The Tower Plaza Dubai — 5-star dry hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road

A guide to one of Dubai's most strategically convenient hotels. Pros, cons, and the subtle nuances of this "dry" five-star tower.

Imagine a canyon of glass and concrete, where every skyscraper strives to outdo its neighbor in height and elegance. Along six lanes in each direction flows a continuous stream of luxury cars. This is Sheikh Zayed Road—the main artery of Dubai, the pulsating heart of business life. It is here, amidst this impressive urban landscape, that the 65-story skyscraper The Tower Plaza Hotel rises. But in this forest of skyscrapers, The Tower Plaza is not just another giant. Rather, it’s a strategic command post that can either make your trip incredibly convenient or completely fail to meet your expectations. Our task is to provide a thorough and honest review of this place. After reading this guide, you’ll know exactly whether this hotel is worth the money, what unique features and hidden subtleties it has, and whether it will become the perfect base for your trip to Dubai.

What is the Tower Plaza hotel? Key features

Five-star status and the concept of a "dry hotel"

Let’s set aside the formalities of five-star status—quality service and comfort here are implied by default. Much more important is the key feature that defines the entire atmosphere of The Tower Plaza: the concept of a "dry hotel." Alcohol is completely absent throughout its entire territory. For some, this might seem like a limitation, but in reality, it creates a special, calm, and safe atmosphere that’s perfect for family vacations or travelers who value tranquility and a relaxed pace.

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Who is this hotel for? (target audience)

Thanks to its location and concept, the hotel clearly targets several groups of travelers:

Business travelers: An almost ideal choice. The hotel is just a stone's throw away from the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the World Trade Center (WTC). Plus, its 16 conference rooms and business center make it a convenient hub for work and meetings right on site.
Families with children: The alcohol-free environment, a separate kids' pool, and spacious Family Suites create a comfortable and safe space where guests of all ages can unwind.
Exploratory tourists: For those who come to Dubai to "take the city by storm," rather than lounging by the pool, The Tower Plaza is a true command center. Its main superpower is exceptional transport accessibility, turning the entire metropolis into your personal playground.

At the heart of it all: location and transportation

The Tower Plaza Hotel is located in the Financial Centre district—a dynamic, prestigious, and modern business quarter. From here, you're just a stone's throw away from the city's key attractions. Estimated taxi travel times:

Dubai Airport (DXB): about 20 minutes (12 km).
Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall: approximately 10-15 minutes (~3.3 km).
La Mer Beach: roughly 15-20 minutes (~10 km).

It's important to note that taxi travel times can vary significantly depending on traffic and time of day, so the distance in kilometers is a more reliable indicator. However, the hotel's main transportation advantage is the metro.

The main advantage: direct metro access: Here it is, The Tower Plaza's superpower. The hotel is connected via a covered, air-conditioned passage to the Emirates Towers metro station. This means you can reach the Red Line in just a couple of minutes without stepping out into the street heat, taking you directly to the airport (DXB), Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, and other key locations. This saves not only money but also precious time.

Rooms and views: What you can see from The Tower Plaza's windows

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The hotel's room selection caters to various needs. Standard Superior rooms (approximately 34 sq.m) are perfect for couples. The Executive Suite (60-70 sq.m) with a separate living area will be appreciated by those who value extra space. And for larger groups or families with several children, there are spacious Family Suites (up to 101 sq.m) featuring two bedrooms. Of course, inside each room you’ll find a full gentleman’s set for your comfort: you can always adjust the ideal temperature with individual climate control, relax while watching a movie on the Smart TV, or get some work done by connecting to fast, free Wi-Fi. Even the little everyday details are taken care of—from a safe and minibar to an iron with an ironing board and a tea or coffee-making kit. But the real magic of The Tower Plaza rooms begins when you approach the window. Ask for a higher floor (ideally above the 26th), and a breathtaking panorama will unfold before your eyes. There it is, the Burj Khalifa—not just visible, but right in the palm of your hand. Nearby stand the sharp spires of the Jumeirah Emirates Towers. And in the evening, when the city below bursts into millions of lights, you become a spectator of a spectacular light show unlike anything else in the world. And all this—from the comfort of your very own room.

When booking, don’t hesitate to mention in the special requests: 'high floor with Burj Khalifa view'. It costs nothing, but significantly increases your chances of getting that very view people come here for.

Dining, relaxation, and wellness: What the hotel offers

Restaurants and bars

The main dining spot at the hotel is the Metro restaurant, which offers an international buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast here is hearty and varied, providing a great start to a busy day. At the rooftop pool, the Infinity Pool Lounge serves light snacks and non-alcoholic cocktails, allowing you to enjoy the city skyline without stepping away.

The hotel offers different meal plans: BB (breakfast only), HB (breakfast and dinner), and FB (full board). The BB option is the most flexible for those planning to actively explore Dubai's gastronomic scene. As throughout the hotel, a non-alcoholic concept is in place here, so the bar menu features creative mocktails, freshly squeezed juices, and other refreshing drinks.

Pool, spa, and fitness

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The infinity pool on the open terrace is truly the cherry on top at The Tower Plaza. Imagine swimming in cool water with a vibrant, living panorama of Dubai and the distant coastline right in front of you. It’s a unique feeling—being both at the heart of the bustling metropolis and in your own oasis of tranquility. The perfect way to recharge after a long day of negotiations or exploring the city.

For complete relaxation, guests have access to a spa center offering various massage and beauty treatments, as well as a thermal area with a sauna and jacuzzi. For those who don’t want to miss their workouts, there’s a well-equipped gym available free of charge.

Honest review: Pros, cons, and final verdict

Strengths of the hotel

Location: Not just good, but strategically impeccable for active tourists and business travelers alike. Direct access to the metro is a superpower in Dubai.
Views from the Windows: The panoramic views from the upper floors are not just a bonus, but a key highlight that creates a real wow effect and stays in your memory for a long time.
Spacious Rooms: The rooms feel more spacious compared to many other city hotels, adding to the comfort.
Staff: Most guests note the friendliness and willingness to help from the staff. Often, there is Russian-speaking personnel at the reception, making it easier to resolve any issues.

Nuances to be aware of

There are no perfect hotels, and The Tower Plaza has its own quirks that are easy to prepare for.

Time Management Tip: During peak hours (morning breakfast and check-out around noon), the 65-story hotel experiences strain. Waiting for elevators can take several minutes, and there may be queues at the reception desk. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to your schedule, and you'll avoid rushing.

Another point that occasionally comes up in reviews is the quality of cleaning, which can be inconsistent. Let's be honest, this happens even in good hotels. There's one piece of advice here, and it works every time: if you notice a flaw, don't wait or put up with it—report it immediately to the front desk. It's been proven: staff respond quickly to such requests and make every effort to fix everything.

Bottom line: is this hotel for you?

YES, if you are:

A business traveler for whom proximity to business centers and flawless logistics are important.
A family person looking for a comfortable, safe, and peaceful alcohol-free environment.
An active tourist for whom location and access to the metro are top priorities when exploring the metropolis.

NO, if you:

Are seeking a classic beach vacation where you can walk to the sea in two minutes.
Can't imagine your vacation without a glass of wine at dinner.
Can't tolerate even the slightest delays during peak hours and value absolute privacy.

Planning your trip: Prices, taxes, and booking

In terms of pricing, The Tower Plaza Hotel falls into the more affordable segment of five-star hotels on Sheikh Zayed Road, offering excellent value for money. However, when planning your budget, it's important to consider additional charges.

Tourism Dirham: This is a fixed fee charged per room per night of stay.
VAT and Fees: In most cases, VAT, municipal tax, and service charges are already included in the final price on aggregator websites, but it’s always a good idea to double-check this before booking.
Security Deposit: Upon arrival, the hotel will place a hold on your card for a certain amount as a guarantee. This amount is fully refunded upon departure, provided you haven’t used any paid services or caused damage to the property.

IMPORTANT: Accommodation prices in Dubai vary significantly depending on the season (more expensive in winter, cheaper in summer), the day of the week, and current demand. Always check the current rates for your specific travel dates.

Booking tip: Compare prices on the hotel's official website and on major aggregators like Booking.com. Sometimes hotels offer special packages (such as those including dinner) that may be more advantageous than standard bookings.

Conclusion

The Tower Plaza Hotel is a strong and reliable player in its niche. Its main strengths are its impeccable location, breathtaking views, and excellent value for money for a 5-star hotel right in the heart of Dubai. It’s important to understand: this is not a beach resort, but rather an ideal urban base for those who have come to explore, work, and conquer the metropolis. If you want to live in the very heart of Dubai, wake up to a view of the Burj Khalifa, and have the entire city at your feet thanks to direct access to the metro, then The Tower Plaza Hotel will be more than just a hotel for you—it will become your ultimate base for conquering this city.