Addresses in Dubai don't come more sought after than ‘No.1 Sheikh Zayed Road' and that is the enviable moniker of the recently opened Monarch Hotel. Standing proudly at the entrance to the city's principal thoroughfare and conveniently located within walking distance of DIFC.
Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai International Convention Centre, the hotel has understandably pitched itself to appeal to both international and local business guests.
The original architectural concept designs were completed by RTKL before RMJM took over the project in August 2003. The tender process began in April 2004, with construction starting a couple of months later in June.
The doors finally opened to the first guests in November 2007. Architect Enzo Messina, RMJM takes CID on a tour of the new hotel that has already collated quite a loyal fanbase.
He says: "The most important aspect of any project is that it fits the context, and the brief for this hotel was to create a timeless, modern Arabic hotel, in tune with the local market and expectations.
Due to the Monarch's close proximity to the Convention Centre and financial district, the projected clientele is mainly GCC and European customers for trade shows and short business stays. This is reflected in the elegant simplicity that exudes from the public areas, and the undeniable hint of masculinity in the guestroom design.
The interior design was undertaken by BBGM, part of RMJM's American office, while the fit-out contractors was Dubai-based DEPA. The first challenge for the interior designer was to create a concept that successfully complemented the architecture.
The project consists of two towers, one office and one hotel, with an obvious visual symmetry between the two.
The concept is minimal and timeless - in tune with Hazel Wong's philosophy and RMJM's approach.
The buildings form an L-shaped angle - providing an interesting parallel with the Hazel Wong-designed World Trade Centre Residence across the road that also conforms to an L-shape.
The sculptural concept doesn't just apply to the exterior of the building either; step inside the Monarch's atrium and the vast ceiling height of up to 25 m provides a striking centrepiece to BBGM's interiors. Messina says: "The idea was to create a vibrant space with floors looking into the lobby encouraging an interaction between the different areas to create an alive and active space.
On the ground floor the atrium is flanked on one side by outlets that are yet to open, but will add to the boulevard feel. Opposite these boutiques is the all-day international dining restaurant Mizaan, which means ‘balance' and the soon-to-open signature restaurant Empire designed by LWDesign Group.
This eatery has wall-embedded crystals at its entrance and is hyped to offer a glamorous personal dining experience.
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