Dotted in the staggering skyline along the Al Jadaf Dubai Canal is Hyde Dubai, an oasis in the city of gold. As the hotel group’s first establishment outside of the United States, the property was developed in collaboration with Emerald Palace Group to cater to visitors with interests in design, food, culture, and more.

At first, an elegant and playful lobby adorned with mirrors, plants, collectible objects, unique furniture, books, and more greets guests. Past its entryway, the hotel offers several food and beverage outlets (from Katsuya and Cleo to the speakeasy bar Hudson Tavern), as well as a Technogym fitness center, a Cinq Mondes Spa, a pool and poolside bar, and 276 expansive guest rooms—each offering a private balcony, bath and spa amenities, and guest services. An oasis in the city of gold, the property shines with friendly staff, delectable dishes, and an array of experiences, as well as the ease of direct transportation to sites and the accessibility of on-site Coronavirus testing.

After exploring Hyde Dubai in person, Whitewall spoke with Hyde Dubai’s General Manager, Luke James, about the property’s details and what he recommends guests explore while in town.

WHITEWALL: How did you end up at the Hyde Dubai?

LUKE JAMES: I was trained at a Swiss Hotel school but then broke away from the “norm” to start my own restaurants and bars in Australia. I later sold my ownership in the business to my partner in 2008 and re-entered the hotel world. My career has been such an adventure and I’ve had the privilege of working with a range of hotels, resorts, and beach clubs in both traditional luxury, lifestyle luxury, and upscale hotels and brands. I’ve completed six pre-openings in the last twelve years and love the adrenaline rush and freedom of building the foundation for a successful resort, hotel, or beach club for all stakeholders.

WW: How would you describe the hotel? The ambience and its visitors?

LJ: As our motto “Anything Can Happen” suggests, our hotel design, vibe, and most importantly our team, surprises and delights our guests at every opportunity. We employ a small team of “Anything Can Happen” and “Neighborhood” ambassadors who are empowered to build relationships with our guests and nearby residents. In true lifestyle and hospitality practice, we aim to position Hyde Dubai as a space that feels as comfortable and welcoming to local Dubai residents as it does to international travelers who wish to entrench themselves into this bustling, vibrant part of Dubai.

WW: How best would you recommend someone take advantage of all the space has to offer?

LJ: Most of our rooms and suites overlook the Canal and Burj Khalifa and every suite and room has a balcony; thus, our guests can sit, relax, and enjoy stunning views overlooking the impressive Dubai skyline. Moreover, our five unique and thriving food and beverage venues allow us to provide guests with wonderfully diverse dining options to ensure that they never need to leave the hotel. Wellness also plays an important role at Hyde Dubai with our state-of-the-art Technogym fitness center and Cinq Mondes Spa—a refuge for relaxation after a long day of exploring Dubai.

WW: The hotel has several food and beverage outlets, such as Katsuya and Hudson Tavern. What’s your favorite? What do you recommend guests order there?

LJ: This is a difficult choice! It really depends on my mood and what I’m craving in the moment. That said, I do love Hudson Tavern, our speakeasy. The craft burgers and hops on offer are to die for! For something lighter, our sushi in Katsuya is exceptional. When dining with my family we love experiencing Cleo, our Levantine restaurant.

WW: What are some of your favorite places in the area that you’d recommend people to explore when in town?

LJ: Our complimentary shuttle bus allows our guests to explore Dubai’s sights and connects our guests to my two favorite landmarks—Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, and La Mer. Both sites are a short 15-minute drive from the property! I also love grabbing a hotel scooter or bike and riding down the Business Bay canal and into the business and cultural districts which are also only 15 minutes away. Kite Beach is about a 30-minute car ride away and is another favorite spot of mine.

WW: How would you describe the hospitality in Dubai, and its growing industry?

LJ: The industry is comprised of a melting pot of cultures, designs, and general guest and resident offerings. The Dubai Tourism board continues to do a stellar job showcasing Dubai to the world, and continuously working to educate travelers on the endless reasons to visit, which makes our job much easier! At Hyde Dubai, we pride ourselves on bringing a sense of authenticity to our service and facilities.

WW: So many things make this property special. What is that for you?

LJ: There are so many attributes that make Hyde Dubai special, but one that really stands out is the location. The thoughtful construction of this property has allowed every room and suite to have a balcony as well as superb views of the revered Burj Khalifa, and easy access to a great mix of restaurants and bars. Of course, our amazing health and wellness areas such as Cinq Mondes, our 35m-long outdoor swimming pool, and our Technogym fitness center are also the ultimate in luxurious amenities. Most importantly, it is the Hyde Dubai team that continues to connect and engage with our guests and elevate every visit to the property. I have lived in Dubai for 14 years and am still in awe of the warmth and hospitality of this team. It is truly unique.

WW: What programming does the hotel have now and what’s in the works for this season or this year? What are you working on next?

LJ: We are excited for the summer. We have over 10 activations in our food and beverage venues over the coming months. These range from music events in Hudson Tavern to Omakase nights in Katsuya, and large action-packed lunches and dinners in Cleo. This is a particularly exciting time for our corner of the world as, later this year, The World Cup 2022 will happen in nearby Qatar, and will have a hugely positive impact on Dubai. We also have indoor spaces that will launch this summer offering guests access to a new area of the hotel to enjoy. Keep an eye out for our fourth-floor party, which will showcase this new addition to the property!

WW: Hyde Dubai’s slogan is “Anything Can Happen.” What “anything” do you hope happens for guests at the hotel?
LJ: We love the motto, as it covers two pillars here at the hotel—that we provide our guests with unexpected surprises to add to their stay and that we pride ourselves on being generous, flexible, and welcoming in our approach to service. We encourage our team to feel empowered and equipped to take optimal care of our guests and in turn, hope that this level of luxury and care results in unique, memorable, new experiences for our guests. In Dubai, the possibilities for new adventures are endless!

Luke James

Anything Can Happen at Hyde Dubai