Rove Trade Centre | Dubai

“We aim to help our Rovers venture and explore as a local does.” Rove Hotels

Rove Hotels are slowly taking over the mid-range boutique hotel market in Dubai one funky property at a time. I stayed in the first hotel, the Rove Downtown Dubai back in September 2016 and already there are three more properties to choose from with even more in the pipeline.

Located at the end of Sheikh Zayed Road, just off the crazy multi lane roundabout (those who have driven it will understand), Rove Trade Centre is in the commercial and quirky Satwa district, known for it’s vibrant street art and textile shops. The latest in the chain of trendy lifestyle hotels this property is perfectly positioned between old and new Dubai so suitable for exploring, a staycation or as an alternative to the grandeur of the sprawling resorts.

A carbon copy of the Rove Downtown, this no frills self-service (park your own car in the basement and carry your own bags) gem is contemporary, affordable and trendy. The minimalist design starts in the lobby area and continues throughout the funky public spaces, restaurant and the rooms themselves. The light interiors are contrasted by a multifarious mix of colourful textiles, vibrant art, quirky accessories and regional influences alongside Rove’s now customary cutting edge technology.

All two hundred and seventy non-smoking rooms are exactly the same size (larger parties and families can book interconnecting spaces) decorated and furnished in a simple palette of white and grey, clean and comfortable is the order of the day. Oversized badges add a pop of colour, wall text and symbols add interest. The sizable beds have comfy signature dreamworthy designer mattresses for a good night’s sleep.

High-speed wifi is free, in room entertainment is provided via the wall mounted flat screen TV and a corner bedouin style chair can be converted into a single sofa bed if required. The modest bathrooms are modern and spotless with a spacious and powerful shower. Other amenities include an outdoor pool and sundeck, 24-hour gym, self-service laundromat and functional flexible meetings spaces emblazoned with motivational and inspiring quotes.

The lobby has centralised modern and comfortable lounge style seating that has a homely feel, it’s a great place to relax, chat or sit and read. The juxtaposition of Emirati cultural memorabilia and artefacts sit alongside a modern communal space with iMacs and charging facilities that attract the UAE’s many digital nomads. This fuss free establishment offers the modern day traveller, or Rovers as the hotel refers to its guests, everything they need for a comfortable stay including the traditional welcome of Arabic coffee and dates.

Rove’s sizable restaurant, The Daily is a super cool urban space that wouldn’t look out of place in the trendiest of hotels. The menu offers guests both all day dine-in or takeaway options from their grab-and-rove menu, special dietary requirements such as gluten free and vegetarian are all also well catered for which is always a bonus.

The Bench Brunch, available every Friday between 11am-3:30pm, is both affordable and full of tasty options. For just AED 59 you order a la carte dish and hot beverages from the resident baristas as well as an unlimited buffet selection, the avo on sourdough with poached eggs was particularly good as was the coffee. In lieu of room service the twenty-four hour Zoom convenience store located in the lobby is jam packed with snacks, drinks and pretty much everything else you can imagine.

Rove Hotels is a homegrown lifestyle concept developed for guests seeking an affordable yet stylish alternative to the opulent accommodation offered elsewhere in Dubai, without compromising on design or accessibility. Rove Trade Center’s location is ideal for those visiting the exhibition centre and business travellers but equally good for tourists looking to explore and for staycation’ers from neighbouring Emirates.

Looking for a fuss-free stay for a busy Dubai weekend? Check out Rove Hotels, they are always on my radar and in fact there’s still two I need to visit, three more hotels are scheduled to open including an exciting new prime location in Dubai Marina, which will definitely be on my to-do list.