2020 is almost drawing to a close and there’s lots of optimism and hope for a new year and a new beginning. In preparation for Christmas and the New Year, I decided to get my house redone completely and painting was part of the deal. As with every other paint job, the looming smells of fresh distemper lingering on within the space for a few days, is an unavoidable consequence. I tried all the hacks suggested by seasoned youtubers but there was little respite from the strong smells.
With little option but to stay out of house till the paint odour naturally fades out, I checked in at Hyatt Place Hotel at Al Wasl district. As per Booking.com, this property showed up as the top option within 5 mile radius of home. It was a great decision, indeed as my experience below would summarize.
About Hyatt Place, Al Wasl District
Surrounded by the traditional souks, the beautiful Arabesque limestone building of Hyatt Place, Al Wasl District is located in the heart of Deira near fish roundabout and bang opposite to Al Ghurair Centre. Hyatt Place Dubai Wasl District is a perfect place for spacious, comfortable accommodation situated among the souks of Wasl District and minutes away from the Union Metro station.
Safety at the time of Corona
The hotel places utmost importance for safety and well-being of its guests, therefore, protective screens have been installed in all common areas of the hotel. Temperature checks are mandatory for every one entering the hotel including the guests and staff. Hand sanitizers have been placed in all common areas and facilities including the restaurants, lobby and lift area. Temperature checks are also mandatorily done before guests enter the facilities including the restaurant and bar. All this is done to ensure a safe dining milieu for guests. Physical distancing of at least one meter is ensured all throughout the property and the staff have been well trained in safety protocol as per Dubai municipality standards.
Facilities
Featuring fitness center, a sun terrace with a swimming pool and a bar, Hyatt Place Dubai is a perfect choice – whether one is travelling for business or for leisure. An ideal place to relax, meet and explore, the facilities of the hotel include a restaurant, 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi and free continental breakfast. The hotel has newspapers and a fax machine and photocopier that guests can use. At the hotel, every room comes with a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom and a seating area.
Services and conveniences
- Check-in/out [express]
- Dry cleaning
- Safety deposit boxes
- Check-in/out [private]
- Food delivery
- Security [24-hour]
- Concierge
- Front desk [24-hour]
- Shrine
- Contactless check-in/out
- Laundry service
- Smoking area
- Currency exchange
- Luggage storage
- Daily housekeeping
Check-in
Check-in at the hotel was a breeze. Temperature check was carried before I entered subsequent to which, I was led by the duty manager to the reception desk – where they initiated the booking and handed me the key – in less than 5 minutes time after the necessary checks. My luggage was carefully moved to my room by the friendly concierge at the hotel and I was given two access keys to my room. Overall a great first impression.
My Room
My room was a 48 square meter king suite featuring a separate bedroom and living area, including one king bed and a truly cozy corner with sofa sleeper, kitchenette, and a gorgeous dining area for four guests. My room facilities included Free Wi-Fi, swiveling HDTV, separate living room with kitchenette, attached balcony, a spacious bathroom with shower, separate guest bathroom, skin and hair care amenities, an oversized cozy corner sofa-sleeper, electric kettle, water bottles, AM/FM alarm clock radio, induction stove, dish washer, wine glasses, pots and pans and kitchen accessories for cooking, separate workspace, mini fridge, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, in-room safe, bath robes, etc etc etc. In short, the room was furnished with everything a guest would require for a totally comfortable stay.
Special thanks to Cluster Executive Chef Tarun Kumar for the sweet note at my kitchenette along with a thoughtful bottle of complimentary Merlot to make my weekend even more special.
People
As I always say, the people make or break a place and in that sense, I must specially mention that Hyatt Place has a very fabulous bunch of hospitality professionals trained well handling every area of the hotel operations. Had a fabulous experience staying in the hotel and I must note a few people here who need an honorary mention – and that includes Cluster executive chef Tarun Kumar, Focus Restaurant Manager Manish, Sous Chef Dipesh Chauvhan, Bar in-charge Baljeet Singh, Waiter Lalit, Chef Kishore, and all other staff from Focus restaurant and Bar.
Day 1 – Lunch at Focus Restaurant
Hyatt Place Al Wasl District has a fabulous all day dining restaurant Focus at the lobby level offering some really tantalizing Indian and continental fare. Restaurant Manager Manish suggested that I try their Indian menu. Lunch was a selection of some of their finest Indian curries and breads. First off in appetizer was a truly tantalizing plate of Chicken malai tikka which was followed by house special naan, butter chicken curry, dal makhana, fish curry and steamed rice in mains. In sides I was served with pappad, onion, sliced cucumber, sliced tomato and sliced lime. The taste was totally authentic and true to its roots. Thanks to chef Nayan Kishore who is an expert in this area, from a top Hyatt Property in Ludhiana. In dessert I was served with a special baked yoghurt which landed the sous chef Depesh Chauvhan for ProChef award nomination. It was a blissful end to a totally awesome lunch.
Grills Thursday – Dinner – Focus
Incidentally, I check in on a Thursday afternoon and restaurant manager Manish adviced that I not miss out on their unbeatable Thursday night offer of unlimited grills buffet with free bottomless salads and dessert menu at an killer price of only AED 39. I was totally intrigued so off I came for the buffet at 7. The offering was true value for money and the quality was amazing. I also had a few bottles of beer from the focus bar within the restaurant which came at a charge and not part of the buffet.
Day 2 Breakfast at Focus Restaurant
Hyatt Place offers a complimentary continental breakfast buffet for guests. Outside guests who don’t stay in the hotel can avail this at a killer price of only AED 60. The breakfast buffet had everything from pancakes to south Indian idly sambar to regional Arabian delights. It was total value for money and I really enjoyed the service and food. I must note that due to safety reason, buffet food is served by the restaurant service staff and guests are not allowed to directly serve for themselves.
Day 2 Lunch
Since Focus restaurant has so much appealed to me senses, I returned for lunch but still very heavy from the breakfast that morning, I chose for something very simple. I went for Dhal Thadka and steamed rice. This came with its trimmings and was totally sumptuous. Even the simplest of dishes are made with authenticity and great taste and all credits to Chef Nayan Kishore for that.
Day 2 Dinner
At dinner, I had hosted one of my very dear friends who also happens to be a great fan of Indian cuisine. Dinner comprised of Ghaati Naan, Jeera Rice, Dal Makhani, Panner Butter Masala and Amritsari Machi. The food not only captured my heart but also got my friend totally fascinated by everything she tried that night. So much so that she demanded to see the Chef who prepared the dishes and praised him for the effort he had taken to prepare each and every single dish. Credits here again to Chef Nayan Kishore who proved again that he is truly a master of Indian curries and tandoor dishes.
Day 3 Lunch
And here I return again to Focus Restaurant to try chef Nayan Kishore’s Mutton Seekh Kabab, special Machi curry and Jeera rice before I check out for the day. It was simple and delicious, soulful food.
Focus Bar
Bringing a swirl of colors, life, and sports Focus Bar is a great place to enjoy delicious snacks and unwind with the refreshing concocted beverages or play pool with friend. The team at Focus Bar include bar In charge Baljeet Singh who is an excellent hospitality professional who ensures guests have a truly wonderful time. Focus Bar has a selection of premium and regular beverages and some awesome cocktails and mocktails. In terms of food, the bar offers a very wide selection of quick bites, soups, grills, Indian snacks, sandwiches and desserts. They have regular offers on bottle beer and a ladies night on Tuesday nights 7, which is not to be missed event for ladies.
The Checkout
My check out was as smooth and seamless as the check-in and the hotel team ensured that I left with a smile. The business suite that I stayed in came at a really very reasonable price of AED 350 a night. At around a 1000 bucks for 2 nights and 3 days, I couldn’t have got a better offer so more savings and more smiles and I am surely going to return here again in the near future and also recommend it to my friends who always look forward to value for money staycations in Dubai.