices, including a continental breakfast priced at $52 and the signature Lana breakfast priced at $64. Both options included a variety of fresh juices of the day, homemade pastries, fruit platters, yogurt, and cereal. Additionally, the Lana breakfast featured a choice of dish from the à la carte menu, such as avocado with quail eggs and passion-fruit coulis, the chef’s renowned French toast with Brittany caramel sauce, and classic shakshuka served in a sizzling-hot skillet.

For both lunch and dinner, Mediterranean-French cuisine was highlighted, served on custom Bernardaud porcelain. The menu featured choices like tuna tartare prepared to personal taste tableside, using the restaurant’s own olive oil, fresh lime zest, and sea salt ($53); and airy focaccia topped with creamy burrata, pistachios, and green beans ($23). The creative ratatouille ($37) came in a tart format, adorned with thinly sliced squash and zucchini, topped with pistou, over a crisp Parmesan crust.

Stay at the hotel for drinks and dinner one evening, allowing you to visit various bars and restaurants nearby. Begin your night with a cocktail at Bitter Honey, a semi-secret speakeasy nestled in a corner of the lobby. Many of the cocktails, crafted at a bar cart off to the side, incorporate honey as both a theme and an ingredient, offering unique takes on classic drinks, such as the Trigona Old Fashioned ($23) featuring Maker’s Mark 46, honey, black cherry, aromatic bitters, and orange zest.

Next, head up to Jara by Martín Berasategui on the 18th floor. The Basque chef’s collection of restaurants boasts 12 Michelin stars, and this location is impressive. To one side, there’s a vibrant bar with striking, fire-inspired lighting and decorative terra-cotta tiles. On the other side, you’ll find the main indoor dining area facing the open kitchen, where guests can watch their meals being prepared over open flames. When the weather is pleasant, book a table on the spacious outdoor patio for even better skyline views while you enjoy dishes like Cantabrian anchovies on crystal bread and brioche ($24.50) and succulent grilled octopus with paprika and Galician-style potatoes ($37).

The centerpiece of the menu is the grilled proteins, which are charged by the weight in 100-gram increments. Depending on the day’s catch, you might savor Mediterranean langoustine, tender white shrimp from Huelva, or Cantabrian blue lobster. The whole sole, priced at $212, is substantial yet delicate and is accompanied by a selection of side sauces. Be sure to save space for the indulgent Basque cheesecake, which has a touch of tanginess and is priced at $24.50, to complete your meal.

If you’re still feeling energetic after dinner, head over to the neighboring cigar lounge, Txakolina, for a nightcap. Alternatively, you can go up to the 30th-floor pool deck and enjoy a drink at High Society, which features both an indoor lounge and an outdoor terrace. However, there is a minimum spending requirement for non-guests; hotel guests are exempt from this and get first choice of seating. That’s how I managed to secure a table by the glass railing, offering uninterrupted city views, while I sampled signature drinks inspired by the sun-worshipping cultures of ancient Egypt, Greece, and Peru, all featuring intriguing ingredients. The powerful yet refined Stare of Apep ($23) was a potent blend of mint-infused rum, date honey, and saffron bitters, providing a sweet note to end the night.

Feeling hungry between meals or after exploring the city? Stop by the ground-floor Bonbon Cafe Angelo Musa. Here, the pastry chef creates stunning French pastries to enjoy with robust coffee or tea, along with a selection of sandwiches, salads, and homemade ice creams and sorbets.

Adjacent to the lobby, the Veranda garden bar and terrace offer light snacks and cocktails from October to May. Afternoon tea, featuring a variety of pastries, scones, and finger sandwiches, is served in the Gallery, the lobby lounge area, starting at $163 per person.

Amenities and service

Despite being a city hotel where guests frequently visit for both business and leisure (and featuring meeting rooms on the ground floor with a strong midcentury “Mad Men” aesthetic), the hotel also boasts an impressive array of recreational amenities.

On the 30th floor, the spacious pool deck features various lounging and seating options, complete with umbrellas and other shade to escape the Emirati heat, though it can occasionally get windy up here. Lifeguards and attendants are available to set up daybeds with towels and take food and drink orders as you move between your chair and the water throughout the day.

On the 29th floor, one level down, you will find the hotel’s health and wellness center. The Lana hosts the UAE’s inaugural Dior Spa, which opened in April and quickly saw its bookings filled for several months. Besides a small boutique offering Dior skincare products, perfumes, and fashion items, the complex features a beauty room for nail services and five treatment rooms. Among these rooms, one is wheelchair-accessible and equipped with a roll-in shower and a toilet with grab bars. Additionally, there is a couples suite with large double-height windows that offer a view of downtown Dubai.

The treatment menu features exclusive experiences such as the Iyashi Dome infrared session, priced at $163 for 30 minutes, and the L’Or de Vie Miracle face and back treatment, which includes a massage and facial using rock crystal and Dior’s L’Or de Vie line infused with antioxidant vine sap from Bordeaux’s renowned Chateau d’Yquem, costing $531 for 90 minutes. We’re completely serious about this.

Should those prices seem a bit steep, you can opt for traditional wellness by exercising at the adjacent gym.

Fortunately, there are some Dior-branded features present here as well, including stretching mats, balance balls, jump ropes, and light weights.

The current trend in luxury hotels is focusing on delivering residential-style experiences, though many fail to achieve this goal. The Lana, however, succeeds in this regard. While my Marina Junior Suite or the meals crafted by Jean Imbert did not quite feel like home, the staff’s demeanor and attentiveness immediately made me feel comfortable. They efficiently handled every detail without being overly solicitous.

It was a collection of minor details that collectively made a big difference. For example, remembering my exact coffee order each morning, noticing which fruits (and pastries, let’s be honest) I liked best and offering extra portions on following days; or seating me at my favorite table at High Society when I made an unplanned visit the second night, then guiding me through the details of five different cocktails until I chose my favorite. Even the housekeeping staff, noticing I had used up all the bottled water provided, left half a dozen more during turndown service without me requesting it. In conclusion, I felt genuinely cared for without being smothered, leaving me with warm and memorable interactions with everyone at the hotel.

Out and about

Marasi Bay Marina, home to The Lana, is undergoing redevelopment to become a new lifestyle district featuring a 7-mile waterfront promenade with shops, cafes, residential structures, yacht berths, and additional amenities. Although this transformation is ongoing with significant construction work, you can still reach numerous city attractions affordably by car.

It’s just a 10-minute ride to the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa (traffic permitting) in one direction, and another 10 minutes to the cafes, galleries, and offices of the Dubai Design District in the opposite direction. The Gold Souk is a 25-minute drive away, as are some of the top public beaches in the city.

Accessibility

The Lana offers four accessible rooms within the Horizon category. These rooms are equipped with lowered peepholes on the doors, easily reachable safes and wardrobe racks, and closet doors that fold instead of swing. In addition, they feature emergency buttons for assistance and televisions with closed-caption capabilities. The bathrooms are designed for wheelchair accessibility, including emergency cords, roll-in shower stalls, hand-held showerheads, and grab bars near the toilets.

The hotel features elevators with buttons marked in Braille placed at a height accessible to wheelchair users. All public areas, including the entrance, are wheelchair-friendly due to flat surfaces, ramps, and elevators. Additionally, public spaces are equipped with accessible restrooms, although some restroom doors may need assistance to open.

Regrettably, the pool lacks a chairlift and a zero-step entry.

Checking out

Dorchester Collection’s The Lana distinguishes itself from other luxury hotels in Dubai by favoring subtleness over extravagance and elegance over showiness, achieving a remarkable outcome. Although its location in a developing neighborhood transitioning into a lifestyle hub may lack the central excitement, the hotel offers numerous amenities and dining options for an enjoyable stay in Dubai.

Writer’s note: The Dorchester Collection is owned by the Brunei Investment Agency and has been the subject of boycotts since 2014, when the sultan of Brunei imposed sharia law within the country. This, along with another set of laws passed in 2019, severely curtailed the rights of some citizens, including LGBTQIA+ people. To learn more about this, you can read the U.S. Department of State’s most recent report on human rights practices in Brunei and decide for yourself whether this will affect your travel decisions.