The Grand Hyatt Dubai opened 20 years ago and is not a bit older

Globalist at Hyatt, Gold at Marriott and Hyatt, I stay 150 nights a year in 4-5 star hotel. Here is why the Grand Hyatt Dubai is my favorite.

For me, the Grand Hyatt Dubai is not just any hotel. The first time I stayed was during the pre-opening in 2003 on the sideline of the Arabian Travel Market.

After this, the hotel has been my home away from home dozens of times.

The hotel is not on the beach but near Dubai International Airport. Without fail, however, it is a world-class resort and oasis of tranquility, luxury, and sophistication.

I tried to find the ultimate hotel in Dubai over the years but kept returning to back the Grand Hyatt. Other hotels in Dubai I have stayed at include several hotels in the Address group, with a view of the fountains, the Park Hyatt, the Autograph in Jumeira, the Hyatt Regency, the Le Meridien, the Dusit, The Ascot, Ja Oceanview and some others. However, none can even come close to the hotel I still see as my favorite grand hotel, the Grand Hyatt Dubai.

I remember going out of my way to stop in Dubai for a week to get in shape and use the computerized gym at the Grand Hyatt Dubai.

Unfortunately, the hotel no longer has the same computer system, which I find regrettable. Still, the fitness center remains the same and is one of the most sophisticated and extensive in the hotel business.

The coffee place downstairs in the hotel is like no other, and every restaurant is simply outstanding.

The hotel must employ an army of people to keep it clean, attending to every with a guest has, even if this guest is not even asking for it.

“Grand” is appropriate for the Grand Hyatt Dubai. Everything about the building, the style, and the staff is grand. It includes the lobby, restaurants, bars, the outside area, the birds, the meeting facilities, and the pools and lounge areas.

The outdoor pool is still one of the largest in Dubai. The 25-meter 24-hour indoor pool with a whirlpool is a great alternative, especially during the hot summer. Twenty years back, you could swim with classical underwater music, but unfortunately, this is now history.

The state-of-the-art gym and an even better spa area are where I spend hours every day.

One of the best international breakfasts in the cafe, and the free dinner alone could mean you don’t have to leave the building – and I didn’t for five days.

Don’t worry about push-button coffee machines. The espresso or your cappuccino for breakfast is made in front of your eyes by a real barista and in a real state-of-the-art coffee machine. The brand used is Illy.

As someone staying more than 60 nights at Hyatt branded hotels alone yearly, I earned the Status of a Globalist.

It means I got several suite upgrades yearly and used one at the Grand Hyatt Dubai last week. I have stayed in many suites before, but this suite was the second spaciest and most equipped one I have experienced.

The enormous suite I ever stayed in at the Andaz Hotel in Abu Dhabi was the number one for me. It had an entertainment space for 200 people.

I am not only talking about the bathroom, the rain shower, all larger than my kitchen at home. I am not only talking about the fresh fruit daily and the complimentary bottle of wine, the two big screen TVs, the two couches with a work area, and the dining room table. I am also talking about the fresh flowers in the living room and on my bed, thanking me for my stay with Hyatt.

This is hospitality at its best.

I cannot imagine anyone would have a bad experience at this hotel. If I could, I would give it ten stars.

My friend asked me this must have cost me several thousand Dollars a night. My special summer room rate for this 5-star hotel was $128 a night plus tax, including breakfast and dinner, and hundreds of friendly staff assisting me throughout the days.