Dubai: Rove Downtown

A Trendy Boutique Hotel

byDomenica Tan

A Trendy Boutique Hotel

There’s a good mix of accessories and soft furnishings, from wall decor to colourful pouffes that add to the hotel’s vibrant look

Dubai is known for breaking world records with its impressive and massive architecture, as well as a wealth of luxurious hotels in the city. Yet, Rove Downtown strikes a chord with a slightly different approach and showcases itself with understatedly stylish interiors and unique decor.

Just a stone’s throw away from the world’s largest mall and the tallest building in the world — The Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa respectively — the building that Rove Downtown sits in is almost unassuming next to its “big brothers”. In spite of its diminutive size, the hotel doesn’t fail to impress with its convivial atmosphere and warm reception. Entering the hotel, guests are greeted to a warm and welcoming ambience within the high-ceiling lobby.

The effective use of artworks featuring locally inspired elements such as camels and the keffiyeh — a traditional Middle Eastern attire don by men — add a casual and fun vibe to the space, while giving visitors a glimpse of the culture and icons of Dubai.

There isn’t a dull corner, especially since accessories used come in a variety of colours. In the lounge seating area, a feature wall of mementos (including prints, fabrics, street signage and a bicycle) becomes one of the many Instagrammable spots in the hotel. The entertainment corner, where gaming consoles are offered to hotel guests, is housed within shipping containers, repurposed and painted in bright orange and red.

Larger pieces of furniture, such as sofas and tables, are chosen in earthy tones like beige, grey and wood to complement the overall look while keeping the space looking cosy. It is no wonder that Rove Downtown garnered the Interior Design of the Year award at the 2016 Commercial Interior Design Awards, and the Best Hospitality Design Project award this year.

This hip boutique hotel is the place to be for design-conscious travellers and a bohemian crowd looking to form a more intimate connection with the vibrant city amid the dunes.