Rose Tower, Dubai

The Rose Tower stands on Sheik Zayed Road and at 333 metres high, it is actually the tallest hotel block in the world.

The tower is built of concrete and steel and has a curtain wall of light grey and dark blue glass. The tapered roof has a spire of 15 metres. It has 72 storeys and is a top-class appart/hotel with 482 luxury two and three bedroom apartments.

The hotel is run by the Rotana Chain, which in turn is part of the Saudi Hotel Chain. Although Dubai is pretty relaxed about drinking rules, the Rose Tower is the first hotel in the city that doesn’t serve alcohol. There are also rooms that are exclusively non-smoking. Each room has tea and coffee making facilities and a mini bar full of fruit juice and spring water.

The Petals Restaurant on the first floor is beautifully decorated and offers an international menu. The Aquarius Pool Café serves light health-food snacks and drinks, while the Rose Café offers afternoon tea, light snacks and delicious home-made pastries.

The Bodyline Leisure and Fitness Club has a large swimming pool and a fully equipped gym. There are saunas, Jacuzzis, steam rooms and massage rooms. These amenities are separate for men and women.