With the rise in demand in the mid-market sector of the hospitality industry, Jumeirah group, on of the regions leading home-grown hospitality company launched a new brand, Zabeel House by Jumeirah, earlier this year. The first two properties under the brand recently opened in Al Seef and Mahak Mannan spoke to Alessandro Cabella, area general manager for Jumeirah, on the addition of Zabeel House in Jumeirah’s portfolio.
Zabeel House by Jumeirah prides itself in being a design-led brand, and once you walk into the hotel, every element of the property from the lobby to the rooms and meeting space does complete justice to the design aspect. Guests can find connections to the city of Dubai in almost every corner at the property and this was done in order to give visitors a chance to truly explore the destination, according to Alessandro Cabella, area general manager, Jumeirah.
“Born in the dynamic and vibrant Dubai, the Zabeel House by Jumeirah brand is an eclectic collection of hotels located in the heart of the most interesting neighbourhoods. The brand was created in response to the continuing travel trend for discovery and exploration across the globe which is gaining an increasing demand in this part of the world. More and more tourists are looking for authentic experiences that will immerse them in local communities and help them truly discover the destinations they visit, and this is exactly what the Zabeel House brand promises to deliver,” he says.
“The city of Dubai is one that’s central on the world map and welcomes tourists from numerous countries. Luxury hospitality is a booming market here, however, there’s been a conscious move in recent years to plug the gap of mid-market and affordable luxury, which also aligns with Dubai’s tourism objective of ensuring a wide range of accommodation options to reach 20 million visitors per year by 2020 and to encourage investment within the sector. Moreover, this is also a response to the shifting traveller trend globally, towards affordable and quirky boutique hotels with character and something different to offer.
“We believe quality hospitality should be easily available to all, and top-notch service should be accessible regardless of the price-range, this is what we deliver at Zabeel House by Jumeirah, upscale casual with a touch of Jumeirah Group’s hospitality.”
Zabeel House MINI and Zabeel House Al Seef by Jumeirah are the first two hotels to open under the brand, both located in Al Seef and the inspiration for the brand comes from the city’s, vibrancy, and warm welcome to travellers from around the world. Each property is edgy and comfortable, offering upscale casual hospitality.
“Once you enter, you’re urged to explore the hotel and its creativity,” Cabella says.
“The hotel features interesting design elements that gives a loft-style, art gallery vibe, like a group of human sculptures raising their hats to you as you enter the hotel or letters all around the hotel, within the lobby and the Plush and Suite rooms. These letters inspire you to explore words and patterns. There’s also an element of reuse and sustainability to the design like the Chapters lobby bar which is made from old stereos, giving a retro and eclectic ambience.
“Once inside, the in room furniture design represents a mix of style and functionality. The custom-made four poster bed features smart design that gives you a sense of luxury but also makes good use of space as it is combined with a stylish desk space. The Plush and Suite rooms feature oak dining or work tables, minimalist wardrobe spaces, hammocks
for lounging, contemporary art on the walls with ceilings inspired by Dubai, and free-standing bathtubs which gives an almost spa-like sense of luxury and relaxation. In room touches such as the SMEG fridge, the N’espresso machine, the dial phone, and SuitePad’s combine retro style with technology to give a stylish edge. The hotel is also a skip away from Zabeel House MINI by Jumeirah, which harbours its own element of design inspiration.”
With 200 rooms in three different sizes for solo travellers, couples or families, a lobby filled with a collection of contrasting art, design pieces, and bookcases made for browsing, a destination restaurant that stretches out over the waters of Dubai Creek, and a rooftop bar and pool with views across both old and new Dubai, Zabeel House by Jumeirah, Al Seef provides a new experience in Al Seef. Add ample creative spaces to work from as well as five meeting rooms for the corporates and the property has all the features guests would expect at an upscale hotel.
With growing competition in the market, Zabeel House by Jumeirah is sure to stand out because of the unique features it has to offer, according to the general manager.
“The UAE as whole has some fantastic concepts and offerings, each with their unique contribution to the hospitality sector. What we offer at Zabeel House as a brand is unique and true to its concept of upscale casual. The hotel is fun, quirky, and design-led, with maximum attitude and minimum frills. We offer brilliant basics with just enough added extras to make the guests stay a memorable experience,” he explains.
“Both properties are located in Al Seef, which is near Al Fahidi historical neighbourhood, in an area rich in historical sites that is set to become a focal point for residents and visitors looking for a place to shop, dine, and stay. We offer bikes for our guests to cycle around and explore the destination which is a bustling waterfront, with 490 restaurants and cafés on the promenade.”
