Celebrity chefs and breathtaking vistas: A closer look at the new Lana from the Dorchester Collection in Dubai

Sky-high towers adorned with gilded finishes. Otherworldly accommodations, including suites submerged beneath the waves. Michelin-starred dining by globally renowned chefs. Lively beach clubs attracting the world's elite.

Dubai's approach to luxury is unmistakably unique. While those with a taste for extravagance will find no shortage of ostentatious marvels to admire, a new hotel has arrived in the city offering a refreshing, understated take on the luxury hospitality scene.

The Lana is the newest addition to the prestigious Dorchester Collection, famous for its iconic properties like Le Meurice in Paris, Hotel Eden in Rome, the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles, and its flagship, The Dorchester in London.

Housed in a striking design by the acclaimed Foster + Partners, The Lana stands in the calm surroundings of Business Bay. While it forgoes over-the-top themed suites and expansive water attractions, it still boasts top-tier celebrity-chef restaurants and the glamorous 29th-floor Dior Spa, plus a hidden cigar lounge and one of the city’s most refined afternoon teas.

For those seeking a more understated form of luxury in Dubai, here's a closer look at The Lana and all its exquisite offerings.

How to Get There

Located in Business Bay, The Lana sits in a district primarily known for its office buildings, high-rise apartments, and hotels. It's also conveniently close to Downtown Dubai, home to the Dubai Mall and the iconic Burj Khalifa, offering guests stunning views of the tower’s shimmering spire from various spots around the hotel.

The hotel is just a 20-minute ride from Dubai International Airport (DXB), costing around $20 by taxi or Uber, making it an ideal choice for a quick stay without the need to travel further into the city's beach resorts or the Palm Jumeirah area.

Reservation Information

The Lana offers 225 rooms and suites, from the spacious 603-square-foot Horizon rooms to the luxurious two-bedroom Lana Royal Suite, featuring a large wraparound terrace.

Room rates at The Lana begin at $460 per night for a Horizon room during summer, rising to around $650 per night in the cooler months like November and December. The 711-square-foot Marina Junior Suite I stayed in starts at $1,250 per night in summer, and around $1,360 during winter.

You can often find similar rates or special packages by booking directly on the hotel's website, with perks like complimentary upgrades and 400 Emirati dirhams ($110) in on-property credits.

If you hold The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, you can take advantage of Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts to enjoy benefits like upgrades based on availability, up to a $100 property credit for things like food or drinks, daily complimentary breakfast for two, and guaranteed late checkout.

Key Highlights

• Spacious rooms featuring some of the most luxurious and comfortable beds you'll find in any hotel.
• One of the few Dior Spas worldwide, offering breathtaking skyline views and exclusive treatments.
• Dining experiences curated by Michelin-star chefs Jean Imbert and Martin Berasategui.
• The 30th-floor pool and High Society bar are the perfect spots to socialize and enjoy sunset views.
• A friendly and attentive staff eager to accommodate any guest needs.

Disadvantages

• If you're after a typical Dubai beach resort experience, this hotel may not be for you.
• Some rooms offer only views of the surrounding desert landscape and highways.
• The hotel's location may require longer drives to reach some of Dubai's top attractions.

Atmosphere

Even in a city filled with one-of-a-kind skyscrapers, the two interlocking towers that house The Lana and its residences manage to make a statement. Designed by Foster + Partners, the building’s reflective curves mimic the desert sky and the rippling waters of the Marasi Bay Marina below, evoking the sleek silhouette of a luxury megayacht's stern.

Though you're likely to spot an international celebrity or athlete arriving at the circular drive (perhaps in one of the hotel's signature maroon Rolls-Royce Phantoms), every guest is treated like royalty by the doormen in their burgundy uniforms, guiding them into the expansive, high-ceilinged lobby.

While you can check in directly at the walk-up front desk, it's tucked behind a dramatic arch near an oversized decorative urn filled with flowers, a nod to the lobby design of The Dorchester in London. Before heading to the desk, however, you're likely to be seated on one of the plush velvet sofas where a cappuccino, served in a bespoke bone china saucer, will be brought to you while your details are taken and your room prepared.

Be sure to return for the lavish afternoon tea and take a moment to appreciate Sophie Coryndon's striking artwork, 'Golden Honey,' a golden, honeycomb-like installation that cascades down a pink tiled wall. It's a perfect blend of opulence and subtlety, much like the refined luxury embodied by The Lana.

The Room

In a city as bustling as Dubai, where activity never ceases, having a peaceful retreat at the end of the day feels like discovering an oasis—albeit one surrounded by polished wood and marble.

Upon entering the foyer of my Marina Junior Suite, I was greeted by a spacious, dark wood-paneled closet and dressing area, offering ample room for suitcases—and shopping bags filled with treasures from Dubai's high-end boutiques. Added luxuries included a Dyson hair dryer for the perfect finishing touch.

Double doors opened into the main living area, where floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors framed a view of the Burj Khalifa and the glittering skyline beyond. The neutral tones of the room were anchored by a white Frette linen-draped king-size bed, featuring a Vispring mattress so luxurious it made me feel like royalty—no surprise, considering Vispring is a preferred supplier to Buckingham Palace.

Beyond the bed, an elegant arrangement featured an art deco-inspired sofa and chair positioned around a coffee table. On the table, I discovered a selection of rare seasonal fruits, including Williams pears and gold-speckled dates. I enjoyed these as I watched the news on the Bang & Olufsen TV, stepped onto the balcony to take in the views from the lounge chair, or sat at the table when the evening temperatures began to cool.

I sat at the slim desk across from the bed, using the hotel’s stationery to jot down some notes and explore the dining options and amenities via the provided tablet (all while placing a room service order, of course).

The mirrored minibar, adorned with floral-patterned door paper, contained a Nespresso machine and a kettle for brewing the selection of bespoke teas, along with indulgent treats like vegan gummy bears and black truffle almonds.

The centerpiece of the spacious bathroom was a free-standing, deep soaking tub positioned by the windows, offering sweeping city views that truly came to life when the skyline illuminated at night.

A long marble countertop with dual sinks and illuminated vanities provided ample space for grooming. The hotel’s custom-made, cruelty-free Wildsmith Skin products offered a fresh yet balanced scent of magnolia, jasmine, and cedarwood — perfect for unwinding under the enormous walk-in shower equipped with both overhead and handheld showerheads.

With its spacious yet intimate feel, the Marina Junior Suite combined plush elements like parquet floors and velvet upholstery, creating the perfect harmony of luxury and sophistication.

Food & Drink

Dubai has earned its place as one of the world’s premier culinary capitals, thanks to a wave of globally acclaimed chefs who have set up shop and created culinary masterpieces. It’s no wonder The Lana has gone all in with its remarkable dining experiences.

At the forefront is Riviera by Jean Imbert, located on the fourth floor. The chef first gained fame by winning ‘Top Chef’ in 2012, followed by high-profile partnerships, including a collaboration with Pharrell Williams. He then took the reins at the famed Hotel Plaza Athenee in Paris, previously run by legendary chef Alain Ducasse, earning the restaurant a Michelin star.

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Riviera exudes a laid-back vibe, reminiscent of a sun-drenched St. Tropez garden gathering, with lush potted palms, shutter-style partitions, and charming nautical decor scattered throughout.

The breakfast menu offered a variety of set options, including a continental breakfast ($52) and the signature Lana breakfast ($64). Both included fresh daily juices, homemade pastries, fruit platters, yogurt, and cereal. The Lana breakfast also featured a choice of a la carte dishes, like avocado with quail eggs and passion fruit coulis, the chef's famous French toast with Brittany caramel sauce, and classic shakshuka served sizzling in a skillet.

For lunch and dinner, the spotlight shifted to Mediterranean-French cuisine, elegantly served on custom-made Bernardaud porcelain. Dishes included a tuna tartare ($53) prepared tableside with the restaurant's signature olive oil, fresh lime zest, and sea salt; fluffy focaccia topped with creamy burrata, pistachios, and green beans ($23); and a creative ratatouille ($37), presented as a tart with thinly sliced squash and zucchini, drizzled with pistou, all encased in a buttery Parmesan crust.

For a fun evening at the hotel, start with a drink at Bitter Honey, a hidden gem nestled in a lobby alcove. This speak-easy-style bar features a cart from which skilled bartenders craft inventive cocktails, many of which incorporate honey as a key element. One standout is the Trigona Old Fashioned ($23), made with Maker's Mark 46, honey, black cherry, aromatic bitters, and a hint of orange zest, offering a refreshing twist on the classic.

For a culinary treat, head up to Jara by Martín Berasategui on the 18th floor. This Basque chef, known for holding 12 Michelin stars across his restaurants, brings his flair to this location. The space is divided into a vibrant bar area, with a stunning fire-inspired light feature and terracotta accents, and an elegant indoor dining room with an open kitchen where you can watch chefs cook over live flames. On clear days, dine outside on the spacious terrace, enjoying panoramic skyline views. Recommended dishes include Cantabrian anchovies on crystal bread and brioche ($24.50), and tender grilled octopus with paprika and Galician-style potatoes ($37).

Grilled delicacies take center stage, priced by the 100 grams. Depending on the catch of the day, you might indulge in Mediterranean langoustine, juicy white shrimp from Huelva, or the prized Cantabrian blue lobster. The whole sole ($212) is rich yet delicate, served with your choice of accompanying sauces. Save room for dessert, as the decadent, subtly tangy Basque cheesecake ($24.50) is an unmissable treat.

For a post-dinner retreat, head to the neighboring cigar lounge, Txakolina, for a nightcap, or venture up to the 30th-floor pool deck for drinks at High Society. With both an indoor lounge and an outdoor terrace, the venue offers an exclusive experience. Though nonguests must meet a minimum spend, hotel guests are free from this requirement and can also enjoy prime seating. I was fortunate enough to grab a spot at one of the tables by the glass railing, offering uninterrupted city views. I sipped on a signature cocktail, the Stare of Apep ($23), a bold yet refined blend of mint-infused rum, date honey, and saffron bitters, inspired by ancient sun-worshipping cultures of Egypt, Greece, and Peru. A perfect way to end the evening.

Feeling hungry between meals or after a city adventure? Head to Bonbon Cafe Angelo Musa on the ground floor. Here, the talented pastry chef crafts exquisite French pastries, paired perfectly with strong coffee and tea options. You'll also find a selection of sandwiches, fresh salads, and homemade ice creams and sorbets to satisfy any craving.

Adjacent to the lobby, you'll find the Veranda — a charming garden bar and terrace that serves light snacks and refreshing cocktails from October to May. For an elegant afternoon indulgence, enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in the Gallery (the lobby lounge), where a delightful array of pastries, scones, and finger sandwiches is offered, starting at $163 per person.

Amenities and Services

Though situated in the heart of the city, attracting both business and leisure guests (with meeting rooms that evoke a midcentury "Mad Men" ambiance), the hotel offers an impressive array of leisure amenities.

Located on the 30th floor, the expansive pool deck provides multiple seating options, complete with umbrellas and shaded areas to protect from the intense Emirati sun. The atmosphere here can be breezy at times, and attendants are readily available to arrange towels on daybeds and take your food and drink orders while you relax, swim, or sunbathe.

On the 29th floor, you'll find the hotel's health and wellness sanctuary. The Lana is proud to host the UAE's first-ever Dior Spa, which opened in April and quickly became fully booked for months. The spa features a small boutique offering Dior skincare, perfumes, and luxury items, along with a beauty room for nail services. There are also five treatment rooms, including one with wheelchair access, a roll-in shower, and accessible facilities, plus a couples suite with expansive, double-height windows showcasing views of downtown Dubai.

The spa menu offers a variety of luxurious treatments, including the Iyashi Dome infrared therapy session ($163 for 30 minutes) and the indulgent L'Or de Vie Miracle face and back treatment. This 90-minute experience includes a massage and facial using the exclusive L'Or de Vie line from Dior, made with antioxidant-rich vine sap from Bordeaux's renowned Chateau d'Yquem ($531). Yes, it's as extravagant as it sounds.

If the spa treatments seem a bit steep, why not opt for a more traditional approach to wellness with a good old-fashioned workout in the gym next door?

Fortunately, you'll also find a selection of Dior-branded fitness accessories, including stretching mats, balance balls, jump ropes, and light weights.

While many luxury hotels claim to offer a residential-style experience, few actually deliver on that promise. The Lana, however, truly does. My stay in the Marina Junior Suite and meals crafted by Jean Imbert never gave the impression of being at home, but what set this experience apart was the seamless service. Every staff member I encountered was attentive and thorough, effortlessly taking care of all the details without overdoing it.

It was the little touches that made all the difference. Like the fact that they remembered my exact coffee order each morning and made sure to bring extra servings of my favorite fruits (and yes, pastries) without me asking. Or when I showed up unexpectedly at High Society for a second evening, they not only seated me at my preferred spot but also patiently guided me through a tasting of five different cocktails, helping me choose the perfect one. Even the housekeeping staff, noticing I had gone through all the bottled water, left extra bottles at turndown without me asking. In essence, I felt taken care of without being overly pampered, making every interaction warm and genuinely memorable.

Out and about

The Marasi Bay Marina, where The Lana is situated, is currently undergoing a transformation into a vibrant lifestyle district. Plans include a 7-mile-long waterfront promenade featuring shops, cafes, residential spaces, yacht berths, and more. However, with construction still ongoing, it's a bit of a work in progress. That said, many of the city's top attractions are still easily accessible via a short and affordable car ride.

The Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa are just a 10-minute drive away, depending on traffic, while the Dubai Design District, with its cafes, galleries, and offices, is also a short 10-minute ride in the opposite direction. The famous Gold Souk and some of the city's top public beaches are about 25 minutes away by car.

Accessibility

The Lana offers four Horizon-category accessible rooms, featuring accessible peepholes, safes, wardrobe racks, and folding doors for ease of access. Each room is equipped with emergency assistance buttons and televisions with closed captioning. The bathrooms are designed for wheelchair accessibility with roll-in showers, hand-held showerheads, grab bars near toilets, and emergency cords for extra support.

The hotel’s elevators are equipped with Braille-labeled buttons positioned at an accessible height for wheelchair users. All public spaces, including the main entrance, are designed for wheelchair access with smooth surfaces, ramps, and elevators. Accessible restrooms are also available in public areas, though some may require assistance to open the doors.

Regrettably, the pool is not equipped with a chairlift or zero-entry access.

Checking out

Unlike many other luxury hotels in Dubai, The Lana by Dorchester Collection embraces subtlety over extravagance and elegance over excess, and it does so with great success. While its surrounding area is still evolving into a vibrant lifestyle district, the hotel itself offers more than enough to make a stay in Dubai memorable, from its exceptional amenities to its outstanding culinary offerings.