XVA Art Hotel

"XVA Art Hotel is a boutique hotel that feels like stepping back in time with its romantic shaded courtyards, dark wood, and rich textiles. The hotel, which was built in what used to be a home in the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood, has 15 individually designed rooms all located around three courtyards. And don't miss a chance to walk through the hotel's art gallery, which features contemporary art from both established and emerging artists." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"A boutique hotel in the Al Fahidi heritage district, with cozy guest rooms, contemporary Middle Eastern art, and an onsite vegetarian café." - Nicola Chilton

"Situated in the Al Fahidi Historical District, the boutique XVA Art Hotel is a unique contrast to Dubai's ubiquitous ultra-modern hotels. Owner Mona Hauser has created a remarkable 13-room inn inside the former home of Dubai's Seddiqi family, world-famous luxury watch dealers. The individually designed rooms are filled with thoughtful Persian details and works from top Middle Eastern artists. There's even an on-site gallery, which exhibits both emerging and established Middle Eastern contemporary artists. Don't be surprised if you earmark an artist who later shows at international art fairs such as Art London and Art Basel Hong Kong." - Melinda Healy, Laura Ratliff

"How did it strike you on arrival?Situated in the Al Fahidi Historical District, the boutique XVA Art Hotel is a unique contrast to Dubai's ubiquitous ultra-modern hotels. Owner Mona Hauser has created a remarkable 13-room inn inside the former home of Dubai's Seddiqi family, world-famous luxury watch dealers. The interiors are filled with thoughtful Persian details and works from top Middle Eastern artists, natch. Nice. What’s the crowd like?Artists, writers, and creative types—a breath of fresh air in Dubai. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.Rooms are individually themed, but the gallery room deluxe that I stayed in had tall, wood-beamed ceilings, stone floors, and white walls decorated with—what else?—lots of great art. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?The local touches and three tree-lined courtyards make XVA feel like a quaint B&B. Sip mint lemonade in the shaded outdoors, and you'll forget you're in a desert- and skyscraper-filled city. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Bathrooms are bright and airy with loads of windows. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Wi-Fi is fast and free. Room service: Worth it?You can order room service via XVA's fantastic on-site restaurant, but we recommend eating outside on one of the shaded courtyards. It's important to note that dishes are vegetarian only, and the hotel doesn't serve alcohol, so you'll have to go elsewhere for your nightcap. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.XVA isn't just an art hotel by name: The indoor/outdoor gallery exhibits both emerging and established Middle Eastern contemporary artists. Don't be surprised if you earmark an artist who later shows at international art fairs such as Art London and Art Basel Hong Kong. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?In a city with hundreds of thousands of hotel rooms, the personal touches make XVA stand out as a novel home-away-from-home in this thriving metropolis. Bottom line: worth it, and why?If you want to connect with a neighborhood and discover a true sense of place in a grand city like Dubai, XVA Art Hotel is a great value." - Laura Ratliff

"Beloved by artists and curators attending the annual Art Dubai fair, XVA Art Hotel wraps around the three courtyards of the restored 19th-century home of the Seddiqi family, prominent traders who became the emirate’s Rolex dealers. Longtime resident Mona Hauser, founder and owner of the XVA Gallery of contemporary art, decorated each second-floor room of the traditional wind tower house in collaboration with a regional designer or artisan such as Nada Debs, a Lebanese designer known for her custom mother of pearl inlaid furniture. The on-site alfresco vegetarian lounge café—praised by chef Gordon Ramsay as his favorite place to eat in Dubai —is a hangout for independent travelers and resident creatives who linger over mint lemonade, salads, soups, and cheesecake. T here is a running trail along Dubai Creek and the hotel can recommend nearby beaches, as well as spa services and fitness centersat all price points."