Panoramic views

Hospitality giant Accor has opened its first Pullman Hotel in the Middle East at the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai.

Pullman is the group's upscale hotel brand designed to meet the requirements of business and corporate personnel.

As part of its opening promotions, the company invited a select number of journalists from across the world on a familiarisation trip to sample the multitude of services it offers.

Situated at one of Dubai's leading shopping and entertainment arenas, the 24-storey hotel hopes to attract business travellers from Bahrain as well as local and expat housewives off on short-break shopping expeditions.

On one floor the hotel is directly connected with the Mall of the Emirates and the easy accessibility offers guests the chance to shop, experience snow in the region's dry and humid weather at Ski Dubai or enjoy a movie.

The hotel features 481 rooms including 94 spacious suites decorated in wood panels and oatmeal and brown interiors and boasting panoramic views of the Dubai skyline.

The hotel's simple yet elegant design is incorporated throughout - from the reception, the lobby, to the rooms above.

Dark coloured contemporary furnishing compliments the extravagant chandeliers and to add a traditional touch, large sketches showing off the rich culture and heritage of Dubai are mounted on the walls.

The Pullman Hotel features three food and beverage outlets - each offering unique culinary delights. Sanabel restaurant features multi-cultural cuisine from breakfast to dinner. An array of bread provides an impressive display at the entrance. Live cooking stations add to the ambience as well as an outdoor seating section, ideal during the cooler months.

Facing Sanabel is Soda Box, a 1950s- styled colourful American diner. It features a reading corner for those wanting to enjoy a cup of coffee and a good book.

Vantage offers a more intimate dining experience and a rich variety of beverages.

Back to business, The Pullman also features nine meeting rooms and a board room for executives equipped with state-of-the-art services.

Fitness and relaxation is also high on the agenda with facilities such as a 'Fit Lounge' complete with cardio and weight training equipment, two outdoor pools and a family pool as well as a spa offering Parisian 'Payot' wellness and revitalising beauty treatments, sauna and Jacuzzi.

As part of the recreational options, the hotel allows guests to choose from a list of interesting options. Guests can visit the various landmarks and iconic structures such as the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa, the traditional Souk Madinat, museums, or an adrenaline-pumping 'desert safari' in 4x4 vehicles.

The Accor Group has several plans of expansion across the region. In Bahrain the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thallasa Sea and Spa is scheduled to open shortly, a revamping and expansion of the existing Novotel Al Dana Resort is planned, as well as the new Ibis Hotel to open in the Seef District.

For further details about the new Dubai property and room prices, visit www.pullmanhotels.com or telephone (+971) 47028000.