Spacious apartments, a fully equipped kitchen, and a metro station right at your doorstep. We explain why Two Seasons (formerly Gloria) is the secret weapon for families and extended stays in Dubai.
Sheikh Zayed Road is not just Dubai’s main thoroughfare—it’s its showcase, where every skyscraper loudly proclaims its ambitions. And amidst this parade of glass and steel stand two familiar twin towers—a hotel that has become synonymous for thousands of travelers not with ostentatious luxury, but with smart, thoughtful comfort. This is Two Seasons Aparthotel, which many still remember by its old, almost legendary name—Gloria Hotel. Its secret is simple: it combines the best of two worlds— the spaciousness and independence of a real apartment with a kitchen and living area—while adding the service and infrastructure of a fine hotel. This guide is your comprehensive companion to Two Seasons. We won’t just list facts; we’ll take you inside the apartments, explore the panoramic pool with city views, delve into the culinary offerings, and most importantly, provide all the practical tips you need to plan the perfect family vacation, a productive business trip, or a comfortable "winter stay" in Dubai.
The perfect location at the crossroads of everything
Two Seasons’ strategic location on Sheikh Zayed Road is its greatest asset. It’s important to understand: this isn’t a laid-back beachfront, but rather the vibrant business and transportation hub of "new Dubai." Living here means having all of Dubai at your fingertips, without traffic jams or exhausting taxi rides. Imagine this: in the morning, you take the metro for a 15-minute commute to a meeting at Dubai Mall; during the day, you reach JBR Beach in just 10 minutes; and in the evening, you enjoy dinner in Dubai Marina, again spending only a few minutes on the journey. It’s this very freedom of movement that makes Two Seasons truly exceptional. Anyone who’s visited Dubai in summer knows the value of a cool breeze. Well, the direct, covered walkway connecting the hotel to Dubai Internet City metro station isn’t just convenient—it’s an absolute lifesaver. No sweltering heat, no frantic taxi-hunting under the scorching sun. Just a few steps—and you’re already enjoying the comfort of the city’s air-conditioned, impeccably efficient transport system. From here, you can effortlessly reach key destinations without getting stuck in traffic: the vibrant Dubai Marina, the colossal Mall of the Emirates with its famous indoor ski slope, or the ultimate tourist magnet—the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall area.
Metro right at your doorstep: your key to Dubai: Take advantage of the air-conditioned pedestrian walkway that leads directly from the hotel to the metro station. It’s a real lifesaver during the hottest months. And the rechargeable NOL transport card will become your ticket to budget-friendly and convenient travel throughout the city.
Thanks to its prime location, most iconic landmarks are within a 5- to 15-minute drive or metro ride. Popular beaches such as JBR and Kite Beach, major shopping malls, key business hubs like Media City and Internet City, as well as access to the famous Palm Jumeirah island, are all located in close proximity.
Who is this hotel for? Key benefits and important considerations
To ensure your choice is 100% right for you, it’s crucial to immediately determine whether Two Seasons aligns with your travel style. This section will help you quickly get your bearings.
Ideal for:
- Families with children: Spacious apartments with kitchens relieve parents of their biggest headache—what to feed the kids. Familiar meals are always at hand, which means fewer tantrums. The presence of a children's pool and kids' club makes the stay comfortable for everyone.
- Long-term stays and "wintering": When you head to Dubai for several weeks or months, a standard hotel room quickly becomes cramped. The amenities of a full-fledged apartment at Two Seasons allow you to live with home-like comfort, rather than feeling like a guest.
- Business travelers: Proximity to the business districts of Media City and Internet City, a dedicated workspace in the room, and instant access to the metro make this hotel an excellent base for business trips, saving time and money on logistics.
Consider other options if:
- You’re looking for a beach getaway “right on your doorstep”: The hotel isn’t located directly on the beachfront. To reach the beach, you’ll need to take a taxi or hotel shuttle, which will take about 10–15 minutes.
- A resort atmosphere with bars is important to you: Two Seasons adheres to an alcohol-free concept, which may not suit all travelers accustomed to evening cocktails by the pool.
- You prefer boutique hotels: This is a large, bustling, and dynamic complex, rather than a secluded and intimate setting for a quiet retreat.
Beach getaway: plan ahead: The hotel offers guests a shuttle service to the beach, but its schedule may be limited. Always check the current timetable at the reception. An alternative is an affordable taxi or car-sharing service, which can take you to any public beach in just 10–15 minutes.
Space and xomfort: A look inside the apartments
What truly sets Two Seasons apart from most hotels in Dubai is its room stock. There are no standard rooms here. Guests are offered exclusively apartments—full-fledged apartments with a separate living room, one or more bedrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen.
One-bedroom apartments
This isn’t just a room where the bed is just a couple of steps away from the entrance door. It’s a full-fledged apartment with ample space for living. Imagine this: after a busy day exploring the city, your kids can watch cartoons in the living room on the sofa, while you enjoy a peaceful rest in a separate bedroom. Or in the morning, while everyone else is still asleep, you can sip coffee on the balcony, taking in the sight of the city awakening. It’s precisely this sense of having your very own space that sets Two Seasons apart. It’s the perfect choice for couples, solo travelers, or families with one child.
Two-bedroom apartments
An excellent option for larger families or groups of friends. The key advantage is the presence of two separate bedrooms and often two bathrooms, eliminating morning queues and providing everyone with their own personal space. The shared living area becomes a cozy hub for the whole group, and the increased floor space offers a genuine feeling of home away from home.
Fact: Two Seasons Hotel is one of the tallest all-suite hotels in the world, ensuring breathtaking views from virtually every room on the upper floors.
Infrastructure for living and relaxing: What to do at the hotel
Two Seasons is designed as a "city within a city," offering everything you need for a comfortable life and leisure experience without ever having to leave its premises. The main attraction is the 25-meter outdoor swimming pool, located on the rooftop podium that connects the two towers. From here, you’ll enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the cityscape. A spacious relaxation area with sun loungers invites you to unwind and soak up the sun. A separate shallow children’s pool is provided for our little guests.
Dining at the hotel
- Breakfasts: Served in the hotel's main restaurant as a buffet. This hearty and varied start to the day offers a wide selection of international and local dishes, perfect before long walks or business meetings.
- Restaurants and Cafés: The hotel grounds feature several dining venues offering diverse cuisines, from international to Asian. You’ll easily find an option for both a quick snack and a full-fledged dinner.
- Room Service: For those who prefer dining in the comfort of their own apartments, round-the-clock room service for food and beverages is available.
Alcohol-free atmosphere: Two Seasons is a 'dry' hotel, meaning alcohol is neither sold nor served on its premises. This makes it especially appealing to families and guests who value a calm, alcohol-free environment.
Cook yourself: your culinary freedom
The kitchen in the apartments is not just a corner with a kettle. It’s your personal base for culinary freedom. Here, you’ll find everything you need to prepare a full-fledged meal: an electric stove, a microwave, and a basic set of cookware. A full-size refrigerator lets you stock up on groceries for several days ahead, while a dishwasher (available in many apartments) eliminates tedious chores. You can easily cook your kids their favorite breakfast porridge, whip up a light dinner without having to go out to a restaurant, or simply keep a supply of cold water and fruit on hand—those little touches that add up to home comfort. Supermarkets are within walking distance of the hotel, and delivery services like Carrefour or Instashop will bring everything you need right to your doorstep.
For the whole family: more than just a pool
Young guests here are guaranteed not to get bored. In addition to a dedicated children’s pool, the hotel features a fully-fledged kids’ club where you can leave your child in the care of professional animators and carve out a couple of hours for yourself. And the outdoor playgrounds provide the perfect outlet for children’s boundless energy.
Sports and relaxation: staying fit and recharging your batteries
For those who can’t imagine a vacation without sports, Two Seasons offers a spacious and well-equipped fitness center. Prefer something more thrilling? Squash courts are at your disposal. And after a long day exploring the city or an intense workout, nothing beats a relaxing massage or a rejuvenating treatment at the hotel’s spa.
Planning your trip: Booking, budget, and useful tips
The best time to visit Dubai is from October to April, when the weather is comfortably mild and not overly hot—perfect for strolling around and enjoying the beaches.
How to save money on booking?
- Book your accommodation in advance, especially if your trip coincides with peak dates (New Year holidays, school vacations).
- Compare prices on the hotel’s official website with those on popular booking platforms—offers can sometimes vary significantly.
- When planning a longer stay (a week or more), inquire about special rates and discounts.
Direct booking—hidden benefits: When you book directly through the hotel’s website, you often receive attractive perks: a complimentary room upgrade (if available), a discount on meals, or spa services. Don’t hesitate to check this option before making your final decision.
Trip budget
- Two Seasons falls into the mid-range to upper-mid-range price category. However, when you calculate the cost per square meter and factor in the savings on meals thanks to the kitchen facilities, it often turns out to be more economical than luxury brands with their standard rooms.
- Don’t forget about the "Tourism Dirham" tourist tax, which is charged per room per night of stay.
Important: Before booking, always verify the current rates, tax amount, and final cost on the hotel’s official website or booking platform, as prices and fees may change.
Transportation from the airport
- Taxi: The most convenient and fastest way to reach your hotel. A ride from Dubai International Airport (DXB) takes approximately 25–30 minutes.
- Metro: The most budget-friendly option. You’ll need to take the Red Line to the transfer station, then switch to a train heading towards UAE Exchange, getting off at Dubai Internet City station. While it might not be the most comfortable option with luggage, it’s certainly doable.
In conclusion: Your reliable base for exploring Dubai
To sum up, let’s be clear: Two Seasons Hotel & Apartments (formerly Gloria) is not the kind of hotel for those seeking glitz and Instagram-worthy extravagance in Dubai. Rather, it’s a meticulously designed, incredibly functional, and supremely comfortable “home base” for discovering this vibrant metropolis. Its strength lies in its spacious apartments that offer ample living space, and its prime location, which grants you unparalleled freedom of movement thanks to direct access to the metro. It’s the perfect “smart choice” for the seasoned traveler who values genuine comfort, mobility, and the ability to feel right at home in Dubai. If you’re looking for just such a reliable base for conquering the city, Two Seasons will certainly not disappoint.
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