Located in the up-and-coming business district of Dubai, 25hours Hotel One Central is one of the most un-Dubai-like hotels around.

The fun, quirky hotel fluidly combines tradition with modern-day vibes. The history of the region is reflected throughout the design, created in partnership with the acclaimed interior design firm Woods Bagot and 25hours Hotels.

With 434 rooms and suites, you can savour unique interiors from Bedouin and Glamping to Farm Stay and the Artists Village, perfect for those seeking more space. The jewel of the hotel is the Hakawati Suite, displaying true Dubai glamour with a double bathtub, triple king-size bed—aka “sheikh sized”—incredible views of the Museum of the Future, a secret staircase, and more.

All rooms and suites provide an idyllic oasis for nomads after a long day of exploring. Each sanctuary draws on local influences, featuring quirky design elements such as hammocks, double rainfall showers, roll-top baths, Schindelhauer bicycles, and analogue telephones.

The Food & Drinks

Foodies, take note: the hotel offers everything you could desire from day-to-evening dining. Choose from Tandoor Tina, Nomad Day Bar, and the recently opened Traditional Bavarian Biergarten & Wirtshaus, Ernst.

Tandoor Tina is the fun, frivolous ‘younger daughter’ of London’s famous Tandoor Chop House. A tantalising Northern Indian menu awaits, with a playful British twist that excites both palate and eyes. Located in the heart of the hotel courtyard, opt for outdoor seating to enjoy the weather and twinkling lights amid generously sized portions of flavourful food. Rumour has it the Head Chef came from London to train the team—and after tasting the dishes, I believe it.

It Doesn’t Stop There

Ernst breaks the mould of Dubai restaurants with doughy pretzels, Bavarian cheese delicacy Obatzda, truffle flatbread, and pan-fried sausage, alongside plenty of German beer. The vibe in Ernst is completely different from Tandoor Tina, making the experience entirely unique.

Don’t forget The Nomad Day Bar and The Monkey Bar, both offering a wide selection of food throughout the day. Monkey Bar serves delicious Latin American-inspired dishes including tacos, ceviche, and sliders, plus cocktails like The Martiki (my personal favourite), blending Diplomatico Mantuano rum, coconut water, banana shrub, and falernum.

Nomad Day Bar features coffee perfect for that morning pick-me-up, partnering with Dubai-based Nightjar Coffee Roasters.

Biggest Gems When Dining at 25hours

• Saag Aloo Shepherd’s Pie with Stilton Gravy – A mash-up (literally) of everything I love
• Butter Chicken – The most tender, well-flavoured butter chicken, packed with spices and creaminess
• Chicken Tikka Masala Wellington – Flavour upon flavour wrapped in pastry
• Original Pretzels with Butter – Fluffy dough, melt-in-the-mouth
• Pork Knuckle, Bread Dumpling, Sauerkraut, and Gravy – A traditional dish you wouldn’t expect in Dubai: tender and moreish

The Activities

You’ll not be surprised to hear there’s plenty to do in the hotel.

For global booklovers, the first sight upon entering is the ‘Fountain of Tales’ library, with thousands of books for guests to enjoy during their stay—a real architectural statement piece.

The Extra Hour Spa, however, is on another level. Dedicated to ‘you time’, with everyone welcome, the experience speaks for itself. I booked a facial and had the best of my life (thus far); my masseuse had moved from Four Seasons, South Africa. Unprompted, she said she chose 25hours Hotel One Central because she can be herself and get to know guests well. Heartwarming. The Extra Hour Spa is also Dubai’s first outdoor mixed-gender sauna.

After your spa, head to the gorgeous rooftop pool, stop by Monkey Bar for a drink, or visit the private dome egg-shaped sauna for an extra sweat. There’s a well-stocked gym with top-tier equipment, indoor and outdoor training areas, and even monkey bars (best attempted before heading to the actual Monkey Bar for a tipple).

Cycling enthusiasts can enjoy the fleet of Schindelhauer e-bikes for a leisurely ride around Dubai. For further adventures, explore the area with a MINI—thanks to 25hours’ partnership, you can borrow one of four MINIs (paperwork pending, of course!).

Final Thoughts

This brand defies traditional UAE hospitality and trailblazes ahead. 25hours Hotel One Central is the edgy, design-forward hotel perfect for global creatives and nomads alike.

In trendy European cities, 25hours is synonymous with playful, carefree delights. As the first outpost outside Europe, One Central is a boundary-pushing embodiment of new Dubai. It succeeds with something incredibly unique, fresh, and authentic. With cheeky slogans like “let’s spend the night together” (on pillows) and “caution hot and wet inside” (on coffee cups), you feel the German roots winking from the corner. Prepare for an incredible, unexpected adventure.

Written by Kaya Cheshire for Luxuria Lifestyle London and International