Reality Check ➔ HOTEL PULLMAN, DUBAI


THE HOTEL: The new 481-room Pullman Dubai Mall of the Emirates is the first hotel of Accor's upscale brand to open in the Middle East. It is located in the Al Barsha district on Sheikh Zayed Road and is directly linked to the third largest mall in the Middle East. THE CHECK-IN: After a 20-minute taxi ride from the airport, there was a gaggle of doormen hanging around the hotel's low-key entrance and small lobby area. Check-in was speedy and a couple of messages that were waiting for me were promptly handed over. A lift to the third floor takes guests to a more reception-like area, where there's a concierge desk, three bars and a restaurant. A change of lift then takes guests upwards to their floor. THE ROOM: An unconventional room design in a sort of triangular shape, with furnishings and décor in a palette of whites with flashes of red and brown. The lounge area had a sofa, coffee table, desk and chair, Nespresso coffee machine, minibar and wall-mounted TV, but no MP3/iPod connection. The open-plan bedroom and bathroom had a similar TV, king-size bed, large wardrobe, iron and ironing board and safe, while the adjoining bathroom had a glass-walled separate shower and bath along with electric blinds. Views from my 11th-floor room took in the ski dome and,


further afield, the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel. THE BUSINESS: There's paid-for wireless internet access throughout the hotel, computer hire facilities and a floor with nine meeting room and event space totalling 850m2. THE RESTAURANT: The drinking and dining options include the attractive Sanabel restau- rant serving Middle Eastern and international cuisine throughout the day; the Vantage wine bar; pool-side Shisha Lounge; and the quirky Soda Box with its 1950s America styling. FACILITIES: There's a free shuttle bus to the beach, free car parking and an airport transfer


service, while the 24th-floor with its gym, spa, outdoor swimming pool and sun loungers offer excellent views across Dubai. THE VERDICT: A good business hotel with impeccable service and some nice individual design touches, but evidently with a few teething problems to iron out (like a TV that repeatedly switched on during the night!). THE DETAILS: Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha 1, PO Box 450309, 283825 Dubai. Rates are from £115, but special offers are bookable on the brand's website: www.pullmanhotels.com. ANDY HOSKINS


➔ HOTEL SCHLOSS REINHARTSHAUSEN, FRANKFURT


THE HOTEL: A classic German Schloss with the bonus of being within the Kempinski collection. Set amongt its own vineyards, over-looking formal gardens bordering the Rhine, the property is located 50kms outside Frankfurt and is big on MICE facilities. THE CHECK-IN: Seamless check-in at an individual desk in a vast reception area. Highly professional and welcoming staff in black suits took my luggage and presented me with my room key. Excellent English. THE ROOM: A graceful but slightly dated room on the first floor with a balcony overlooking the gardens. Decorated in shades of cream and gold with a wooden desk, TV and large wooden hanging area. A white-tiled bathroom revealed an antiquated shower over the bath with bidet, white linen, bath robe and Kempinski toiletries. There was charged-for in-room wifi, a safe and mini-bar, but no tea and coffee-making facilities. THE BUSINESS: There are 16 different function rooms and salons, for groups of up to 300 guests. While too far from the city to consider the hotel for a Frankfurt-based stay, the property does offer the opportunity for a combination of work and relaxation with good facilities, attentive staff and plenty of recreational opportunities too.


THE RESTAURANTS: Choice of three very different restaurants. Breakfast is in The Winter Garden, a bright and airy conservatory. Dinner can be formal in the Princess of Erbach Restaurant or traditional and rustic in the Castle Tavern which serves local specialities. The hotel also features a small tasting cellar racking some of the region's finest Rieslings across several vintages. FACILITIES: An indoor swimming pool overlooks the gardens and there is a sauna and solarium plus massage treatment rooms. A personal trainer is also available.


THE CHECK OUT: Straightforward, with a personal farewell from the general manager. THE VERDICT: An elegant, luxury hotel with highly attentive staff and pleasant surroundings. While ideal for a long week- end combining conference and pleasure, the property is too far out of Frankfurt to be considered for a city conference. THE DETAILS: Schloss Reinhartshausen Kempinski, Haupstrasse 41,65346 Eltville- Erbach,Germany. Room rates start from 250 euros. www.kempinski.com JO AUSTIN


82 I FIND MORE REALITY CHECKS AT WWW.THEBUSINESSTRAVELMAG.COM


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