Review: 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central review

Why book? 

To experience the most un-Dubai hotel of Dubai hotels: edgy not glossy, design-led not Arabesque, and breaking boundaries with partnerships with the city’s coolest establishments and a playful, naughty dose of Euro cool.

Set the scene 

Every so often a hotel comes along and almost changes the DNA of a city, redefining what it means to visit that destination. This appears to be the mission of 25hours Hotel One Central, one of Dubai’s most unique, and arguably most exciting, new hotels. Landing in the up-and-coming business district One Central, the imposing hotel marks a new chapter for the UAE – with not only the renaissance of a once dreary area, but with plucky concepts like a mixed-gender sauna and slogans like ‘come to bed with me.’ In the lobby, centred around a 5,000-book fountain library with a rotating globe showcasing works by local artists, you’ll spot everything from kanduras and suits to snapbacks and summer dresses – embodying the brand’s inclusivity, which in Europe, is known for its LGBTQ+ advocacy. But the predominant crowd is 30-something hipsters and creatives, who move between the co-working spaces, pottery and podcast studio, and craft coffee shop. Partnerships with the city’s most creative home-grown concepts add another unique dimension to the property, giving a sense of exploration without leaving. That, and the already city-famous rooftop jungle bar, which has snared an exclusive deal with Lebanon’s most infamous entertainment group.

The backstory 

In its guise in trendy European cities like Rome, Paris, Florence, and Berlin, 25hours is synonymous with hedonism and playfulness – and that same carefree energy arrives in Dubai’s One Central with the brand’s first outpost, not only in the Middle East, but outside of Europe. Many questioned how a brand known for its LGBTQ+ advocacy and risqué flirtatious persona would come to life in the Middle East, but leniency was given and boundaries were pushed, and the result is something incredibly unique. In some ways, it’s the embodiment of a new Dubai: stylish and luxurious (much more so than its sister properties), but fast-paced, inclusive, open to change, more authentic, and full of surprises. Cheeky slogans like ‘let’s spend the night together’ (branded on pillows), ‘caution, hot and wet inside’ (on coffee cups) and ‘don’t you dare’ (on sleeping masks) push the boundaries – but nothing does so more than the first mixed-gender sauna in the Middle East, a nod to its German roots. All 25Hours Hotels have a theme, and this one tells the story of the Emirati people, from Bedouin roots to Arabs on Mars, with each floor showcasing a different period and taking guests on an immersive and exciting journey.

The rooms 

25hours lays claim to what might be the most design-led and unique hotel rooms in the city, with the brand’s signature Berlin-style minimalism zhuzhed up with Middle Eastern opulence. Entry-level industrial-chic Bedouin is reminiscent of a traditional majlis with warm hues, alongside nods to its European sister properties in the form of glass open showers; while Farmstays feature colourful living areas and vivid tiles with hammocks and the occasional double rainfall shower. Each suite is slightly different, so it’s more than acceptable to ask to see other rooms in the same category before bedding in – and strongly recommended. All of them have an incredible amount of stuff: quirky and nostalgic items like typewriters and vintage Polaroid cameras, which, though fun, might perturb minimalists. Analogue Circuses – trunks of items like old televisions and records – can also be wheeled in for a bigger dose of nostalgia. 

The most impressive is the Hakawati Suite, rivalling most top-tier hotel suites in Dubai. Walls are a warm shade of mandarin and mosaic tiles add brilliant pops of colour. The space is designed for parties, with a terrace, private bar area, and even space for a DJ. When the night ends, guests can tumble into the sheik-sized bed – three king-sized beds knocked together. In another playful 25hours move, a secret staircase links to two extra rooms, which can be booked to create one enormous super suite. Pets are also allowed, a rarity in Dubai’s five-star hotel market.

Food and drink 

The star of the show, Monkey Bar, arrives by way of Berlin and Cologne; in the German capital, it’s regarded as one of the hottest spots in the city. Here it gets a glossy Dubai makeover – there’s a jungle-covered rooftop terrace with killer views of the Museum of the Future, and even more killer cocktails. Come at 5 pm to secure one of the monkey cages or at 10 pm on a Friday to join the already legendary ‘Hot Mess’ party by Beirut-based entertainment group Factory People. Whatever time you show up, just don’t leave without trying a champagne pina colada, taken from London’s Coupette bar. 

Another import is Tandoor Tina, the playful little sister of London’s Tandoor Chophouse, serving British Indian cuisine – and what could be Dubai’s coolest Indian restaurant. Ceramics in dusty Rajasthan pink and jewel tones, towering potted plants, and quirky artwork make it a visual pleasure, and the menu entices with Indian Scotch eggs (a moreish nod to British pub culture), onion bhaji rings, and the signature ‘alright dahl.’ 

Dubai’s caffeine-addicted are most excited about Nomad Day Bar, a partnership with the city’s beloved Nightjar Coffee Roasters of Alserkal Avenue, which spills into the lobby and hotel courtyard. Come evening, tables fill with well-heeled guests sipping wine and Nightjar Irish Coffees. But if one restaurant encapsulates the spirit of 25hours, it’s the German beer garden Ernst – as unconventionally Middle Eastern as it gets, serving steins of Paulaner and pork bratwurst sausages.

The spa 

Despite operating 13 global hotels, 25hours Dubai is home to the first 25hours-brand spa, aptly named the ‘Extra Hours Spa.' Minimalist and industrial-chic, there are theme-inspired treatments like the ‘Bedouin Blitz,’ a three-step treatment including a body wrap, facial, and massage; and a gorgeous jungle relaxation area home to the first mixed-gender sauna in Dubai, if not the entire GCC. The latter truly showcases the fearlessness of this hotel group. Another triumph is the presence of renowned celebrity hairdresser Wassim Steve, who relocated his Dubai salon to the hotel and can be found most days giving Instagram-worthy blowouts. Across the hall is hipster-magnet Akin Barber & Shop, serving up skin fades, beard tune-ups, and cold brew coffee.

The neighbourhood/area

Until recently, no one (bar office workers and visitors to the nearby World Trade Centre) really stepped foot in the One Central neighbourhood. A real catalyst for the area’s rebirth was the hotel itself and the opening of Dubai’s Museum of the Future, which you can look directly onto from the hotel’s rooftop. While not in a typically established area, it’s up-and-coming and incredibly well located – close to two metro stations and the airport, and a short drive or walk from glitzy DIFC and Downtown Dubai. Fully aware of the location’s limitations, 25hours has a fleet of bicycles and branded Minis for guests to get out and explore. Each guest is allowed four hours of complimentary use of the cars each week – an impressively generous touch.

The service 

Laid-back, friendly, informal, and eager to please, the staff are a breath of fresh air for those suffocated by Dubai’s mostly robotic service. Head to the concierge, where the team can book you tours like the Frying Pan foodie tour of Bur Dubai, or trips to Dubai Desert Conservation. But if you’re looking for white-glove, impeccable service, this is not the hotel for you.

For families

On paper, a brand like 25Hours wouldn’t traditionally cater to families – thanks to its provocative identity and adult-oriented concepts. But while it’s certainly not trying to attract kids (and you won’t find many around), 25 Hours Dubai One Central has plenty of great family facilities. Rooms are spacious and filled with quirky items children will love, including a soft toy camel for keeps, while the rooftop pool is shallow and covered. There’s a pottery studio, aimed at creatives but families are welcome, and come autumn, an outdoor cinema in partnership with artsy independent Cinema Akil.

Eco effort 

Sadly, Dubai and the UAE are still lacking when it comes to sustainability. So, while the hotel fulfils all the city’s green requirements, they still seem a little lacklustre. Refillable in-room toiletries by uber-cool climate-neutral German brand ‘Stop the Water’ are the most notable eco effort, made with natural, vegan ingredients and branded with the slogan ‘stop the water while using me!’ in hopes to reduce water waste.  

Accessibility 

The hotel has plenty of elevators to access all six floors and is accessible for guests with reduced mobility.

Anything left to mention? 

While the rooms overlooking the city and Museum of the Future have the best views, the noise from Monkey Bar can make sleeping challenging for rooms on this side, so clarify this at check-in. With so many rooms, experiences, and partnerships, and more on the horizon, you’ll probably be left wanting more – and for those who can’t spare the extra cash, the ‘25Hours Things’ concept shop will trade room nights for your valuables.

Finally, in 100 words or less, what makes this hotel worthy of Hot List? 

In a city of over 160,000 hotel keys, it can be hard to stand out. But here is a brand that defies traditional UAE hospitality standards and pushes boundaries with both guests and higher powers. There was scepticism, due to its distinct lack of Dubai glossiness, but 25Hours One Central has been embraced by the city’s style and creative set. The hotel is a flagship for trailblazing – awakening an entire area (hand-in-hand with the Museum of the Future) and a sign of exciting changes, not only in the forward-thinking gulf city, but the entire region.