InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Dubai

The Cranley Report

InterContinental Dubai Festival City

InterContinental Dubai Festival City , Dubai

Hotel Address

Dubai Festival City

Cranley Rating

InterContinental Dubai Festival City

Photo 1 of 26. Click to enlarge

Hotel Summary

Category	Hotel
Awards Won	2008 Concierge Team of the Year: Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing

Hotel Opened

2008

Cranley Summary

InterContinental Dubai Festival City, whose design is inspired by a sailboat, is located on the banks of the historic Dubai creek. The hotel is at the heart of the business, shopping and entertainment districts and has good access to Burj Dubai, the World Trade Centre and Al Mamzar Beach Park. The hotel boasts 498 rooms in total, 377 Standard and Executive rooms, as well as 121 luxury suites including 3 Presidential Suites. Dining options include International buffet, Lebanese and French fine dining. In addition you will find a Spa and a Health & Fitness Centre on-site as well as a conferences and banqueting centre with large ballrooms and 8 meeting rooms.

InterContinental Dubai Festival City is adjacent and connected with the Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City giving access to a second set of pool, gym and dining and is only a few minutes' walk to Festival Centre with over 550 shops. It is also connected to a luxury marina, and two 18 hole championship golf courses located minutes away.

Hotel Location & Layout

Location Description

InterContinental Dubai Festival City is adjacent to and connected with Crowne Plaza Festival City to the right of Dubai Festival City. The entrance is the 3rd service road upon entering the hotel roundabout. To the right of the hotel in an adjoining building is The Event Centre, which connects InterContinental Dubai Festival City to Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City. To the back and left of the hotel is the luxury marina where you can enjoy quiet walks along the creek and watch boats go by. The hotel is also connected to Festival Centre via an internal bridge, and to two 18-hole championship golf courses located minutes away.

Airports
Distance	6 km
Airport Transfers	Chargeable taxi and limousine service available.

Cities and Sights
Distance	3 km
City/Sight Transfers	Chargeable taxi and limousine service available.

Layout Description

InterContinental Dubai Festival City is accessible from the last service road entrance on the hotel roundabout. Upon arrival guests are taken through the main lobby area which acts as a through fare for guests. To the left is the walkway leading past the Travel Centre and Sundry Shop and onto the shopping mall. To the right is the walkway past the Flower Shop, VIP Reception and the Business Centre then onto the Event Centre. Straight ahead from the entrance you will find the Reception and Concierge desks on your right hand side, thereafter the corridor on the right which leads to the lifts and guest floors. Slightly further and you'll pass Anise, the all day dining restaurant, and Vista Lounge on your right. Access to the other restaurants is via the lifts or stairs at the far end of the lobby, which take you to the waterfront level. Club rooms and Suites are located on floors 26 to 34 and the leisure deck, swimming pool , gym facilities, and Spa InterContinental are on the 4th floor.

Lobby & Guest Relations

Open Hours	24 hours
Languages Spoken	There are 52 nationalities working at the hotel. Languages spoken include Afrikaans, Arabic, Chinese, Czech, Dutch, English, French, German, Hindi, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Slovak, Spanish, Swahili, Tagalog.
Payment Methods	All major credit cards and cash accepted.
Foreign Exchange	Available 24 hours. All major currencies exchanged. Exchange rates are commissionable.
Taxis Arranged	Public taxis are called by the doorman and there are often several waiting. Hotel taxis and cars are chargeable.
Tours Arranged	Al Futtaim Travel has an office in the InterContinental Dubai Festival City. Guests should direct requests to the Concierge who can facilitate arrangements for a full range of tours and tailor made packages which include: Abu Dhabi City Tours Al Ain City Tours Camel Riding Desert Safaris Dhow Tours Dinner Cruises Dubai City Tours Fishing Trips Liwa Full Day Safaris Night At The Races Oman Dhow Tour Sand Skiing Sharjah and Ajman City Tours Snorkelling or Scuba Diving Wadi Hatta or Hajar Mountains

Guest Relations	Standard service.
Concierge Services	The Concierge is on hand 24 hours a day and will assist guests with any arrangements including restaurant reservations, limousines, car rental, airport transfers.
Medical Facilities	On call doctors are available. Please contact Reception for help. Staff are trained to administer first aid for minor incidents.
Parking	There are 634 complimentary dedicated spaces for the hotel, and direct underground access to 8000 spaces at Festival Centre. Valet parking available. Controlled access gates to parking. Parking area equipped with lights.

Cranley Comment

The impressive triple storey lobby has comfortable modern seating arrangements to the left as you enter the hotel. To the left is the walkway leading to the Festival Centre shopping centre whilst to the right is the walkway leading to The Event Centre. Anise and Vista Lounge are located off the lobby and free wireless internet access is provided for all guests. Smoking is prohibited in all areas of the lobby. The passage to the hotels guest bedrooms and restaurants are also located off the lobby.

Shops & Amenities

Description

Al Futtaim Travel Agency with Avis Rental Car Desk:
Daily 09:00 - 18:00
Sundry Shop selling papers, toiletries, maps, books and sundries:
Daily 09:00 - 18:00
Flower Shop with delivery service:
Daily 09:00 - 18:00

Cranley Comment

The shops are located off the lobby. To the right is the Flower Shop and to the left are the Sundry Shop and Travel Centre. Only a few minutes' walk away is Festival Centre, a shopping centre with over 500 shops and 90 restaurants where guests will find everything from electronics, clothing, books, international stores and Arabic speciality shops.

Rooms, Suites & Villas

Number of Floors	34
Total Rooms	498
Elevators	8
Rooms per Elevator	62
Total Staff	1200
Staff per Room	2.4

Check-in Time	14:00
Check-out Time	12:00
Smoking Rooms	138 smoking rooms are available.
Room Service	24 hours providing a range of breakfast, lunch and dinner options.
Laundry Service	A next day, same day and express Laundry Service and Dry Cleaning Service is provided 7 days a week. Garments received by 09:00 will be returned by 18:00. Garments received after 09:00 will be returned the next day by 12:00. 3hr Express Service is available on request from 09:00 to 16:00. Pressing service is available daily from 07:00 to 19:00. Overnight Pressing is available 7 days a week with a guaranteed return by 07:30 the next day. 1hr Pressing service is available.
Unique Features	All rooms are fully fitted with up-to-date remote control features for lights and curtains.

Club or Executive Facilities

Club InterContinental is located on the 26th floor with captivating views of the creek and the city’s skyline.
On request, guests can access suites and club rooms through a VIP entrance and VIP reception service. Alternatively a separate check-in is possible at the Club InterContinental Reception on the 26th floor. A total of 4 VIP lifts service the Club and Suite rooms on floors 26 to 34.

A complimentary hot and cold buffet breakfast is served between 06:30 to 11:00, tea and cakes between 15:00 and 17:00, with evening cocktails and canapés between 18:00 to 21:00. Complimentary International newspapers are available.

InterContinental Executive Club access includes:
Snacks & drinks
Welcome & airport transfers
Complimentary breakfast
High-speed internet
Morning & afternoon tea
Evening cocktail dinatoire
3-hour boardroom hire
Late checkout until 16:00 subject to availability

Cranley Comment

498 rooms, including 377 guest rooms and 121 Suites make the InterContinental Dubai Festival City one of the larger Dubai hotels. All guest rooms and suites have been decorated in a contemporary, natural colour scheme and style. This is mixed with solid wood matching furniture, quality soft furnishings and modern electrical equipment and lighting. The hotel offers up-to-date electrical equipment and gadgets including touch-switch lights above beds, IPod docking stations, DVD/CD/VCD players and movable Plasma screens so you can watch TV from anywhere in the room. The large bathrooms have wide or free standing baths and separate toilet and shower closets. Suites provide full kitchen facilities and have service access for hotel staff. All room types have a variation of rooms giving a multitude of choice for size and view, as well as choice regarding the facilities travellers will need access to.

Type of Room, Views & Facilities

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Superior	228	120 City 108 Marina	Electronic locking system Viewfinder spy hole Security chain Individually controlled air-conditioning Work space/desk Voice mail High speed internet access (chargeable) 3 pin square British sockets 2 pin round European sockets 2 blade and 1 round pin American sockets 3 pin small round sockets Plasma television DVD/CD/VCD player I-pod docking station Radio/alarm Large windows Dimmer switches Fibre optic reading lights All lights can be controlled form bed side Three double closets Dressing area Full length mirror Iron and ironing board Shoe shine service Large safe suitable for laptop Mini-bar Tea and coffee making facilities Free (local) daily newspapers and magazines Turndown service Down duvet Hyper allergenic pillows En-suite bathroom Single vanity basin unit Separate toilet closet Bidet Bath tub with hand held shower Separate rain shower Bathrobes Slippers Anti fog mirror Shaving/Make up mirror Shaving point Heated towel rail Hairdryer Bathroom scale Telephone in bathroom Radio speakers in bathroom Television speakers in bathroom Luxury InterContinental toiletries 54 Interconnecting rooms	2 adults and 1 child under 12 yrs old	43

Cranley Comment

There are 152 Superior guest bedrooms with king size beds and 55 with twin beds, which have either a marina or city view aspect. Three additional king size rooms have been accessibility adapted. Each Superior guest room has a small entrance hallway with high ceilings, a large double wardrobe big enough for a suitcase and a large full length mirror. The entrance hallway leads into the living space or the bathroom and has three clearly defined areas. A lounge area by the window with book shelf, free magazines and a chaise longue, a sleeping area with king size bed or twin beds central to the room, and a work space with desk and internet access point nearest to the entrance hallway. The décor is modern and functional in earthy tones with a light mauve throw draped across the lower half of the bed. In keeping with the style, the soft furnishings are either mainly brown and beige or light mauve and grey, with cream standard lamps and crisp white bed linen. The large bathroom has a large mirror above the single vanity basin unit, a bath, separate toilet closet, separate rain shower, double closet, shelving and luxury InterContinental toiletries.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Deluxe	59	Creek	As per the Superior rooms with the added benefit of: Additional space 04 Interconnecting rooms.	2 adults and 1 child under 12 yrs old	46

Cranley Comment

There are 44 Deluxe guest bedrooms with king size beds and 14 with twin beds, which are located on higher floors and have either a marina or city view aspect,. The Deluxe guest rooms are 3m² larger than the Superior with views from higher floors, allowing greater skyline views. There is a small entrance hallway with large double wardrobe and full length mirror, leading into the living space. As with the Superior room, thedécor is modern with earthy tones. A chaise longue is provided next to the large window and free magazines and newspapers are located on the bookshelf behind it. Crisp white bedlinen is hypoallergenic, as are the duvet and quilt. In the bathroom, you will find a large mirror and ample storage space with an extra cupboard and shelving under the vanity unit. A free standing rain shower and a hand held shower are provided for the guests comfort as well as luxury InterContinental toiletries.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Club InterContinental	60	Creek	As per the Superior rooms with the added benefit of: InterContinental Executive Club access which includes: Snacks & drinks Welcome & airport transfers Complimentary breakfast High-speed internet Morning & afternoon tea Evening cocktail dinatoire 3-hour boardroom hire Late checkout until 16:00 subject to availability 04 Interconnecting Rooms	2 adults and 2 children under 12 yrs old	46

Cranley Comment

Guests staying in Club InterContinental rooms have the benefit of all the Executive Club lounge facilities situated on the 26th floor of the hotel. The Club InterContinental rooms have a creek view aspect. There are 50 Club InterContinental guest bedrooms with king size beds and 19 with twin beds. The Club InterContinental rooms are also 3m² larger than the Superior guest rooms, allowing for another fold away bed to be added which can sleep two children under twelve, rather than one. Otherwise the room is identical to the Deluxe guest room in furniture and layout. Tthe décor is modern and functional in earthy tones. The large bathroom has ample storage and space to accommodate four as well as additional bathrobes, slippers and InterContinental toiletries.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Executive	30	Creek	As per the Club InterContinental rooms with the added benefit of: 06 Interconnecting rooms.	2 adults and 2 children under 12 yrs old	49

Cranley Comment

The Exectuive guest rooms are the largest at 49m². Identical to the other InterContinental guest rooms in layout and furniture but with addtional floor space in the living area allowing guests more room. Guests staying in Executive rooms have the benefit of all the Executive Club lounge facilities situated on the 26th floor of the hotel, providing complimentary breakfast, afternoon snacks and cocktails in the evening. The Executive rooms have a creek view aspect and are located on higher floors, allowing for greater views of the creek. There are 40 Executive guest bedrooms, 32 with king size beds and 8 with twin beds with the possibility to request fold-away beds for guests who are travelling with children.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Superior One Bedroom Suite	26	3 City 23 Marina	As per the Club InterContinental rooms with the added benefit of: Sitting area Dining table with 4 chairs Bedroom dressing table Espresso machine Large minibar Walk-in wardrobe Guest toilet Guest closet Double vanity basin unit	2 adults and 1 child under 12 yrs old	82

Cranley Comment

One Bedroom Suites offer a fully functioning apartment feel without the kitchen. The Superior One Bedroom Suite door opens into a large entrance hall with guest closet and guest toilet. To one side of the suite you will find the lounge and dining area, to the other the bedroom. The décor is modern, contemporary and clean in natural colours that match the Superior rooms. The added space is used for a sitting area, furnished in natural coloured upholstery with a large minibar for entertaining. In the bedroom there is an additional dressing table and walk-in wardrobe. The bathroom has an additional vanity basin, a free standing shower with hand held shower and InterContinental toiletries.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Deluxe One Bedroom Suite	42	19 City 5 Creek 18 Marina	As per the Superior One Bedroom Suite with the added benefit of: Additional space	2 adults and 1 child under 12 yrs old	90

Cranley Comment

Deluxe One Bedroom Suites are 8m² larger than the Superior One Bedroom Suites and are located on higher floors giving greater views of the city, marina or creek. The front door opens into the entrance hall with guest closet and guest toilet leading off it. To one side of the suite you will find the lounge and dining area, to the other the bedroom. The décor again has Italian influences, is contemporary and clean in natural colours that match the Superior rooms. The suite is nearly double the size of Superior rooms allowing for an additional dressing table and walk-in wardrobe in the bedroom, a double basin in the bathroom and of course an additional lounge and dining area for entertaining up to four guests. In room dining is an option for guests.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Two Bedroom Suite	47	15 City 18 Creek 14 Marina	As per the One Bedroom Suite with the added benefit of: Playstation in the sitting room with en-suite bathroom Additional bedroom with added fold away bed on request Additional walk-in wardrobe Separate shower rooms Ermengildo Zegna and Nina Campbell toiletries	4 adults and 2 children under 12 yrs old	145

Cranley Comment

There are 47 Two Bedroom Suites, designed for larger families with older children or a maid. There is a large central living area between the two en-suite bedrooms, with seating for six on the sofa and additional foot stools that children can use to sit on when playing the Playstation. The décor has Italian influences and is made up of neutral colours in keeping with the rest of the hotel. Leading from the central entrance hall to one side is an en-suite guest bedroom with private living room, dressing room and walk in wardrobe. To the other side of the central entrance hallway there is a master bedroom with a large metal frame four poster bed, walk in wardrobe and dressing table. The en-suite bathroom has a free-standing bath, separate rain shower, double basin vanity unit and Ermengildo Zegna and Nina Campbell toiletries.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Presidential Suite	3	Creek	As per the Two Bedroom Suite with the additional benefit of: King size four-poster metal frame bed in master bedroom Lounge seating for 8 people Large dining table with 6 chairs Fully functioning kitchen with Large double door fridge 5 plate electric hob Oven Toaster Cooking utensils Cutlery and crockery Very large master bathroom with: Double person bath tub Double sided vanity unit with double basins Large separate shower room 2 person sauna	4 adults and 2 children under 12 yrs old	246

Cranley Comment

There are 3 Presidential Suites on the upper floors with superb creek views. The additional space has been used to provide a triple size master bathroom that leads off the master bedroom. With a fully functioning kitchen that is accessible to hotel staff through a private service door, preventing interruptions, these suites offer apartment style living. There is a large central living area between the two en-suite bedrooms. The total suite incorporates a central entrance hall, large open plan living and dining room. Leading from the central entrance hall to one side is an en-suite guest bedroom with private living room, dressing room and walk in wardrobe. To the other side of the central entrance hallway there is a master bedroom with a large metal frame four poster bed, walk in wardrobe and dressing table. The en-suite bathroom has a double person bath, 2 person sauna, separate rain shower, double sided vanity unit with double basins and luxury Ermengildo Zegna and Nina Campbell toiletries.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Suite 2710	1	Creek	As per the One Bedroom Suites with the added benefit of: Lounge seating Dining table with 4 chairs Kitchenette with Cutlery and crockery Espresso machine Double sided vanity unit with double basins Large separate shower room	2 adults and 1 child undere 12 yrs old	110

Cranley Comment

Not unlike Suite 2727, Suite 2710 has views of the creek and a delightful setting geared towards couples on a romantic retreat. Located on the top floor with a fully open plan layout for the lounge and dining area, this room offers a unique retreat for a special trip. The décor has Italian influences, is contemporary and clean in natural colours and is made of leather and soft upholstery. The kitchenette has a private entrance built in for hotel staff so guests are not disturbed and provides a range of crockery and cutlery. In the living space is a sofa style chaise loungue, which is a perfect place to curl up on in front of the TV and the dining area can be set by hotel staff for a romantic meal.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Suite 2727	1	Creek	As per Suite 2710 with the added benefit of: Double person bath	2 adults and 1 child under 12 yrs old	125

Cranley Comment

The one of a kind 2727, also called the Fantastic Suite or Honeymooners Suite has excellent views of the creek and a delightful setting geared towards couples on a romantic retreat. Located on the top floor with a fully open plan layout including a large double person, free standing bathtub at the foot of your bed and two man loungers in the lounge area make this a unique retreat for a special trip. To the right of the suite entrance hall you will find the lounge and dining area, to the left the bedroom and bathroom. The décor has Italian influences, is contemporary and clean in natural beige and brown colours and all the finishing touches are of the highest standard. The open plan layout means that you can see from one end of the Suite right the way to the other, so you'll never lose sight of that special someone. All areas have cushions and comfortable corners to curl up into and to ensure your privacy, the hotel also has private entrances for hotel staff, so they need never disturb you.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Royal Suite	1	Creek	As per the Two Bedroom Suite with the added benefit of: King size four-poster metal frame bed in master bedroom Lounge seating for 8 people Large dining table with 6 chairs Fully functioning kitchen with Large double door fridge 5 plate electric hob Oven Toaster Cooking utensils Cutlery and crockery Double person bath.	4 adults and 2 children under 12 yrs old	176

Cranley Comment

As the name suggests, the Royal Suite offers the best in luxury surroundings for a large family. Floor to ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the Dubai skyline. With a fully functioning kitchen that is accessible to hotel staff through a private service door, preventing interruptions, the Royal Suite offers apartment style living. There is a large central living area between the two en-suite bedrooms. The total suite incorporates a central entrance hall, large open plan living and dining room. Leading from the central entrance hall to one side is an en-suite guest bedroom with twin beds. To the other side of the central entrance hallway there is a master bedroom with a large metal frame four poster bed, walk in wardrobe, dressing table room and en-suite bathroom with double person bath.

Restaurants & Cafés

Number of Restaurants

Restaurant Comments

Live cooking stations in Anise, fresh Arabic seafood in Al-Sultan Brahim Beirut, the Parisian Bistro Madeleine and Michelin-starred French cuisine Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire are just some of the choices on offer at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City. With five restaurants open from 06:00 to 02:00, offering a mix of breakfast, lunch, dinner or afternoon tea, room service is also available. In the unlikely event that you want to try another restaurant, you can try one of three in the Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City next door or wander over to one of the ninety restaurants in Festival Centre.

Anise

Restaurant Type	All day dining
Restaurant Capacity	Total: 244 persons (204 indoors, 40 outdoors)
Opening Times	All day dining from 06:00 to 01:00
Dress Codes	Casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	Smoking is permitted on the terrace.
Children’s Facilities	High chairs are available on request
Breakfast Options	Breakfast is served from 06:00 to 10:30 Continental American Arabic Fruit and salad Cereals Pastries Live cooking stations

Cranley Comment

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Anise covers a lot of territory. Located on the left hand side of the lobby, it is the largest restaurant in the hotel and has an interesting choice of multi-ethnic foods at numerous food stations. The décor is modern with neutral greens, browns and deep blue ceiling poles which break the room into a variety of seating choices. Seating varies from secluded dining with Stone Henge style surroundings, classic dark wooden upholstered tables with views of the marina, green upholstered booths creating privacy through to outdoor garden seating. The menu offers even more choice with live cooking stations offering guests the opportunity to converse with the chefs and sample a variety of dishes before making selections. An especially good touch is that nearly all the seating is directed towards the floor to ceiling windows, ensuring that you can enjoy your meal whilst watching life go by on the creek.

Al Sultan Brahim Beirut

Restaurant Type	Lebanese with Arabic Seafood
Restaurant Capacity	Total: 200 (100 indoors, 100 outdoors)
Opening Times	Lunch 12:00 to 16:00 Dinner 19:00 to 01:00
Dress Codes	Smart casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	A Shisha terrace is available with Arabic style seating with bright colours cushions and chairs. Smoking is restricted to this area.
Children’s Facilities	High chairs are available on request. Smaller portions available.

Cranley Comment

The Lebanese Al Sultan Brahim Beirut restaurant is located on the waterfront level offering a traditional Lebanese menu with a special twist. Seafood is freshly prepared and is served with Arabic delicacies which are sure to tempt the taste buds. Dark wooden flooring, walls and furniture create a contrast to the beautifully crafted white linen lined chairs in the main restaurant giving the restaurant a classic feel. The outdoor Shisha area has been created to reflect a truly Arabic setting with brightly coloured cushions, carpets and seats, perfect to round off your dining experience. Noteworthy, is that alcohol is only served indoors.

Bistro Madeleine

Restaurant Type	French
Restaurant Capacity	Total: 200 (100 indoors, 100 outdoors)
Opening Times	08:00 to 02:00 for breakfast, lunch,afternoon tea and dinner.
Dress Codes	Casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	Smoking is permitted on the terrace.
Children’s Facilities	High chairs are available on request.
Breakfast Options	A la carte breakfast is served from 06:30 to 10:30. Pastries Continental French

Cranley Comment

As you might expect from the name, Bistro Madeleine evokes the feel of a French Brasserie in the heart of Dubai. Located on the waterfront level, accessible by lift from the lobby, it offers a relaxing atmosphere and picturesque views of the marina. From its delightful fare and freshly baked pastries and breads to the décor, you’ll think you’re in a traditional neighbourhood café in the centre of Paris. The seating is classic French, as are the pictures and posters found on the wall. Locals and travellers alike frequent for a leisurely lunch, afternoon tea or a quiet, casual dinner. The menu offers a selection of meat dishes, pastas, sandwiches and pastries.

Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire

Restaurant Type	Fine dining
Restaurant Capacity	60 persons
Opening Times	Open 6 days a week, excluding Saturdays for evening dining from 19:00 to 02:00.
Dress Codes	Smart casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	Non smoking
Children’s Facilities	No children's facilities.

Cranley Comment

Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire is a world-class fine dining restaurant offering Michelin-starred French cuisine at the hands of Pierre Gagnaire. Located on the hotel promenade, this restaurant provides an upscale menu, with what the chef calls “multisensory hits” created by blending unexpected tastes and textures for a truly adventurous dining experience. The setting only adds to the flavour with wine bottles on 2 meter high wine racks, dark velvet red upholstered seats and cream table clothes, perfect for an elegant evening. The oversized white leather welcome chairs, funky vases and light fixtures add to the Moulin Rouge feel. Cuisine is French fine dining with your typical choices of red meat dishes, escargot and unique Pierre Gagnaire mixes.

Vista Lounge

Restaurant Type	Lobby Coffee Shop
Restaurant Capacity	150
Opening Times	08:00 to 02:00
Dress Codes	Casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	There is a small outdoor smoking section.
Children’s Facilities	No children's facilities.

Cranley Comment

To the far back and right hand side of the lobby is Vista Lounge, the lobby coffee shop and evening bar where snacks, pastries and cakes are provided throughout the day. Shielded from the bustle of the busy lobby by floor to ceiling tinted glass and panels, the lounge offers armchair comfort and a relaxing atmosphere. Evening silence is broken by the sound of the piano and for guests wanting to work quietly there is also free wireless internet access available. Follow the corridor to the right to find the marble bar, surrounded by black leather covered bar stools and the garden style brown woven seating and glass top tables on the terrace, which overlooks the marina and Dubai skyline. The bar offers a range of cocktails as well as beverages and light meals. An ideal setting for pre and post dinner drinks, as entertainment is offered most evenings.

Bars

Number of Bars	4
Bar Comments

There are three indoor bars and an outdoor Pool Bar at the InterContinental Festival City offering pre-dinner drinks or sunset views. The Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire bar is only open to dining guests for pre-dinner drinks. Eclipse and Vista Lounge however are open to all guests, with Eclipse being the more extravagant of the two with excellent views of the skyline and a selection of international cigars. For a less dressy atmosphere visit the Vista Lounge and enjoy refreshments and light meals or relax on a sun lounger by the Pool Bar.

Eclipse

Bar Type	Champagne Bar
Bar Capacity	60
Opening Times	18:00 to 02:00
Dress Codes	Smart Casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	Smoking permitted. A selection of international cigars are also available.
Admissions Policy	Over 21s only

Cranley Comment

Eclipse is located on the 26th floor of the hotel offering an intimate bar with a wide range of premium beverages and cigars. Red, orange and cream flooring, a central bar, cream bar stools and high tables with dark marble surfaces set the scene. The romantic lighting makes Eclipse the bar of choice for watching the sunset over the beautiful Dubai skyline whilst sipping a glass of champagne.

Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire

Bar Type	Pre dinner bar
Bar Capacity	10
Opening Times	Open 6 days a week, excluding Saturdays for evening dining from 19:00 to 02:00.
Dress Codes	Smart casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	No smoking.
Admissions Policy	No admissions policy.

Cranley Comment

Set aside from the bright purple carpet and with high bar stools covered in plush spongy leather, this lavishly decorated little bar is an ideal pre-dinner drinks venue for guests holding reservations made for dinner at Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire. Pre-dinner drinks could include cocktails, mocktails, champagne or spirits.

Vista Lounge

Bar Type	Cocktail bar
Bar Capacity	Total: 200 (100 indoors and 100 outdoors)
Opening Times	08:00 to 02:00
Dress Codes	Casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	There is a small outdoor smoking section.
Admissions Policy	No admissions policy.

Cranley Comment

Follow the corridor to the right from the lobby and you'll find the Vista Lounge bar with its marble bar, surrounded by black leather covered bar stools and the garden style brown woven seating and glass top tables on the terrace, which overlooks the marina and Dubai skyline. The bar offers a range of cocktails as well as beverages and light meals. This relaxed bar hovers above the water and surrounds you with floor-to-ceiling windows to create stunning views in every direction.

Pool Bar

Bar Type	Pool Bar
Bar Capacity	100 persons
Opening Times	06:30 to 22:00
Dress Codes	None

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	Smoking is permitted.
Admissions Policy	Hotel guests only.

Cranley Comment

The Pool Bar is for the exclusive use of the InterContinental Dubai Festival City hotel guests. The pool bar is located to the side of the adult pool and is surrounded by gardens and plants. Refreshing drinks, juices, mocktails, cocktails, soft drinks and snacks are served amidst a tranquil ambience throughout the day.

Business & Event Facilities

Wireless Internet

Complimentary wireless internet is available in the Business Centre, function rooms and in the main building lobby.

In-Room Services

Chargeable high speed internet access via cable.

Business Centre

The Business Centre is located on the lobby level on the walk-way towards the event centre. A small meeting room which seats four is available on request and offers telephone conferencing facilities. Daily newspaper and local business magazines are provided for guests.

Open 24 hours a day, providing the following facilities:
Five PCs with complimentary internet connection
Secretarial support
Photocopying
Faxing
Printing
Binding
Courier services

Meetings & Events

Venue	Size (m²)	Dimensions L x W x H (metres)
Al Baraha
Al Baraha Ballroom	1,104	54.5 x 20.5 x 5.2	900	500	1000	600	162	170	350
Al Baraha 1	274	13.5 x 20.5 x 5.2	150	100	200	96	30	25	60
Al Baraha 2	278	13.5 x 20.6 x 5.2	150	100	200	108	48	54	72
Al Baraha 3	552	27.0 x 20.5 x 5.2	300	250	400	250	72	54	180
Al Ras Ballroom	1,373	61.5 x 26.0 x 5.2	1200	800	1300	800	154	192	500
Al Ras 1	452	17.5 x 26.0 x 5.2	200	200	450	270	70	70	150
Al Ras 2	452	17.5 x 26.0 x 5.2	200	200	450	270	70	70	150
Al Ras 3	452	17.5 x 26.0 x 5.2	200	200	450	270	70	70	150
Al Amwaj Meeting Room	117	20.5 x 5.7 x 5.2	80	40	90	48	36	36	36
Al Amwaj 1	57	10.5 x 5.7 x 5.2	40	-	40	24	12	12	15
Al Amwaj 2	60	10.5 x 5.8 x 5.2	40	-	40	24	12	12	15
Al Waha Meeting Room	58	9.0 x 6.4 x 5.2	30	16	40	36	18	18	20
Al Waha 1	29	4.5 x 6.4 x 5.2	15	-	20	18	10	10	10
Al Waha 2	29	4.5 x 5.4 x 5.2	15	-	20	18	10	10	10
Al Rimal Meeting Room	56	10.0 x 6.0 x 5.2	30	16	40	36	22	18	20
Al Rimal 1	28	4.9 x 5.7 x 5.2	15	-	20	18	10	10	10
Al Rimal 2	28	4.9 x 5.8 x 5.2	15	-	20	18	10	10	10
Al Majlis Meeting Room	74	10.0 x 7.5 x 5.2	50	40	48	24	16	24	18
Al Khayma Meeting Room	62	7.0 x 8.5 x 5.2	40	30	40	24	18	18	18

Meeting facilities cover 3,800 square metres spread across two floors, making the Event Centre one of the largest event facilities in the UAE. It is located between the InterContinental Dubai Festival City and the Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City and is easily accessible from its own entrance or through the corridors that link both hotel lobbies to the centre.

Cranley Comment

The hotel has a range of options for the business traveller. The Business Centre is located to the right of the lobby and is open 24 hours, with five PC’s, complimentary internet connection, secretarial support, photocopying, faxing, printing, binding and courier services. In addition, there are substantial banqueting and conference facilities, which can cater for up to 1300 guests. All the latest AV equipment is available in all meeting rooms and is operated from within the room. Catering is provided by both the InterContinental and Crowne Plaza and can provide anything from snacks to fine dining. Wireless internet is available throughout.

Children’s Facilities & Clubs

Restaurant Facilities

See Restaurants

Children's Pool

See Pools

Babysitting service

The InterContinental uses a local babysitting agency. Please ask the Concierge for details.

Cranley Comment

Children have their own special place with access to the children’s splash pool located on the beautifully landscaped leisure deck, plus direct access to the world-class shopping centre with a 12-screen cinema and entertainment zone.

Entertainment

Evening Activities

Cranley Comment

The hotel provides daily musical entertainment in the Vista Lounge from 21:00 to late.

Beaches

Al Mamzar

Location	5km
Description	Al Mamzar Park looks out over a blue lagoon to the Emirate of Sharjah on one side and the Gulf on the other side. It is open daily from 08:00 to 23:00 and there is a nominal entrance fee.
Private/Public	Public
Size/Frontage	The park is a peninsula, in excess of one hundred hectares, that extends into the Persian Gulf. There are five different beaches, all with their own amenities including refreshments and children's climbing frames and swings.

Facilities	A small charge is levied for a sun bed, umbrella and towels. Swimming pool under shade (separate charge) BBQ facilities Refreshments on sale Showers Children's playgrounds Amusement arcade Volleyball Football goals
Parking	There is complimentary parking outside the park and a nominal charge is levied to bring your car into the park.

Cranley Comment

The park offers sheltered public beaches, swimming pools, pleasant green spaces, and designated picnic and barbeque areas. An ideal place to spend an afternoon, the park also features a spacious amphitheatre and children's playground area.

Jumeirah Beach Park

Location	14km
Description	Jumeirah Beach Park is a public beach open from 8:00 to 23:00. Visitors must pay a small charge to enter the beach area and sun loungers and parasols are available for hire. Visitors to the Jumeirah Beach Park should note that one day per week is designated as 'Ladies Only' day and they should check before visiting which day it is.
Private/Public	Public
Size/Frontage	The beach has a water frontage of about four hundred metres and is approximately twenty metres wide.

Facilities	Facilities include showers, toilets, snack bar, sun loungers and parasols for hire, a children’s adventure playground and a grass area with barbeques and straw parasols.
Safety	Lifeguards on duty.
Parking	There is a small charge to bring your car into the park or there is complimentary car parking available nearby.

Cranley Comment

The Jumeirah Beach Park is a public beach with a small charge for entry. The beach park has a large beach with lifeguards, sun lounger and parasol hire, toilet facilities and a snack bar for cold drinks and fast food refreshments. There is a grassed area and an area planted with trees, where barbeques are available for public use. There are football goals and beach volleyball facilities on the beach in addition to an adventure type playground to keep younger children entertained.

Pools

Cranley Comments

The sundeck is on the 4th floor and offers a beautifully landscaped area in the open air with all day sunshine. The deck is shared with the Crowne Plaza Festival City Hotel but each hotel has its own pools, which all hotel guests can change between. The InterContinental offers a Pool Bar, children's pool and 25 metre adult pool. The adult pool is surrounded by wooden sun loungers with white padded covers, a pool bar and deck seating.

Adult

Opening Times	07:00 - 22:00
Temperature	Temperature is controlled at 28 degrees celsius.
Depths	1.2m to 1.5m depth
Size	25m x 5m

Facilities	Wooden sun loungers Cushions Towels Umbrellas Pool Bar Showers
Safety	Lifeguard on duty all day

Cranley Comment

The adult pool is on the sundeck with all day sunshine. Surrounded by wooden sun loungers and temperature controlled at 28 degrees. Loungers are available on both sides of the pool, in addition to a children's pool and a Pool Bar which serves a variety of salads, burgers and baguettes.

Childrens

Opening Times	07:00 - 22:00
Temperature	Temperature is controlled at 28 degrees celsius
Depths	0.3m splash pool
Size	3m x 1.5m

Facilities	Rubber rings and toys available from the bar.
Safety	Lifeguard on duty all day

Cranley Comment

Children have their own special place with access to the children’s splash pool located on the beautifully landscaped leisure deck, which also has wide open grass landscaping for children to run around on. Located between the Pool Bar and decking it is easy to create a family group safely away from the adult pool.

Sports & Gym

Gym & Health Club

Opening Times

24 hours

Description

The InterContinental gym facilities include:

2 Technogym Kinesis Full Gravity Machine – with interactive touch screen monitor, including the 4 modules: Alpha, Beta, Gamma & Delta
2 Stability boards and accessories
5 Treadmills with interactive TV systems
2 Synchro Trainers
1 Cardio Wave
1 Upright Bike
1 Recumbent Bike
1 Vertical Traction Machine
1 Upright Row Machine
2 Shoulder Press Machine
1 Chest Press Machine
1 Leg Curl Machine
1 Leg Extension Machine
1 Lower Back Extension Bench
1 Abdominal Crunch Bench
2 Adjustable Bench
1 Chrome Dumbbell set 1-10kg
1 Dumbbell set 4 – 26 kg

Separate ladies’ and gents’ facilities with:
Sauna
Steam room
Jacuzzi
Spa

Cranley Comment

The InterContinental Festival City has a state-of-the-art 24 hour gymnasium complete with free weights Kinesis wall, steam & sauna rooms. Personal trainers are on hand to help with any equipment queries and offer personal training sessions. Guests are required to sign a medical waiver before using the facilities.

Golf

Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club

Description

Opened in 1993 and extensively re-modelled in 2005, the course is set next to Dubai Creek, close to the city centre and Dubai International Airport. The championship course was re-designed by Thomas Bjorn and is set in undulating fairways lined with palms, attractive water hazards and shrubbery that give it a tropical and secluded feel despite being close to the city centre. The complex also features a nine hole floodlit par-three course. The course was voted in November 2005 as one of the top 100 world courses to play and hosted the Dubai Desert Classic in 1999 and 2000.

Location	4km
Holes	Two Courses: 18 Hole and 9 Hole
Length/Par	18 Hole Course: 6,839 Yards Par 71 sss 72

Facilities

The centrepiece clubhouse is designed in the shape of a Dhow, making this one of Dubai’s landmark buildings. There is a golf academy with high tech studio, double ended driving range, six PGA qualified professionals and a comprehensive pro shop.

Spa

Name of Spa	Spa InterContinental
Opening Times	08:00 to 22:00

Facilities

Facilities at the Spa InterContinental include:

5 female treatment rooms
5 male treatment rooms
2 VIP suite treatment rooms
Private rain showers in each treatment room
Sauna
Steam room
Jacuzzi
Relaxation rooms
Spa refreshments
Beauty product gift shop
Salon

Treatments at the Spa InterContinental include:

Signature Rituals

Shiffa Rose Heaven: 2 hrs 30 min
Al Khayal Royal Experience: 2 hrs
Mango Honey Milk Treatment: 2 hrs 15 min
Mens Ultimate De-stress: 1 hr 30 min

Massage Therapy

The InterContinental: 1 hr - 1 hr 30 min
Balinese Massage: 1 hr - 1 hr 30 min
Customised Deep Tissue: 1 hr - 1 hr 30 min
Aromatic: 1 hr - 1 hr 30 min
Swedish: 1 hr - 1 hr 30 min
Just Pure Head Ritual: 45 min
Reflexology: 1 hr

Natura Bisse Facial Therapy

Natura Bisse Diamond Facial: 1 hr 40 min
Anti Aging Facial with Isoflavones: 1 hr 10 min
Oxygen Infusion Facial: 1 hr 10 min
Eye Enhancement: 45 min

Just Pure Facial Therapy

Chi Yang Facial: 1 hr
Chi Ying Facial: 1 hr
Facial Deluxe: 1 hr 20 min

Body Therapy

Jasmine Rosewood Body Pack: 1 hr 10 min
Refreshing Body Wrap: 1 hr 10 min
Meso-slim Body Indulgence: 1 hr 15 min
Lemongrass Back Treatment: 1 hr

Body Exfoliation

Honey Body Flash: 45 min
Soft Body Peel: 25min
Smoothing Sugar Indulgence: 25 min
Basil Mint Scrub: 25min

Baths

Shiffa Andalusian Milk Bath: 25 min
1001 Roses Milk Bath: 25 min
Sea Salt Detoxifying Oil Bath: 25 min
Honey Vanilla Creme Bath: 25 min

The Essentials

Just Pure Hand Treatment – 1 hr
Just Pure Foot Treatment - 1 hr

Other Body Treatments

Tinting
Eyelash Tinting
Eyebrow Tinting

Depilatory Treatments
Full Body
Full Leg
Half Leg
Full Arm
Half Arm
Underarm
Eyebrow
Upper Lip
Bikini Line

Cranley Comment

The Spa InterContinental is situated on the 4th floor of the hotel and is reached by the lifts from the lobby or rooms. The 700 square metre spa has five dedicated ladies’ and five dedicated gents’ treatment rooms, plus two VIP suites. All rooms are equipped with private rain showers. The separate changing facilities have a sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi. The décor throughout the spa is modern yet tranquil with local touches and Arabian subtlety. Next to the reception there is a communal lounge area, where healthy refreshments are available. There is also a small shop where you can buy beauty products from the Natura Bisse range or Just Pure range used in treatments. The salon is also located in the spa.

Special Needs

Communal Areas

Within the hotel property internal access to food and beverage outlets, shops and event facilities are level. There are ramps in public areas where stairs or steps are present.

Rooms & Bathrooms

There are three specially adapted Superior guest rooms at InterContinental Dubai Festival City. Each room has a king size bed and rooms are interconnected should guests be travelling with a helper. The rooms are 45m² with large open spaces around the furniture for wheelchair access. The guest rooms are adapted for wheel chair use with widened doors, wheelchair height spy holes. The bathroom has been equipped with a roll in rain shower and free standing shower chair. Grab rails are within reach and an emergency cord alerts staff should help be needed. The single vanity basin is above wheelchair height with free standing space below. There is a telephone within the bathroom which connects to Reception.

Restaurants & Catering

All restaurants are accessible via lifts with a mix of free standing and bench style seating with free standing furniture. The menus in each restaurant state whether dishes contain pork, nuts and alcohol and guests with other dietary requirements should enquire if dishes are suitable at the time of ordering. Chefs are able to cater for any special dietary needs.

Recreation Facilities

The gym and spa are situated on the 4th floor of the hotel and are reached by lifts. The treatment rooms each have wide roll in showers with a small basin along one wall. The pool is accessible via a ramp which is quite steep. Staff are available and trained to help mobility impaired guests in and out of pools.

Visual & Hearing Aids

Each guest room within the hotel has slightly raised numbers; the lift buttons are also slightly raised. The size of the print on menus vary. Assistance Dogs are welcome but guests who travel with these should notify the hotel of their intentions at the time of booking.

Staff Assistance

Staff are trained in first aid and are on hand to give assistance when necessary although they are not fully trained in certain aspects of care. The hotel has five wheelchairs available. Requests for these should be made to Reception.

Cranley Comment

The 3 specially adapted Superior guest rooms at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City are slightly larger than the standard Superior room. Each room has been adapted for mobility impaired guests and wheelchair users with grab rails and non-slip floor mats. All areas are accessible; however some ramps are steep and may require additional assistance to navigate. Lift buttons and the room numbers are raised and those who travel with registered Assistance Dogs should notify the InterContinental at the time of booking their room.

Environment

Measures

Recycling
Energy Saving
Environmental Audits
Water Saving

Cranley Comment

The InterContinental has an extensive environmental program with an eco team who carry out environmental audits and inter-hotel group competitions to incentivise staff. The hotel is constantly reviewing environmental policies.

InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Dubai, Report Details

First Review 15th December 2008

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