This Asian-themed hotel in Dubai's financial district features elegant interiors and breathtaking city and sea views. The elegant vibe is immediately prevalent in the large lobby with a high ceiling, patterned white tiles, white decal walls, grand maroon curtains, large decor pieces, and a touch of Arabian flair in the small lounge areas. Differing from the elegant vibe found throughout the hotel is the rooftop ikandy ultralounge, which is housed in a separate building accessible via a footbridge. It offers a vibey outdoor entertainment area next to the rooftop pool with a fun pink and white color scheme. The Horizon Health Club (for Horizon Club members only) offers the best views in the hotel. The indoor swimming pool is built against the windows on the 42nd floor -- the private sun deck with sun loungers and parasols offer a peaceful sunbathing spot. Most guests are business travelers due to the facilities and location, but the outdoor swimming pool also attracts leisure guests.

Shangri-La Hotel is central to most business spots in Dubai, including popular banks, corporate buildings, and other upscale hotels. The immediate area includes a few shops, restaurants, and take-away joints within easy walking distance. Dubai International Financial Centre is 15 minutes on foot, or 10 minutes by car. The Dubai World Trade Centre is also a 10-minute drive away. Downtown Dubai, Dubai Mall, and the Burj Khalifa are 15 minutes by car, or one metro stop away from the hotel. Jumeirah Open Beach, Dubai's most popular free beach, is a 20-minute drive away. The Walk, a stretch of trendy spots along Marina Beach, is an hour away by metro, or around 30 minutes by car. The Financial Centre Metro Station can be reached within an eight-minute walk. It's a 15-minute drive to Dubai International Airport, or a half-hour on public transportation. The hotel has a free shuttle to nearby attractions, including Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.

The 302 guest rooms at Shangri-La Hotel have a warm, inviting vibe, with classic interiors. The neutral tones, from beige carpets to light-wood veneer furniture and wall panels, create a light and relaxing atmosphere. Artwork is colorful and abstract, with a mix of large and smaller pieces. Studios are spacious and include separate lounge areas and small kitchenettes with microwaves, burners, toasters, and cooking utensils. All units have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, tea- and- coffee-making facilities, telephones, work desks, safes, irons and ironing boards, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are spacious, though slightly dated, with walk-in showers, tubs, magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, and Crispy Mint toiletries (L’Occitane toiletries in the suites). Bathrobes and slippers are provided. Rooms have big windows with views of either the Burj Khalifa or the Arabian sea -- the Burj Khalifa views are the most popular. Sea-facing rooms might get some noise from the fourth-floor nightclub (ikandy) -- rooms facing the city and Burj Khalifa are quieter. 

There is no shortage of features at Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai. The hotel's ground-floor restaurant, Dunes Cafe, serves both a buffet and a la carte menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (note that breakfast buffets are not included in all rates). Lobby Lounge offers a relaxing atmosphere and is open 24 hours for various beverages. The two specialty restaurants include Hoi An, a Vietnamese restaurant, and Shang Palace, a Cantonese restaurant. Balcony Bar serves a range of cocktails and beverages. ikandy is the hotel's lively rooftop venue serving drinks, shisha, and light snacks -- Thursday and Friday evenings are party nights. Next to ikandy is the hotel's outdoor swimming pool which is surrounded by sun loungers and parasols -- plus another pool bar with swim-up seating. Horizon Club guests have access to the Horizon Club Lounge, which includes a free buffet breakfast, high tea, evening cocktails and canapes, and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day.

The hotel's Health Club offers an extensive list of features, including a large fitness center with a collection of modern TechnoGym cardio and weight-training machines, two squash courts, and an outdoor tennis court. The changing rooms include hot tubs, a sauna, and steam rooms. CHI, The Spa offers a variety of beauty and relaxation treatments, drawing on methods from several Asian cultures. The Horizon Health Club (only available to Horizon Club members) on the 42nd floor features another smaller fitness center, as well as indoor swimming pool and hot tub with stunning city views. It also features a private sun deck with sun loungers and parasols. Two ballrooms, seven meeting rooms, and a large business center are available. Wi-Fi throughout and valet parking are free, along with a shuttle service to nearby attractions.