Anyone who has had the privilege of staying at a property within The Dorchester Collection understands that stepping through the doors of one of their iconic hotels is to enter a world of unparalleled elegance and thoughtful hospitality. The Lana in Dubai is no exception to this tradition. Situated in the Marasi Bay Marina of Dubai, The Lana exudes a refined, understated luxury that captivates from the very first moment. The lobby, adorned in a delicate palette of pink and cream hues, is not merely a space to pass through, it invites you to linger and to savour its serene ambiance. The rooftop pool offers an experience that is nothing short of magical, providing breathtaking views and a sense of tranquillity that remains with you long after you leave. Adding to this sense of wonder is the extraordinary level of personalized service. Remarkably, within minutes of our arrival, every staff member seemed to know our name, a testament to their commitment to delivering flawless, attentive care throughout the stay. If it was not clear enough yet : we truly loved The Lana !

Location & Hotel

With The Lana, the distinguished and exclusive Dorchester Collection brand has made its highly anticipated debut in the Middle Eastern market, setting a remarkable precedent with its signature style and timeless elegance. For those unfamiliar, the Dorchester Collection represents a curated selection of ultra-luxury hotels and residences renowned for their charm, sophistication, and unparalleled service. The collection boasts iconic properties such as The Dorchester in London, The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Le Meurice in Paris, and Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris. For its inaugural property in Dubai, the Dorchester Collection chose the prestigious Marasi Bay Marina, ideally situated in the heart of the city near Downtown Dubai. From this vantage point, one can admire the skyline of Downtown Dubai, with the iconic Burj Khalifa as an unmistakable focal point.

The Lana is conveniently located just a fifteen minutes’ walk from this world-famous landmark, with the Dubai Mall accessible in the same timeframe. Dubai International Airport is only a twenty minutes’ drive away. For those seeking an elevated travel experience, The Lana offers transportation in the hotel’s fleet of Rolls-Royces, as well as the unique option of a futuristic boat for leisurely cruises along the canal. The surrounding area is still undergoing development, with nearby construction projects visible. However, this does not detract from the serene and tranquil ambiance of the hotel. The property’s name, “The Lana,” is deeply rooted in its setting, derived from Arabic to evoke a warm sense of belonging and the image of gently floating on calm waters, a fitting homage to its idyllic location by the Dubai Canal.

The Lana’s striking architecture was conceived by Foster + Partners, the renowned British firm behind iconic structures like the Gherkin in London and the Hearst Tower in New York. Inspired by Dubai’s dynamic and ever-evolving skyline, they designed a 30-story masterpiece featuring a cohesive architectural design with a central podium, known as The Lana Promenade. Crowned with a stunning rooftop infinity pool, the hotel offers breathtaking views of the cityscape and the desert expanse beyond. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by impeccably attired doormen in crimson uniforms and top hats, setting a tone of refined elegance. Inside, the lobby’s focal point is a magnificent three-meter-high floral arrangement that immediately captivates. Beyond this, the interior, designed by the acclaimed Gilles & Boissier, a French agency specializing in architecture, interior, and graphic design, unfolds as a haven of understated luxury.

Dusk pink and cream tones dominate the palette, with an emphasis on light, space, and a timeless sophistication reminiscent of old-world glamour. Over fifty carefully curated art pieces, commissioned from both local and international artists, enhance the ambiance. The reception area, adorned with rich, dark wood tones, is discreetly tucked to the right of the entrance, offering privacy and an intimate welcome. Nearby, a petite yet elegant bar is subtly nestled within an alcove off the lobby. A particularly memorable space within the hotel is the corridor leading to the elevators. This area is exquisitely designed, and the view revealed when stepping out of the elevators towards the lobby is nothing short of breathtaking, a scene that lingers in memory long after the visit.

Rooms & Suites

The Lana offers 225 elegantly designed accommodations, including 99 rooms, 73 junior suites, and 53 suites. Each space features a private outdoor terrace and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing natural light to fill the interiors while showcasing stunning views. The Design, Dunes, and Marina rooms span between 42 to 58 square meters indoors, extending to 50 to 81 square meters when including their outdoor areas. Thoughtfully crafted with high ceilings, these rooms harmoniously blend traditional details, such as stone parquet flooring, with modern aesthetics inspired by Dubai’s dynamic urban landscape. Decorative screen dividers enhance the atmosphere, creating an inviting, intimate, and sophisticated environment. Many rooms are also equipped with freestanding bathtubs strategically placed by the windows, offering an unparalleled bathing experience with picturesque views.

The 126 suites provide versatile spaces for relaxation, work, and entertainment, all with breathtaking vistas of the Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, or Dubai Canal. Marina Suites boast luxurious features like walk-in wardrobes, dressing areas, and spacious living rooms with dedicated office spaces. Duplex and Terrace Suites are distinguished by their unique two-level designs, featuring double-height corner living areas and terraces on both floors. For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury, the Marina Royal Suite spans an impressive 333 square meters along the façade overlooking the Burj Khalifa. It includes a garden room, a formal dining area, a pantry, and an additional sitting room perfect for entertaining. The Lana Royal Suite, a two-bedroom masterpiece, occupies the north corner of the building and covers 357 square meters. It offers an unparalleled living experience with expansive layouts and panoramic views.

Gastronomy

At The Lana also an unparalleled culinary journey awaits. True to the esteemed reputation of the Dorchester Collection, The Lana offers an exceptional dining experience that rivals its iconic counterparts, such as the legendary Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris. There, world-renowned chef Alain Ducasse once helmed one of his three Michelin-starred restaurants, a legacy now continued by the celebrated Jean Imbert. Imbert, known for his artistry and innovation, brought his talent to The Lana, on the fourth floor, where guests can discover Riviera, a modern Mediterranean restaurant inspired by Imbert’s heritage and global travels. We tried some of his signature dishes, such as the exquisite “Jean’s avocado, caponata, baby spinach” and a perfectly prepared beef tenderloin with pepper crust, showcasing his mastery.

Imbert is also in charge of the food at High Society, the rooftop venue offering 180° panoramic views of Downtown Dubai and the amazing pool area of The Lana. The hotel also welcomes another culinary luminary, Martin Berasategui, the Spanish chef celebrated for his remarkable tally of twelve Michelin stars. On the eighteenth floor, you can find his restaurant Jara, a refined destination for Basque cuisine.

Complementing Jara is Txakolina, a speakeasy-style cigar lounge that offers an intimate retreat for connoisseurs. Renowned pastry chef Angelo Musa, also famed for his work at Hôtel Plaza Athénée, brings his expertise to The Lana with Bonbon Café by Angelo Musa. Here, guests can savor a selection of his signature viennoiseries, artisanal breads, chocolate bonbons, handcrafted ice creams, and gourmet sandwiches and salads.

The Lana’s diverse dining portfolio continues with Veranda, a lush open-air garden bar serving inventive cocktails and a sharing-style menu of tapas and international dishes with Levantine influences. For a quintessentially elegant experience, The Gallery offers an indulgent afternoon tea featuring Angelo Musa’s pastries. Finally, there is the sophistication of Bitter Honey, a cozy, intimate bar nestled within The Lana’s stunning lobby.

Hotel Assets

Apart from a unique culinary offering, The Lana also features the first Dior Spa in the UAE, located on 29th floor of the property. There are five treatment rooms and one couple’s suite. Apart from treatments that can be found in other Dior Spa’s, there are also three signature treatments exclusive to The Lana, including Escale at The Lana, Dior Stone Therapy and D-Sculpt.

The property also has several ballroom and event venues, boasting the Quayside Ballroom on the ground floor, which is 486 m2. There is also a Pre-function room of  200 m2, a boardroom of 72 m2 and a meeting room of 100 m2.

And in our view without any doubt the biggest asset of The Lana, is High Society, a phenomenal rooftop pool area on the thirtieth floor of the hotel, with mind blowing views and a bar area where light cuisine, cocktails and music further elevate your stay.

Why go?

For those who follow our publications, you will know we firmly believe that visiting Dubai is always a great idea. This dynamic city boasts an impressive selection of top-tier hotels, world-class gastronomy, limitless shopping opportunities, stunning beaches, and a rich cultural heritage. Amidst the city’s vibrant energy, The Lana stands as a serene haven of understated luxury. Every aspect of the property, from its beautifully designed rooms to its elegant ambiance, exudes sophistication without being over the top. Time spent at the pool area creates memories that last a lifetime, while the impeccable service provided by the exceptionally friendly and professional staff truly elevates the experience.