Giorgio Armani to open first hotel in Dubai

With all the financial troubles that have plagued Dubai over the past year, they finally had something go right for them. The much heralded Burj Khalifa has finally opened and with it promise of brand new luxury hotel designed by Giorgio Armani. The building marks the end of an era of unfathomable spending by the middle eastern city and also the beginning of an era of serious uncertainty. It is safe to say the glory days are long over. Will they ever return? If so when? More importantly should they ever return? It can be argued that those few years of glory are primarily responsible for the uncertainty that exists today.

I would never have imagined when I left Dubai in 1997 that things would ever grow as grand as they did. Part of me always wishes that I had a chance to see some of it. The Dubai I knew was in no way grand or expensive. It was a good life, yes but in no way grand. I will go back one day and it will probably be one day soon; and even though the Dubai I know is from another place in time, I look forward to getting to know an older, wiser city.



The following article has been taken from the Hotel News Resource:

The groundbreaking Armani Hotel is set to debut March 18 inside Dubai's spectacular new Burj Dubai tower. The hotel marks legendary fashion designer Giorgio Armani's first hospitality industry venture, and is expected to lead the way for several other Armani hotels and resorts in key international cities within the next decade. 'Burj Dubai is a remarkable architectural achievement and provides the perfect setting for my first Armani residence,' said Giorgio Armani of the 162-floor mixed use tower, currently the tallest building in the world. Armani Hotel will occupy six floors of the tower and feature 160 rooms and 150 suites. Despite its March inaugural ceremony date, the Armani Hotel will begin accepting reservations in January at www.Dubaishortstay.com. There, travelers can also pay in advance for visits to Armani Hotel restaurants or Dubai excursions on yachts, boat cruises or fishing vessels. Armani Hotel will occupy a very exclusive place of honor among the distinguished landscape of Dubai Hotels.

The hotel will feature Armani's signature design style throughout guest rooms and suites, as well as the upscale lounge, spa, chocolates store and floral shop. Even if opting not to stay in this world-class Dubai hotel, tourists may visit one of its eight restaurants for a unique dining experience and excellent fare. The flagship Giorgio Armani's Hotel Dubai will greet travelers at the intersection of style, comfort and excellence. A stay at the Armani Hotel is a breathtaking, luxurious experience nestled inside a remarkable tower that is sure to become a top tourist destination. Surrounded by downtown Dubai markets, spas, and sightseeing excursions, the Armani Hotel is a must for any serious world traveler.