InterContinental Residences Dubai Business Bay
Dubai has never been short on hotels that impress in recent years, but the InterContinental Residences Dubai Business Bay offers something different: the feeling of home wrapped in five-star polish. Opened in 2024 under IHG’s flagship luxury brand, the property sits in the heart of Business Bay, where the pulse of commerce meets the glamour of Downtown Dubai. It’s a place designed not just for overnight stays, but for living—whether that means a week, a month, or longer. I visited Dubai for the first time in 2009 and stayed at Burj Al Arab, but Dubai are full of many impressive hotels in addition to this, and InterContinental Residences Dubai Business Bay is certainly one of them.
Where Hospitality Meets Home
Unlike a traditional hotel, the InterContinental Residences Dubai Business Bay leans into the idea of blending home comforts with the high service standards for which the brand is known. The 176 residences range from spacious studios to spacious three-bedroom apartments, each one designed with a mix of contemporary style and practical function. Full kitchens, dining areas, and panoramic views of Dubai Canal and Burj Khalifa, or the city views overlooking Marasi Drive. that guests have space to settle in rather than simply check in. For families, especially young families, a room with a full kitchen is recommended.
It’s this combination—personal independence with the reassurance of attentive hospitality—that sets the tone. For business travellers on long assignments, families looking to settle into Dubai for a season, or holidaymakers who prefer more space and privacy, the concept works beautifully.
A Lifestyle Above the City
The building itself feels like an escape from the busy streets below. The rooftop pool is a showstopper, with unobstructed views of the skyline and some of Dubai’s most famous landmarks. Whether you’re swimming laps in the morning or sipping a mocktail at sunset, it offers a perspective on the city that’s hard to match.
Fitness enthusiasts won’t feel shortchanged either. The gym is bright and well-equipped, but what makes it memorable is the floor-to-ceiling glass framing the skyline, transforming a workout into something far more inspiring. The hotel also has a sauna, which is something I highly appreciate myself. It has huge health benefits in addition to being very relaxing. I recommend doing breathing exercises while in the sauna for an even more relaxing experience. Families are also well catered for: the Planet Trekkers kids’ club is a thoughtfully designed space where children can play and learn under supervision, giving parents time to recharge.
Dining That Brings People Together
On the dining front, the property has already carved out a reputation with two distinct venues. Ancora delivers Mediterranean flavours in a sleek yet welcoming setting, the kind of place where you can linger over seafood and fine olive oils with friends. By contrast, 57 Deli Café keeps things casual and contemporary, great for a light lunch, fresh-baked pastries, or an expertly crafted coffee. Both restaurants capture Dubai’s cosmopolitan energy, appealing to residents and visitors alike. Finally, poolside dining is possible at Alto as a last dining option at this impressive residential hotel.
Conscious Comforts
Modern luxury is no longer just about high-thread-count linens or marble bathrooms—it’s also about sustainability and convenience. InterContinental Residences Business Bay has made that part of its identity. Guests will notice the absence of single-use plastics, the availability of EV charging stations, and options for pet-friendly long stays. Add in daily housekeeping, complimentary Wi-Fi, and secure parking, and it’s clear that comfort here extends beyond aesthetics.
At the Crossroads of Dubai
Location is another of the property’s undeniable strengths. Step outside and you’re within minutes of Dubai’s most celebrated landmarks: the soaring Burj Khalifa, the dancing Dubai Fountain, the enormous Dubai Mall, and the architectural marvel that is the Museum of the Future. Business travellers benefit from the easy access to DIFC and Downtown, while leisure guests have the city’s cultural and shopping highlights at their doorstep. It’s a rare combination of convenience and prestige.
What Guests Are Saying
Early reviews of the property have been overwhelmingly positive. On Booking.com, it boasts an impressive 9.5 rating, with particular praise for its cleanliness, comfort, and staff. Guests describe it as “new, quiet, and perfectly located,” with many singling out the rooftop pool and views as unforgettable highlights. Families note the sense of space, while solo travellers appreciate the attentive service that manages to remain warm without being intrusive.
TripAdvisor reviewers echo the sentiment, pointing to the fresh design, modern fitness facilities, and the “serene atmosphere” that feels surprisingly removed from the buzz of Downtown. The one caveat mentioned is that certain IHG elite member perks don’t fully apply, a small trade-off for those seeking a residence-style experience.
The Verdict
What the InterContinental Residences Dubai Business Bay achieves is balance. It offers the intimacy and autonomy of a home with the polish of a five-star hotel. It delivers amenities that genuinely enhance day-to-day living while putting the best of Dubai within arm’s reach. And it does all of this with a sense of refinement that feels both international and distinctly rooted in the city’s modern identity.
In a city that is constantly redefining luxury, the InterContinental Residences manages to stand out not by being louder or flashier, but by offering something that resonates more deeply: space, comfort, and a lifestyle designed for real living. For business or leisure, a weekend or a year, it is an address that promises not just a stay, but a way of life. I stayed at InterContinental in Dubai years ago, and have stayed a number of InterContinental hotels in different countries. It’s a very impressive brand with high standards and a brand I can highly recommend to my readers looking for a realiable choice.
Photos provided by the hotel.
