How do you experience life in the heart of the old city with five-star comfort? Let’s take a closer look at this aparthotel where Swiss hospitality meets Arabian flair, and the freedom of apartment living blends seamlessly with resort luxury.
While the whole world is fixated on the glass skyscrapers of New Dubai, the city’s authentic, unvarnished heart beats in Deira. And it’s right here, at the very epicenter of vibrant, genuine local life, that Swissôtel Living Al Ghurair Dubai offers a rare luxury for this city—allowing guests to feel not like tourists, but like true locals, without sacrificing a single bit of five-star comfort. Deira is the very essence of “real” Dubai, where the air is infused with the fragrant aromas of spices from the markets, ancient abra boats glide gracefully across the waters of the Creek, and tiny shops and family-run restaurants await around every corner. What truly sets this place apart from hundreds of other Dubai hotels is its unique accommodation format. Instead of conventional hotel rooms, Swissôtel Living provides guests with exactly what’s often missing during travel—space and independence akin to full-fledged apartments, combined with impeccable service and the amenities of a luxury hotel. This guide will serve as your compass, navigating you through all the possibilities Swissôtel Living Al Ghurair has to offer—from its unparalleled location to selecting the perfect apartment and planning an unforgettable leisure experience.
The main advantage: Located in the heart of old Dubai with direct access to Al Ghurair Centre
Perhaps the hotel’s greatest asset is its unique location. Imagine living right in the heart of Old Dubai, yet enjoying direct, air-conditioned access to Al Ghurair Centre, one of the city’s oldest and most beloved shopping malls. This means a whole world of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options is just a stone’s throw away—and you don’t even have to step outside to reach it, an invaluable advantage during the sweltering summer heat. This prime neighborhood offers numerous benefits:
- Shopping: Hundreds of stores, ranging from renowned international brands to local boutiques, are available at any time.
- Entertainment: Spend an evening at a state-of-the-art cinema or explore fun-filled zones that kids will especially love.
- Dining: A vast food court and a wide array of restaurants offer dishes to suit every taste and budget—whether you’re grabbing a quick snack or enjoying a full-fledged dinner.
- Convenience: A large supermarket on-site makes it easy to pick up fresh groceries for breakfast or dinner in your own apartment, a feature especially appreciated by families and long-term guests.
Planning tip: During sales periods and on weekend evenings (Friday and Saturday), the mall can get extremely crowded. If you want to calmly do your grocery shopping at the supermarket, it’s best to do it in the morning on a weekday.
Your home in Deira: apartments where space matters
The "Living" prefix in the name isn’t just marketing fluff—it reflects the very essence of this place. Here, they’ve created not just rooms for overnight stays, but fully-fledged living spaces where you can truly unwind and feel right at home. The interiors are designed in a serene, contemporary style with elements of Swiss minimalism: plenty of light, an airy feel, clean lines, and absolutely no unnecessary clutter, allowing you to escape the visual noise of the vibrant Eastern streets.
Room categories ranging from cozy studios to family suites
The hotel offers several accommodation options to suit different needs.
- Studios: An ideal choice for solo travelers or couples. Thanks to their smart layout, these studios have everything you need: a comfortable sleeping area, a relaxation zone, and a functional kitchenette.
- Apartments with one, two, or three bedrooms: This is the hotel’s flagship offering and a real gem for families or those on longer stays. Guests will enjoy a fully equipped kitchen, a spacious living room for shared evenings, and separate bedrooms that ensure everyone has their own personal space.
Bed configuration flexibility: When booking multi-bedroom apartments, please specify your preferred bed configuration. The hotel offers flexible options with both oversized king-size beds and separate twin beds, making it ideal for trips with children or colleagues.
Amenities for living, not just overnight stays
It’s the amenities that truly transform these apartments into a home away from home. Imagine: you can prepare your children’s familiar breakfast in a fully equipped kitchen, complete with a stove, microwave, and all the necessary utensils. After a day at the beach or wandering through dusty markets, you can simply toss your clothes into the washing machine—an invaluable feature for families and long-term guests. And if you need to work, high-speed Wi-Fi and a comfortable workspace are at your disposal. This level of everyday comfort is rarely found in a typical hotel.
A small touch of comfort: Each apartment is equipped with a Nespresso coffee machine. Your morning in Dubai will begin with a cup of superb coffee, just like at home, even before you step out into the bustling city.
Five-star hotel infrastructure: From gastronomy to spa
One of the key advantages of Swissôtel Living Al Ghurair is full access to the entire infrastructure of the neighboring Swissôtel Al Ghurair. You enjoy the privacy and spaciousness of your own apartment, while still indulging in the pleasures of a five-star resort.
Restaurants and bars
Gastronomy here is an extension of the "dual lifestyle" concept: on one hand, you have your own kitchen; on the other, you have full access to the restaurants of the adjacent Swissôtel. The flagship restaurant offers a blend of time-tested international classics and vibrant Middle Eastern flavors—ranging from succulent kebabs to aromatic meze. But according to guest reviews, the real star is breakfast. Imagine not a standard hotel buffet, but a true morning feast: a station with freshly squeezed juices, a mountain of exotic fruits, a display case filled with Arabic sweets, and, of course, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. In addition, the lobby features a cozy café, perfect for a business meeting over a cappuccino, and a poolside bar—an ideal spot to escape the midday heat with an ice-cold mojito in hand.
Spa, fitness, and pool — an oasis for mind and body
The signature Pürovel Spa & Sport is responsible for rejuvenation. Its concept is rooted in "Alpine traditions," meaning that treatments actively incorporate natural oils and essences with aromas of pine needles, alpine herbs, and flowers, helping you instantly recharge.
- Pürovel Spa & Sport: Treat yourself to a signature massage or facial treatment to relieve tension after a busy day of exploration and shopping.
- Fitness Center: Equipped with state-of-the-art exercise machines and divided into zones for cardio and strength training, allowing you to maintain your regular workout routine.
- Swimming Pool: And the spacious outdoor pool on the terrace is truly your personal oasis amidst the urban hustle and bustle. Just imagine: Deira’s vibrant energy surrounds you, yet you’re lounging on a sunbed under an umbrella, with only the gentle lapping of water and soft lounge music breaking the silence.
For families with children: The hotel is perfectly equipped for young guests: it features a kids' club and a separate shallow pool. Be sure to check the reception for opening hours and the events schedule to plan leisure activities for the whole family.
Planning your stay: Practical tips
Best time to visit
The most comfortable period for visiting Dubai is from October to April, when the weather is ideal for strolling through historic streets and taking excursions. However, a visit in summer can also be rewarding: the hotel often offers attractive rates, and the presence of fully air-conditioned walkways connecting to the shopping mall and metro makes the heat virtually imperceptible.
Booking and budget
Swissôtel living Al Ghurair Dubai is a premium-class aparthotel, but its value for long-term stays or large families is clear—you save on dining out and laundry services. We recommend booking your apartment well in advance, especially during peak dates such as the New Year holidays. Always compare offers on the hotel’s official website, where exclusive promotions are frequently available, with prices on aggregator sites.
Please note: all prices and conditions are approximate and current as of the date this article was written. Please verify the latest information on the hotel’s official website or with your booking agent.
Getting there and getting around the city
The hotel is located very close to Dubai International Airport (DXB), so a taxi transfer takes no more than 15–20 minutes. A key advantage for getting around the city is its walking distance to Union Metro Station. This isn’t just a station—it’s the city’s main transport hub, where the Red and Green metro lines intersect. From here, you can reach Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, and other key attractions without transfers or traffic jams.
Save on taxis: Use the metro for long-distance travel—it’s fast, inexpensive, and comfortable thanks to air conditioning. Union Station is only a 5–7 minute walk away. And for an authentic experience exploring the Deira district, cross Dubai Creek on a traditional abra boat for just 1 dirham.
What to see nearby
The hotel serves as an ideal starting point for exploring Old Dubai. Within a few minutes’ taxi ride—or even within walking distance—are:
- Gold Souk and Spice Souk, where you can fully immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of a genuine oriental bazaar.
- Dubai Creek, which you absolutely must explore by boat to experience the city from the water.
- The authentic Al Seef district, with its restored historic streets, restaurants, and shops.
Conclusion: your perfect balance in Dubai
Swissôtel Living Al Ghurair Dubai masterfully resolves the classic traveler’s dilemma: how to combine the freedom and homely comfort of private apartments with the impeccable service and security of a five-star hotel? The answer turns out to be both elegant and effective. This hotel will be the perfect choice for:
- Families with children who need plenty of space, a private kitchen, and entertainment right at their doorstep.
- Business travelers staying in Dubai for an extended period who value functionality and comfort.
- Thoughtful tourists who want to explore an authentic, vibrant Dubai without sacrificing luxury and convenience.
So if you’re looking to experience the true heartbeat of Dubai, then retreat in the evening to an oasis of Swiss tranquility and homely comfort—chances are, you’ve just found your perfect address.
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