Staying in a hotel on my first few days in Dubai, I ate out all the time and thus immersed myself in Arabic cuisine. I loved everything I had, especially the kebabs and the mezzes, but towards the latter part of my trip, I was yearning for more familiar food. Good thing, I was set to stay at Adagio Premium Dubai Al Barsha, an upscale aparthotel that, like a home, had a kitchen where I was able to prepare the food I wanted.
Adagio Premium Dubai Al Barsha is a few steps away from the Sharaf DG Metro station. One station away (or a few minutes walk if the weather isn’t scorching) is the Mall of the Emirates, while the rest of what Dubai has to offer—including Jumierah Beach, Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, Dubai Mall, World Trade Center, and even the airport—are accessible by the same metro line (red line).
Adagio is AccorHotel’s aparthotel brand, which happens to be the market leader in Europe. We do not have this brand in the Philippines yet, but we do have Sofitel, Raffles, Fairmont, Novotel, and Mercure in Metro Manila. Since they come from the same trusted global company, they carry the same high standards in hospitality. Adagio Premier, by the way, is more upscale than its two sisters, Adagio and Adagio Access.
In planning my trip, I had the choice of either staying at Novotel or Adagio, which are interconnected to each other. Although the former is geared towards short-term guests more, I hadn’t tried staying in an Adagio Premium property yet, so I went with the latter. And besides, as I was told, Adagio welcomes guests who are staying even for a night.
Walking briefly from the metro station, I arrived in the aparthotel’s small and simple lobby. Luckily, on duty was a friendly Filipino receptionist who gave me not only practical tips about the area but also an unexpected upgrade to a two-bedroom suite on a high floor. I was very, very pleased by her gesture, though I wasn’t sure at the time that a two-bedroom would be appropriate for one person.
But I was so glad I took the upgrade. The two-bedroom was, in a few words, made for living large. It had two bedrooms both with en-suite bath, a spacious living and dining room, a well-equipped kitchen and laundry room, and a guest bathroom.
The styling was modish, like it was taken off a home magazine. The furnishings, as well as the kitchen and laundry equipment, were modern and high-end. I totally would’ve loved to stay there longer—but there’s always a next time.
Anyway, the master bedroom had a queen bed, while the spare had two single ones. Both had desks and TVs, and as mentioned, separate bathrooms that were kept clean.
The kitchen had all the appliances and tools necessary for preparing meals—even pots, pans, and cutlery—while the laundry had front-load washer and dryer.
One morning, I trooped over to the Novotel next door and had my breakfast, which Adagio guests can pay for as an optional supplement. The spread at 365 All Day Dining was modest and mostly Western, and it had to be served discreetly (i.e. hidden from public view), as it was Ramadan at the time.
Novotel and Adagio share a fully-equipped fitness center and an outdoor swimming pool. It was sweltering when I went in June, however, so it never crossed my mind to do activities that would make me sweat even more.
WHY STAY THERE
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Apartments are equipped with high-end furnishings and appliances.
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Location is ideal—it’s just a few steps from Sharaf DG Metro station.
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Staff are friendly and approachable.
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Even as an aparthotel, it’s suitable for those staying a few nights.
ADAGIO PREMIUM DUBAI AL BARSHA
Off Sharaf DG Metro Station, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Telephone: +971 4 304 9988
Email: H9221@accor.com
Website: www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-9221-aparthotel-adagio-premium-dubai-al-barsha/index.shtml
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