It all started when I received a message from my friend, Natalia, one boring Monday mid-morning. The message goes:
“I’m in Dubai. Wanna meet?”
I called her and she then mentioned that she’s staying at The Rove Hotel and the rates are quite attractive at the moment. I didn’t quite hear the rest of what she said as I went directly online and booked a 2-night stay at The Rove Downtown. The prices were indeed attractive. I figured I could work from the hotel while Natalia goes for her office work. This is one of the perks of working remotely, and I’m not one to complain one little bit.
Off I went, frantically packing for my #staycation. It wasn’t that difficult as I already have a carry-on luggage packed for such an occasion.
Since The Rove Hotels partnered up with LetsWork (I’ve been meaning to sign up for this one), a co-working app that connects its subscribers with co-working spaces across the UAE such as cafes, restaurants and hotels and with such membership, the subscriber gets a space to work, WiFi, outlet to plug their device, unlimited coffee, tea and water and 20% off on the food items. I figured that this was perfect for my remote work during the days as Natalia would be out anyway.
By 5pm, I was hauling a cab just in time for the check-in.
Disclaimer, photos not mine and I found them through Google Images as indicated.
Full disclosure, my number1 purpose for booking the room was to abuse the bar with Natalia, so I did not have the hindsight to take photos before I messed up the room with my junk, but fret not, I have Google image search!
My first impression of the Rove Hotel was that it was very playful and modern, albeit bare. It catered to millennials and was not at all shy about it.
The lobby was busy and colorful (although, to be honest the couches did not look comfortable at all!)
As is the new normal, you have to sign and fill-up a COVID19 declaration form, where you disclose any symptoms you may have and any travel history within the last 14 days.
I got checked in to the room at minimal to no wait time.
The room they originally gave me had the city view and just the hint of the Burj Khalifa view, but the AC was not working properly and they moved me to a cooler room with the full Burj view at no extra charge!
After all that room changing fun getting in the way (you are awesome if you get that FRIENDS reference!), i finally settled in.
Based from my experience almost all rooms are designed the same way, down to the art work on the wall. The room itself has its minimalist calm with backpacker-vibe artwork.
As is normal with three star hotels, they give the bare minimum of complementary items and does not even have a robe for their guests to use.
I actually love the couch in the room, because it’s got just enough room for me tuck my legs in and have a laptop or my iPad in my lap with a pillow and typing’s really comfortable.
This particular hotel is equipped with a cinema and I bitterly regretted not being able to experience it. Judging from these photos, it sure looked fun! But hey, this is just another excuse to come back!
I know that they have a gym and pool as well, and I went to have a peek, but I had an unexpected visitor, so I did not get the chance to take a dip in the pool.
Breakfast Buffet is hosted by T.G.I.Fridays, and boy this is where I win all my money back (yes, another FRIENDS reference)!
T.G.I.Friday’s is also the main resto-bar serving the hotel, which is awesome. T.G.I.Friday’s has that classic diner style vibe with all the hangover comfort food you can imagine. Perfect after the late night spent boozing it up!
As with the main hotel, T.G.I.Fridays is also hooked up with LetsWork, and I was able to carry on working all through brunch.
After brunch, I continued working in the lobby for a slight change of scenery.
I stayed in one of those coffee table and wick chair combo that did not look comfortable or conducive for working, but oddly enough i felt very comfy working there!
They also had a Zoom store that served Starbucks drinks. The barristas were very nice too!
Keeping with the theme, (millennial boho-minimalist) they encourage taking selfies at the hotel washroom! How very millennial! Lol
And then again, I worked on my passion projects (including ellaland.blog) in the evening, back at T.G.I.Friday’s. As long as I have my trusty iPad Pro and Beats Studio Pro noise cancelling headphones, I can continue to be productive (or waste time with consuming various media!).
All in all, I enjoyed my stay at the Rove Downtown Hotel and I promised myself that this is not the last of it. Who knows, I may even start a #staycation series. Who knows?
Until then,
Stay Wild, Moon Child!
XXOO
The Gypsy
Ella
EllaLand 