Rath checks in: The “Al Habtoor Palace”: Palace culture in perfection

Increasingly modern, louder in concept and color scheme, yet simultaneously reduced in formal language: The current design trends shaping hotels in Dubai are clear. This makes it all the more striking when a hotel boldly departs from the omnipresent coolness of futuristic concrete aesthetics. I'd like to introduce you to one example in more detail this time: the "Al Habtoor Palace" has deliberately remained true to the opulence of a classic grand hotel, making it a rarity in this region.

Modern splendor à la grand hotel

It's part of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts brand, which unites 750 privately owned luxury hotels worldwide and, together, competes much better with large hospitality corporations than individually. The alliance's portfolio appeals to discerning and experienced travelers who, like me, are looking for authentic and tailor-made hotel experiences, as well as a high standard of quality and exceptional service.

Even from the outside, the "Al Habtoor Palace," with its columns, ornate balconies, and natural stone, resembles a European city palace. Marble abounds throughout the elegant lobby. Its splendor immediately strikes me, even as I check in at 1:30 a.m. High ceilings, stucco, and chandeliers further enhance the reception area. In a small adjoining room, the in-house pastry chef presents his sweet, edible art, lined up like a gallery.

Finest marble and silk walls

At check-in, a young woman greets me with a beaming smile and a warm welcome, as if she'd been waiting all day for my arrival. She presents me with a lavish bouquet of roses—a ritual that's become rare in Dubai—and escorts me to my suite.

Here, too: the finest marble. The walls are covered in shimmering silk, the bath towels heavy and high-quality. The "Al Habtoor Palace" is a conservative grand hotel in the best sense of the word, yet despite all its classicism, it is not stuffy or stuffy. Business travelers often stay here, bringing their families for a few days at the beach. Seven meeting rooms and an 800-square-meter ballroom are available for conferences or lavish wedding celebrations. "Guests come to us primarily to experience the 'Signature Suites' and enjoy the butler service," hotel manager Edoardo Buffin de Chosal explains to me.

The showpieces in this category include the 195-square-meter "Bentley Suite" and the impressive "Sir Winston Churchill Suite" – with three bedrooms, a dining area for twelve people, and much more. A whopping 913 square meters – that's what I call true luxury. Incidentally, the name of the distinguished head of government refers to the close ties to the British royal family that "Al Habtoor" founder Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor maintained for many years.

Highest quality and homemade mustard

While the breakfast buffet the next morning was solid, my dinner at the "World Cut Steakhouse" was a real highlight. I savored perfectly aged cuts accompanied by exquisite homemade mustards: honey, green peppercorn, truffle, tropical fruit. Simply delicious!

The service is attentive and very personal; every employee knows my name. When my mobile Wi-Fi fails in the car, the concierge doesn't hesitate for a second: She opens the private hotspot on her phone and connects me as if by magic. She simply says she'll just buy the additional data. Such excellent service is also one of the central characteristics of the other properties in the "Preferred Hotels & Resorts" network. In return, they forgo the design and corporate identity standards common to other chains; their sole purpose is to challenge the competition with their high level of quality. This competition ultimately benefits the guest above all else, and I therefore welcome it.

Like a city within a city

The hotel, with its 234 luxurious rooms – including 52 suites – is located in the so-called Al Habtoor City in the Business Bay district. It is a privately developed building complex comparable to Hudson Yards in Manhattan. The Al Habtoor Group, in turn, is one of the largest conglomerates in the United Arab Emirates. It developed the complex as an independent lifestyle concept, a carefully curated mix of dining, cultural and leisure offerings, and hotels. These include the Al Habtoor Palace, which I visited, the avant-garde V Hotel, and the family-friendly Hilton Dubai. Upon closer inspection, the trio reveals itself to be an urban resort with event spaces, spa offerings, rooftop pools, international restaurants, boutiques, and a theater. The three buildings are connected by a boulevard that transforms into a lively promenade in the evenings.

I highly recommend the breathtaking water spectacle "La Perle" at the V Hotel, developed by the unforgettable Franco Dragone, long-time director of the famous Cirque du Soleil. In this elaborate show, music, acrobatics, and 3D projections merge into a spectacle for the senses. Further proof that Al Habtoor City sees itself not as a mere hotel, but as an experience space of international standing.

Own identity instead of corporate monotony

The Al Habtoor Palace was once part of a global group. The hotel experienced firsthand how global brand strategies can clash with local interests. A lesson in the luxury of entrepreneurial independence.

When large hotel companies merge or acquire other chains, this is usually sold to the parties involved as an advantage: additional market share, pooled resources, and other pillars of economies of scale. However, for some hotels, this can also turn into a disadvantage, for example, when the competitive environment changes dramatically—as in Dubai.

The owner, Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, originally entered into a partnership with Starwood Hotels, which was unexpectedly acquired by the Marriott Group. From then on, his hotels also became part of the group.

In addition to the regular "Rath Checks In" columns, Capital is publishing the anthology "The 101 Best Hotels: Germany 2025" in collaboration with hotel expert and editor of " 101 Best ," Carsten K. Rath. The book can be ordered by email at [email protected] or online at www.die-101-besten.de/buchband .

The problem: A "JW Marriott" opened right next door, which was now both a direct competitor and part of the same group. Despite all the family harmony, pressing questions arose: Where do the bookings go? Who is being pushed and benefiting, and who isn't? Owner Al Habtoor disliked the situation, which is why he gradually terminated his collaboration with Marriott. Since then, he has managed his hotels privately and independently again, retaining full control over the business and brand. A move that was more than a change in management; it was a return to his own identity, which has paid off noticeably.

My conclusion: If you want to experience true palace culture in Dubai, you'll find it at the Al Habtoor Palace. A hotel where every room exudes a wonderful grandeur, and genuine hospitality is evident everywhere. A luxury hotel that reminded me that true elegance is timeless and that genuine warmth transcends every trend.

Boat tour on the Dubai Water Canal: For those who prefer a more exclusive experience, book a private sunset cruise and experience the city from the water—with fantastic views of the skyline. A refreshing respite from the hustle and bustle!

Tea Time at "The View at The Palm": Take a short trip to the Palm Jumeirah, just 20 minutes away, and press elevator number 52. A stunning panorama of the island, the Arabian Gulf, and the skyline awaits you on "The View" observation deck. For an exclusive finishing touch, enjoy afternoon tea in the neighboring Nakheel Tower.

"Museum of the Future": Just minutes from the hotel, this ring-shaped building is one of Dubai's most impressive. Here, visitors experience excitingly staged visions of the future and interactive exhibits on topics such as artificial intelligence, sustainability, and space tourism.

1 Great cinema 2 If only it were always like this 3 Complaining on a high level 4 So-so, not oh, la, la 5 Better than a hostel 6 Explicit travel warning

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