Dubai doesn’t do subtlety, and Palazzo Versace is no exception. Arriving in style, chauffeured by a Bentley with leather seats smoother than a jazz saxophone, I knew this wasn’t hospitality, it was theatre. Think Roman mosaics, Greek border designs, more marble than Michelangelo could dream of, and a lobby so grandiose it feels like an ode to excess. There’s no mistaking the Versace DNA here. Dozens of Gianni Versace’s original fashion sketches hang on the walls, reminding me that this is no ordinary hotel: this is haute couture as hospitality. And while Dubai’s skyline looms outside, once you step into this extravaganza of Italian neoclassicism, it feels more Lake Como meets a Gucci runway with just the right hint of 21st-century edge.  From the pastel-toned silk sofas embroidered with Medusas, to the glittering mosaic tiles in the bathroom that belong in an art museum rather than a shower, every detail screams: ‘Yes, I’m extra. And proud of it.’

Rooms That Whisper (And Shout) Versace’s Name

Palazzo Versace is not a hotel where you simply sleep; it’s a hotel where you ‘experience design’. Each suite is a masterclass in Italian bravado: silk furniture in sun-soaked tones, Medusa motifs woven into fabrics, etched into table legs, even embossed on stationery. My salmon-pink suite had a stone balcony overlooking Dubai Creek, and while the view was spectacular, it was hard to peel my eyes away from the room itself. Every prop was Versace, not just branded but emblazoned and luxurious. Medusa heads were almost everywhere: on the linens, stitched into the cushions, even engraved subtly on furniture. It could have been garish, but somehow, it’s not.  The bathroom, oh the bathroom, an opulent escape in its own right. Carrara marble paired with mosaic murals (of course, Medusa was invited) housed a rainforest shower, a separate bathtub worthy of Cleopatra, and twin vanity units because sharing is overrated. Even the toiletries came in Versace-embossed, jewel-like bottles, the kind you secretly want to stuff into your luggage.  And yes, technological finesse flows through the Hellenistic design. Sensors light the room at the wave of a hand, making me feel like a modern-day Greek goddess (the slightly jet-lagged version).

Feasts Of Fancy In Versace Splendour

It’s not just the sheets that are dressed in Versace opulence here; the dining experiences take luxury to the plate. Breakfast at ‘Giardino’, adorned with the same palm-print design that cemented J-Lo into fashion history, begins with a buffet so grand it feels like a global tour de forks (while the Friday brunch has its own fan club). Pancakes rub shoulders with caviar, and you can sip coffee under chandeliers that wink at you. Afternoons call for elite indulgence at ‘Mosaico’, where afternoon tea is set among floor-to-ceiling panoramic views of the placid creek , a regal affair on Versace China paired with weekend violin serenades, talk about dining with drama!  It’s the kind of setting that makes you linger over macaroons while crafting existential captions for your Instagram. But the crown jewel? Dinner at ‘Enigma’, a gastronomic journey where each dish feels like an edible art installation. It’s the kind of indulgence that makes you wonder if you, too, should take up a second life as an oligarch dining exclusively in Versace-clad spaces, a culinary puzzle worth solving, introduces Persian flavours so masterfully you’ll think you’ve travelled. Poolside perfection at ‘La Piscina’ sees Mediterranean treats matched with flower-drenched swimming bars, while Amalfi warms up the western pool in equally delicious style. The wagyu at ‘Vanitas’ is practically poetry, while ‘La Vita’ proves that ladies’ nights aren’t just drinks, they’re moments. And at ‘Q’s Bar’, where Quincy Jones handpicks the magic, jazz and smoky intrigue are the order of play. Dining here? It’s not a meal, it’s a lifestyle. ‘Gazebo’ is where Mediterranean charm meets Dubai chic. Think al fresco lounging with plush cushions, shimmering pool views, and the air laced with signature shisha blends. From mezze bites to premium clouds, it’s a dreamy escape, part dolce vita, part Arabian nights, entirely unforgettable.

Opulence, Elegance, Effortless Bliss

The trio of mosaic-tiled pools glisten like jewelled lagoons, fringed by palms and perfumed blooms, a postcard of decadence. Inside, the five-star gym and spa are indulgent sanctuaries, with thermal suites, a Moroccan hammam, and even a nail salon for those who need pampering polished to perfection. Prefer sandy escapades? Complimentary transfers whisk you to Nikki Beach’s white-hot shores in 20 minutes.  But it’s the staff who steal the show, a seamless blend of charm, wit, and impeccable efficiency, wrapped in an air of unruffled grace.

Palazzo Versace Dubai is, unquestionably, a declaration of luxury, a symphony where Italian sophistication meets Arabian grandeur. The only real question is, do you want it bold, or do you want it ‘Versace bold’ ? You’ll leave with the answer.

Fast Facts

Where? – Jaddaf Waterfront – Dubai

Call –+971 4 556 8888

Web – www.palazzoversace.ae

Wallet: The Deluxe Versace city view room starts from approx. 15,000, the Junior Suite Creek View at INR 26,000 and the Imperial Suite for INR 17, 75,00 per night including breakfast