Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk
With less than 24 hours in the city, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk proved to be the perfect - and incredibly luxe - pit stop on our way to Europe.
After a long-haul flight with little sleep, the hotel’s close proximity to the airport was a godsend. Before we knew it, we were sitting in the hotel’s Club Millésime lounge on the 51st floor, cold drink in hand, checking in while taking in sweeping views of the city - all in record time.
But before being whisked upstairs, we couldn’t help but pause to take in the grandeur of the property. Even from afar, its striking silhouette commands attention - a soaring structure modelled on an obelisk, the ancient Egyptian monument known for its tapered form and pyramidal crown and representative of the Luxor Obelisk currently in Paris.
Stepping inside is where it really hits you though. The interiors evoke the spirit of an Egyptian temple, where two grand pillars inscribed with hieroglyphics frame the lofty ceiling, drawing your gaze up to oversized stained-glass chandeliers that add an interesting burst of colour to the space. Yet it’s the lobby’s dazzling centrepiece that ultimately steals the show, a giant gold falcon above reception, making it one of those lobbies that genuinely makes you stop in your tracks, and easily one of the most spectacular I’ve seen.
All writing and photography featured on this site are my own.
THE ROOM.
In true Dubai fashion - bold, grand, and larger than life - Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk is home to 430 luxurious rooms and 68 suites from the 19th floor upwards, along with 96 fully furnished apartments and residences.
As an ALL – Accor Live Limitless Platinum member, for this stay I used one of my Suite Night Upgrades to secure a stay in one of the hotel’s ultra-spacious One Bedroom Suites. All suites are perched high on the 47th to 49th floors, offering not only the luxury of space but also panoramic city views and access to the elegant Club Millésime lounge.
My suite was nothing short of breathtaking. To the left as I entered was a sleek powder room; to the right, a generous living and dining space where I was greeted by French macarons, desert fruits, a welcome note made of chocolate (yes, chocolate!), and a thoughtful birthday surprise displayed on marble.
Further in was the bedroom, where a single button press revealed one of the most spectacular hotel suite views imaginable - the full Dubai skyline stretched out before me.
And just when I thought it couldn’t get better, it did. The bathroom, lined with floor-to-ceiling windows, offered wraparound 180-degree views, with a freestanding bathtub perfectly positioned to soak up the city from above.
THE VERDICT:
The suite I stayed in was flawless and far exceeded my already high expectations. Its spaciousness, soaring ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and design that perfectly showcased the city views, combined with modern touches - electronically controlled curtains and blinds, built-in bathroom speakers - and an overall sense of luxury, made it one of my favourite stays. I genuinely didn’t want to leave.
AMENITIES.
Available exclusively to guests staying in a Club room or suite (and to elite ALL - Accor Live Limitless members), Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk’s Club Millésime sits proudly on the 51st floor - the highest among all Sofitel Hotels & Resorts.
Spanning the entire top floor, the lounge features wraparound floor-to-ceiling windows offering incredible 360-degree views across Dubai and beyond. With vistas like these - and the comfort of air-conditioning shielding you from Dubai’s year-round heat - it’s an easy place to linger. Whether it’s to enjoy a refined afternoon tea, evening canapés and drinks, or simply to take in the skyline, it’s a lovely retreat from the bustle below. (Breakfast for Club guests is also served here, though I didn’t have the chance to experience it this time.)
Having experienced a fair few executive lounges - including at six other Sofitel properties - I’d say the views are the undeniable highlight here. That said, the lounge does rely heavily on them. The design feels a touch more corporate and lacks some of the warmth and personality found throughout the rest of the hotel’s interiors. The layout could also be improved, with most seating not facing those spectacular skyline views, leaving the best vantage point feeling disconnected and tucked away from the main space.
On a brighter note, the presentation of the afternoon tea and the selection of hot canapés impressed and felt in line with Sofitel’s high standards.
Perhaps it’s because my suite just a few floors below offered such incredible views that I didn’t feel as strong a pull to spend long stretches in the lounge. For guests staying on lower floors or without city views, however, I can imagine the lounge access feeling like a worthwhile indulgence.
THE VERDICT:
Experiencing Dubai from the 51st floor, from morning through evening, is undeniably special. However, limited seating facing the best view and a corporate, less luxurious feel make it less compelling to linger or disrupt your day to return, especially if your room already offers city vistas.
The hotel executive lounge worth every penny? Club Millésime on the 35th floor of Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour - VIEW HERE.
DINING.
From contemporary Japanese and French cuisine to a British gastro-inspired eatery, a chic patisserie, and a vibrant poolside bar, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk offers dining options to suit every mood and hour of the day.
During our short stay, we chose lunch at Brasserie Boulud, the French, Michelin-recommended restaurant by celebrity chef Daniel Boulud. The interior was stunning and luxurious, standing out even among the hotel’s other stylish dining venues, each of which has its own unique vibe. Despite the upscale setting and accolades, the menu felt reasonably priced, particularly the multi-course set lunch.
We all went for the lemon linguine with large pan-seared prawns, which turned out to be one of the best meals of our entire trip. The complimentary fresh bread with French butter, elegantly presented on marble, was so good that we couldn’t resist seconds. Service was impeccable, and a special birthday treat at the end added a thoughtful, personal touch.
THE VERDICT:
I would highly recommend Brasserie Boulud. For dinner, Taiko Dubai, the Japanese restaurant, would have been our choice, while the patisserie looked irresistible and would have loved to sample some of its tempting selection of sweet and savoury pastries.
THE FINAL VERDICT:
Though my stay was brief, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk left a lasting impression. From the grand sense of arrival to its blend of modern French luxury and ancient Egyptian heritage, the hotel immediately feels memorable. Our suite was spacious and ultra-luxe, and lunch at Brasserie Boulud was an unexpected highlight. Club Millésime was less impressive compared to other executive lounges I’ve visited, though still a comfortable spot to relax. Its location worked for our short stopover, but for those eager to explore Dubai, it’s slightly removed from the main sights.
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