Every so often, a hotel comes along and makes an impact that not only shakes up a city’s hospitality scene, but its entire culture. This was the case of 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central when it opened its doors in 2021 – the Euro-cool brand known for its trendy hangouts in the likes of Berlin, Paris, Munich and Copenhagen, and now the Gulf’s most cosmopolitan and thriving city. Since opening, it’s cemented itself as the go-to spot for partygoers, co-workers and creatives with its trendy co-working spaces, unique, globetrotting restaurants and cheeky slogans like ‘let’s spend the night together’ emblazoned on pillows and boundary-pushing concepts like the first mixed-gender sauna in Dubai).

The Trade Center hotel tells the incredible story of the evolution of the United Arab Emirates, from Bedouins to Arabs on Mars – and nowhere is this more prevalent than in its artwork. The property features a myriad of exclusive commissions – the lobby ceiling mural, the lobby wall vinyls and the art that adorns the surrounding walls – not to mention hanging in Artist Village Suites. Other standout design touches include over 5,000 books in the lobby and a rotating lit-up globe showcasing artwork created by numerous local artists around the concept of a modern nomadic lifestyle.

For a heavy dose of art and nostalgia, guests can explore the Analogue Upgrade – an immersive VHS to vinyl, typewriters to Polaroids – where large trunk-like cases are delivered to bedrooms with throwback items. An Analogue Circus on the first floor is in a partnership with Vienna-based Supersense open to guests and non-guests with 500 vinyls and a Walkman station.

The story continued in the hotel’s immersive bedrooms – from the industrial-chic Bedouins to colourful and design-led Artist Village suites. The Hakawati Suite is the hotel’s answer to a penthouse– a slick city apartment with stunning views of the Museum of the Future from its private terrace, also boasting a private bar, a sheikh-sized bed (sleeping eight), dancefloor, photo booth and more. A secret staircase even connects two additional bedrooms. All guests also have access to the hotel’s fleet of Schindelhauer Bikes – urban speedsters taking you around the neighbourhood and parklands. Those who want to head further afield can book four wheels thanks to a hotel partnership with MINI.

Fabulously, 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central’s restaurants and bars are also all about a theme. There’s Latin American-inspired Monkey Bar – with unrivalled views over the Museum of the Future – and guests drink and dance from a jungle terrace with monkey cages. Some floors down, the brand’s German spirit comes to life in Ernst Biergarten – a beer garden and all-day eatery which regularly hosts live bands and is a hangout for sporting matches and Octoberfest. The ground floor has Tandoor Tina, inspired by journeys through India with dusty Rajasthan pink walls, luscious greenery, and a modern Indian menu focusing on the humble tradition of cooking with fire. Servicing the hotel’s army of local creative co-workers and the healthy lunch and coffee crowd is Nomad Day Bar – a partnership with the city’s favourite local coffee brand, Nightjar Coffee Roasters and the ultimate destination for a quick caffeine fix or relaxing in the courtyard. New to the property is the Juña Rooftop Shisha, perched atop the property in its own garden setting, offering delectable Arabic bites, cocktails, flavourful shisha and panoramic city views. 

Also new and a testament to the hotel’s infectious energy and drive to never slow down or rest on its laurels is the new Cinema Akil x 25 hours, bringing the country’s favourite arthouse cinema brand to the city’s coolest hotel. The spacious, red-lit cocoon can host 72 people seated and 150 people across three zones – with quirky vintage items, film memorabilia, and the main event, a nostalgic screening room showcasing thought-provoking shorts, powerful independent movies and blockbuster favourites – all for free and open from 12pm to 10pm. 

Trade Centre 2, Dubai; 25hours-hotels.com

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