The Armani Hotel at Burj Khalifa, Dubai

Published on June 13 2011 by A M Nikos

The Armani Hotel at the Burj Khalifa marks the debut of fashion maestro Giorgio Armani into the hospitality sector. The first in a series of hotels, resorts and residences designed by Armani. The hotel aspires to deliver the ‘Stay with Armani’ promise through the unique Armani aesthetic on display and the provision of top-of-the-line amenities.

Backround

Opened on the 27.04.2010, the hotel is a joint project between Giorgio Armani S.p.A and Emaar Properties PJSC. The hotel is unique in its location at the iconic Burj Khalifa designed by Adrian Smith, SOM. The 2717’ towering Burj allows the hotel to enjoy views of the Dubai fountain which holds a display in the lake adjoining the Dubai Mall, downtown Dubai and the city.

The hotel

The 160 guestrooms and public spaces of the hotel occupy the floors from concourse level to level 8 and levels 38 to 39. 144 Armani designed short stay apartments, compliment the hotel and are located on floors 9 to 16. The hotel showcases eight restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisine, a nightclub, a 1200sq.ft. spa and a ballroom for 450 people.

The Armani aesthetic

Giorgio Armani, Italy’s most successful fashion designer and a much sought after fashion icon has been instrumental in defining style and class. The Armani hotel at Burj embodies the intention to extend this design attitude to living environments and the hospitality sector. The classic Armani aesthetic may be described as one of sophistication, functionality and understated elegance. Meticulously supervised by Armani himself, the design was developed by Wilson Associates, an interior design firm, headquartered in Dallas.

The hotel’s interiors display colours from the Armani palette with tans, greys and charcoals and use fabrics from Armani’s home furnishings line – the Casa collection. Eramosa limestone floors and zebrawood paneled walls bring in a cool, luxurious mood to the spaces. Curvilinear forms and clean lines blend the Armani design sensibility also complimenting the spiral form of the Burj tower.

Role in Dubai

More Armani hotels and properties are expected to be developed in Milan and New York. With its successful tourism industry, Dubai was a natural choice for foray into the hospitality industry. Dubai, with its extravagant architecture has featured several architectural landmarks in recent times. The hotel boosts the value of the Burj Khalifa and by positioning itself as a model in luxury hospitality, it hopes to attract global attention to the Burj and Dubai.