Swissôtel, a revered brand under the Accor umbrella, hails from the rich Swiss heritage and stands firm on the pillars of Sustainability, Vitality, and Craftsmanship. At Swissôtel Al Ghurair and Swissôtel Living Al Ghurair, these principles come to life through a blend of thoughtful services and family-friendly offerings, making it more than just a hotel – it's a sustainable haven.
A Sustainable Stay: Redefining Hospitality with Responsibility
Upon entering Swissôtel, guests embark on a Sustainable Stay journey. The commitment to sustainability begins with convenient online and digital check-in services. The hotel offers spacious rooms (starting from 42 sqm) and apartments (starting from 112 sqm) flooded with natural daylight, and some apartments even grant balcony access.
During their stay, guests are encouraged to participate in eco-friendly housekeeping choices, involving the use of environmentally friendly cleaning products and responsible linen and towel refresh cycles (once in three days). Notably, all amenities and guest touchpoints are free of single-use plastics, replaced with recyclable alternatives.
The hotel takes strides in promoting environmentally conscious travel by providing guests with metro (NOL) card tickets, offering easy access to Dubai Expo from its strategic location just 5 minutes away from the Union metro station. Valet services and self-parking, including green parking and electrical charging stations, underscore the commitment to sustainable practices.
The Vitality Menu, aligned with Swissôtel's core principle, features sustainably sourced fish and seasonal fruits and vegetables, emphasizing zero food wastage. Liwan restaurant complements this with a Vitality Corner during its buffet, showcasing healthy options. Yasmine Lounge, overlooking the lobby, takes pride in its locally-sourced coffee.
The Swiss Garden, hosting a variety of vegetables and herbs, is a green haven next to the swimming pool. Guests, especially children during the "Around the World" Sunday Brunch gardening activity, can explore this verdant space. The gym on the fifth floor features SportsArt machines that use resistance to generate electricity during workouts.
Collaborating with Orbisk, the hotel actively monitors and regulates food wastage. A water-filtration system, introduced a year prior, provides sealed and delivered water bottles to guest rooms, restaurants, the spa, and meeting rooms. The introduction of a Green Meeting Room, equipped with hybrid video-conferencing facilities, promotes eco-friendly practices for conferences and events.
Luxury and Local Delights: A Holistic Experience
Luxurious suites with panoramic views and spacious Family suites offer more than just breathtaking cityscapes. Guests can indulge in hand-crafted local sweet treats and savor Nespresso coffee, known for its stringent recycling practices.
Exploring the local neighborhood is made enticing with exclusive rates offered by Frying Pan Adventures – an award-winning food-walk tour. As a parting gift, guests can choose from a collection of sustainable souvenirs crafted by Save The Planet, including bamboo speakers, a power bank, stylish tote bags, jute bags, and eco-friendly crayons.
Sustainability at the Heart of the Hotel: Making a Difference
Swissôtel Al Ghurair takes pride in its strong partnerships with organizations such as EvolvinWomen, Emirates Down Syndrome Academy, Al Jalila Foundation, and Emirates Environmental Group, contributing to community welfare and environmental causes.
All hotel colleagues are certified with sustainability training from Accor's School for Change and the Dubai Government's Dubai Way program. A dedicated Sustainability Champion oversees the implementation of sustainability practices, conducting audits with certified third-party companies.
Amal El Ansari, the General Manager of Swissôtel Al Ghurair and Swissôtel Living Al Ghurair, encapsulates the hotel's ethos:
Sustainability is a conscious lifestyle choice. We have to work together to provide a better tomorrow for our colleagues, our business partners, and our families. Life is a Journey. Live it Well."